JBM Group Partners Singapore’s Keppel To Decarbonise and Introduce Solutions For E-Mobility And E-Waste

JBM Group - Keppel

JBM Group, a leading player in the commercial vehicle and component manufacturing space, has signed a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Keppel for decarbonisation and green mobility.

The partners will focus on decarbonising urban infrastructure, provide unique and customised solutions for electric mobility and electric waste (e-waste) management. As part of the understanding, Keppel will brings its leading-edge capabilities in integrated clean energy, electric vehicle (EV) charging and resource circularity solutions.

On the other hand, JBM Group will leverage its expertise in electric vehicles, EV aggregates and key auto systems. They will joint develop projects focussing on e-mobility, Battery Energy Storage Systems and e-waste solutions. Furthermore, they will also look at setting up EV charging networks, e-mobility hubs and  resource recovery facilities.

The agreement was done at the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in New Delhi, India. The MoU was signed in the presence of Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India by Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman, JBM Group and Cindy Lim, CEO, Keppel’s Infrastructure Division.

“India and Singapore share a long-standing and robust partnership that was recently elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September 2024. This significant step enhances collaboration in sustainability, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and green energy,” said Goyal

“At the 29th CII Partnership Summit, I am pleased to witness landmark agreements between Keppel and leading Indian corporations. These collaborations align with India's priorities, including the energy transition and the India Cooling Action Plan, fostering innovation and paving the way for economic growth and a sustainable future for both nations. This augurs well as our countries celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025,” he added.

Nishant Arya said, “This strategic partnership with Keppel marks a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing the global energy transition and decarbonisation goals. The combined synergies of two global leaders joining hands, with JBM’s expertise in e-mobility, renewables and green manufacturing and Keppel’s innovative solutions in infrastructure and sustainability, we aim to deliver transformative outcomes in clean energy and electro-mobility domains. Together, we will pioneer solutions that shall redefine the global sustainability landscape towards creating a zero carbon and resilient future for our communities.”

Cindy Lim added, “India's electricity demand is rapidly rising on the back of its growing economy, urbanisation and electrification. Through forging partnerships with leading partners like JBM Group, Keppel is uniquely positioned to participate in and contribute meaningfully towards India’s sustainable development. We look forward to working with our esteemed partner to deliver differentiated and impactful decarbonisation and sustainability solutions to help meet the net-zero commitments of both India and our customers.”

Hindustan Zinc Deploys First 250 MT Electric Crane In India

SANY electric crane

Hindustan Zinc has deployed a 250 Metric Tonne capacity electric crane at its Zinc Smelter in Debari, Rajasthan. The hybrid machine operates on diesel and electricity and is part of a strategy to reduce emissions across the company's industrial infrastructure.

The crane replaces a diesel-operated model that consumed 93,600 litres of fuel per year. The company expects this transition to avoid approximately 250.8 tonnes of CO2 in annual emissions.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is deeply embedded in how we operate, innovate and grow. The deployment of India’s first 250 MT electric crane is another example of our resolve to adopt clean technology and redefine how core industry transitions to low-carbon solutions. This initiative reflects our efforts to foster a culture of sustainability while laying the foundation for a greener and more resilient industrial ecosystem.”

The deployment follows a series of green initiatives introduced by Hindustan Zinc, which include deploying underground battery electric vehicles (BEVs), inducting a fleet of 250 LNG trucks for concentrate transport, use of 40 electric bulkers & electric passenger buses and launch of four electric loaders at the Rampura Agucha Mine.

Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India, said, “Hindustan Zinc has consistently demonstrated industry leadership in adopting technologies that redefine sustainable mining. At Sany, we are honoured to partner with the company in deploying India’s first 250-tonne diesel-electric hybrid all-terrain crane, a solution designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support more responsible industrial operations. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation that delivers both operational excellence and meaningful environmental impact.”

Hindustan Zinc aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has increased renewable energy in its power mix to 18 percent and is targeting a 50 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2020 baseline.

Slate Modular Electric Vehicle To Be Priced At $24,950

Slate EV

American electric vehicle start-up Slate has announced that its base truck model will be priced at USD 24,950, with deliveries expected to begin in Q4 of CY2026.

The platform allows owners to configure the vehicle as a pickup or an SUV, with options for the Squareback and Fastback models starting at USD 29,950. The EV features a modular design with a reported range of 205 miles (329km). The towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lb (907 kg), with a payload capacity of 1,550 lb (703 kg).

The EV design includes tactile controls and lacks a touchscreen. Owners can personalise their vehicles using over 200 accessories available through the Slate Marketplace.

Slate has engineered the modular EV to facilitate maintenance by the owner, with support provided via the Slate U guide. The vehicle includes a 10-year/110,000-mile (177,027 km) battery and powertrain warranty. Repair services are available through a network of 3,000 RepairPal shops and service centres.

Peter Faricy, CEO, Slate, said, “More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable and built around their lives. Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalise their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow. We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”

Established in 2022, Slate assembles its vehicles in Warsaw, Indiana. The company plans to invest USD 400 million in its factory, with projections to create 2,000 jobs. Customers can preorder the vehicle on the company website for USD 300. The company uses a direct-to-consumer sales model.

Delhivery And Bajaj Auto Partner To Electrify Last-Mile Logistics

Bajaj - Delhivery

Delhivery and Bajaj Auto have signed an agreement to deploy electric three-wheelers across Delhivery's last-mile delivery network. The partnership begins with the deployment of 200 Bajaj RIKI eCarts (model C4005) in the first phase, with a second phase planned for 2026–2027 that aims to reach a total of approximately 1,500 electric vehicles.

The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency in both metropolitan areas and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The Bajaj RIKI eCart (C4005) offers a claimed range of over 100 km per charge. The vehicle features an electric powertrain and a two-speed automatic transmission. Delhivery plans to pair the vehicles with its automated route optimisation software to increase drop-offs per trip and reduce operating costs per kilometre. The EVs are designed with ergonomic seating to protect riders from weather conditions and reduce physical fatigue.

Prashant Gazipur, Chief Operating Officer, In-City Operations at Delhivery, said, "Our collaboration with Bajaj Auto addresses the economic well-being of our delivery partners while advancing both our environmental goals and those of our clients. By combining our intelligent routing systems with highly efficient cargo EVs, we are creating a more profitable model for our riders and offering our clients a cleaner, lower-carbon supply chain."

Samardeep Subandh, President, Intra-City Business, Bajaj Auto, added, "This partnership with Delhivery has the potential of transforming last-mile cargo transport, with Delhivery’s scale and technology and Bajaj Auto’s expertise in 3-wheeler electric mobility. The Bajaj Riki C4005 offers 100+ kms of range on a single charge, excellent reliability and durability along with better comfort and ergonomics for drivers."

The deployment is part of Delhivery’s broader strategy to reduce its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and meet its environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

Ultraviolette Launches UV Space Station In Aizawl

Ultraviolette Automotive - MSS Motors

Ultraviolette Automotive has opened its new UV Space Station in Aizawl, Mizoram, marking the company’s entry into Northeast India. The centre, established in partnership with MSS Motors, provides sales, service, test rides and accessories for the F77 and X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles.

At present, the EV maker’s ‘Kill the Petrol Bill’ campaign valid until 30 June 2026, will see customers purchasing an F77 or X-47 receive cashback based on the kilometres covered on their previous two-wheeler over the past two years.

The benefit is calculated at INR 1 per kilometre, with a maximum value of INR 30,000. Buyers must visit a space station for verification of their previous vehicle registration and odometer reading to claim the incentive.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, "The Northeast is home to one of India's most passionate riding communities, with a strong culture of motorcycling and adventure. We have seen growing interest for Ultraviolette from customers across the region, making Aizawl a natural choice for our first experience centre in Northeast India."