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.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette Automotive and Bolt.Earth have announced that their interoperable Type-6 DC fast-charging network has surpassed 130 operational stations across 7 Indian states.

The current footprint more than doubles the initial deployment goal of 50 chargers established when the companies signed their strategic partnership in March 2026.

The accelerated infrastructure rollout is designed to support a growing performance electric motorcycle market and mitigate range anxiety. The active charging stations are distributed throughout Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal. As part of the network's next deployment phase, an additional 200 Type-6 DC fast chargers are scheduled to go live over the next two months.

The public charging network adheres to the IS 17017 Part 2 Section 6 standard, establishing native hardware compatibility for Ultraviolette's F77 and newly launched X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles without requiring external charging adapters. The physical infrastructure expansion relies on a dual-strategy approach, combining new installations of Type-6 DC fast chargers with targeted hardware upgrades to Bolt.Earth's existing charging points.

Niraj Rajmohan, Co-Founder & CTO, Ultraviolette, said, “Crossing 130+ Type-6 fast chargers ahead of schedule is in response to Ultraviolette’s expanding rider base and the broader growth of India’s electric two-wheeler market. The expansion also comes at a pivotal moment for India’s mobility sector. Recent crude-linked volatility has reinforced the need for more resilient, electricity-led mobility infrastructure. For electric mobility to scale meaningfully, charging infrastructure must evolve alongside vehicle technology with reliability, accessibility, and interoperability at its core. The rapid expansion of the Type-6 ecosystem marks an important step towards building a standardised and future-ready charging backbone for electric mobility.”

Mohit Yadav, Founder, Bolt.Earth, added, “Crossing 100 chargers within weeks of launch is more than a milestone for us, it reflects both the pace at which India’s EV ecosystem is evolving and our ability to scale interoperable infrastructure rapidly. With a roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next two years, our focus remains on building one of India’s most reliable and accessible public fast-charging networks for electric two-wheelers.”

The network's software backend is integrated across both companies' digital applications. This allows riders to access real-time charger discovery, monitor active charging session telemetry, and process payments via integrated payment portals. Bolt.Earth has outlined a long-term commercial roadmap to deploy 10,000 Type-6 Blaze DC chargers over the next 24 months to support high-density urban transit routes and regional highway corridors.

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Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle business of Ashok Leyland, has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Switch IeV4 Reefer, a purpose-built electric refrigerated vehicle designed for temperature-controlled cold chain logistics. The EV has seen initial adoption by logistics operators across western, northern and southern regions of India.

The IeV4 Reefer is based on a 300V high-voltage electrical architecture and features a 32.2 kWh lithium-ion battery coupled with a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The powertrain configuration yields a peak output of 60 kW and 230 Nm of torque, supporting a top speed of 80 kmph and a gradeability of 22 percent.

The thermal management system provides adjustable temperature regulations between -25deg C and +25deg C, allowing the vehicle to operate across frozen, chilled and fresh food or pharmaceutical distribution sectors. The refrigeration container body utilises 100 mm thick sandwich panel insulation to manage thermal retention.

To conserve battery capacity, the vehicle includes a standby and pre-cooling system. This mechanism allows the refrigeration unit to draw power directly from the electrical grid during vehicle DC charging, loading, or unloading cycles, preserving battery energy for transit operations.

The Switch IeV4 Reefer has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3,490 kg with a net payload capacity of 1,200 kg including the weight of the refrigeration unit. It comes with a Combined Charging System (CCS2) supporting both AC and DC inputs. Fast DC charging replenishes the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 55 minutes.

It comes integrated with Switch iON connected technology to handle real-time diagnostics, route tracking and fleet productivity metrics.

The cabin configuration features electric power steering, a D+2 seating layout and suspension stabilisation systems intended to support driver comfort during urban and regional freight delivery routes.

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Amazon India has announced a partnership with Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), to deploy around 1,000 electric trucks to support its Amazon Now ultra-fast delivery service. The deployment is scheduled to be completed by 2028.

The logistics strategy utilises the Eicher Pro-X, a compact electric truck developed by VECV specifically for high-frequency, intra-city freight movement. These vehicles will transport goods from large fulfilment hubs located on urban peripheries to a network of smaller micro-fulfilment centres (MFCs) situated within residential and commercial zones.

The Eicher Pro-X fleet will ply around 100km to 180km per vehicle, supporting multiple turnaround trips. The e-trucks are fast-charge capable to be fully charged in approximately 50 minutes. The initial rollouts are concentrated in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

The green fleet expansion aligns with the growth of Amazon Now, which is expanding to 100 cities via a network of more than 1,000 MFCs. This infrastructure expansion covers regional hubs including Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Mangalore and Vizag.

Abhinav Singh, VP Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said, “We have always focused on making our operations more sustainable and have steadily expanded our electric mobility efforts, with over 12,000 EVs already deployed across India. We work closely with multiple OEM partners to build solutions suited to our needs, and are integrating electric transportation more deeply as we grow. The planned deployment of around 1,000 purpose-built Volvo Eicher electric trucks is yet another step in that direction.”

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV, added, “The deployment of Eicher Pro X electric trucks marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable mobility. What makes this even more meaningful is that the electric small truck from Eicher has been co-created in close collaboration with Amazon, with a sharp focus on addressing their specific operational needs for e-commerce and quick commerce operations. This partnership-led approach ensures that we are not only delivering electric vehicles, but also enabling efficient, reliable, and scalable logistics solutions.”

Amazon and VECV have collaborated on e-commerce transport solutions since 2022. This agreement follows an initial deployment of 50 Eicher trucks, alongside an earlier 2025 pilot involving 100 electric vehicles from multiple automotive manufacturers. Globally, Amazon India has deployed over 12,500 electric vehicles across more than 500 cities to manage middle-mile and last-mile logistics.

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