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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Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo Cars has introduced the EX60, an all-electric SUV featuring a claimed range of 810 kilometres on a single charge in an all-wheel drive configuration.

The EV is the first to be underpinned by SPA3, the company’s new electric architecture designed to increase efficiency and match the range of petrol engines.

The EX60 utilises cell-to-body technology, integrating the battery directly into the car's structure. This approach, combined with e-motors developed in-house and the use of mega casting to replace multiple components with single castings, reduces vehicle weight to improve energy efficiency.

Equipped with an 800-volt electrical system, the EX60 can add 340km of range in ten minutes when using a 400kW fast charger. The charging process is managed by software developed in-house and algorithms from Breathe Battery Technologies, which adjust power intake to maintain the battery in an ideal operating zone regardless of weather conditions.

Anders Bell, Chief Technology Officer, Volvo Cars, said, “The EX60 is designed to be a gamechanger. With our new electric vehicle architecture, we directly address the main worries that customers have when considering a switch to a fully electric car. The result is class-leading range and fast charging speeds, marking the end of range anxiety.”

Volvo Cars is offering a 10-year warranty on the EX60 battery. The use of mega casting in the manufacturing process marks a shift in Volvo’s production methods, aimed at simplifying assembly and reducing mass to further extend driving distance.

The EX60 represents the longest-range electric vehicle created by the manufacturer to date, focusing on real-life driving conditions and thermal management to maintain charging speeds.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has announced that its riders now have access to more than 5,000 public fast chargers equipped with the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS) connector.

This network covers 395 cities and comprises 3,675 chargers operated by Ather Energy along with 1,400 chargers from partner networks.

The infrastructure is distributed across metropolitan areas, tier 2 & tier 3 cities and intercity routes. Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai each contain over 100 chargers, with Bengaluru hosting 240. Furthermore, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat also have the highest availability. Internationally, the company has established 30 chargers in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Ather Energy developed the connector for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers and opened the intellectual property in 2021 to encourage an interoperable platform. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved the LECCS connector as an Indian standard in 2023.

The LECCS standard has been adopted by manufacturers such as Hero Vida and Matter, as well as charge point operators including Bolt, Kazam and EVamp. Chargers are also visible on Google Maps to assist users in locating and navigating to charging points.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, CBO, Ather Energy, said, "Charging infrastructure is a critical enabler of EV adoption, and as we continue to grow, expanding this network remains a key focus for us. Over the last seven years, we’ve invested steadily in building charging not just across cities and towns, but increasingly along highways and intercity corridors, so riders can plan longer journeys with confidence. With access to over 5,000 fast chargers today, Ather owners can ride knowing they can easily top up wherever they go, whether it’s a daily commute or an intercity trip. In addition to expanding the network, we’ve also continued to improve the charging experience itself, most recently with the launch of a new fast charger. This is another step towards making the ownership experience more seamless, predictable, and convenient."

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Mumbai-based automotive company Mahindra & Mahindra has expanded its SUV portfolio with the launch of the XUV 3XO EV, starting at INR 1.38 million (ex-showroom).

The electric vehicle follows the release of the internal combustion XUV 3XO in April 2024, which has recorded sales of 180,000 units. The EV model is positioned for urban commutes, offering a range of technology and safety features.

The XUV 3XO EV is powered by a motor delivering 110 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds. The vehicle includes drive modes labelled Fun, Fast and Fearless. The interior is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning and a twin HD infotainment system featuring a 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup.

Safety specifications include 35 standard features, such as six airbags, four-disc brakes and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The SUV also incorporates Level 2 ADAS, providing adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. A 360-degree surround-view system and electronic parking brake with auto-hold are also part of the equipment list.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The XUV 3XO rewrote the rules by bringing aspiration and accessibility together at scale. With the XUV 3XO EV, we are extending that winning proposition into electric mobility for customers who want an EV that simply fits their lives — day after day. The XUV 3XO EV has been engineered around real usage patterns, ensuring that it meets everyday mobility needs reliably. It combines instant electric performance with a package that is tuned for confidence and ease in city driving.”

The vehicle supports Adrenox connectivity with over 80 features, including remote vehicle control, status monitoring, and smartwatch integration. The XUV 3XO EV is available in two variants, with the AX5 priced at INR 1.38 million and the AX7L at INR 1.49 million.

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V-Green and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) have signed a strategic agreement to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at HPCL retail outlets. The partnership aims to utilise HPCL’s fuel station network to increase the availability of charging points for EV users in India.

HPCL currently operates more than 24,400 retail outlets across the country and has established over 5,300 charging stations under the HP e-Charge brand. The collaboration will allow V-Green to deploy infrastructure within this existing footprint to support nationwide expansion.

V-Green was founded by VinFast's Pham Nhat Vuong and focuses on the development of charging systems to support vehicle expansion. In Vietnam, the firm operates approximately 150,000 charging ports. The agreement in India is intended to build a foundation for a broader EV ecosystem that includes:

• Manufacturing and Infrastructure: Setting up charging points at high-traffic locations.
• Service and Support: Integrating aftersales services and battery recycling.
• Market Entry: Supporting the long-term presence of the VinFast and HP e-Charge brands in the Indian market.

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