Jupiter Electric Mobility Enters eLCV Market With TEZ, Plans Another Launch Soon
- By Gaurav Nandi
- March 04, 2025
Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM) launched its first electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), a one-tonne payload truck called TEZ, at an event in Indore, marking its entry into India’s fast-evolving EV logistics space.
The company, which has previously worked with Tata Motors and Volvo, aims to capitalise on the country’s push for sustainability, efficiency and self-reliance in transportation.
“Electric mobility is no longer an option but an imperative,” said Jupiter Group Managing Director Vivek Lohia, at the launch event. “With rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, this is the right moment to bring fully indigenous, high-performance eLCVs to market.”
The newly unveiled truck promises industry-leading specifications, including a robust electric drivetrain, extended range and smart connectivity features.
JEM has also committed to rapid product expansion with two- and three-tonne variants expected by the end of the year.
Besides the eLCV, the company also inaugurated it's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Prithapur that will serve as the backbone of its electric vehicle production strategy, ensuring high localisation and reduced import dependency.
Currently, the plant is equipped with a capacity of around 10,000 units a year, which the company plans to increase with demand.
“We have invested around INR 1.5 billion in the manufacturing unit. Our built-to-suit model ensures these eLCVs are tailored for real-world applications. The focus is on engineering solutions that are not just innovative but also practical and commercially viable,” informed Jupiter Group Deputy Managing Director Vikash Lohia.
“A vehicle alone cannot drive change. We need a complete ecosystem for seamless adoption,” Vikash emphasised.
The new facility spans 2.5 acres and is equipped with an in-house skateboard platform to vehicle assembly unit, reinforcing JEM’s focus on ground-up manufacturing.
With a keen focus on durability, JEM’s trucks are designed for high-utilisation applications such as e-commerce, grocery and cement transportation. The vehicles also incorporate advanced remote monitoring and predictive analytics, catering to leasing firms and fleet operators seeking better asset management.
Manufacturing journey
Speaking at the launch, Jupiter Electric Mobility Director Kartik Hajela informed, " Three years ago, the company set its sights on entering the electric truck segment. The challenge was competing with established players in an industry that has operated for decades. But the company saw electrification as a reset, a new starting point for all. Unlike traditional automotive products that move directly from retail to end-use, EVs demand an ecosystem approach spanning financing, insurance, and charging infrastructure."
"With market readiness still evolving, we took a patient approach, iterating vehicle design multiple times to ensure adaptability across applications. The goal was to create a product that isn’t confined to a single use case. Given that commercial vehicles remain in operation for 10 to 15 years, resale value and versatility were key considerations," he added.
Range anxiety was another major concern. The company engineered its trucks to deliver an on-road range exceeding 190 km with heavy payload capabilities.
The vehicle’s 265 Nm torque and 80 kW motor enabled it to handle high-load applications. Fast-charging capabilities were also built in, allowing for a 100 km top-up in just one hour. Battery longevity was another strategic bet.
"While some questioned the company's decision to oversize the battery two years ago, falling costs worked in the our favor. The result is a vehicle offering longer life cycles, fewer charge cycles and sustained reliability," added Hajela.
The company also identified fleet financing and leasing as a growing market segment.
"Many last-mile operators, influenced by the gig economy, prefer renting over ownership. To address financiers’ concerns about asset risk, the company developed an in-house telematics platform, integrating sensors to track vehicle wear, overload and driver behavior. This proprietary system offers predictive insights, helping leasing firms manage their fleets more efficiently," said Hajela.
The company's roadmap focuses on continuous range improvement and deeper integration of smart vehicle monitoring. With a blend of hardware innovation and software intelligence, the company seeks to position itself as a key player in India's evolving commercial EV space.
The company is also expanding its footprint through a state-wise rollout, beginning with key markets such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
Strategic collaborations with partners like Porter, Pulse Energy, Battwheel and Tapfin will further strengthen JEM’s presence in the EV sector.
The vehicle is priced at INR 1,035,000 (ex-showroom). Deliveries are slated to start in March.
Youdha Enters Commercial Cargo Sector With Launch Of ePod G Electric Three-Wheeler
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2026
Youdha has expanded its vehicle lineup into the commercial cargo segment with the introduction of the ePod G electric three-wheeler.
Designed for last-mile logistics, e-commerce deliveries and retail distribution, the electric three-wheeler expands Youdha's ePod platform from passenger transport into goods mobility.
The ePod G features an 11.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 6 kW three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. The powertrain delivers a claimed range of 170 to 180 km under standard test conditions, a payload capacity of 545 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,000 kg. The e3W has a top speed below 50 kmph, 22 percent gradeability and a charging duration of four to five hours.
Ayush Lohia, CEO, Youdha, said, "Our ambition is to build ePod into a trusted name across passenger and goods transportation. The positive response to our passenger vehicle gives us a strong foundation to extend the range into cargo. With ePod G, we aim to address the needs of businesses and individual operators involved in last-mile deliveries while continuing to strengthen Youdha’s product portfolio and market presence."
The ePod G will be available in half-deck and closed box configurations to accommodate varied delivery requirements. Built on a monocoque chassis, the vehicle includes hydraulic brakes, steel rims, 120/80-R12 8PR tyres, LED headlights, and a seven-inch CAN-enabled digital LED instrument cluster. The launch enables Youdha to supply individual owner-operators, commercial businesses, and delivery fleet managers across the Indian market.
Tesla Opens Reservations For New Roadster In India, Upgrades Model Y L
- By MT Bureau
- October 18, 2026
Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.
The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.
Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.
To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.
Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.
- VIDA
- Hero MotoCorp
- DIRT.E K3 6DAYS
- FIM International
- Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
- Kausalya Nandakumar
- Fabio Muner
VIDA Unveils DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition At FIM International Six Days Enduro
- By MT Bureau
- October 16, 2026
VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.
The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.
The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.
First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.
The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.
Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."
Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."
Epsilon CAM And C4V Sign Agreement For Cathode Material Qualification In North America
- By MT Bureau
- October 14, 2026
Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.
The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.
As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.
The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.
Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.
Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."
Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."

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