Kia UK is set to introduce its newest electric model, the EV2, to the public through a series of dedicated test drive events running from 16 April to 27 June 2026. The nationwide ‘First Drive Weekend’ initiative will see nearly all of the brand's 190 dealerships participate, providing customers with exclusive early access to this highly anticipated vehicle.

Structured around the theme of new beginnings, these events will offer attendees the first opportunity to engage with the EV2, explore Kia's latest electric design language and potentially take their first step into the brand's electric vehicle family. Given the limited capacity at each venue, interested individuals are advised to book their spots online in advance.

Taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, each event is designed to deliver a personalised and memorable experience. Guests will have a dedicated one-hour appointment, during which they will receive an expert-led walkaround of the vehicle, allowing for in-depth discussion and questions. This is followed by a comprehensive 30-minute test drive on a pre-planned route, giving participants a genuine feel for the car's performance and technology across different driving conditions. The experience concludes at the dealership, where attendees can continue exploring the Kia model range with the sales team.

The Kia EV2 itself represents a significant addition to the compact SUV market. Engineered and manufactured in Europe for European drivers, this model is Kia's smallest electric vehicle to date. Despite its compact dimensions of just over four metres, it offers remarkable interior space and up to 362 litres of boot capacity, a benefit of its dedicated electric platform. Customers will have a choice of two battery sizes, both capable of rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately half an hour.

The vehicle also introduces advanced technology typically found in larger, premium models. This includes a triple-screen display, over-the-air software updates and Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities. A standout feature is the Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the car to be manoeuvred from outside using the key fob. The design philosophy, named Opposites United, incorporates sustainable materials, bringing a sophisticated and connected experience to a more accessible price bracket.

This nationwide event series follows the successful introduction of other Kia electric models, such as the EV3 and EV6, through similar dealer-led programmes. Last year's comparable events for the EV4 and EV5 attracted over 15,000 reservations, highlighting strong public interest. Full UK pricing and specifications for the EV2 will be announced shortly, with the first customer deliveries anticipated before the end of the year.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Simple Energy has opened its first Simple Store in Nagpur, marking a further expansion of its retail network in Maharashtra.

Established in partnership with Trinity Automobiles, the facility includes a 700 sqft showroom and a dedicated 1,300 sqft service centre located nearby. The dual launch of retail and service facilities is part of the company's strategy to provide immediate after-sales support to new owners.

The Nagpur outlet displays the manufacturer's full range of electric two-wheelers, including the Simple Ultra, which features an IDC range of 400 km. Also available are the Simple One Gen 2, offering a 265 km range, and the Simple OneS Gen 2, with a 190 km range. Prices in Maharashtra start at INR 164,999 for the OneS Gen 2, reaching INR 234,999 for the flagship Ultra model.

At present, Simple Energy operates approximately 70 outlets across 36 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad. The company intends to continue its national expansion with upcoming locations planned for Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. The Nagpur store is equipped to handle customer test rides, accessory sales, and vehicle bookings.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, “We’ve made rapid progress in Maharashtra with recent launches in Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, among others, and our upcoming Nagpur launch is a key step in this expansion. It strengthens our presence in high-potential EV markets and brings the Simple Energy experience closer to customers. With this, we aim to accelerate the shift to electric mobility by offering long-range, dependable and truly worry-free two-wheelers - while moving closer to our goal of making high-performance EVs accessible to more riders.”

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Bengaluru-headquartered Ultraviolette Automotive has launched its second UV Space Station in South Delhi, increasing its retail and service network to 35 cities across India.

The experience centre, established in partnership with Moto Power Mobility, facilitates the sale and servicing of the X-47 Crossover and F77s electric motorcycles. This expansion follows the recent introduction of the company’s ‘Battery Flex’ (BaaS) platform and the UV Crossfade carbon-fibre helmet.

The X-47 Crossover and F77s are equipped with a powertrain delivering 40.2 hp and 100 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph in 2.8 seconds. It features a 10.3 kWh battery, the motorcycles provide an IDC range of 323 km on a single charge. The X-47 Crossover also includes a 77 GHz rear radar as standard, supporting the UV HyperSense Advanced Rider Assistance System, which provides blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist and rear collision warnings.

To increase accessibility, Ultraviolette has implemented the Battery Flex ownership model. This allows customers to purchase the X-47 Crossover chassis for INR 149,000, while subscribing to the battery via a monthly fee starting at INR 2,499. The South Delhi facility is designed to manage the entire customer lifecycle, including personalised test rides, sales and technical service.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “Delhi has always been at the forefront of change, and the Government’s active push towards electrification to counter the long-term impact of pollution- highlights the city’s commitment towards a sustainable and clean future. The launch of our second experience centre here is a strong reflection of the city’s growing demand for electric vehicles, as well as our commitment to deepening our presence in key markets. We are seeing a clear shift towards customers who value technology, design and safety, and Delhi embodies this evolution. As we continue to scale across India, our focus remains on building a robust, future-ready ecosystem and delivering a seamless, world-class ownership experience.”

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Isuzu Motors Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation have reached an agreement to collaborate on the development of a next-generation light-duty fuel cell (FC) electric truck.

The project aims to commence mass production in the 2027 financial year. The vehicle will be based on Isuzu’s ELF EV platform and will incorporate Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system.

The partnership focuses on the requirements of the logistics sector, where light-duty trucks are utilised for multiple daily deliveries to retail outlets. As these vehicles often operate for long hours and over long distances – frequently requiring energy for refrigeration – the companies have identified fuel cell technology as a solution to the charging time constraints associated with battery electric vehicles. Hydrogen provides a higher energy density, allowing for reduced refuelling times and extended driving ranges.

Technical development will involve the integration of Toyota's next-generation fuel cell stack to enhance vehicle durability. To address the high price point of hydrogen mobility, Isuzu is reviewing vehicle body structures and manufacturing processes, while Toyota focuses on innovations in fuel cell design. The collaboration will also draw upon data from the ERGA FCV bus project and social implementation trials conducted by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by national and local governments to expand hydrogen infrastructure. Isuzu intends to use this project to broaden its commercial vehicle options, while Toyota continues to develop technologies for the production, transport and storage of hydrogen. Both firms are working with regional businesses to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered transport and contribute to carbon-neutral logistics.

Image for representational purposes only.

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Yulu, the electric vehicle (EV) sharing platform, has recorded over 1 billion kilometres of travel in Bengaluru. The company operates a fleet of 22,500 EVs within the city, serving as a primary infrastructure for short-distance commutes and hyperlocal deliveries. Since its inception, the platform has supported 190 million deliveries and estimates that its operations have prevented 27 million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions in the region.

The company's Bengaluru network covers major industrial and commercial hubs from Peenya to Whitefield and Hebbal to Electronic City, supported by 700 Yulu Zones and 16 centres.

At a national level, including operations in Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad, Yulu manages 46,000 EVs, which have collectively covered 2 billion kilometres. The platform utilises a vertically integrated technology stack, including AI-enabled fleet rebalancing and predictive maintenance, alongside the Yuma Energy network for battery swapping.

In the delivery sector, Yulu accounts for approximately 1 in 3 vehicles at local dark stores. During March 2026, the platform enabled nearly 300,000 deliveries per day, totalling 8.5 million for the month. The company reports that delivery partners using its electric scooters can reduce operational costs by 30-40 percent compared to petrol-powered alternatives. Beyond logistics, the service is also being adopted by professionals in the on-demand household services market.

Looking forward, Yulu plans to increase its Bengaluru fleet to between 35,000 and 40,000 vehicles over the next year. This expansion is intended to support a target of 20 million monthly deliveries while increasing the density of its service across urban neighbourhoods.

Amit Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO, Yulu, said, “Namma Bengaluru has always been at the heart of Yulu’s story. Today, nine years after we were founded in this very city, we are proud to remain the clear “first choice for the last mile”. The 1 billion-km milestone is just the beginning, as Yulu strives to make Bengaluru a national leader in technology-enabled EV adoption. As we look ahead to the future, Yulu remains committed to championing electric mobility that is not only sustainable, but also affordable and accessible to millions of Bengalureans and Indians.”

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