Kinetic Engineering Secures INR 400 Million Promoter Infusion For EV And Component Growth
- By MT Bureau
- March 11, 2026
Pune-based Kinetic Engineering (KEL) has announced an infusion of INR 400 million from its promoter group. The capital, raised through the conversion of warrants, increases promoter shareholding to 65 percent, up from 49 percent four years ago.
The funds are intended to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and support expansion across its electric vehicle (EV) and automotive component businesses. KEL is currently increasing its presence in battery systems, precision engineering and components for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
A portion of the capital will support Kinetic Watts and Volts, a subsidiary in which KEL holds an 80 percent stake. This subsidiary recently launched the electric version of the Kinetic DX e-scooter.
The company plans to appoint over 150 dealers this year to take the DX EV national, following initial operations in Pune, Mumbai, Vadodara, Surat, Indore, and Delhi NCR.
Kinetic Engineering is also expanding its capacity for traditional automotive programmes and precision engineering solutions. The investment is intended to allow for technological upgrades and innovation as the industry shifts toward electric mobility.
Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering, said, “It is highly exciting time for us at Kinetic. The response to the scooter, Kinetic DX, launched by the subsidiary company is phenomenal. We are expanding nationwide and plan to appoint over 150 dealers this year. Meanwhile Kinetic Engineering’s component business is showing great potential and new orders. We will be using these funds for expansion of both projects as required and planned. This additional investment reflects the promoter group’s continued confidence in Kinetic Engineering and our long-term strategy. The automotive industry is undergoing a profound shift towards electric mobility, and we are building the capabilities needed to participate meaningfully in this transition. Strengthening the company’s capital base allows us to accelerate investments in technology, manufacturing, and innovation as we prepare for the next phase of growth.”
Ather Energy Announces Benefits On Rizta And 450 Series E-Scooters
- By MT Bureau
- March 11, 2026
Ather Energy has introduced a series of financial benefits for its electric scooter range, applicable to the Rizta and 450 Series models. The offers are available until 31 March 2026, coinciding with the scheduled discontinuation of the PM E-Drive subsidy.
Total benefits of up to INR 20,000 are available at Ather Experience Centres across India. This package includes a credit card discount of INR 10,000, a cash discount of INR 6,500 and an extended components warranty valued at INR 3,500.
Following the application of these offers, the Rizta S is priced at INR 104,758 (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and the 450S is priced at INR 113,100 (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
Customers purchasing vehicles before the month-end deadline also remain eligible for the INR 5,000 cash subsidy provided under the PM E-Drive Scheme. The central government scheme is currently set to expire on 31 March 2026.
The initiative covers Ather’s full electric scooter portfolio, including its connected technology systems. The Rizta represents the company's entry into the family scooter segment, while the 450 Series focuses on performance.
Simple Energy Enters Siliguri With New 3S Store
- By MT Bureau
- March 11, 2026
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Simple Energy has expanded its presence in Eastern India with the opening of its first retail outlet in Siliguri in partnership with CTA Connect.
The new Simple Store spread across 2,400 sqft, functions as a 3S facility, providing sales, service and spares in a single location. It will act as a hub for the brand in the region, which serves as a gateway to Northeast India.
The Siliguri store showcases the second-generation models of the Simple One series, which are designed for long-distance commuting with high-capacity battery integration.
The available models include:
- Simple One Gen 2 (5 kWh): Delivers an IDC range of 265 km. Priced from INR 177,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).
- Simple OneS Gen 2: Delivers an IDC range of 191 km. Priced at INR 149,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).
With this launch, Simple Energy now operates 63 outlets across India, including locations in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The company has confirmed plans to open further stores in Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar in the coming months as part of its national network ramp-up.
Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, stated, “The launch of our first Simple Store in Siliguri marks an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s presence in eastern India. As a key gateway to the Northeast, the city presents strong potential for electric mobility. With our 3S setup, we are bringing the Simple Energy experience closer to customers - from discovering our products to seamless after-sales support. We are excited to introduce our long-range, high-performance scooters to riders in Siliguri and remain committed to accelerating the transition to electric mobility across the region.”
Vingroup Launches ‘Trade Gas For Electric’ Initiative To Combat Fuel Volatility
- By MT Bureau
- March 11, 2026
Vingroup has launched a multi-market initiative called ‘Trade Gas for Electric’, responding to fluctuations in global fuel prices by incentivising a shift to electric mobility across Vietnam, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. The programme provides additional discounts for customers who replace their old gasoline-powered vehicles with new VinFast electric models. During the promotional period, those making the switch will receive an extra three percent off electric cars and a five percent discount on electric scooters, applied on top of existing incentives already available in each market.
In alignment with this effort, the broader Vingroup ecosystem is also enhancing affordability. GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company, operating as Xanh SM in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia, has implemented a temporary fare reduction. From 11 to 31 March 2026, customers using its electric mobility services will benefit from a 10 percent decrease in fares, offering an economical and eco-conscious travel alternative. This reduction applies across the specified markets, reinforcing the group's commitment to accessible green transport.
The layered incentives are designed to accelerate the transition away from gasoline dependency, providing financial relief and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. By layering these new discounts with existing programmes, Vingroup aims to make electric vehicle adoption more attainable. Depending on international developments and future shifts in fuel costs, the campaign may see an extension, reflecting the company’s dedication to fostering a cleaner living environment and greater economic stability for communities.
Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, said, “The special 'Trade Gas for Electric' programme launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”
Samarth E-Mobility Unveils Indigenous Full-Stack EV Technology Platform
- By MT Bureau
- March 10, 2026
Samarth E-Mobility has announced the development of a 100 percent indigenous electric vehicle (EV) technology platform. Engineered and manufactured in India, the full-stack system integrates critical components including the battery pack, motor and power electronics, which will power the company’s upcoming electric motorcycle.
The platform was developed over three years at the company’s R&D facility in Kalol, Gujarat. It features in-house hardware and software, including a battery management system (BMS), motor controller, power control module (PCM), DC-DC converter and an AI-controlled onboard fast charger with a 1500W capacity.
Samarth E-Mobility has completed homologation for its battery pack through NATRAX, while its BMS has been validated by iCAT. The technology has undergone 51,000 km of real-world riding and 3,400 km of torture testing to ensure reliability across Indian climatic conditions.
It has developed rare-earth-free motor, 1500W onboard fast charger with AI control and proprietary operating system and instrument cluster.
The company stated its manufacturing facility in Chhatral, Gujarat, has a monthly capacity of 45,000 units for the new products.
The company operates a 150,000 sqft manufacturing site, providing an annual capacity of over 500,000 units. By producing the technology stack in-house, the firm aims to reduce import dependency and build domestic intellectual property within the electric two-wheeler value chain.
Priyank Rakholiya, Co-Founder, Samarth E-Mobility, said, “India’s EV transition demands more than assembly-driven solutions. It requires deep engineering, indigenous innovation and products designed ground-up for Indian riders. At Samarth E-Mobility, we have spent the last three years building our entire technology stack in-house from battery systems and software architecture to motor and power electronics. Our endeavour is to enter the electric motorcycle segment, backed by validated technology, patented designs, and a clear vision to deliver reliable, high-performance electric mobility solutions. We will soon launch our brand in the premium aspirational space, reinforcing our commitment to building a truly self-reliant EV ecosystem in India.”

Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT