Ahmedabad-based clean energy company Matter has launched its flagship electric motorcycle – the Aera, in Bengaluru at an introductory price of IRN 179,000 for the first 500 customers, post which it will be available at INR 188,000. The company has started taking pre-registrations for the e-motorcycle at INR 1,999.

Furthermore, the company has also announced that its first Experience Hub will come up at BTM Layout, which will showcase its tech prowess and philosophy firsthand.

The Matter Aera is claimed to be the world's first electric motorcycle with manual gears – 4-speed transmission, 3 ride modes that delivers 12 unique ride combinations. It features a 7-inch Smart Touchscreen Dashboard, onboard charger and liquid cooled powertrain. The e-motorcycle has a claimed IDC range of up to 172km, a zero to 40 kmph in 2.8 seconds, dual disc brakes with ABS, telescopic front fork and dual rear suspension.

Mohal Lalbhai, Founder & Group CEO, Matter Energy, said, “There’s no better city to lead this journey than Bengaluru—where innovation isn’t just an idea, it’s a way of life. Every lane, every rider here resonates with purpose and progress. The Aera isn’t just a bike – it’s the 22nd Century motorbike. It delivers the thrill of a rocket and the practicality your pocket loves. With our in-house developed Hypershift manual gearbox, liquid-cooled powertrain, and connected tech, AERA brings together performance, emotion, and sustainability like never before.”

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Volvo Car UK has broadened its electric vehicle offerings with the launch of the EX30 Cargo, a purpose-built car-derived van tailored specifically for business and fleet operators. Based on the fully electric EX30 compact SUV, this new variant reimagines the passenger model for commercial use, preserving the brand’s signature comfort, advanced technology and high safety standards while introducing enhanced practicality.

To create a dedicated cargo space, the rear seats are removed and replaced with a flat floor and an underfloor access panel, yielding a payload of 390 kg and a load capacity of 1,000 litres. A reinforced bulkhead separates the cargo area from the cabin, while redesigned rear side panels and doors help maximise usable volume. Further aiding functionality are wider-opening rear doors, an additional work light in the load bay and an underfloor subframe with extra mounting points to accommodate various business needs.

Achieved through a second-stage conversion process performed by Volvo Car UK, the EX30 Cargo is offered in two forms: the standard model and the Cross Country version, which provides increased ground clearance. This conversion can be applied to both new factory orders and existing stock, covering Model Year 2026 and 2027 vehicles. For Model Year 2027, a new P3 Extended Range powertrain delivering 150 horsepower will join the lineup, offering a lower power option alongside the more potent P5 and P8 units, with electric range reaching up to 300 miles (approximately 482 km).

Despite its commercial adaptation, the vehicle upholds Volvo’s rigorous safety standards through extensive testing to ensure all protection systems remain fully effective. The range is structured across Core and Plus trims, alongside the Cross Country Plus, with the Core model featuring Safe Space Technology, Google Automotive Services, adaptive cruise control, park assist with a rear camera and a 3-phase 11 kW onboard charger with a heat pump. The Plus trim adds Pilot Assist, Digital Key Plus, a Harman Kardon sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, two‑zone climate control and wireless phone charging. Now on sale exclusively through Volvo Car UK’s fleet sales channels, pricing for the EX30 Cargo starts at GBP 36,010 (approximately USD 48,126).

Jack Munford, Head of Fleet at Volvo Car UK, said, “While we are best known for our passenger vehicles, we recognise that business owners and fleets also want the quality, safety and technology that Volvo is renowned for in a compact commercial vehicle too, which is why we created the extremely practical EX30 Cargo.”

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VIDA, Powered by Hero MotoCorp, has introduced the VIDA VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition, a special retail offering unveiled at Knights Unplugged 3.0. Drawing inspiration from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ fierce identity and decorated legacy, this electric scooter incorporates the franchise’s signature Knight Purple and Gold into the VX2’s modern aesthetic. A golden halftone gradient featuring micro-dotted patterns transitions subtly across a pearl black body, while three distinctive accent marks pay tribute to the team’s three championship victories.

The vehicle made its public debut with the full KKR squad in attendance and is now available for purchase through select VIDA outlets. Its design stays true to the VX2 Plus’s youthful appeal, characterised by clean surfaces and a sleek profile. A standout LED headlamp with integrated turn signals, complemented by unique daytime running lights at both ends, creates a bold lighting signature that captures the energy where speed meets stadium excitement.

Alongside this limited run, fans can also acquire a matching KKR-themed helmet in the team’s official colours. Adding to the collaboration, VIDA has launched the ‘VIDA Electrifying Player of the Match’ initiative: for every KKR win, a player chosen by the team management will receive a personalised VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition bearing their name and jersey number during a post-match ceremony.

Kausalya Nandakumar, Chief Business Officer, VIDA, powered by Hero MotoCorp, said, “The launch of KKR Limited Edition VX2 Plus reflects Hero MotoCorp’s approach of blending distinctive design with culturally relevant collaborations. By bringing together the bold identity of the Kolkata Knight Riders and VIDA’s electric mobility platform, the initiative adds a unique dimension to the brand’s engagement in the T20 season through meaningful cultural and sporting association. The special Edition VX2 Plus further strengthens our commitment to sustainable mobility with the electrifying energy of one of the most celebrated teams in the league.”

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer, Kolkata Knight Riders, said, "At Kolkata Knight Riders, we have always believed in building partnerships that go beyond visibility and create genuine value for our fans and partners alike. Our collaboration with VIDA reflects that philosophy, bringing together innovation in electric mobility with the spirit and identity of the KKR brand. The VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition is a unique way to extend the Knight Riders experience beyond the field, offering fans a product that embodies performance, sustainability and the distinctive ethos of our franchise."

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VinFast Auto India has opened its 50th retail location nationwide, a new 3S dealership in Bengaluru that highlights the company’s accelerating push to bring premium electric vehicles closer to Indian consumers. Situated on Hosur Road in Electronic City, the facility spans over 11,500 square feet and was developed with dealer partner PPS Motors LLP under the leadership of Raaj Sekar. Designed to global retail standards, it combines a modern 2,500-square-foot showroom with full-service capabilities to create an immersive brand experience supported by dedicated sales and after-sales teams.

The milestone is part of a broader expansion strategy aiming for 75 dealerships across more than 60 cities by year’s end, reaching beyond major metros into emerging markets. To support seamless ownership, VinFast is building an integrated EV ecosystem spanning manufacturing, retail, charging, after-sales and a circular battery value chain, working with banks and partners. Its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs have earned five-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings and come with roadside assistance, three years of free maintenance and warranties up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model.

Customer-focused programmes further lower adoption barriers. The Value Assured initiative provides a predefined resale value after several years, while extended free charging on the V-Green network runs through March 2029, offering up to three years of zero fuel costs. Additionally, parent company Vingroup’s ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ campaign gives an extra three percent discount until March 2026 to encourage switching from internal combustion vehicles.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “We have attained a key milestone with 50 showrooms established nationwide, reflecting our accelerated expansion and resolute commitment to strengthening our brand presence across the country. The opening of our flagship 3S facility in Bengaluru builds on this progress, delivering integrated excellence in sales, service and spare parts to meet customer needs effectively. This rapid growth underscores VinFast’s pivotal role in advancing India’s electric vehicle ecosystem."

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Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar has announced a significant advancement in battery circularity, with the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 now featuring batteries that contain at least 50 percent recycled cobalt. This milestone underscores the company’s broader commitment to minimising reliance on virgin materials, improving value chain transparency and extending the lifecycle of critical resources.

Rather than limiting its focus to sourcing, the company prioritises preserving battery value throughout the vehicle’s life. Extended battery longevity benefits both sustainability goals and the owner’s experience. In collaboration with Volvo Cars battery centres, Polestar implements a refurbishment system where its vehicles needing a new battery receive a reconditioned unit that matches the original’s state-of-health. This closed-loop approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining performance.

Recycling partnerships are being established across all markets to align with producer responsibility regulations, further supporting efforts to maximise material recovery. These initiatives complement a design philosophy that emphasises circular material choices. Across its model range, Polestar incorporates recycled aluminium and steel, along with interior textiles such as ECONYL polyamide carpets and yarn made from PET waste. By reducing material complexity and favouring modular, mono-material solutions, the company enables customers to choose vehicles built with lower environmental impact without sacrificing safety or driving dynamics.

Since 2020, the brand has consistently pushed for greater openness around its environmental footprint, publishing detailed model-by-model lifecycle assessments and disclosing carbon emissions data across its operations. It broke new ground with blockchain technology to trace cobalt in the Polestar 2, raising the bar for supply chain accountability. Electrification is viewed not as an endpoint but as a foundation, with recent strides including smart charging integration and a 25 percent drop in per-vehicle CO₂ emissions since 2020, all achieved while introducing four new models to the lineup.

Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability, Polestar, said, “To drive a Polestar is an intentional choice by customers who care about tomorrow. Electrification, powered by renewable energy and enabled by circular battery materials, points to a new kind of system: one where resources stay in use and abundance replaces depletion.”

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