Supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years, Mercedes-Benz has delivered an electric Popemobile based on the G-Class for the first time. Helping the Vatican go electric in terms of its ‘main’ fleet car, Mercedes-Benz has delivered the vehicle well in time for the 2025 Jubilee event, which takes place every 25 years and with millions of pilgrims visiting. 
Overcoming challenges like adapting the electric drivetrain to low speed travel given the public appearances by Pope Francis, the electric Popemobile is a result of a team that managed the project in Rome. The drivetrain parallelly was developed and adapted to the needs of the Popemobile by a team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customised equipment using traditional craftsmanship. 
The electric drivetrain that is engineered to support the vehicle’s slow travel during public appearances is from the Mercedes-Benz G580. Its EQ technology (with a combined energy consumption of 30.4-27.7 kWh per 100 km and a combined CO₂ emissions of 0 g per km) has four near-wheel motors. 
Replacing the bench seat that would be ideally found in the G580, the team that realised the Popemobile replaced it with a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat should make it possible for Pope to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. 
Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers. The roof – removed at the B-pillar – meant the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. 
In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.
Like the previous Popemobiles, this one is also painted in classic pearl white on the outside.

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Youdha, an electric mobility brand specialising in the three-wheeler segment, has announced its expansion strategy to establish over 200 outlets across India within the next year.

The aim is to capture a larger share of the L5 passenger electric vehicle (EV) market, focusing on both metropolitan areas and Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The expansion follows the launch of the company’s flagship model, the EPOD.

The electric three-wheeler uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, designed for urban commuting and fleet operations with an emphasis on durability and low maintenance costs.

The retail rollout expansion will begin in North and East India, specifically targeting Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam, before extending into the southern and western regions.

Each new outlet will offer integrated services including sales, technical support, and financing options. To support this network, Youdha is increasing production capacity at its manufacturing facility and investing in further localisation of components. The strategy aims to address both business-to-business (B2B) fleet requirements and individual ownership.

Ayush Lohia, CEO, Youdha, said, “Our vision is to make Youdha one of the most trusted and accessible EV brands in India. Expanding to 200 outlets is not just about scale – it is about ensuring that customers have reliable access to products, service, and support wherever they are. As demand grows, building a strong on-ground ecosystem becomes critical. This is not just about selling vehicles – it’s about building a complete ecosystem that supports customers throughout their ownership journey.”

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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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