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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German luxury automotive brand BMW Group has introduced a new hydrogen tank architecture for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, extending the vehicle's range to 750 km. The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system integrates with the vehicle structure to maintain cabin space and compatibility with the company's Gen6 high-voltage battery.

The storage unit consists of 7 high-pressure tanks constructed from carbon-fibre reinforced composite. These tanks are connected in parallel within a metal frame and operate as a single unit controlled by a central valve.

Key performance data:

• Capacity: Stores at least seven kilograms of hydrogen.
• Refuelling: Pressure levels of 700 bar allow for a full refill in under five minutes.
• Propulsion: Utilises Gen3 fuel cell technology combined with the "Heart of Joy" drivetrain and chassis control software.
• Integration: The flat design allows hydrogen models to be manufactured on the same production lines as petrol, diesel and battery-electric variants.

The development of the powertrain and tank system is part of the ‘HyPowerDrive’ project. The initiative has received EUR 191 million from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and EUR 82 million from the state of Bavaria.

BMW intends to integrate the iX5 Hydrogen into its standard production network in 2028. The flexible architecture of the new X5 allows for five different drive system variants, including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric, to be built on a single platform to reduce technical complexity and manufacturing costs.

Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, said, “Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space. Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises. This is technology openness and the art of engineering just the way we developers love them!”

The hydrogen programme is part of BMW’s ‘technology-open’ strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on specific raw material chains. By offering hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside conventional and battery-electric systems, the company aims to provide long-range electric driving with refuelling times comparable to internal combustion engines.

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CUPRA has introduced the all new Raval, a compact electric vehicle that boldly rejects ordinary design and driving expectations. As the latest addition to the brand’s expanding electric lineup, this model is built to form a genuine emotional bond with the person behind the wheel while actively pushing against conventional automotive norms.

Arriving in UK this summer, the Raval combines striking city car style with genuine performance credentials. Its starting price is set at GBP 23,785 (approximately USD 31,976), and buyers can choose from four trims: Origin, V1, V2 and VZ. Every version sits on the advanced MEB+ platform, ensuring a modern foundation for both efficiency and driving dynamics.

The entry level Origin uses a 37-kWh battery producing 115 PS. The V1 and V2 trims offer a choice between the same sized battery with 135 PS or a larger 52 kWh unit delivering 210 PS, the latter providing roughly 280 miles (approximately 450 km) of range and a fast charge time of just 23 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. The sporty VZ trim comes exclusively with the 52-kWh battery, offering around 250 miles (approximately 402 km) of range and 225 PS, plus performance upgrades like an electronic limited slip differential and Dynamic Chassis Control.

At the heart of the Raval lies a driver focused interior featuring an integrated digital instrument setup with a 10.25-inch cockpit display and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. All vehicle parameters are controlled from this central hub. The redesigned steering wheel includes physical buttons, plus dedicated satellite controls for driving modes and regenerative braking paddles, ensuring every journey delivers the emotional engagement CUPRA promises.

Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of SEAT and CUPRA UK, said, “The CUPRA Raval is the culmination of an immense amount of hard work, dedication and effort on all fronts. Raval is the pinnacle of all things CUPRA – advanced, forward thinking, dynamic. It pushes the boundaries in automotive and encourages drivers to form a real emotional connection to the drive itself. The combination of striking design, electrifying performance and unconventional features reimagines what an urban EV can be for a new generation of drivers. This is a fully electric car designed to redefine urban mobility with CUPRA’s emotional and challenger DNA.”

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Flying Flea, the electric mobility brand from Royal Enfield, has launched its first motorcycle, the FF.C6 with prices starting INR 199,000 (ex-showroom) for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and INR 279,000 (ex-showroom for purchasing it outright).

The e-motorcycle will be available from 10 April 2026 at the brand's first store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru with deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of May 2026.

The FF.C6 is a ground-up electric platform weighing 124 kg. It features a 3.91 kWh lithium-ion battery encased in magnesium alloy, providing a peak power of 15.4 kW. The motorcycle achieves a top speed of 115 kmph and delivers 60 Nm of motor torque, resulting in over 400 Nm of wheel torque.

It supports Rapid, Standard and Trickle charging using a 16 Amp wall outlet. The battery can be charged upto 80 percent from 20 percent in around a claimed 60 minutes. It comes with equipped with lean-angle sensing ABS, traction control and a tip-over alert. The FF.C6 has integrated WiFi, Bluetooth and 4G for remote monitoring, live location sharing and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The design incorporates a forged aluminium Girder fork, a contemporary interpretation of the 1940s Flying Flea suspension. The motorcycle features a touchscreen TFT interface controlled by a rotary mode switch and joystick.

The software architecture allows the system to learn from rider behaviour, while a regenerative braking system recovers energy during deceleration to extend range. For versatility, the motorcycle includes a removable pillion setup and adjustable footpegs.

Royal Enfield is adopting a phased, city-by-city rollout for the Flying Flea brand. The FF.C6 is available in two colourways, Storm Black and Flea Green.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “We are excited to introduce the Flying Flea C6, marking our first step into electric motorcycling in our 125th year - a milestone that reflects both our legacy and our intent for new beginnings. For over a century, Royal Enfield has been driven by a singular pursuit: to create pure, engaging motorcycling experiences. With Flying Flea, we are carrying this philosophy into the electric era. This is not just about going electric- it is about creating a new category of urban mobility that is rooted in experience, not just specifications or numbers. The FF.C6 has been built by a dedicated team with deep in-house expertise across hardware and software, resulting in an agile, design and technology-led motorcycle that feels intuitive, connected, and alive to the rider.”

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Stryder Cycle, a Tata Enterprise and a trusted name in Indian cycling, has broadened its electric vehicle lineup by introducing two new e-bikes called Airborne and Arcus. These models are crafted for modern city life, blending smart technology, reliable performance and real-world usability to make ecofriendly travel more attainable.

As urban traffic worsens and awareness of sustainable transport grows, Stryder keeps pushing clean mobility solutions that are efficient, stylish and well suited for Indian roads. The Airborne model targets adventure seekers with rugged power and all terrain handling. It features a strong motor for smooth torque, a long lasting 10.4 Ah battery offering up to 35 kilometres of range and fast charging in about three hours. Extra wide four-inch tyres provide excellent grip, while a smart LCD display and multiple ride modes add to its confident, stable ride across different surfaces.

Meanwhile, the Arcus focuses on daily practicality and smart functionality. It comes with a 36V 11.6 Ah Quick Fix removable battery that delivers up to 60 kilometres of range. A five-inch LCD multicolour display includes integrated headlight control, and a 50-lumen front light pairs with a smart under seat rear light for better visibility. A dedicated mobile charging point adds on the go convenience, making Arcus a sleek and dependable companion for everyday commutes.

With electric mobility gaining speed across India, Stryder continues to grow its e-bike range to meet rising demand. Backed by the Tata legacy, the brand stays committed to dependable products that support cleaner transport. Through Airborne and Arcus, Stryder strengthens its promise of practical, everyday electric mobility built specifically for Indian riders and roads.

Rahul Gupta, Business Head, Stryder, said, “At Stryder, our focus is to make sustainable mobility both aspirational and practical. With Airborne and Arcus, we are introducing e-bikes that cater to evolving city lifestyles, whether it’s daily commuting, short errands or leisure rides. Backed by the trust of the TATA Group, we remain committed to delivering innovative and reliable mobility solutions to consumers across the country.”

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