MG Motor India Showcases Vision For Future Mobility While At Auto Expo 2023 – Drive.Ahead

Hyundai Sets The Stage For Alcazar Launch At The Rann Of Kutch

MG Motor India showcased its vision for future mobility, Drive.Ahead, at the Auto Expo 2023 today. The company unveiled a line-up of 14 production-ready vehicles from its portfolio, that communicate the brand’s focus on sustainable, conscious and innovative technology as part of MG’s vision in India.

Speaking at the event, Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “We believe in working towards a world that is sustainable, humane and driven by intuitive technology. Our aim is to build an ecosystem where mindfulness and consciousness are a way of life. Our EV and NEV range of products displayed here demonstrate MG’s commitment and endeavours towards faster adoption of green and sustainable mobility in India.”

The company also unveiled two technologically advanced, high safety and zero emission electric vehicles (EVs), supporting its stance as an auto-tech brand during the show. MG claims that the two vehicles are the MG4, a pure-electric hatchback EV, and the MG EHS, a plug-in hybrid SUV. Both these vehicles underscore MG’s resolute commitment to strengthening EV adoption in the country.

The two vehicles, according to the automobile manufacturer, are just like the other ones that are part of the line-up at the MG Pavilion. They are futuristic and are a blend of innovation and vision in terms of technology and their environmental footprint. Moreover, both vehicles come with advanced safety features and enhanced driving comfort. MG states that they echo both of MG’s theme for the Auto Expo this year, ‘Drive.Ahead’, as well as the expo’s focus on EVs.

MG4
The MG4 EV hatchback, which comes with spacious interiors, ensures driving convenience through its five different charging options, including the 12V portable charger, both AC and DC charging, etc. As per MG, the car is sold in more than 20 European markets, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Norway and Sweden.

MG EHS
The MG EHS plug-in hybrid brings together efficiency and performance, along with spacious interiors and a sporty exterior. The Indian automobile manufacturer claims that this car truly offers the best of both worlds. The drive system offers an electric motor, a battery pack and a powerful petrol engine that work seamlessly together for optimum efficiency, power and range. The hybrid delivers a combined power output of 258ps which helps it achieve a speed of 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, according to MG.

Chaba further added, “Today, at the Auto Expo 2023, we are delighted to bring to our customers, these two globally acclaimed vehicles from our portfolio. The launch of these futuristic vehicles would be based on consumer research and market feedback.”

Ola Electric Begins Mass Deliveries Of 4680 Bharat Cell Powered Vehicles

Ola Electric - 4680 Bharat Cell

Ola Electric has announced the commencement of mass deliveries of its 4680 Bharat Cell-powered vehicles. The S1 Pro+ 5.2 kWh is the first product to be powered by the company’s indigenously manufactured 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack, which delivers more range, better performance and enhanced safety.

With its own battery packs in the vehicles, Ola Electric is now India's first company to fully own the battery pack and cell manufacturing process in-house.

The S1 Pro+ 5.2 kWh is powered by a 13 kW motor, offering acceleration of zero to 40 kmph in just 2.1 seconds. It comes with an impressive 320 km range (IDC with DIY mode).

The S1 Pro+ features four riding modes (Hyper, Sports, Normal and Eco) and also offers enhanced safety with category-first dual ABS and disk brakes in the front and rear. It also gets enhanced ergonomics and comfort, a two-tone seat with supportive foam, body-coloured mirrors, a die-cast aluminium grab handle, rim decals and an expanded colour palette comprising Passion Red, Porcelain White, Industrial Silver, Jet Black, Stellar Blue and Midnight Blue.

“The excitement for S1 Pro+ has been phenomenal. Deliveries are now in full swing, and customers are proudly riding India’s first scooters powered by our own 4680 Bharat Cell. This is a big moment, not just for Ola, but for India’s journey towards becoming a global EV hub. With the national rollout starting soon, we are now ready to take this breakthrough product and technology to every corner of the country,” an Ola Electric spokesperson said.

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo has introduced its latest innovation, the Fourth-Generation SBR Binder Platform, designed to meet the evolving demands of electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. This development reflects the company's strategic focus on delivering high-performance materials essential for the global shift towards sustainable energy.

The platform results from advanced polymer science and collaboration with battery manufacturers, targeting key industry requirements such as increased energy density, superior durability and more efficient production. It provides a significant improvement in peel strength, enabling stronger electrode bonds, thicker coatings and higher manufacturing speeds. These attributes are vital for developing higher-capacity batteries that can extend driving range and improve storage solutions.

The inaugural product, VOLTABOND 109 Latex Binder, offers this next-generation performance with broad compatibility across various anode materials and manufacturing processes. Its design ensures excellent stability and low resistance, supporting faster charging and long-term reliability. To ensure robust supply, Trinseo will produce the platform locally within major global regions, enhancing responsiveness to battery production hubs.

Rooted in decades of expertise, this new platform establishes a foundation for future innovations tailored to diverse customer needs across the battery value chain.

CATL And Stellantis Begin Work On EUR 4.1 Billion Spanish Battery Plant

CATL

CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

Neuron Energy Secures INR 310 Million To Expand EV Battery Manufacturing For Four-Wheelers & Buses

Neuron Energy

Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."