Montra Electric’s e-SCV Division, Tivolt Electric Vehicles has inked a strategic collaboration with Steam-A. The understanding will see the OEM integrate Steam-A’s Iris EV charging management suite into Powerdock its EV charging network.

This will enable a seamless and reliable charging operation for Montra Electric, where it will leverage advanced software to get real-time operational insight, AI-driven predictive maintenance and seamless EV roaming capabilities. Steam-A will bring to the table AI-enabled predictive failure management system, which will maximise charger uptime and network availability.

A standout feature of Iris is its industry-first AI-enabled predictive failure management system, seamlessly integrated with a comprehensive asset and workflow management suite. This innovation significantly reduces operational costs while maximizing charger uptime and network availability. Additionally, the platform delivers deep analytical insights into network performance, facilitating continuous service enhancements and business growth.

Saju Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Tivolt Electric Vehicles, said, “We are excited to join hands with Steam-A. Our vision at Montra Electric is to drive electrification in commercial logistics and empower customers to transition to electric mobility with confidence. By integrating Steam-A’s Iris platform into our Powerdock network, we are strengthening our commitment to innovation and customer-first solutions. This collaboration will drive greater EV adoption while delivering a seamless and effortless experience for our customers.”

Vishwanath Surendiran, Co-Founder, Steam-A, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Montra Electric on their journey of making mobility more sustainable. Earning the trust of such a longstanding organization fills us with pride and a heightened sense of responsibility. We will go all out to deliver industry-leading standards of reliability and customer experience.”

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  - Rathi Raj March 24, 2025 10:11 AM

  We’re grateful to be featured on Motoring Trends and are excited to showcase how Steam-A’s Iris Suite is transforming EV charging infrastructure management. Want to discover how our platform can transform your EV operations? Learn more: https://bit.ly/iris_steam_A

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VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has launched a new variant in its product range, the VIDA Evooter VX2 Go FB (3.1 kWh) at an introductory price of INR 113,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi).

The model introduces direct-plug charging architecture to the lineup, complementing the brand's existing removable-battery electric two-wheelers.

The e-scooter features a 3.1 kWh fixed battery pack paired with a 6 kW swing-arm electric motor, achieving a top speed of 70kmph and an Indian Driving Cycle certified range of 128 kilometres. Direct current fast-charging capability recharges the battery from zero to 80 percent in 65 minutes. Additional specifications include 27.2 litres of under-seat storage capacity and a 4.3-inch liquid-crystal display featuring turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity functions.

With the addition of the 3.1 kWh fixed-battery model, the broader VIDA VX2 portfolio spans five configurations: the entry VX2 Go 2.2 kWh with a 93 km certified range, the VX2 Go FB 3.1 kWh with 128 km, the VX2 Go 3.4 kWh with 146 km, the VX2 Plus 3.4 kWh with 146 km and the flagship VX2 Plus 4.4 kWh with a certified range of 187 km.

Commercial availability across authorised dealerships in India is scheduled to begin in early August 2026. The deployment will be supported by the brand's charging infrastructure, which comprises over 5,900 fast-charging points and more than 700 service centres nationwide, alongside a Battery-as-a-Service subscription model.

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American electric vehicle major Tesla has opened test drives for the 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive across its experience centres in India, including locations in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Alongside the vehicle rollout, the manufacturer has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) software features for its domestic vehicle fleet, integrating xAI's Grok voice assistant into the cabin interface.

The 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive provides 2,138-litres of storage space and seating for five passengers. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds and holds an operational range rating of up to 500 km under WLTP testing standards.

In India, the variant is priced at INR 5.08 million, requiring a down payment of INR 600,000 and monthly instalment options starting at INR 39,990. Tesla is offering a Wall Connector charging unit for orders placed prior to 30 August 2026.

The deployment of Grok forms part of Tesla's Summer 2026 over-the-air (OTA) software release. The assistant operates via voice activation or steering wheel controls and supports multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Software functionality includes multi-stop route planning, location queries for charging stations and amenities, vehicle status diagnostics and adaptive navigation based on driver usage patterns.

Globally, Tesla is expanding production of its 4680 battery cells to support assembly volumes for the Model Y platform. During the first half of 2026, the company increased its compute capacity at its Texas facilities to support autonomous software processing for vehicles and robotic systems.

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German technology supplier Bosch has initiated passenger trials of its hydrogen fuel-cell power module in Madrid, partnering with Spanish bus manufacturer Irizar and transport operator Alsa. The trial involves an Irizar bus operating along public transit routes in the capital.

Buses operation focuses on routes where operational distance requirements favour fuel-cell powertrains over battery-electric alternatives.

The test bus utilises the Bosch FCPM C190 system, a fuel-cell module featuring a horizontal double-stack design that provides 190 kilowatts of continuous power output. Onboard hydrogen storage enables driving ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometres between refuelling stops, with tank replenishment taking between 10 and 15 minutes. This performance capability allows the vehicle to operate in intercity service as well as urban transit.

Alongside the C190 module, Bosch manufactures the 100-kilowatt FCPM C100 for city transit buses and the FCPM C300 for heavy-duty coaches and commercial freight vehicles. The trial follows EU regulations mandating a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from newly registered city transit buses by 2030 compared with 2019 levels. Equivalent reduction targets extend to all other bus categories starting in 2040.

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), over 38,000 new buses were registered across the European Union in 2025. Bosch continues to expand its technology portfolio across the hydrogen supply chain, including the production of its Hybrion proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis stack for hydrogen generation, as well as port and direct injection components for hydrogen internal combustion engines.

Thomas Pauer, Member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions, said, “The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations. Fuel cells are especially well-suited for buses that travel longer distances every day and rarely have the opportunity to charge en route. With this trial, we can clearly demonstrate that Bosch’s fuel-cell technology is ready for the demands of large-scale deployment in passenger transport.”

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Ahmedabad-based electric two-wheeler brand Avore Electric launched its first electric motorcycle – the Avore Electric EX at prices starting at INR 124,999 (ex-showroom).

The e-motorcycle is available in three variants – the EX 2S, EX 2 and EX 1. The model range was developed over three years using the company's indigenous AVORE Source technology stack and AVR vehicle platform. The development process involved over 120 intellectual property filings across nine vehicle systems, including the battery management system, motor controller, onboard charger and operating system.

The EVs use a rare-earth-free Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with peak power output ranging between 7.5 kW and 10.5 kW depending on the variant, while all three models produce 250 Nm of peak wheel torque.

The EX 2S attains a claimed top speed of 114 kmph, whereas the EX 2 and EX 1 reach top speeds of 100 kmph. The powertrain utilises an integrated motor and swingarm structure to manage chassis balance and weight distribution.

The EX 2S and EX 2 carry IDC-certified range ratings of 260 km and 255 km respectively, while the EX 1 carries an IDC-certified range rating of 160 km. All variants include a 1500W onboard charger compatible with standard 5A and 15A domestic sockets, charging the battery from 20 per cent to 80 percent in two hours and reaching a full charge in a claimed four hours. The battery pack is homologated by NATRAX, and the battery management system is validated by ICAT.

Software systems integrated into the platform include the AVORE SENSE operating system, an artificial intelligence (AI) companion named Avore Synapse and an automatic manual gear mode. The platform complies with AIS 156 and AIS 038 safety standards and underwent 100,000 km of road testing alongside 2,500 hours of dynamometer testing prior to commercial introduction.

Priyank Rakholiya, Founder, Avore Electric, said, "We dedicated three years to research, development, testing, and validation before the launch of the EX so as to ensure class-leading engineering and innovation. We are ensuring global-levels of safety and performance, while pushing the frontiers of Indian-developed electric mobility technology stacks that deliver reliability, consistency, and economic viability. Our goal is to improve adoption and accessibility to world-class electric mobility solutions for every Indian and we are confident that the EX is just the start of our journey towards that direction."

Bookings for the EX series have opened on the manufacturer's website at an initial reservation amount of INR 799, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in two months. The battery pack is supplied with a 5-year or 60,000 km warranty.

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