NueGo, GreenCell Mobility’s premium intercity electric bus service, has launched a specialised training programme to equip its drivers and onboard staff with the skills needed for the EV era. As India’s largest electric bus operator, NueGo combines sustainability, safety and passenger comfort in its approach.

Designed specifically for electric buses, the training programme sets a new benchmark in the mobility sector. More than 3,000 drivers and 400 onboard staff have already completed the intensive course, which blends classroom learning, simulator exercises and hands-on driving experience. The week-long onboarding ensures that every team member is fully prepared to deliver a smooth, efficient and customer-friendly journey.

The curriculum includes 11 focused modules, covering defensive driving techniques, energy-efficient operation and passenger service. Drivers master regenerative braking, battery optimisation and charging protocols while also learning critical safety measures for high-voltage systems. Beyond technical expertise, the programme fosters a customer-first mindset, transforming drivers into ambassadors for sustainable transport.

Training is conducted by NueGo’s in-house experts across key hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. To maintain high standards, mandatory refresher courses are held every three months, with practical assessments in manoeuvring, hazard awareness and parking. This initiative highlights how the EV revolution must be supported by continuous skill development, operational excellence and a commitment to greener mobility.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) is expanding its Creta Electric lineup with three new variants: the Creta Electric Excellence, the Creta Electric Executive Tech and the Creta Electric Executive (O).

This expansion aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience by offering more choices and features. The new variants also address a key concern for EV owners by significantly increasing the driving range.

The Creta Electric will now be available with two battery pack options:

• A 42 kWh battery with a claimed driving range of 420 km.
• A 51.4 kWh battery with a claimed driving range of 510 km.

In addition, the Creta Electric is now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired-to-wireless adapter. Additionally, higher-end trims will offer a dashcam and rear wireless charging.

The new variants also introduce specific features:

• The Excellence trim (42 kWh) comes with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), a surround-view monitor, an electric driver and passenger seat and ventilated front seats.
• The Executive Tech trim (42 kWh) adds a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.
• The Executive (O) trim (51.4 kWh) also features a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof.

Hyundai is also introducing two new colour options for the Creta Electric: Matte Black and Shadow Grey.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We are thrilled to elevate our commitment to innovation by advancing our electric offering, the Creta Electric. The launch of new variants and high driving range in the Creta Electric marks a bold step forward, capturing the spirit of today’s aspirational and new-age customers. Each variant has been meticulously designed to meet the evolving needs of modern customers. Further, the high driving range across both battery packs underscores our dedication to delivering an exceptional electric driving experience, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with convenience. As the festive season gains momentum, these new offerings empower families to embark on journeys that are not only meaningful and memorable, but also sustainable.”

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Euler Motors, a leading manufacturer of electric commercial vehicles, has signed an agreement with logistics company Pickkup.io to supply 200 electric four-wheeler cargo vehicles.

The new fleet of Storm T1500 vehicles will be used for intracity logistics and last-mile delivery services in the Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh Tricity regions.

This agreement marks the third phase of a growing partnership between the two companies. Pickkup.io has already integrated 25 Euler Motors EVs into its fleet, which it shared are successfully operating on the ground. The additional 200 vehicles will help Pickkup.io expand its capacity for existing clients and support new partnerships.

Ankush Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Pickkup.io, said, “This marks the third delivery phase under our ongoing MoU with Euler. What sets them apart is their on-time services and openness to feedback. The service ecosystem they’ve built is solid, and we’re already in discussions to scale up with additional units in the future. This journey and its achievements are the result of joint efforts by everyone who has contributed in their own way – our driver partners, ground team, admin team, and operations team – each working with their fullest dedication to make our services seamless and our customer experience exceptional, all under the banner of Pickkup”

Vani Rikhy Mehra, VP – Sales and mobility, Euler Motors, added, “Our partnership with Pickkup.io reflects the growing trust in electric mobility as a sustainable and scalable solution for logistics. With this MoU for 200 Storm T1500 vehicles, we are strengthening our footprint in Delhi NCR as well as Chandigarh Tricity while supporting Pickkup.io’s mission to deliver efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible logistics services. At Euler, we are committed to building products and a service ecosystem that empower businesses to transition smoothly to electric fleets, reduce emissions, and achieve long-term operational savings.”

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Hyundai Motor Company has released a new teaser for its upcoming Concept THREE, the first compact EV concept from its IONIQ sub-brand. Officially named ahead of its global premiere, the vehicle is scheduled for its debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich this September.

The latest preview emphasises the concept's striking side profile, which exhibits a confident and energetic posture. This aesthetic is a direct application of Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy, an approach inspired by the dynamic properties of metal. The bodywork features fluidly sculpted surfaces, clean intersections, and sharp character lines that work in concert to create a visual impression of precision and forward motion. This distinctive silhouette introduces a new vehicle typology dubbed the ‘Aero Hatch,’ signalling a fresh and aerodynamic reinterpretation of the compact electric vehicle form.

Scheduled for a full reveal at the IAA Mobility show, which runs from 9 to 14 September, the Concept THREE represents a significant moment for Hyundai. The company's return to Europe’s largest mobility showcase after a four-year hiatus underscores its strategic focus on the European market and its ambition to assert leadership in the future of sustainable transportation. The event will serve as a platform for Hyundai to present its comprehensive vision for the next generation of EVs. The public will get an in-depth look at the concept at the IAA Open Space, with comprehensive technical specifications and further details expected to be announced during Hyundai’s official press conference on 9 September.

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre, said, “Designing the Concept THREE was an opportunity for us to rethink the compact EV from the ground up. We defined the ‘Aero Hatch’ typology to craft a silhouette that captures a sense of flow and becomes a beautifully proportioned sculpture.”

Manuel Schoettle, exterior designer of Concept THREE, said, “The authenticity of the way we treated the steel fits perfectly. It just felt natural, making the Concept THREE extremely pure, and hopefully it will bring a smile to your face.”

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While the need of the hour for the Government of India was to reduce crude oil import, a whopping 85 percent from other countries, and reduce pollution, does the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, having generated tremendous furore, truly augur well for India’s automotive future?

Industry leaders from India’s leading oil companies, automotive industry bodies and OEMs came together on 30 August 2025, to discuss its directives, including the employment of sugarcane farmers.

Setting the tone for the evening, Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) spoke about BS6 and BS6 Phase Two as unique current propositions that prepared the ground for ethanol addition into petrol. He mentioned, “While ARAI is responsible for maximum testing, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and oil companies have also played important parts.”  

2001 was the year when ethanol blends were first done in India. The systematic sequence of ethanol-based blend tests after the above was as follows:

• 2010- Multiple studies done over 10 percent blending
• 2016- BS4 testing was done on 7–8-year-old vehicles
• 2021- A detailed study was done on 8–10-year-old vehicles

Fuel efficiency will go down

Industry speakers confirmed that fuel efficiency from E20 will decrease by 2-5 percent. However, Prashant K Bannerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, averred, “Fuel efficiency is determined by terrain and driving habits, leading to different experiences for different customers. Owing to complex and variable factors, it cannot always be pointed towards the fuel.” Though better octane numbers have now been attained, the energy generated is six percent lesser than pure petrol.

As a country that has successfully adopted EBP, Brazil, with E27 and an overall blend of 45 percent, was quoted numerous times. Milind Pagare, VP (R&D), Bajaj Auto, shared his views on the company’s two-wheelers sold in India and abroad. He said, “We will always provide fuel-related help to our customers whenever necessary. However, I’m sure that there will be no catastrophic engine failures due to EBP.”   

Experiments are necessary for progress

“Experiments will keep happening; otherwise, we can’t go ahead. We will always rely on scientific studies for progress,” said Mathai. Although he could not give a figure when asked about the E20-compliant percentage on Indian roads, he stated that the industry has tested two-wheelers which are 10 years old and four-wheelers between 8-10 years of age for the blend in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Mathai said, “We couldn’t say anything for sure when E20 came in 2021.”

Bannerjee assured that, “OEMs will have no warranty-related changes due to EBP. Whatever is committed to the customer at the time of sale will be honoured fully. Neither warranty nor insurance will be impacted by the above.”

Most attendees were of the opinion that OEMs and oil companies were not providing any clarity about E20-related faults. Ascertaining the need for the above, Bannerjee said, “We need to clearly articulate about the fuel to our customers. This can be done through a series of summary statements that could be press releases or FAQs.” He said that the statements will be released on the SIAM, ARAI, or OEM pages at the earliest.

He further added, “Most OEMS have or are in the process of communicating to dealers that E20 can be used in E10 vehicles without any concern.” In other words, E20 will cause no problems on any vehicles, including the ones that are marked E5-E10. Specific models of the two-wheelers and four-wheelers have been tested BS3 onwards and he mentioned that no vehicle has encountered engine failure due to E20 to date, after testing over 100,000 kilometres. The setting up of an arbitrary testing agency across vintages and makes of vehicles was also mentioned.   

India becomes self-sufficient in ethanol distillation

Anurag Saraogi, Chief General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) expressed contentment at attaining a high level of energy security in India. Backing up the above with figures, he averred, “Eight billion litres of distilleries have come up over the years, and the best part is that these are entirely indigenous.”

Ethanol is prepared from sugarcane, maize and other grains, after which it is mixed with petrol. As UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the three major Indian sugarcane states, the oil industry formed long-term agreements with entrepreneurs for country-wide provision. The quantity from sugar molasses has gone up to 3.5-3.7 billion litres today.

Maize is the leading provider of ethanol, contributing 40 percent. Today, maize farming is more viable than ever before, with farmers being recognised as ‘Urjadaatas’ (energy-givers). They’re being offered INR 72 per litre to grow more maize for ethanol and have been paid INR 400 billion in 2025. Payments are being made to the farmers alone.

PS Ravi, Director, Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), said, “In 2014, we achieved a 1.5 percent blend, resulting in 380 million litres of ethanol. While E10 was made available across India in 2019, we have been able to get to 7.5 billion litres by 2025. At this rate, we can safely target procurement and blending of 11-12 billion litres by 2026.” Adding to this, he said, “India is already setting up pilot plants for using high agri residues to prepare the second generation of ethanol.”

Talking about pricing, Ravi said, “The procurement price of ethanol is much more than cost of petrol. Yet, the oil industry is still maintaining a constant price despite Minimum Selling Prices (MSPs) and higher ethanol being derived from feedstock. 

Apart from the above, the industry experts expects India to save INR 1,440 billion in terms of FOREX. As a low-carbon intensity fuel, it will easily achieve net-zero emissions, resulting in a cost-effective pathway for energy transition.

Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said, “Through its 2070 emission plan and circular economy, India will become the global reference model. Farmers will spend more, contributing to the economy.”

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