Benglauru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric has commenced deliveries for its S1 Gen 3 scooter portfolio across India. The S1 Gen 3 portfolio includes the flagship S1 Pro+ along with S1 Pro and S1 X.

The S1 Pro+ comes with two battery options 5.3kWh and 4kWh and is powered by a 13kW motor, which comes with claimed top speed of 141 kmph and 128 kmph respectively with a brisk acceleration of 0-40 kmph in just 2.1 and 2.3 seconds. The S1 Pro has a claimed range of 320km (IDC), while the 4kWh S1 Pro+ comes with claimed 242km (IDC). The e-scooter has four riding modes – Hyper, Sports, Normal and Eco – and gets dual ABS and disk brakes in front and rear

Ola Spokesperson, Ola Electric said, "The overwhelming response to our S1 Gen 3 scooters reaffirms our commitment to accelerating India's transition to electric mobility. We're excited for our customers to experience the superior performance, enhanced safety features, and improved efficiency that the Gen 3 portfolio offers."

The company claims the Gen 3 platform now sports a mid-drive motor and chain drive for optimised performance and reliability and an integrated MCU (Motor Control Unit) for better range and efficiency. Compared to the previous generation e-scooters, the Gen 3 offers 20 percent increase in peak power, 11 percent cost savings and 20 percent higher range.

Ola Electric shared that the Gen 3 platform also comes with category-first dual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and patented brake-by-wire technology for e-scooters.

On the other hand, the S1 Pro is powered by an 11 kW mid-drive motor, offers 4kWh and 3kWh variants with top speeds of 125 kmph and 117 kmph. It has a claimed range of 242 km and 176 km (IDC) respectively. Both accelerate 0-40 kmph in 2.7 seconds, featuring four riding modes – Hyper, Sports, Normal and Eco – plus single ABS and dual disc brakes. Available in Porcelain White, Industrial Silver, Jet Black, Stellar Blue and Midnight Blue, the S1 X+ flagship matches the 4kWh S1 Pro’s 125 kmph speed and 242 km range, adding new seat foam, sporty decals, a 4.3-inch display, a front disc brake, and colour options like Passion Red.

The S1 X, aimed at value-conscious buyers, comes in 4kWh, 3kWh and 2kWh variants with a 7kW motor, hitting claimed top speeds of 123 kmph, 115 kmph and 101 kmph, and ranges of 242 km, 176 km and 108 km (IDC). These accelerate 0-40 kmph in 3.0, 3.1 and 3.4 seconds, with a 4.3-inch display, decals, improved seating and four riding modes, available in five colours. The new Roadster X series starts at INR 74,999, with the Roadster X+ 4.5kWh at INR 104,999 and the 9.1kWh model (4680 Bharat Cell) at INR 154,999, offering a 501 km range.

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Kia UK is set to introduce its newest electric model, the EV2, to the public through a series of dedicated test drive events running from 16 April to 27 June 2026. The nationwide ‘First Drive Weekend’ initiative will see nearly all of the brand's 190 dealerships participate, providing customers with exclusive early access to this highly anticipated vehicle.

Structured around the theme of new beginnings, these events will offer attendees the first opportunity to engage with the EV2, explore Kia's latest electric design language and potentially take their first step into the brand's electric vehicle family. Given the limited capacity at each venue, interested individuals are advised to book their spots online in advance.

Taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, each event is designed to deliver a personalised and memorable experience. Guests will have a dedicated one-hour appointment, during which they will receive an expert-led walkaround of the vehicle, allowing for in-depth discussion and questions. This is followed by a comprehensive 30-minute test drive on a pre-planned route, giving participants a genuine feel for the car's performance and technology across different driving conditions. The experience concludes at the dealership, where attendees can continue exploring the Kia model range with the sales team.

The Kia EV2 itself represents a significant addition to the compact SUV market. Engineered and manufactured in Europe for European drivers, this model is Kia's smallest electric vehicle to date. Despite its compact dimensions of just over four metres, it offers remarkable interior space and up to 362 litres of boot capacity, a benefit of its dedicated electric platform. Customers will have a choice of two battery sizes, both capable of rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately half an hour.

The vehicle also introduces advanced technology typically found in larger, premium models. This includes a triple-screen display, over-the-air software updates and Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities. A standout feature is the Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the car to be manoeuvred from outside using the key fob. The design philosophy, named Opposites United, incorporates sustainable materials, bringing a sophisticated and connected experience to a more accessible price bracket.

This nationwide event series follows the successful introduction of other Kia electric models, such as the EV3 and EV6, through similar dealer-led programmes. Last year's comparable events for the EV4 and EV5 attracted over 15,000 reservations, highlighting strong public interest. Full UK pricing and specifications for the EV2 will be announced shortly, with the first customer deliveries anticipated before the end of the year.

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Kia Europe has announced a significant leadership appointment aimed at accelerating its push into the commercial electric vehicle sector. Erhan Eren has taken the role of Director for Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) with effecf from 1 March 2026, reinforcing the company's commitment to establishing a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem tailored for European markets.

Operating out of Kia's European headquarters in Frankfurt, Eren will be responsible for steering the strategic growth and practical deployment of the PBV portfolio across the region. His duties will encompass managing the entire PBV ecosystem, from crafting market entry strategies to ensuring seamless collaboration between the central headquarters, individual European markets and key conversion partners. A core part of his mandate will be to strengthen the regional PBV team and ensure that Kia's flexible, modular vehicle architecture is effectively localised through conversion and homologation to meet the specific demands of European fleet operators.

With a career spanning over 18 years in the commercial vehicle industry, Eren brings extensive expertise in trucks, buses and vans. His background includes significant leadership roles overseeing profit and loss, international market expansion and the introduction of advanced battery-electric and fuel-cell technologies. He has a proven track record in cultivating high-performance sales and service networks and developing customer-focused mobility solutions for various commercial sectors.

Eren's arrival coincides with a period of rapid progress for Kia's PBV initiative. The programme recently achieved a notable milestone as the Kia PV5 was named the International Van of the Year 2026, highlighting the brand's growing stature in the light commercial vehicle arena. The overarching PBV strategy is centred on a dedicated electric platform that utilises modular body designs, adaptable interiors and sophisticated connectivity features tailored for logistics, delivery and specialised applications. This integrated approach, which combines hardware, software and a network of conversion specialists, is designed to lower total ownership costs while providing superior operational flexibility.

The rollout of this new generation of vehicles commenced in late 2025 with the introduction of the PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants, followed by the PV5 Chassis Cab. Looking ahead, larger models like the PV7 and PV9 are planned, supporting Kia's ambitious global target of selling 250,000 electric PBV units annually by 2030.

Eren said, “Kia’s PBV strategy is redefining what businesses can expect from an electric vehicle, pairing a dedicated platform with modular flexibility and advanced connectivity. My priority is to ensure customers benefit from a seamless, reliable ecosystem – from strong product fundamentals to service, uptime support, converter integration and parts availability. This role brings together everything I value: practical innovation, purposeful transformation and creating real impact for customers.”

Sjoerd Knipping, COO, Kia Europe, said, “Kia is emerging as a game‑changer in commercial electric mobility and our PBV approach offers the B2B market a new standard in purpose‑built solutions. With his extensive experience in commercial mobility and electrified fleets, Erhan Eren will play a vital role in driving the next chapter of Kia’s PBV strategy in Europe.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the XEV 9e Cineluxe Edition at INR 2.93 million (ex-showroom), the edition is based on the top-tier Pack Three variant. Bookings for the vehicle open on 2 March 2026, with deliveries scheduled to commence on 10 March 2026.

The Cineluxe Edition introduces exclusive exterior options in Satin Black or Satin White. The interior features a colour scheme of Chestnut Brown and Nocturne Black with leatherette upholstery.

On the inside, it is designed around a triple HD display that spans the dashboard from coast to coast. Audio is provided by a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system featuring Dolby Atmos technology.

The XEV 9e Cineluxe Edition gets a 79 kWh battery pack providing a claimed range of over 500 km. Triple HD screen setup and a StraightAhead VisionX augmented reality (AR) heads-up display. HandsFree Park (Auto Park Assist) and EyeDentity Driver and Occupant Monitoring. Specific HVAC modes including Camp, Keep and PawPal. An Infinity Roof with ambient lighting offering 16 million colours.

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The Volvo EX30 has secured the Good Design Award for 2025, further cementing its status as a celebrated electric vehicle. This compact SUV distinguishes itself through Scandinavian design philosophy prioritising sustainability, achieving the lowest carbon footprint of any electric Volvo through innovative use of recycled and natural materials. The Transportation category award recognises excellence in design, innovation, and sustainability.

Since its summer 2023 debut, the EX30 has become an instant classic and the company’s first small SUV, expanding the electric portfolio while attracting new customer segments. With nearly 200,000 units sold and a driving range extending to 475 kilometres, the model has demonstrated considerable market appeal. Recent updates have further refined the vehicle following its successful launch.

The design challenge involved creating a premium, accessible electric vehicle with high sustainability performance. Designers fundamentally rethought conventional approaches, guided by a principle of achieving more with less. By maximising component functionality and reducing material requirements, they diminished environmental impact while increasing interior spaciousness and managing costs. This philosophy preserved classic Volvo principles of design, safety and sustainability while making them accessible to a wider audience.

Despite its compact dimensions, the EX30 maintains the confidence and Scandinavian simplicity characteristic of larger Volvo models. Its proportions maximise interior versatility through wheels positioned at the corners with equal overhangs, creating a long wheelbase and planted stance. The vehicle retains essential SUV qualities including versatility, elevated seating position and robust visual presence.

The Good Design programme, established in 1950 by the Chicago Athenaeum, stands among the world’s most respected design accolades. It annually honours products demonstrating aesthetic quality, functional excellence and social responsibility, criteria the EX30 fulfils comprehensively.

The Good Design Award 2025 represents the latest recognition for a model that has accumulated numerous major honours, including World Urban Car 2024, The Sun Car of the Year 2023, Red Dot Best of the Best Award 2024, Car Design Award 2024 and Top Gear Magazine Eco Warrior of the Year 2023. These accolades collectively affirm the EX30’s successful integration of sustainability, accessibility, and distinctive design.

Rekha Meena, Head – CMF Design, Volvo Cars, said, “We are honoured to see our small electric SUV recognised by the jury. The EX30 is designed to be our most sustainable car to date, without compromising on the premium experience and safety that our customers expect. Small yet mighty, the EX30’s smart Scandinavian design projects confidence, maturity and versatility while making it instantly recognisable as a Volvo.”

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