EV fleet management SaaS startup Pulse Energy has launched the Paybox, an app-less method for turning on EV chargers, making charging easier for consumers worldwide. The 'Paybox' terminals will allow Charge Point Operators to easily implement the technology at their stations, catering to 2W, 3W and 4W electric vehicles. The terminals will be initially deployed with operators in Bangalore and Mumbai, before expanding nationwide.

To authorise a transaction, customers only need to approach these terminals, scan, swipe or enter their cards. They may proceed to the charger and just plug the cable in to begin charging as soon as the payment is accepted. The terminal will notify the user of the status throughout this period using the charging operator's mobile app or WhatsApp. Additionally, these terminals can also be integrated with ‘Fastag’ and ‘NFC tap and pay’.

Akhil Jayaprakash, Founder, Pulse Energy, said, “Our goal with Paybox is financial inclusion. There is an underserved segment of the population that’s not very tech savvy, if we truly need to transition to an EV only world, we need to cater our products to all segments of our population. For network operators, adding a terminal is going to be an additive move over and above their existing efforts.  Our goal is to surpass 5,000 transactions per day through Paybox by the end of H1 2025.”

Pune-headquartered leading mobility solutions company KPIT Technologies has announced a collaboration with Trentar Energy Solutions. As per the understanding, KPIT Technologies is set to transfer its sodium-ion battery technology to Trentar Energy Solutions to operationalise and commercialise it further.

It was in December 2023, KPIT unveiled its sodium-ion technology, which it claimed had 80 percent capacity retention for 3000-6000 cycles and offered faster charging capabilities compared to lithium batteries. Furthermore, given the abundance availability of raw materials, the sodium-ion battery technology would make for an ideal energy source for electrifying two-, three-, four-wheelers and public transportation, as well as in the marine and defence sectors.

The technology transfer agreement includes Trentar investing in the manufacturing capacity of 3GWH sodium-ion batteries and KPIT receiving upfront technology transfer fees and additional royalty fees over 8 years.

Ravi Pandit, Chairman, KPIT Technologies, said, “Building sustainable mobility technologies is at the heart of KPITs vision. Sodium-ion battery technology was born from the team's passion, perseverance, and synergetic collaboration with leading research institutes. We are pleased to have this agreement with Trentar, who will further operationalise and commercialise this technology for multiple market opportunities. KPIT will continue to work on several other sustainable technology solutions.”

Subodh Menon, Founder & Vice Chairman, Trentar, said, “With its cost-effectiveness, simplified supply chain, and enhanced safety, sodium-ion technology represents a strategic focus for our organisation. We are committed to developing a robust technological product line in this space, catering to diverse customers across mobility and energy storage verticals. This marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and scalable energy for the future.”

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle start-up Simple Energy has launched the updated Gen 1.5 version of its flagship e-scooter, the Simple One. It claims the new version has an IDC range of 248km compared to the 212km on Gen 1.

Furthermore, the Gen 1.5 Simple One also gets new features thanks to the software capabilities such as – app integration, navigation, updated ride modes, park assist, OTA updates, regenerative braking, trip history & statistics, customisable dash themes, find my vehicle feature, rapid brake, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), USB charging port, auto brightness, and tones/sound.

The updated model will continue to be priced at INR 166,000 (ex-showroom Bengaluru), which also includes a 750W charger. Existing Simple One e-scooter owners will also get the new features via software updates.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, "At Simple Energy, we believe in truly understanding our customers’ needs and constantly refining our products to keep up with them. Our journey started with five years of rigorous R&D before launching our first product, and our passion for innovation has only grown stronger since. We know how important it is for riders to have a mobility solution without the stress of range anxiety. That’s why our team has been hard at work, introducing new updates to the Simple One – enhancing key features and extending the range to make every ride even more efficient. We’re incredibly happy to introduce the Simple One Gen 1.5, a smarter, more efficient ride. With our expansion plans in motion, we can't wait to bring the Simple experience to even more EV enthusiasts across the country.”

At present, the company has 10 stores across Bengaluru, Goa, Pune, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Vizag and Kochi. Going forward, it aims to expand its presence to 23 states with 150 new stores and service centres. 

With an engaging and immersive approach to SUV sales and service, Mahindra is revolutionising the automotive consumer journey. Inspired by its Heartcore Design concept, Mahindra's next-generation dealerships will provide a high-end, tech-driven and interactive experience for its whole range of ICE SUVs and Electric Origin vehicles, from showroom to service bay.

With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the revamped showrooms is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. To mark this transformation, Mahindra dealerships and service centres will host a nationwide celebration featuring personalised showroom walkthroughs, immersive test-drive experiences and interactive tech showcases. Visitors will get an exclusive chance to engage with expert sales consultants, enjoy themed giveaways and explore innovative financing options like the ‘Three for Me’ programme. This lively celebration culminates on 14 February, when reservations for all nine BE 6 and XEV 9e versions open at 9:00 AM.

Mahindra’s redesigned dealerships will provide a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies, from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, as well as Sonic Studio Experience with a 1,400-watt, 16-speaker Harman Kardon system featuring Dolby Atmos. Moreover, 500 specialists from luxury and premium brands will provide tailored consultations to customers. On the after-sales front, Mahindra is setting a new benchmark with dedicated service bays for eSUVs, predictive diagnostics tailored for software-driven vehicles, strategically located nationwide network for seamless EV battery care and a 400-strong team of Mahindra Tech Experts, supported by engineers from Mahindra Research Valley (MRV).

Additionally, Mahindra is introducing CHARGE.IN, a specialised EV charging vertical with over 350 professionals providing customised charging solutions. CHARGE.IN will provide uncomplicated electric mobility through home charger installations and smooth interaction with India's fastest-growing DC charging network. Furthermore, Mahindra's Me4U app, which offers real-time order monitoring, test drive reservations and car analytics even prior to delivery, will improve the whole ownership experience from pre-sales to sales and after-sales. Featuring live vehicle status, remote controls and energy management post-delivery, the app is set to provide seamless integration with 50 percent of India’s fastest-charging DC chargers by March 2025.

The CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Thomas Schäfer, revealed ideas for the core brand's future at a recent works meeting in Wolfsburg. A glimpse of the upcoming entry-level electric car from the Volkswagen brand was also shared with staff members for the first time. In early March, Volkswagen intends to unveil the new entry-level model's show car to the public. The production model is expected to make its global debut in 2027. The new entry-level electric vehicle will appeal to a wide range of user groups due to its basic price of under EUR 20,000.

One of the main pillars of the brand's future strategy will be affordable entry-level mobility in the electric age. The new electric vehicle is a member of the new electric compact car family that was created under the Volkswagen Group's Brand Group Core, together with the production version of the ID. 2all. Compact all-electric cars based on the latest phase of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform's development are part of the model family. As Volkswagen's first all-electric compact vehicle, the production version of the ID. 2all will be the first new model to hit showrooms in 2026. It will start at less than EUR 25,000.

Emphasising that the Wolfsburg plant would remain the heart of the Volkswagen brand in the electric age, Schäfer said, “The Wolfsburg plant has a clear perspective for the future. The agreed relocation of the Golf to Mexico will free up space for advanced technologies. In Hall 54, new production procedures will be introduced. We intend to produce the electric Golf successor on the new SSP platform there, as well as the high-volume electric T-Roc. This way, we will be making Wolfsburg the capital of our new all-electric compact class.”

Cavallo, Chairperson of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, said, “As the heart of the Group, Wolfsburg will face crucial tasks which we intend to tackle with determination. Technical Development will be performing pioneering work for all the other passenger car brands with the SSP platform, which will be used throughout the Group. This lever will be just as important for our future success as our platform strategy for our current ICE models. At our main plant, we will not only be working on development but also producing strongly over the next few years. The future electric flagships – the Golf and the T-Roc produced in Wolfsburg – currently represent a volume in excess of 500,000 units per year. The main plant has therefore secured a highly attractive vehicle segment and will be continuing the tradition of the Golf from Wolfsburg, which has a history of more than 50 years. It will now be crucial to work consistently on the preparations required for success in the years to come. The Board of Management will need to deliver and to set a new course in terms of complexity, work procedures and synergy effects. The Works Council and top management will cooperate closely on these developments. Our cooperation will include a joint progress meeting every quarter.”