Greaves Cotton, a leading diversified engineering company, has announced the appointment of Ramachandra Puttanna as the new Business Head for EV Solutions & New Businesses within Greaves Retail.

In his new role, Puttanna will be responsible for driving the strategic growth plan for Greaves Retail’s electric vehicle (EV) components and new verticals. He will report to Narasimha Jayakumar, CEO, Greaves Retail, as Greaves continues to advance its strategy in sustainable mobility solutions across India.  

Greaves Retail is focussing on being a fuel-agnostic provider, delivering comprehensive sales, service, and spare parts solutions across three-wheelers (3W), two-wheelers (2W), small commercial vehicles (SCVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and construction equipment.

The company specialises in ensuring high vehicle uptime and maximised asset productivity, positioning it among the top three in the aftermarket segment. 

Puttanna come with over 35 years of extensive experience and has worked with companies such as Fenner India, Bosch India, Oman Trading, Magneti Marelli, and ZF Group.

Most recently, he served as Vice-President of the Aftermarket business at ZF Group, where he managed operations across India and the SAARC regions.

He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Mysore University, Puttanna has furthered his education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (Marketing) from Bangalore University and an Advanced Program in Business Management from IIM Bangalore.  

“I am honoured to join Greaves Cotton at this pivotal stage in the company’s journey towards sustainable mobility. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the growth of Greaves Retail’s new businesses and enhance our offerings for a broader range of customers,” said Puttanna.

Narasimha Jayakumar, CEO, Greaves Retail, said, “We are thrilled to have Ramachandra join us. His proven track record aligns well with our commitment to customer-centric, innovative solutions. Ramachandra’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing Greaves Retail’s new businesses.”

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Bengaluru-headquartered Ultraviolette Automotive has launched its second UV Space Station in South Delhi, increasing its retail and service network to 35 cities across India.

The experience centre, established in partnership with Moto Power Mobility, facilitates the sale and servicing of the X-47 Crossover and F77s electric motorcycles. This expansion follows the recent introduction of the company’s ‘Battery Flex’ (BaaS) platform and the UV Crossfade carbon-fibre helmet.

The X-47 Crossover and F77s are equipped with a powertrain delivering 40.2 hp and 100 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph in 2.8 seconds. It features a 10.3 kWh battery, the motorcycles provide an IDC range of 323 km on a single charge. The X-47 Crossover also includes a 77 GHz rear radar as standard, supporting the UV HyperSense Advanced Rider Assistance System, which provides blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist and rear collision warnings.

To increase accessibility, Ultraviolette has implemented the Battery Flex ownership model. This allows customers to purchase the X-47 Crossover chassis for INR 149,000, while subscribing to the battery via a monthly fee starting at INR 2,499. The South Delhi facility is designed to manage the entire customer lifecycle, including personalised test rides, sales and technical service.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “Delhi has always been at the forefront of change, and the Government’s active push towards electrification to counter the long-term impact of pollution- highlights the city’s commitment towards a sustainable and clean future. The launch of our second experience centre here is a strong reflection of the city’s growing demand for electric vehicles, as well as our commitment to deepening our presence in key markets. We are seeing a clear shift towards customers who value technology, design and safety, and Delhi embodies this evolution. As we continue to scale across India, our focus remains on building a robust, future-ready ecosystem and delivering a seamless, world-class ownership experience.”

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Isuzu Motors Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation have reached an agreement to collaborate on the development of a next-generation light-duty fuel cell (FC) electric truck.

The project aims to commence mass production in the 2027 financial year. The vehicle will be based on Isuzu’s ELF EV platform and will incorporate Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system.

The partnership focuses on the requirements of the logistics sector, where light-duty trucks are utilised for multiple daily deliveries to retail outlets. As these vehicles often operate for long hours and over long distances – frequently requiring energy for refrigeration – the companies have identified fuel cell technology as a solution to the charging time constraints associated with battery electric vehicles. Hydrogen provides a higher energy density, allowing for reduced refuelling times and extended driving ranges.

Technical development will involve the integration of Toyota's next-generation fuel cell stack to enhance vehicle durability. To address the high price point of hydrogen mobility, Isuzu is reviewing vehicle body structures and manufacturing processes, while Toyota focuses on innovations in fuel cell design. The collaboration will also draw upon data from the ERGA FCV bus project and social implementation trials conducted by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by national and local governments to expand hydrogen infrastructure. Isuzu intends to use this project to broaden its commercial vehicle options, while Toyota continues to develop technologies for the production, transport and storage of hydrogen. Both firms are working with regional businesses to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered transport and contribute to carbon-neutral logistics.

Image for representational purposes only.

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Yulu, the electric vehicle (EV) sharing platform, has recorded over 1 billion kilometres of travel in Bengaluru. The company operates a fleet of 22,500 EVs within the city, serving as a primary infrastructure for short-distance commutes and hyperlocal deliveries. Since its inception, the platform has supported 190 million deliveries and estimates that its operations have prevented 27 million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide emissions in the region.

The company's Bengaluru network covers major industrial and commercial hubs from Peenya to Whitefield and Hebbal to Electronic City, supported by 700 Yulu Zones and 16 centres.

At a national level, including operations in Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad, Yulu manages 46,000 EVs, which have collectively covered 2 billion kilometres. The platform utilises a vertically integrated technology stack, including AI-enabled fleet rebalancing and predictive maintenance, alongside the Yuma Energy network for battery swapping.

In the delivery sector, Yulu accounts for approximately 1 in 3 vehicles at local dark stores. During March 2026, the platform enabled nearly 300,000 deliveries per day, totalling 8.5 million for the month. The company reports that delivery partners using its electric scooters can reduce operational costs by 30-40 percent compared to petrol-powered alternatives. Beyond logistics, the service is also being adopted by professionals in the on-demand household services market.

Looking forward, Yulu plans to increase its Bengaluru fleet to between 35,000 and 40,000 vehicles over the next year. This expansion is intended to support a target of 20 million monthly deliveries while increasing the density of its service across urban neighbourhoods.

Amit Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO, Yulu, said, “Namma Bengaluru has always been at the heart of Yulu’s story. Today, nine years after we were founded in this very city, we are proud to remain the clear “first choice for the last mile”. The 1 billion-km milestone is just the beginning, as Yulu strives to make Bengaluru a national leader in technology-enabled EV adoption. As we look ahead to the future, Yulu remains committed to championing electric mobility that is not only sustainable, but also affordable and accessible to millions of Bengalureans and Indians.”

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VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of the global electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast, has launched the all-new VF MPV 7 specifically for Indian buyers. Priced at INR 2,449,000 ex-showroom, this premium electric seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle is engineered to deliver the space and adaptability that Indian families prioritise. The launch represents VinFast’s third product debut in the country within a single year, highlighting the company’s determination to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

Understanding that space is the top concern for multi-generational Indian households, the VF MPV 7 features a theatre style seating arrangement that ensures genuine comfort even in the third row. With a wheelbase measuring 2,840 mm, the vehicle comfortably accommodates seven passengers. Storage capacity reaches up to 1,240 litres, allowing ample room for luggage, daily necessities and various family lifestyle needs, making the vehicle practical for both routine commutes and longer journeys.

Powering the VF MPV 7 is a 60.13 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers an ARAI-certified range of 517 km on a full charge. Fast charging capability can replenish the battery from 10 to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. The front wheel drive system produces 150 kW and 280 Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds. The exterior is finished with all-LED lighting, giving the vehicle a genuinely premium look inside and out.

A comprehensive ownership package accompanies the VF MPV 7, featuring three years of free maintenance, a 10-year battery warranty, a 7-year vehicle warranty, a 5-year suspension warranty, a 7-year paint warranty and 7-years of roadside assistance. This package offers best in segment assurance for customers. The VF MPV 7 joins the VF 6 and VF 7 in VinFast India’s expanding lineup. All models are locally assembled at the company’s factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, following a production philosophy of building vehicles in India for India.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “The all-new VF MPV 7 is VinFast’s third product for India and is most suited for customers with large families. It is designed to offer generous space for every member of the family, comfort that makes even the longest journeys feel effortless and intelligent features that elevate every single drive. With the VF MPV 7, we are entering a new segment, but more importantly, we are expanding our commitment to India.”

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