Chennai-based EV startup Raptee.HV today launched India’s first high-voltage electric motorcycle, the T 30. The motorcycle is the first in India to adopt universal charging standards used by electric cars and can deliver a performance rivalling the 250-300 cc ICE counterparts with significantly less heat.

The motorcycle comes with an onboard charger, making it compatible with the 13,500 CCS2 car charging stations available across the country. Claiming an IDC Est range of around 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km on a single charge, the motorcycle can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in under 3.5 seconds. The motorcycle comes with an IP67-rated battery pack, with an 8-year/80,000-km warranty, providing peace of mind and long-term value to customers.

The motorcycle will come in four dynamic colours – Horizon Red, Arctic White, Mercury Grey and Eclipse Black – for a price tag of INR 239,000. The deliveries will commence in Chennai and Bangalore from January, with plans to expand to other key cities based on the propensity for mid-premium motorcycles and the adoption of electric mobility in these selected markets.

Raptee.HV is also coming up with a factory-integrated experience centre, dubbed the ‘Tech store.HV’, at its Chennai headquarters to offer full immersive experiences to its customers, which includes a factory tour to show how motorcycles are being built. To ensure a seamless customer experience, Raptee.HV will also have a wide range of direct-to-consumer offerings.

Dinesh Arjun, Co-founder & CEO, Raptee.HV, said, “Our goal was never to create an electric version of an ICE motorcycle, but to do justice to motorcycling with truly pioneering tech. We have taken the core of advanced electric car tech and engineered it for motorcycles. Launching India’s first high-voltage electric motorcycle was a technical challenge from the very beginning. Over the last five years, the amazing team at Raptee has had to build the entire architecture from scratch to make HV on 2Wheelers possible. That we have succeeded is a testament to what can be achieved with the right vision and a focus on innovation. We believe our HV technology is the missing piece of the puzzle that will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles and revolutionise how motorcycles will be built in the future.”

Jayapradeep Vasudevan, CBO, Raptee.HV, said, “We are extremely excited to witness the passion and innovation coming to life as we launch our first motorcycle, setting new standards in the electric two-wheeler industry. The Indian motorcycle market is twice the size of the scooter market, and the low EV penetration in this larger segment presents a huge opportunity for us to explore, starting with our flagship model, the T30. As a team, we are fully committed to building the Raptee.HV brand by delivering a customer experience that matches the high standards of our motorcycles. In today’s context, automobiles, especially electric vehicles, are increasingly becoming electronics and software-driven, much like consumer durable products. With this in mind, we are inspired by premium consumer durable brands in shaping our approach to customer service. We plan to introduce a wide range of digital and direct-to-consumer offerings to ensure that our customers enjoy a seamless ownership journey with Raptee.HV. Our network expansion will be rolled out in phases, starting with company-owned experience centres in Chennai and Bangalore. By learning from these initial markets, we will strategically expand into other regions and international markets at the right time over the next few years. We have a clear strategic roadmap for the next five years and aim to become a significant player in EV industry in the years to come.”

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Simple Energy has expanded its presence in Eastern India with the opening of its first retail outlet in Siliguri in partnership with CTA Connect.

The new Simple Store spread across 2,400 sqft, functions as a 3S facility, providing sales, service and spares in a single location. It will act as a hub for the brand in the region, which serves as a gateway to Northeast India.

The Siliguri store showcases the second-generation models of the Simple One series, which are designed for long-distance commuting with high-capacity battery integration.

The available models include:

• Simple One Gen 2 (5 kWh): Delivers an IDC range of 265 km. Priced from INR 177,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).
• Simple OneS Gen 2: Delivers an IDC range of 191 km. Priced at INR 149,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).

With this launch, Simple Energy now operates 63 outlets across India, including locations in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The company has confirmed plans to open further stores in Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar in the coming months as part of its national network ramp-up.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, stated, “The launch of our first Simple Store in Siliguri marks an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s presence in eastern India. As a key gateway to the Northeast, the city presents strong potential for electric mobility. With our 3S setup, we are bringing the Simple Energy experience closer to customers - from discovering our products to seamless after-sales support. We are excited to introduce our long-range, high-performance scooters to riders in Siliguri and remain committed to accelerating the transition to electric mobility across the region.”

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Vingroup has launched a multi-market initiative called ‘Trade Gas for Electric’, responding to fluctuations in global fuel prices by incentivising a shift to electric mobility across Vietnam, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. The programme provides additional discounts for customers who replace their old gasoline-powered vehicles with new VinFast electric models. During the promotional period, those making the switch will receive an extra three percent off electric cars and a five percent discount on electric scooters, applied on top of existing incentives already available in each market.

In alignment with this effort, the broader Vingroup ecosystem is also enhancing affordability. GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company, operating as Xanh SM in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia, has implemented a temporary fare reduction. From 11 to 31 March 2026, customers using its electric mobility services will benefit from a 10 percent decrease in fares, offering an economical and eco-conscious travel alternative. This reduction applies across the specified markets, reinforcing the group's commitment to accessible green transport.

The layered incentives are designed to accelerate the transition away from gasoline dependency, providing financial relief and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. By layering these new discounts with existing programmes, Vingroup aims to make electric vehicle adoption more attainable. Depending on international developments and future shifts in fuel costs, the campaign may see an extension, reflecting the company’s dedication to fostering a cleaner living environment and greater economic stability for communities.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, said, “The special 'Trade Gas for Electric' programme launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”

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Samarth E-Mobility has announced the development of a 100 percent indigenous electric vehicle (EV) technology platform. Engineered and manufactured in India, the full-stack system integrates critical components including the battery pack, motor and power electronics, which will power the company’s upcoming electric motorcycle.

The platform was developed over three years at the company’s R&D facility in Kalol, Gujarat. It features in-house hardware and software, including a battery management system (BMS), motor controller, power control module (PCM), DC-DC converter and an AI-controlled onboard fast charger with a 1500W capacity.

Samarth E-Mobility has completed homologation for its battery pack through NATRAX, while its BMS has been validated by iCAT. The technology has undergone 51,000 km of real-world riding and 3,400 km of torture testing to ensure reliability across Indian climatic conditions.

It has developed rare-earth-free motor, 1500W onboard fast charger with AI control and proprietary operating system and instrument cluster.

The company stated its manufacturing facility in Chhatral, Gujarat, has a monthly capacity of 45,000 units for the new products.

The company operates a 150,000 sqft manufacturing site, providing an annual capacity of over 500,000 units. By producing the technology stack in-house, the firm aims to reduce import dependency and build domestic intellectual property within the electric two-wheeler value chain.

Priyank Rakholiya, Co-Founder, Samarth E-Mobility, said, “India’s EV transition demands more than assembly-driven solutions. It requires deep engineering, indigenous innovation and products designed ground-up for Indian riders. At Samarth E-Mobility, we have spent the last three years building our entire technology stack in-house from battery systems and software architecture to motor and power electronics. Our endeavour is to enter the electric motorcycle segment, backed by validated technology, patented designs, and a clear vision to deliver reliable, high-performance electric mobility solutions. We will soon launch our brand in the premium aspirational space, reinforcing our commitment to building a truly self-reliant EV ecosystem in India.”

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CUPRA has unveiled an evolved version of its first all-electric model, the CUPRA Born, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to challenging conventions. The vehicle has been comprehensively re-engineered to offer a more intense and emotionally engaging driving experience, marked by striking exterior updates, a refined cabin and enhanced technology.

The exterior evolution embraces CUPRA’s dynamic design language, featuring newly sculpted front and rear bumpers. Distinctive triangular Matrix LED headlights complement a prominent illuminated CUPRA logo, which is now seamlessly integrated into the three-dimensional rear light cluster, enhancing the car’s visual presence.

On the interior front, the focus is on driver engagement and elevated quality. A redesigned steering wheel now incorporates intuitive physical controls, while new door panels contribute to a more premium feel. The immersive digital environment is amplified by a larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit, supported by an augmented reality head-up display. The auditory experience has also been transformed, with a Sennheiser Contrabass sound system delivering deep, immersive bass, while a newly developed Interior Sound Signature strengthens the connection between the driver and the machine.

Performance remains a core pillar, with the new Born intensifying every journey through its hallmark electrifying dynamics. Drivers can select from four distinct motor and battery configurations. Features such as launch control, a new One Pedal Driving System and wider tyres for both 19- and 20-inch wheels further sharpen the driving experience. This performance is matched by an updated suite of safety systems, including Travel Assist 3.0 with cloud-enhanced functionality, new Crossroad Assist, an upgraded Front Assist and pre-crash protection with rear detection.

The new Born offers flexible powertrain choices to suit different needs. The V1 and V2 versions, equipped with a 58-kWh battery, achieve an estimated range of around 279 miles (approximately 449 km). For extended range, both these models and the range-topping VZ version can be specified with a 79-kWh battery, targeting approximately 372 miles (approximately 598 km). Personalisation is available through six exterior colours, including the newly introduced Timanfaya Grey.

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