Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.

The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.

Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.

To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.

Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.

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VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.

The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.

First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.

The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.

Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."

Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."

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Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.

The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.

As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.

The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.

Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.

Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the MG Windsor INDULGE Edition at INR 1.79 million ex-showroom.

The MG Windsor INDULGE Edition features a dual-tone exterior with a Shadow Gold body finish paired with a black roof, black exterior mirror housings, 18-inch black alloy wheels and edition badges on the C-pillar.

The interior adopts a tan and black upholstery scheme, embroidered headrests, and a rear-seat entertainment display screen supplied as standard equipment, alongside rear cabin accessories including themed cushions and window sunshades. The EV retains its 38 kWh battery pack delivering 100 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a certified driving range of 332 kilometres per charge.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW MG Motor India, said, "The MG Windsor is an important product not only for us but for the EV segment, as it has encouraged many fence-sitters to embrace electric mobility. Reaching over 80,000 families in just 24 months is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the value the Windsor delivers to customers. Building on this success, the INDULGE Edition introduces exclusive enhancements and an elevated cabin experience, offering customers a more premium and personalised expression of the Windsor lifestyle. It reflects our commitment to continuously evolving the product in line with changing customer preferences while retaining the qualities that have made the Windsor a preferred choice in the EV segment."

The SUV retains its structural layout, including rear seatbacks capable of reclining up to 135 degrees and a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, as JSW MG Motor expands its electric vehicle lineup across domestic retail networks.

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