Besides e-commerce, parcel and courier, FMCG, industrial goods, organised retail, white goods, beverages and LPG, Switch Mobility is looking at municipal applications for functions such as waste management and tipping on the back of inquiries. The company is also looking at container (reefer) applications for its IeV 3 and IeV 4 against inquires. 

As electric vehicles with a payload of 1,200 kg and 1,700 kg respectively, the IeV 3 and IeV 4 make zero tailpipe emission vehicles in an urban landscape that are considerably less costly to operate. What is interesting is that the IeV 4 with a payload of 1,700 kg is in a ‘spot’ where there is no competition. It is competing with ICE vehicles like the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost (with which it shares the platform) and the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up range, promising in-turn a much lower operating cost. 

The higher initial acquisition cost a challenge, the Switch IeV 3 and IeV 4 are backed by a three-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and five-year/150,000 km battery warranty. While the battery of the IeV 4 takes four hours to charge with a 32 Ampere AC charger and eight hours with a 15 Ampere AC Charger, the battery of the IeV 3 takes three hours 30 minutes to charge with a 32 Ampere AC charger and eight hours and 15 minutes to charge with a 15 Ampere AC charger.

Observing that the company has gained a good understanding of the market and customers with more than 600 inquiries and delivery of over 300 vehicles, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility, during a media interaction in Chennai averred, “For the IeV 3, we have got over 105 inquiries.” 

Observing that the electric cargo three-wheeler market is about 2,000-3,000 units per month, Mahesh Babu explained that what needs to be considered in the case of electric cargo vehicles is the salary of the driver which is going up among other factors such as the turnaround time. “If the turnaround time is less, the driver salary, loan EMI etc. will be lower and attract a shift to e-trucks of about one-tonne payload capacity that could carry between 50 to 200 parcels,” he added. 

Stating that the cost per parcel will be economical and the e-truck could be deployed for more than one application, Mahesh Babu said, “The ‘leap of faith’ will be done by fleet operators (as organised players) since the technology is new.” “Retail buyers will start once they see the proof of economics,” he added. 

Stressing that this happened in electric three-wheelers and will happen in electric four-wheelers as well, Mahesh Babu articulated, “The FAME subsidy is needed to accelerate EV adoption, which is at less than one percent.” “As an industry, we are preparing to survive without subsidies. From April, whatever we have sold is without subsidy, proving that our products offer value,” he added.   

Confident of getting good numbers by the end of this fiscal through existing and new new applications such as municipal waste management, tipping and reefer container (for perishable goods), Switch Mobility is working with multiple customers and indulging in concept sale rather than a walk-in sale. 

About 8,000 to 10,000 km of test drives are carried out every month with demo vehicles at the dealers by the company as part of its concept sale strategy.

JSW MG Motor India is set to expand its EV portfolio with the MG Windsor Pro, which is set to be introduced on 6 May 2025.

The MG Windsor Pro is expected to offer a higher range, more features, improved safety and minor design tweaks. While technical details are yet to be released, it is safe to understand that the company is looking to further drive sales of its popular EV, targeting a new set of customers.

Launched on 11 September 2024, the company positioned the Windsor as a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) and the most comfortable EV in its segment.

The Windsor EV has already surpassed 20,000 units sales since launch, and has been the highest selling electric passenger vehicle for the last several months in a row.

Gujarat-headquartered electric vehicle maker Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, the maker of ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’ brand, has reported a consolidated net profit of INR 63.6 million for FY2025, maintaining profitability for the fifth consecutive year despite industry headwinds and a 5.1 percent drop in annual revenue.

The company’s total consolidated revenue stood at INR 3.04 billion, down from INR 3.2 billion last year. However, EBITDA rose 13.9 percent YoY to INR 3.6 billion, and EBITDA margins improved by 222 basis points to 12.11 percent, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency.

Despite a 52.7 percent YoY dip in PAT, largely due to a high base in FY2024, Wardwizard remained in the black – underscoring resilience amid a challenging EV market environment.

Yatin Sanjay Gupte, Chairman & MD, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, said, “While annual revenues saw a slight decline, EBITDA rose 14 percent YoY. Our profitable performance, sustained for five consecutive years, sets us apart and reinforces the strength of our strategy.”

In Q4 FY25 (Jan–Mar 2025), the company recorded a 62.2 percent YoY rise in PAT to INR 64.5 million, with EBITDA nearly doubling to INR 1.8 billion. PAT margins for the quarter expanded to 5.91 percent, and EBITDA margins reached 17.26 percent, reflecting improved product mix and cost optimisation.

During the last fiscal, the company deployed over 400 electric two-wheelers across major cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad as well as the launch of L5 electric rickshaws in Maharashtra. Ongoing partnerships and a USD 1.29 billion EV initiative in the Philippines are expected to drive future growth.

“With continued innovation and targeted execution, we are building a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” Gupte added.

OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV) has appointed Ajay Dhiman as the new President – Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its electric vehicle and EV components business.

In this strategic leadership role, Dhiman will be responsible for operations and technology functions spanning manufacturing, R&D, product development, quality, sourcing, supply chain and business strategy.

He joins OPG Mobility with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and EV sectors. He previously served as Senior Vice-President at Revolt Motors, where he is said to play a key role across CXO-level functions and was instrumental in accelerating product development and delivering high-quality electric mobility solutions. His career includes leadership stints at Honda, Renault-Nissan, Subros and Sonalika Group, contributing across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler segments.

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, OPG Mobility, said, “We are delighted to have Ajay Dhiman join our leadership team at a pivotal moment in OPG Mobility's journey. As we step up our presence in the EV ecosystem, Ajay’s deep experience in product development and operations will be invaluable in scaling our EV and components business. His thorough knowledge of both legacy systems and new mobility technologies will drive value, innovation, and faster execution across our transformation journey.”

Ajay Dhiman, added, “It’s an honour to join OPG Mobility at such a transformative time. The brand’s vision of delivering inclusive and innovative electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with my passion for engineering excellence, innovative products and future-focused manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with the leadership and teams to strengthen our product pipeline, accelerate product innovation, strengthen our technological edge, enhance operational excellence, and scale solutions that support India’s evolving mobility needs. We aim to position OPG Mobility as a frontrunner in shaping India’s electric mobility revolution.”

The Maharashtra government has given rolled out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 for a period of five years (till 2030) with an estimated outlay of INR 19.93 billion.

The forward-looking policy aims to not only incentivise purchase of electric vehicles, but also aims to boost adoption and real-world usage.

As per the policy, certain EVs plying on highways will be given a toll waiver, EV charging infrastructure strengthened with an ambition have charging facilities every 25km on the national highways.

Electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, private four-wheelers, state transport corporation buses, private buses and transport undertaking under civic bodies will get concession of 10 percent on purchase of an EV on the original cost. For goods carrying three-wheelers, four-wheelers and electric tractors will be eligible to a concession of 15 percent.

The government has also waived off registration fee on EVs. Lastly, electric four-wheelers and buses will also get toll exemption on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Atal Setu, Samruddhi Mahamarg, along with 50 percent concession on state and other national highways.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, "The state government has approved a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, under which passenger EVs will be given subsidies. EV manufacturing and their use should increase in the state."