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.

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Pune-headquartered alternative energy vehicle manufacturer Blue Energy Motors (BEM) has launched its electric heavy-duty truck, which is equipped with battery swapping technology.

The truck was unveiled by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, at Blue Energy Motors’ Chakan facility in Pune. Fadnavis also inaugurated, what is claimed to be India’s first electric corridor from Mumbai–Pune, which is the first step in a plan to electrify national highway corridors over the next three years.

What’s more, Blue Energy Motors has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to set up a new facility with a capacity of 30,000 trucks, backed by an investment of INR 35 billion. The automaker has received strong demand for its e-trucks and has signed MoUs for over 10,000 units.

The new e-truck is designed for Indian conditions and follows the success of Blue Energy Motors’ LNG-powered fleet. It features an unlimited range with battery swapping, the highest payload in its category and Advanced Mobility Intelligence. The launch also introduces India’s first Energy-as-a-Service model for heavy-duty trucks.

Devendra Fadnavis, said, “This launch showcases Maharashtra’s leadership in sustainable innovation. Blue Energy Motors’ Made-in-India Electric Truck with Battery Swapping Technology, along with the Mumbai–Pune corridor, India’s first highway to go electric aligns seamlessly with the nation’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and for a greener, self-reliant future. I applaud their efforts in advancing both environmental sustainability and industrial growth”.

Anirudh Bhuwalka, Founder and Managing Director, Blue Energy Motors, said, “We believe that this is the beginning of the EV Revolution in India for heavy-duty trucks. Our electric truck delivers unlimited range through battery swapping, highest payload in its category and Advanced Mobility Intelligence for fleet reliability. The Mumbai–Pune corridor is the first step in building a nationwide network of sustainable logistics, driving India’s green freight future forward. With our Energy-as-a-Service model, we’re redefining fleet economics offering reduced upfront capital cost, lowest TCO with highest payload, minimal charging downtime and making it well-to-wheel green with renewable energy.”

Also read: Montra Electric Launches 55-Tonne Rhino E-Truck, Unveils Battery Swap Technology Too

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Simple Energy has partnered with Amazon India and Flipkart to make its electric scooters available online.

The collaboration will allow customers to browse, book and receive doorstep delivery of its electric scooters, the Simple One Gen 1.5 and Simple OneS. The move is intended to simplify the buying journey and expand the company’s reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Furthermore, Simple Energy is also offering discounts on both models as part of Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali sale.

Customers can avail up to INR 16,434 off through various bank and card offers, including discounts on HDFC Bank and Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Cards on Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival.

While Flipkart customers can get a flat discount of INR 7,500 on the Simple One and INR 5,000 on the Simple OneS, with potential additional savings using SBI and Flipkart Axis Bank cards. A 12-month no-cost EMI option is also available.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, “Diwali symbolises progress and new beginnings, making it the perfect moment to advance our mission of democratising electric mobility. Through our partnership with Amazon India and Flipkart, we are expanding our reach across India, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and offering a seamless, tech-first purchase experience that makes EV ownership simpler and more accessible than ever.”

At present, Simple Energy operates 57 showrooms across India and plans to expand its retail operations to include 150 new stores and 200 service centres across the country by FY 2026.

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Kinetic Watts & Volts, the electric vehicle division of the Kinetic Group, has opened its first exclusive 3S dealership in Pune, India.

The new facility is spread across 1,400 sqft, is located at Tingre Nagar, Pune and is owned and operated by Ravindra Sharad Bhelke. Additionally, a dedicated 1,050 sqft service facility, ‘Kinetic Lab,’ has been set up nearby in Dhanori to ensure aftersales support.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Kinetic Watts & Volts, said, “This is a proud and defining moment for Kinetic as we inaugurate our first exclusive EV showroom in India. Pune has always been special to us, it’s where our legacy began and now, where our EV journey takes shape. This launch represents not just a retail milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter in accessible, aspirational, and sustainable electric mobility for India.”

The new Kinetic EV range reimagines the iconic Kinetic DX as a family-friendly electric scooter. The line-up includes two variants: Kinetic DX and Kinetic ZX (formerly DX+).

Both models are powered by a 2.6 kWh Range-X LFP battery, which the company states offers up to four times longer life than NMC-based scooters.

The Kinetic DX is priced at INR 111,499 (ex-showroom, Pune) and Kinetic ZX (formerly DX+) is priced at INR 117,499 (ex-showroom, Pune).

Key features of the scooters include K-Coast regenerative braking, reverse assist and hill-hold assist, along with three ride modes: Range, Power, and Turbo. The ZX variant adds smart connectivity via the Telekinetic app, which provides real-time ride data, geo-fencing and intruder alerts. It also includes My Kiney Voice Alerts and a Kinetic Assist switch for CRM connection.

Ravindra Bhelke, Dealer Principal, Kinetic EV Vishrantwadi, said, “Becoming the first Kinetic EV dealer in India is both an honour and a responsibility. I have grown up seeing the trust people have in the Kinetic name, and now I am proud to bring its electric future to Pune. With this showroom and our dedicated service centre, our goal is to give every customer a premium, transparent and reliable experience, whether they are buying their first EV or upgrading from a traditional scooter.”

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Oben Electric, an Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced plans to expand its presence in Gujarat with 10 new showrooms and service centres set to open in 2026. The expansion will cover Ahmedabad and other cities including Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar.

At present, the company operates a showroom and an Oben Care service centre in Memnagar, Ahmedabad. The expansion follows the response to the company’s city commuter model, the Rorr EZ Sigma.

Sagar Thakkar, Co-Founder & CPO, Oben Electric, said, "The positive response we have received for Rorr EZ Sigma reinforces our belief that urban commuting is evolving towards electric motorcycles designed to meet the needs of daily commuters. Rorr EZ Sigma delivers effortless performance and the right balance of power, practicality, and connectivity for everyday riding. The encouraging response from customers in Gujarat has further strengthened our commitment to expand across key cities like Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Jamnagar, as we work towards making EV motorcycles more accessible for riders across the country.”

The Rorr EZ Sigma priced from INR 129,000, is available in 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh variants. Key features include – up to 175km range, top speed of 95 kmph, three ride modes – Eco, City, and Havoc. It uses the company’s patented LFP battery that is claimed to provide 50 percent higher heat resistance and a 2x lifecycle. It also gets features like reverse mode and a 5-inch TFT display with navigation and smart alerts.

At present, Oben Electric has over 50 showrooms nationwide and aims to reach 150 showrooms and service centres by the end of the fiscal year.

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