Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) unveiled the Innova HyCross today. The Innova HyCross is a self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV).

TKM claims that the Innova HyCross is powered by fifth generation self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric system, with a TNGA 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and a monocoque frame with an e-drive sequential shift, delivering a max power output of 137 kW (186 PS). According to TKM, this provides rapid acceleration and best in-segment fuel economy. The TNGA 2.0 litre four-cylinder gasoline engine is also mated to a direct shift CVT in select grades, delivering an output of 128 kW (174 PS).

Present at the launch in Mumbai, Hideki Mizuma, Chief Engineer, Innova, Toyota, said, “Innova has become an iconic vehicle in India’s mobility journey and is a household name. Today, we are happy to launch the all new Innova HyCross for our Indian customers. The self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle, with the spaciousness of an MPV and proportions and poise of an SUV, is loaded with features to meet the aspirations of Indian customers. This feature-packed vehicle is intended for those who seek safety and comfort while travelling and would love to be a part of the new Innova HyCross family. The latest fifth generation self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric system, built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) 2.0-litre gasoline engine provides exceptional fuel efficiency, performance and quick acceleration, and is sure to be a game-changer in this segment.”

Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “It has been an amazing year as we celebrate 25 glorious years of Toyota in India. At TKM, sustainability continues to be at the core of our business and with an unprecedented increase in carbon emissions globally, we firmly believe that its HY time to shift gears for a greener future. In this direction, we have adopted clean and green solutions across all our operations and value chain, so that the green products that we offer to our customers are also manufactured in green factories. Additionally, we are relentlessly working towards creating a local manufacturing eco-system for green technologies, not only for India but also for the world. With the launch of the new Innova HyCross, we are redefining the paradigm and redrawing boundaries of technological and product excellence, while taking customer experience to a new HY like never before.”

Also present at the event, an elated Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said “Ever since our inception, TKM has focused on complete peace of mind for our customers. One of our biggest success stories here has been the iconic Innova, that keeps finding continued appreciation and love, across the country. Being the undisputed leader of the MPV segment, the Innova has found its home in more than a million households in India, reflecting our core DNA of quality, durability and reliability, made possible through highly skilled global competitive manpower. Our customers’ trust in the brand has motivated us to make ever better ‘fun to drive’ cars and bring in latest global technologies to India, thereby bringing ‘mass happiness to all’. We are confident that the new Innova HyCross will carry forward the brand legacy and take customer delight to a new HY.”

Features of Innova HyCross
Designed for family needs, the Innova HyCross is a vehicle for every occasion delivering glamour, toughness, comfort, safety and advanced technology. Drawing inspiration from Toyota’s global SUV heritage, this latest vehicle features a muscular and tough design, with ample space, states TKM. This ample space provides flexible and comfortable seating for all. As per TKM, the vehicle is aimed at families wanting a vehicle that can handle rough roads, and provide a seamless, fatigue-free drive.

Other key features

Exterior features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Front grille with gun metal finish
- Automatic LED headlamps with auto high beam
- First in segment dual function Daytime Running Light (DRL)

Interior features / comfort and convenience
- The first in-segment features include a paddle shift, powered ottoman second row seats, front ventilated seats, air conditioner (dual zone – front and rear zone), rear retractable sunshade, electrochromic inner rear view mirror (EC IRVM) and power back door.

- Large TFT multi-information display
- Driver seat memory and slide return and away function
- Indirect blue ambient illumination

Infotainment system
- Connected 25.65 cm (10.1”) connected display audio with premium, JBL 9 speaker (including subwoofer)
- Toyota connected car technology - iConnect

Safety features
- TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE (TSS), which includes safety features like a dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, etc.
- 6 SRS airbags
- rear disc brakes
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and hill start assist
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Panoramic view monitor with dynamic back guide

The Innova HyCross features a tough, muscular exterior design. TKM claims that the raised bonnet line, a large hexagonal gunmetal finish grille, automatic LED headlamps, super chrome alloy wheels and a wider bumper further enhance its sophisticated and rugged look. Also complementing the look are the bigger tyres with shorter overhangs, along with a more curved rear to augment the SUV stance. 

Moreover, according to TKM, the car provides unmatched comfort and convenience through a raised eye point and the newly-introduced Ventilated Front Seats that take care of the hot Indian summers. For the second row, the 25.65 cm (10.1″) connected display audio with JBL premium nine speaker system (including subwoofer), segment-first powered Ottoman second row seats and multi-zone A/C combine, offer a luxurious experience. TKM states that the flat floor design, wheelbase of 285 cm (longest in the segment) and platform width enhancement further ensure a spaciousness for extended family and friends to travel together. Additionally, the power back door and tilt-down seats ensure maximum space utilisation and enhanced luggage space.

As per TKM, the Innova HyCross is available in super white, platinum white pearl, silver metallic, attitude black mica, sparkling black pearl crystal shine, avant grade bronze metallic and a new colour – blackish ageha glass flake. The Interiors in black and with two new colours – chestnut and black and dark chestnut – reflect a premium impression.

TKM states that the car offers a warranty of three years/100,000 kilometres and an option of extended warranty of up to five years/220,000 kilometres, three years free roadside assistance, attractive financial schemes and eight years/160,000 kilometres warranty on the hybrid battery.

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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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