Pune-headquartered leading mobility solutions company KPIT Technologies has announced a collaboration with Trentar Energy Solutions. As per the understanding, KPIT Technologies is set to transfer its sodium-ion battery technology to Trentar Energy Solutions to operationalise and commercialise it further.

It was in December 2023, KPIT unveiled its sodium-ion technology, which it claimed had 80 percent capacity retention for 3000-6000 cycles and offered faster charging capabilities compared to lithium batteries. Furthermore, given the abundance availability of raw materials, the sodium-ion battery technology would make for an ideal energy source for electrifying two-, three-, four-wheelers and public transportation, as well as in the marine and defence sectors.

The technology transfer agreement includes Trentar investing in the manufacturing capacity of 3GWH sodium-ion batteries and KPIT receiving upfront technology transfer fees and additional royalty fees over 8 years.

Ravi Pandit, Chairman, KPIT Technologies, said, “Building sustainable mobility technologies is at the heart of KPITs vision. Sodium-ion battery technology was born from the team's passion, perseverance, and synergetic collaboration with leading research institutes. We are pleased to have this agreement with Trentar, who will further operationalise and commercialise this technology for multiple market opportunities. KPIT will continue to work on several other sustainable technology solutions.”

Subodh Menon, Founder & Vice Chairman, Trentar, said, “With its cost-effectiveness, simplified supply chain, and enhanced safety, sodium-ion technology represents a strategic focus for our organisation. We are committed to developing a robust technological product line in this space, catering to diverse customers across mobility and energy storage verticals. This marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and scalable energy for the future.”

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VIDA, Powered by Hero MotoCorp, has introduced the VIDA VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition, a special retail offering unveiled at Knights Unplugged 3.0. Drawing inspiration from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ fierce identity and decorated legacy, this electric scooter incorporates the franchise’s signature Knight Purple and Gold into the VX2’s modern aesthetic. A golden halftone gradient featuring micro-dotted patterns transitions subtly across a pearl black body, while three distinctive accent marks pay tribute to the team’s three championship victories.

The vehicle made its public debut with the full KKR squad in attendance and is now available for purchase through select VIDA outlets. Its design stays true to the VX2 Plus’s youthful appeal, characterised by clean surfaces and a sleek profile. A standout LED headlamp with integrated turn signals, complemented by unique daytime running lights at both ends, creates a bold lighting signature that captures the energy where speed meets stadium excitement.

Alongside this limited run, fans can also acquire a matching KKR-themed helmet in the team’s official colours. Adding to the collaboration, VIDA has launched the ‘VIDA Electrifying Player of the Match’ initiative: for every KKR win, a player chosen by the team management will receive a personalised VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition bearing their name and jersey number during a post-match ceremony.

Kausalya Nandakumar, Chief Business Officer, VIDA, powered by Hero MotoCorp, said, “The launch of KKR Limited Edition VX2 Plus reflects Hero MotoCorp’s approach of blending distinctive design with culturally relevant collaborations. By bringing together the bold identity of the Kolkata Knight Riders and VIDA’s electric mobility platform, the initiative adds a unique dimension to the brand’s engagement in the T20 season through meaningful cultural and sporting association. The special Edition VX2 Plus further strengthens our commitment to sustainable mobility with the electrifying energy of one of the most celebrated teams in the league.”

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer, Kolkata Knight Riders, said, "At Kolkata Knight Riders, we have always believed in building partnerships that go beyond visibility and create genuine value for our fans and partners alike. Our collaboration with VIDA reflects that philosophy, bringing together innovation in electric mobility with the spirit and identity of the KKR brand. The VX2 Plus KKR Limited Edition is a unique way to extend the Knight Riders experience beyond the field, offering fans a product that embodies performance, sustainability and the distinctive ethos of our franchise."

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VinFast Auto India has opened its 50th retail location nationwide, a new 3S dealership in Bengaluru that highlights the company’s accelerating push to bring premium electric vehicles closer to Indian consumers. Situated on Hosur Road in Electronic City, the facility spans over 11,500 square feet and was developed with dealer partner PPS Motors LLP under the leadership of Raaj Sekar. Designed to global retail standards, it combines a modern 2,500-square-foot showroom with full-service capabilities to create an immersive brand experience supported by dedicated sales and after-sales teams.

The milestone is part of a broader expansion strategy aiming for 75 dealerships across more than 60 cities by year’s end, reaching beyond major metros into emerging markets. To support seamless ownership, VinFast is building an integrated EV ecosystem spanning manufacturing, retail, charging, after-sales and a circular battery value chain, working with banks and partners. Its VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs have earned five-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings and come with roadside assistance, three years of free maintenance and warranties up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model.

Customer-focused programmes further lower adoption barriers. The Value Assured initiative provides a predefined resale value after several years, while extended free charging on the V-Green network runs through March 2029, offering up to three years of zero fuel costs. Additionally, parent company Vingroup’s ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ campaign gives an extra three percent discount until March 2026 to encourage switching from internal combustion vehicles.

Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India, said, “We have attained a key milestone with 50 showrooms established nationwide, reflecting our accelerated expansion and resolute commitment to strengthening our brand presence across the country. The opening of our flagship 3S facility in Bengaluru builds on this progress, delivering integrated excellence in sales, service and spare parts to meet customer needs effectively. This rapid growth underscores VinFast’s pivotal role in advancing India’s electric vehicle ecosystem."

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Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar has announced a significant advancement in battery circularity, with the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 now featuring batteries that contain at least 50 percent recycled cobalt. This milestone underscores the company’s broader commitment to minimising reliance on virgin materials, improving value chain transparency and extending the lifecycle of critical resources.

Rather than limiting its focus to sourcing, the company prioritises preserving battery value throughout the vehicle’s life. Extended battery longevity benefits both sustainability goals and the owner’s experience. In collaboration with Volvo Cars battery centres, Polestar implements a refurbishment system where its vehicles needing a new battery receive a reconditioned unit that matches the original’s state-of-health. This closed-loop approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining performance.

Recycling partnerships are being established across all markets to align with producer responsibility regulations, further supporting efforts to maximise material recovery. These initiatives complement a design philosophy that emphasises circular material choices. Across its model range, Polestar incorporates recycled aluminium and steel, along with interior textiles such as ECONYL polyamide carpets and yarn made from PET waste. By reducing material complexity and favouring modular, mono-material solutions, the company enables customers to choose vehicles built with lower environmental impact without sacrificing safety or driving dynamics.

Since 2020, the brand has consistently pushed for greater openness around its environmental footprint, publishing detailed model-by-model lifecycle assessments and disclosing carbon emissions data across its operations. It broke new ground with blockchain technology to trace cobalt in the Polestar 2, raising the bar for supply chain accountability. Electrification is viewed not as an endpoint but as a foundation, with recent strides including smart charging integration and a 25 percent drop in per-vehicle CO₂ emissions since 2020, all achieved while introducing four new models to the lineup.

Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability, Polestar, said, “To drive a Polestar is an intentional choice by customers who care about tomorrow. Electrification, powered by renewable energy and enabled by circular battery materials, points to a new kind of system: one where resources stay in use and abundance replaces depletion.”

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Suzuki has named Cork-based Ohme as its exclusive home electric vehicle (EV) charging partner in Ireland, a move that coincides with the arrival of the new e Vitara in showrooms. This collaboration builds on an existing partnership between the two companies in United Kingdom, and under the Irish agreement, Suzuki will recommend Ohme’s charging solutions to customers requiring home installation. For a limited time, retail buyers will be offered a complimentary Ohme home charger.

As part of the rollout, Ohme chargers will be displayed across Suzuki dealerships, where the company will manage the full process from supplying the hardware to completing installations, alongside providing comprehensive training and support for dealer staff. Ohme currently holds the position of the largest home EV charging provider in both Ireland and UK and is recognised as the fastest-growing company in its sector across Europe. The newly launched Suzuki e Vitara, available with 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery options, is backed by a warranty covering up to 10 years or 160,000 kilometres, inclusive of the battery.

Ohme’s dynamic chargers are designed to integrate with Ireland’s most competitive energy tariffs, automatically adjusting charging schedules to leverage the lowest-cost, greenest electricity periods. A solar boost feature further reduces dependency on the grid. When using a smart EV tariff like Energia EV Smart Drive, fully charging the e Vitara’s 61 kWh battery with an Ohme charger can cost under EUR 6, a figure based on the vehicle’s WLTP range of 426 kilometres.

David Kateley, Director of Automobile, Suzuki GB and Republic of Ireland, said, “As Suzuki’s first ever electric car, the introduction of e Vitara will be crucial for us in Ireland and our partnership with Ohme will play an important part in that car’s success. Ohme’s cutting edge technology will help to lower running costs for owners, while their commitment to customer service makes them an ideal match for us improving the ownership experience of the e Vitara still further.”

David Watson, CEO, Ohme said, “I’m delighted to announce this new collaboration with Suzuki. With Suzuki’s expertise in the four-wheel drive market, the e Vitara is a great choice for those wanting to combine 4x4 technology with electric motoring. We’re looking forward to introducing Suzuki’s customers to the benefits of dynamic charging and supporting its dealer network.”

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