Vedanta Nico, one of the leading nickel producers in India, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aesir Technologies, a US-based company working in the field of advanced battery tech.

The partnership will build on Hindustan Zinc’s existing collaboration, Vedanta Nico has now joined forces to develop and commercialise Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries for critical infrastructure, 5G telecom, and electric vehicle chargers (EVC), positioning both companies at the forefront of the global shift towards sustainable energy.

Under the MoU, Vedanta Nico will be the preferred supplier of nickel, a critical component in AEsir Technologies’ next-generation batteries. 

The nickel-zinc batteries are claimed to provide substantial advantages over current battery technologies, including higher energy density, power, enhanced cost efficiency, rapid charging, and superior performance, making them ideal for the rapidly growing energy storage and EV market.

Nickel plays a crucial role in EV battery technology, particularly in the cathode, where it enhances energy density, power output, and battery lifespan. Nickel-rich batteries, such as nickel-zinc variants, offer best-in-class fast charging, reduce reliance on cobalt, and improve the overall EV value proposition. 

The partners state that the global demand for nickel in batteries is projected to surge from 150,000 tonnes in 2020 to 500,000 tonnes by 2025, driven by the expanding EV market adoption. 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that the number of electric cars will rise from over 10 million in 2020 to 145 million by 2030, spurred by larger battery capacities, faster charging, and advancements in reducing cobalt use.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer has also recently signed an MoU with AeVsir Technologies for the supply of zinc for these new-age nickel zinc batteries. Hindustan Zinc’s expertise in producing metals for emerging clean-tech applications align perfectly with objectives of this partnership. 

The company is said to be one of the largest product portfolios of zinc in the world, and is exploring emerging applications of the metal in the battery storage segment to support the global energy transition.

Prashuk Jain, COO, Vedanta Nico said, “We are thrilled to partner with AEsir Technologies to create a game-changing battery solution for the critical infrastructure, 5G telecom, and EV market. Our expertise in nickel production, coupled with AEsir’s innovative zinc battery technology, positions us to deliver a product that meets the evolving needs of the industry. This collaboration aligns with our vision of contributing to a sustainable future through responsible mining and value-added products.”

Randy Moore, CEO & Co-Founder, Aesir Technologies said, “Energy storage is at the forefront of innovation in the energy transition. Nickel-zinc batteries represent a low-cost, sustainable, and safe alternative to lead-acid and lithium batteries in the markets we serve. Our collaboration with Vedanta Nico provides critical raw materials for the development of these next-gen batteries, supporting our commitment to sustainability.”

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Ahmedabad-based electric two-wheeler brand Avore Electric launched its first electric motorcycle – the Avore Electric EX at prices starting at INR 124,999 (ex-showroom).

The e-motorcycle is available in three variants – the EX 2S, EX 2 and EX 1. The model range was developed over three years using the company's indigenous AVORE Source technology stack and AVR vehicle platform. The development process involved over 120 intellectual property filings across nine vehicle systems, including the battery management system, motor controller, onboard charger and operating system.

The EVs use a rare-earth-free Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with peak power output ranging between 7.5 kW and 10.5 kW depending on the variant, while all three models produce 250 Nm of peak wheel torque.

The EX 2S attains a claimed top speed of 114 kmph, whereas the EX 2 and EX 1 reach top speeds of 100 kmph. The powertrain utilises an integrated motor and swingarm structure to manage chassis balance and weight distribution.

The EX 2S and EX 2 carry IDC-certified range ratings of 260 km and 255 km respectively, while the EX 1 carries an IDC-certified range rating of 160 km. All variants include a 1500W onboard charger compatible with standard 5A and 15A domestic sockets, charging the battery from 20 per cent to 80 percent in two hours and reaching a full charge in a claimed four hours. The battery pack is homologated by NATRAX, and the battery management system is validated by ICAT.

Software systems integrated into the platform include the AVORE SENSE operating system, an artificial intelligence (AI) companion named Avore Synapse and an automatic manual gear mode. The platform complies with AIS 156 and AIS 038 safety standards and underwent 100,000 km of road testing alongside 2,500 hours of dynamometer testing prior to commercial introduction.

Priyank Rakholiya, Founder, Avore Electric, said, "We dedicated three years to research, development, testing, and validation before the launch of the EX so as to ensure class-leading engineering and innovation. We are ensuring global-levels of safety and performance, while pushing the frontiers of Indian-developed electric mobility technology stacks that deliver reliability, consistency, and economic viability. Our goal is to improve adoption and accessibility to world-class electric mobility solutions for every Indian and we are confident that the EX is just the start of our journey towards that direction."

Bookings for the EX series have opened on the manufacturer's website at an initial reservation amount of INR 799, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in two months. The battery pack is supplied with a 5-year or 60,000 km warranty.

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Energy In Motion, a provider of integrated electric mobility solutions for long-haul freight transportation, has executed an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to establish and operate charging and battery swapping infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles at retail outlets across India.

As per the understanding, Energy In Motion will deploy swap-and-charge hubs on freight corridors including Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur and Chennai–Bangalore over the next 18 to 24 months. These stations will support vehicles such as the Ashwa 55-tonne e-tractor, providing battery exchange capability in 7 minutes.

Energy In Motion manages battery inventory and hardware, while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation provides space and utilities across its network of over 25,000 retail outlets.

Narendra Murkumbi, Managing Director, Energy In Motion, said, “Charging infrastructure succeeds or fails on reliability. Working with HPCL allows us to place charging and swapping where drivers already stop – sites with power, space, amenities, safety systems and staff on duty. Combining our battery and fleet expertise with HPCL’s nationwide retail network lets us build dependable swap-and-charge hubs on the corridors that carry India’s freight and to do it at the pace the transition demands.”

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Hero MotoCorp's electric mobility brand, VIDA, has made its international market entry into Nepal through a partnership with CG Motors.

The launch was announced by Kausalya Nandakumar, Chief Business Officer, Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp and Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director, Chaudhary Group.

The introduction features the VIDA VX2 Evooter range – comprising the VX2 Plus and VX2 Go variants – alongside the VIDA DIRT.E K3 youth off-roader. The VX2 Plus features a 4.4 kWh setup, delivering a 140 km range and a top speed of 90 kmph, while the VX2 Go uses a 2.2 kWh battery with a 75 km range. The DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-roader equipped with a 350W motor and app-based parental controls.

Kausalya Nandakumar said, “This launch marks a proud and defining moment as VIDA goes global. We are thrilled to take the very best of our engineering and design capabilities beyond India, starting with Nepal, a strategically crucial market where riders are quickly adopting smart electric mobility. The VIDA VX2 EVOOTER range and the VIDA DIRT.E K3 are built to redefine the future of mobility, and through our collaboration with CG Motors, we are ensuring that the Nepalese customers have access to premium, reliable, and technologically advanced riding experience.”

Nirvana Chaudhary added, “The entry of VIDA perfectly aligns with Nepal's shift towards sustainable mobility. By offering advanced electric products & solutions tailored for both, everyday commuters and the next generation of riders, this product launch redefines our two-wheeler landscape. CG Motors is proud to strengthen its partnership with Hero MotoCorp and partner with VIDA to drive our nation's green transition forward."

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Pune-headquartered electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has announced that Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, recently flagged off 15 EKA Mobility electric buses in Zanzibar. The commercial operations for the e-buses is scheduled to begin on 1 August 2026.

The deployment forms part of an initial order of 35 e-buses, with the fleet expected to expand to 150 units by the end of the year.

EKA Mobility is collaborating with Global Rapid Transport and the Zanzibar Social Security Fund to train local personnel in vehicle operations, maintenance and safety systems.

Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility, said, "The launch of Zanzibar's first electric bus fleet is a strong validation of EKA's technology and our ability to deliver world-class electric mobility solutions beyond India. It demonstrates that products designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the evolving mobility needs of international markets. This is another step in taking Indian engineering to the world, and we see Africa as a key growth market in EKA's global expansion journey."

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