Volvo Car UK has broadened its electric vehicle offerings with the launch of the EX30 Cargo, a purpose-built car-derived van tailored specifically for business and fleet operators. Based on the fully electric EX30 compact SUV, this new variant reimagines the passenger model for commercial use, preserving the brand’s signature comfort, advanced technology and high safety standards while introducing enhanced practicality.

To create a dedicated cargo space, the rear seats are removed and replaced with a flat floor and an underfloor access panel, yielding a payload of 390 kg and a load capacity of 1,000 litres. A reinforced bulkhead separates the cargo area from the cabin, while redesigned rear side panels and doors help maximise usable volume. Further aiding functionality are wider-opening rear doors, an additional work light in the load bay and an underfloor subframe with extra mounting points to accommodate various business needs.

Achieved through a second-stage conversion process performed by Volvo Car UK, the EX30 Cargo is offered in two forms: the standard model and the Cross Country version, which provides increased ground clearance. This conversion can be applied to both new factory orders and existing stock, covering Model Year 2026 and 2027 vehicles. For Model Year 2027, a new P3 Extended Range powertrain delivering 150 horsepower will join the lineup, offering a lower power option alongside the more potent P5 and P8 units, with electric range reaching up to 300 miles (approximately 482 km).

Despite its commercial adaptation, the vehicle upholds Volvo’s rigorous safety standards through extensive testing to ensure all protection systems remain fully effective. The range is structured across Core and Plus trims, alongside the Cross Country Plus, with the Core model featuring Safe Space Technology, Google Automotive Services, adaptive cruise control, park assist with a rear camera and a 3-phase 11 kW onboard charger with a heat pump. The Plus trim adds Pilot Assist, Digital Key Plus, a Harman Kardon sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, two‑zone climate control and wireless phone charging. Now on sale exclusively through Volvo Car UK’s fleet sales channels, pricing for the EX30 Cargo starts at GBP 36,010 (approximately USD 48,126).

Jack Munford, Head of Fleet at Volvo Car UK, said, “While we are best known for our passenger vehicles, we recognise that business owners and fleets also want the quality, safety and technology that Volvo is renowned for in a compact commercial vehicle too, which is why we created the extremely practical EX30 Cargo.”

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Hindustan Zinc has deployed a 250 Metric Tonne capacity electric crane at its Zinc Smelter in Debari, Rajasthan. The hybrid machine operates on diesel and electricity and is part of a strategy to reduce emissions across the company's industrial infrastructure.

The crane replaces a diesel-operated model that consumed 93,600 litres of fuel per year. The company expects this transition to avoid approximately 250.8 tonnes of CO2 in annual emissions.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is deeply embedded in how we operate, innovate and grow. The deployment of India’s first 250 MT electric crane is another example of our resolve to adopt clean technology and redefine how core industry transitions to low-carbon solutions. This initiative reflects our efforts to foster a culture of sustainability while laying the foundation for a greener and more resilient industrial ecosystem.”

The deployment follows a series of green initiatives introduced by Hindustan Zinc, which include deploying underground battery electric vehicles (BEVs), inducting a fleet of 250 LNG trucks for concentrate transport, use of 40 electric bulkers & electric passenger buses and launch of four electric loaders at the Rampura Agucha Mine.

Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India, said, “Hindustan Zinc has consistently demonstrated industry leadership in adopting technologies that redefine sustainable mining. At Sany, we are honoured to partner with the company in deploying India’s first 250-tonne diesel-electric hybrid all-terrain crane, a solution designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support more responsible industrial operations. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation that delivers both operational excellence and meaningful environmental impact.”

Hindustan Zinc aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has increased renewable energy in its power mix to 18 percent and is targeting a 50 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2020 baseline.

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American electric vehicle start-up Slate has announced that its base truck model will be priced at USD 24,950, with deliveries expected to begin in Q4 of CY2026.

The platform allows owners to configure the vehicle as a pickup or an SUV, with options for the Squareback and Fastback models starting at USD 29,950. The EV features a modular design with a reported range of 205 miles (329km). The towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lb (907 kg), with a payload capacity of 1,550 lb (703 kg).

The EV design includes tactile controls and lacks a touchscreen. Owners can personalise their vehicles using over 200 accessories available through the Slate Marketplace.

Slate has engineered the modular EV to facilitate maintenance by the owner, with support provided via the Slate U guide. The vehicle includes a 10-year/110,000-mile (177,027 km) battery and powertrain warranty. Repair services are available through a network of 3,000 RepairPal shops and service centres.

Peter Faricy, CEO, Slate, said, “More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable and built around their lives. Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalise their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow. We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”

Established in 2022, Slate assembles its vehicles in Warsaw, Indiana. The company plans to invest USD 400 million in its factory, with projections to create 2,000 jobs. Customers can preorder the vehicle on the company website for USD 300. The company uses a direct-to-consumer sales model.

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Delhivery and Bajaj Auto have signed an agreement to deploy electric three-wheelers across Delhivery's last-mile delivery network. The partnership begins with the deployment of 200 Bajaj RIKI eCarts (model C4005) in the first phase, with a second phase planned for 2026–2027 that aims to reach a total of approximately 1,500 electric vehicles.

The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency in both metropolitan areas and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The Bajaj RIKI eCart (C4005) offers a claimed range of over 100 km per charge. The vehicle features an electric powertrain and a two-speed automatic transmission. Delhivery plans to pair the vehicles with its automated route optimisation software to increase drop-offs per trip and reduce operating costs per kilometre. The EVs are designed with ergonomic seating to protect riders from weather conditions and reduce physical fatigue.

Prashant Gazipur, Chief Operating Officer, In-City Operations at Delhivery, said, "Our collaboration with Bajaj Auto addresses the economic well-being of our delivery partners while advancing both our environmental goals and those of our clients. By combining our intelligent routing systems with highly efficient cargo EVs, we are creating a more profitable model for our riders and offering our clients a cleaner, lower-carbon supply chain."

Samardeep Subandh, President, Intra-City Business, Bajaj Auto, added, "This partnership with Delhivery has the potential of transforming last-mile cargo transport, with Delhivery’s scale and technology and Bajaj Auto’s expertise in 3-wheeler electric mobility. The Bajaj Riki C4005 offers 100+ kms of range on a single charge, excellent reliability and durability along with better comfort and ergonomics for drivers."

The deployment is part of Delhivery’s broader strategy to reduce its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and meet its environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

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Ultraviolette Automotive has opened its new UV Space Station in Aizawl, Mizoram, marking the company’s entry into Northeast India. The centre, established in partnership with MSS Motors, provides sales, service, test rides and accessories for the F77 and X-47 Crossover electric motorcycles.

At present, the EV maker’s ‘Kill the Petrol Bill’ campaign valid until 30 June 2026, will see customers purchasing an F77 or X-47 receive cashback based on the kilometres covered on their previous two-wheeler over the past two years.

The benefit is calculated at INR 1 per kilometre, with a maximum value of INR 30,000. Buyers must visit a space station for verification of their previous vehicle registration and odometer reading to claim the incentive.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, "The Northeast is home to one of India's most passionate riding communities, with a strong culture of motorcycling and adventure. We have seen growing interest for Ultraviolette from customers across the region, making Aizawl a natural choice for our first experience centre in Northeast India."

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