Ayush Lohia with the newly launched Youdha EPOD

Lohia Auto has launched the Youdha EPOD at INR 270,000, marking its maiden entry into the competitive L5 electric vehicle segment.

The newly launched EPOD is equipped with a 6-kilowatt motor delivering 50 Nm of torque and is powered by an 11.8 kWh LFP battery. It offers a certified range of 227km on a single charge (upto 180-190km of real-world claimed range) and gets dual driving modes – City and Boost. Built with Indian road conditions in mind, the EPOD also features a 300mm water-wading capacity and a ground clearance of 155-160mm. It also gets an auxiliary battery at the rear which helps the primary battery ‘wakeup’ for a start. 

At present, Lohia Auto’s manufacturing facility in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, has an installed annual capacity of 100,000 units. Through passenger and cargo EVs, the company targets a revenue milestone of INR 10 billion by 2030.  

Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto, said, “The Youdha EPOD reflects values of sturdiness, reliability, aspiration and affordability. It is meant to be sold to drivers, fleet owners and entrepreneurs, reflecting success and independence that is driven by the future. We are not just offering a vehicle – we’re offering economic empowerment.”

To begin with the electric autorickshaw will first be rolled out in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Assam, with a phased expansion planned over the coming quarters. The geographies are said to be chosen on the basis of high three-wheeler usage density, high EV adoption potential and a quickly growing base of self-employed drivers seeking efficient mobility solutions.

In line with the above, he spoke about the epod blending robust performance with aspirational identity while keeping the driver’s needs at the centre, reflected in Yodha’s tagline “Chalao Aan Se, Kamao Shaan Se (Drive with victory, earn with pride).”  

Tata Motors, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has launched the all-new Tata LPT 812, its latest offering in the Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles (ILMCV) segment.

The LPT 812 builds upon the company’s capabilities and is claimed to be India’s first 4-tyre truck with a 5-tonne rated payload. It is built on the company’s LPT platform, which is claimed to provide the ruggedness of a 6-tyre vehicle, while offering the efficiency, agility and lower maintenance of a 4-tyre truck. It is available in multi-load body options for customers operating across industrial goods, market load, F&V and courier applications, among others.

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The launch of the Tata LPT 812 sets a new benchmark in customer profitability in the segment. This category-defining truck addresses the growing need for improved productivity, while delivering superior fuel efficiency, ease of operations and maximum uptime. It reflects our commitment to understanding evolving market requirements and developing advanced solutions that drive long-term business growth for our customers.”

In terms of performance, the LPT 812 comes with 4SPCR diesel engine, producing 125hp and 360Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and a booster-assisted clutch for smooth gearshifts. The truck comes with parabolic front suspension with an anti-roll bar, full S-Cam air brakes and tilt & telescopic power steering.

Tata Motors is providing a 3-year/300,000 km warranty as part of its aftersales assurance.

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has inaugurated its new light commercial vehicles dealership in Jajpur, Odisha, which also marks the sixth such facility in the state.

The new facility is equipped with advanced tools, quick service bays and to service its extensive range of LCVs including – Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and MiTR.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Odisha has always been an important market for us, and we are delighted to strengthen our presence here with the new dealership in Jajpur. Our relationship with customers in this region has been built on trust, performance, and shared growth. The success of our Dost, Bada Dost and now the Saathi range, known for their superior mileage, performance, and reliability, reflects the confidence our customers place in us. With a strong network and an industry-leading service retention rate, we are thankful for the confidence our customers continue to pose in us. This new dealership is yet another step in our commitment to offering world-class products and unmatched service.”

At present, over 550,000 Ashok Leyland LCVs are plying across India.

Mumbai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Tata Motors has launched its all-new 9-seater Tata Winger Plus at INR 2.06 million.

The Winger Plus is aimed at customers looking to offer a premium mobility experience for staff transportation and growing tourist demands. It features such as reclining captain seats with adjustable armrests, personal USB charging points, individual AC vents and spacious leg room. Built on a monocoque chassis, it comes with wide cabin and large luggage compartment, at the same time providing car-like ride and handling, along with robust safety.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “The Winger Plus has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a premium experience for passengers and a compelling value proposition for fleet operators. With its superior ride comfort, best-in-class comfort features, and segment-leading efficiency, it is designed to drive profitability while offering the lowest cost of ownership. India’s passenger mobility landscape is evolving rapidly—from staff transportation in urban centres to the rising demand for tourism across the country. The Winger Plus is built to serve this diversity, setting new benchmarks in the commercial passenger vehicle segment.”

The Winger Plus is powered by a 2.2L Dicor diesel engine, which produces 100hp of power and 200Nm of torque. It is equipped with Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform that provides real-time vehicle tracking, diagnostics and fleet optimisation.

Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has commenced delivery of its Switch EIV12 low-floor electric buses to the Department of Transport, Delhi. The buses are part of a landmark 950-unit order awarded under the CESL tender and were officially flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The deployment marks a significant step in Delhi's transition toward sustainable urban mobility. Manufactured at Switch’s facility in India, the buses are a testament to the company's ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, combining global technology with local manufacturing.

Designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit, the 12-metre buses can accommodate 39 passengers and are equipped with advanced safety and convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS tracking.

R G Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, “We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital’s leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These low floor electric city buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi’s public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future.”

The new buses utilise the company’s proprietary telematics system, Switch iON, for real-time monitoring and efficient fleet management. Additionally, they feature a streamlined, ultra-low-floor design for easy boarding and are equipped with a fire detection and suppression system for enhanced safety. This rollout aligns with the Delhi Government's aim to have the highest number of electric buses in India, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and provide safer commutes for millions of daily passengers.