A global movement to celebrate e-mobility and a day to shift the transition to sustainable transport with consumer, business and policy outcomes, World EV day is a social media-led campaign to engage consumers around the sustainability benefits of EVs. In its inaugural year, World EV day is an initiative created by the media company, Green TV.

In an exclusive interaction with Jeetender Sharma, MD and Founder, Okinawa Motors, Motoring Trends correspondent learned that the Indian EV diaspora is going stronger than ever before. On the occasion of World EV day, Jeetender Sharma shares his views: “World EV day marks our greater ambition to make the challenging but much-needed shift from ICE to EVs. Seeing the clean blue-sky during lockdown was not just a matter of awe, but an alarm for us. Now we all have seen very clearly what we have lost and only our wiser choices can return our healthy environment back to us.  The auto industry was already going through a slow down before COVID 19 hit the markets and now it has taken a turn for even worse. Every industry, including the automobile industry had to suffer the blow. However, due to the outbreak people are now opting for their own vehicles. Post lockdown lift, we observed the trend wherein people wanted to own their vehicles that would ensure their safety. And for those who are now buying new vehicles, the fact that in long term EVs prove economically viable has caught their attention. This would lead the EVs to share a major slice in the overall revival of the auto industry. Technology and innovation only make sense when it follows environmental sustainability. Today, I urge every person to pledge to make the shift from conventional fuel run vehicle to electric vehicle.”

Every automobile manufacturer is putting in efforts to make their vehicle the smartest and the most sustainable in their respective segments and electric powertrain seems to be the ‘in-demand’ factor for the ‘smart vehicle’ buyers. Manufacturers are also expanding their portfolio to include electric motorcycles. Okinawa is aggressively pushing for its much-hyped Oki100 motorcycle to go on sale in this fiscal year. The motorcycle is targeted towards riders who prefer long journeys and powerful accelerations.

Right policies, Right regulations, Right Timeline
The Government plays a very crucial role in setting the path for expansion for the EV industry in India. The import and export are not in a very healthy state right now due to the pandemic. Post this, EV manufacturers are looking for support from the government in terms of tax rebates and financial support to businessmen who are into exports business. Consideration on import duty on certain components used in EVs would boost the EV market in India. Even though a lot has already been done by the government it needs to be further expanded and communicated in the Indian manufacturing sector to boost the morales and sentiments of the consumers during this pandemic.

Jeetender Sharma, as an EV manufacturer and having been active in the automotive industry for the past two decades, opines, “Earlier in 2015-2017 most of the electric vehicle industry players were importing CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units only. However, with strict norms and FAME 2 in place, things improved and industry players started localising to a certain extent. To become Atmanirbhar (self reliant) there needs to be a two-way strategy- strictness on localisation and boosting the local manufacturers. Only when strict norms are brought EV players will be pushed towards localizing across the segments. Once taxes and rebates motivate the local manufacturers and suppliers, they will be lured to innovate further. In terms of battery, currently battery cells are not available in India. These are mostly imported from Japan, China, and few other countries. Though there is rigorous research going on in India to manufacture the battery cells locally, once the research is supported by government authorities and provided with the right economic influx, we will be able to avail faster results. Localisation of Okinawa is already more than 92 percent and with Oki 100,  it will be 100 percent. We are increasing our supplier base in India and within a couple of years we will have the full ecosystem within India only.”

With Indigenous products like the Ridge, the Praise, iPraise+, R30, Lite series, Praise PRO, Ridge+ in the market, Okinawa has introduced detachable lithium-ion batteries and its own patented permanent magnetic BLDC motor and microprocessor controller for electric two-wheelers. Okinawa aims to expand its dealership network to 500 from the current 350. Okinawa has revealed that it retailed 1,000 units in just 30 days post the lockdown lift and is very aspirational for the upcoming festive seasons.

Okinawa claims that it has collectively reduced around 90 million kgs of CO2 through the 84,000 electric scooters it has sold in India since its inception. This would be equivalent to over 3 million full grown plants.

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Carolwood LP has officially closed its agreement with Polaris to acquire the iconic Indian Motorcycle Company, which will now become an independent business.

The transition coincides with the 125th anniversary of the company, which also sees Mike Kennedy, a veteran of the motorcycle industry, take over as the Chief Executive Officer of the stand-alone entity.

The acquisition agreement includes the transition of approximately 900 employees to the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Manufacturing operations will remain at existing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa and Monticello, Minnesota.

Industrial design, technology and product development will continue at research and development centres in Burgdorf, Switzerland and Wyoming, Minnesota. Sales, service, and support for the dealer network and customers are expected to continue without interruption.

The company’s strategy involves concentrated investment in motorcycles, technologies, and craftsmanship. The executive emphasised a commitment to the brand's American manufacturing identity and its dealer partnerships.

Mike Kennedy, said, “It’s an incredible honour to take the helm of Indian Motorcycle as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary, empowered by a sense of gratitude and opportunity, and the support and ambition of a well-resourced, highly motivated ownership team. 2026 will be a special year to honour our history, but more importantly, to drive the brand into the future with a renewed level of commitment, focus and clarity that can only be found as a stand-alone company.”

The new leadership intends to focus on transparency and collaboration with its global dealer network, incorporating feedback into operations, marketing, and product development.

“We will achieve our vision through a deeper level of differentiation, leaning in on what makes our brand unique, and with products that possess a style, craftsmanship and performance quality that is uniquely justified by our historic legacy and spirit of innovation. Dealers are our most important partners, and we will judge our business based on the success of our dealers. We intend to be extremely collaborative with our dealers, actively listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our planning and decision-making, not only in terms of dealer operations, but also product development and marketing. America’s first motorcycle company will put America first. Our brand and business will be grounded in our American identity and more importantly, American manufacturing. ‘Built in America’ is not a slogan. It’s a competitive advantage, and we intend to use it,” added Kennedy.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has posted its highest quarterly revenue to date, reaching INR 9.95 billion for Q3 FY2026, which marks a 53 percent YoY growth.

The company attributed the performance to sales volume growth as well as a rise in non-vehicle revenue. During the period, the company sold 67,851 units, a 50 percent increase YoY. Consequently, Ather’s national market share has expanded to 18.8 percent.

Ather Energy reported a narrowing of its EBITDA loss to INR 299 million, with the EBITDA margin improving by 1,600 basis points to (-3 percent). This progress is attributed to cost management and operating leverage.

Key Financial Data:

• Adjusted Gross Margin (AGM): INR 2.51 billion, up 111 percent YoY.
• AGM (Excluding Incentives): 23 percent, an increase of 1,100 bps YoY.
• Non-Vehicle Revenue: Contributed 14 percent to total income, led by software subscriptions, charging and services.
• Quarterly Loss Reduction: Narrowed by 45 percent compared to Q2 FY2026.

Tarun Mehta, Executive Director & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “Q3 has been a strong quarter for us. Robust festive demand, healthy volume growth, and improving market share together drove our best quarterly revenue and EBITDA so far. Over the past few quarters, we have stayed very focused on getting the fundamentals right by improving unit economics, margins, and operating leverage, and that effort is now clearly showing in the improvement in EBITDA. What is particularly encouraging is the strength of our ecosystem. AtherStack attach rates remain very high, and customer engagement is deepening even as our sales scale. All of this gives us confidence that the business is structurally prepared for sustainable, long-term growth.”

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Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has reported wholesales of 125,786 units in January 2026, which marks a 15 percent YoY growth.

In the domestic market, the sales increased by 14 percent to 100,296 units, as against 87,834 units last year, while exports came at 25,490 units, up 21 percent YoY.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The sales results for January indicate growing demand in both domestic and international markets. This momentum is supported by our ongoing focus on continuous customer engagement, after‑sales service enhancement, and network expansion. We will continue to invest in these areas to ensure that customers receive a seamless and reliable ownership experience throughout the year.”

Furthermore, the company reported INR 895.6 million revenue through spare parts sales, marking a 20 percent YoY growth.

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India Yamaha Motor (IYM), a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced the price of its first electric scooter – the EC-06 – at INR 167,600 (ex-showroom Delhi). The e-scooter based on the River Indie will initially be sold in select cities through the company's Blue Square showrooms in a Bluish White colour.

The EC-06 features a 4kWh fixed battery paired with an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM). It offers a certified claimed range of 169km on a single charge. It has a claimed top speed of 79 kmph, 6.7 kW of peak power, 26 Nm of torque and can be charged in 8 hours using a standard plug. It comes with 3 years or 30,000 km warranty for the battery.

The vehicle is built with IP67-certified protection for the motor and battery, while other electronics carry an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance.

The scooter includes three riding modes – Eco, Standard and Power – alongside a Reverse Mode. The chassis uses telescopic front forks with hydraulic dampers and a rear coil spring suspension. Braking is handled by 200mm discs at both ends, supported by a Combi Brake System (CBS).

For storage and technology, the EC-06 provides 24.5 litres of under-seat space and a colour LCD display. It integrates with the ‘Yamaha Motor Connect R’ app for real-time data access.

Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “The EC-06 marks an important step in Yamaha’s journey toward sustainable urban mobility. As India accelerates its transition toward a carbon-neutral future under the government’s visionary leadership, Yamaha is proud to support this national agenda through high-quality electric innovation. Designed for everyday commuting, it balances efficiency with performance, offering an impressive range and intuitive features. As a first-of-its-kind model from Yamaha, it demonstrates how sustainability and riding excitement can coexist – true to our brand philosophy and our responsibility towards the future of India’s green economy.”

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