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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bajaj Auto-owned Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has expanded its product portfolio in India with the launch of the new KTM 160 Duke.

The move is part of the company’s focus on expanding its product offering to attract a newer set of customers, especially in the premium affordable motorcycle segment.

The KTM 160 Duke is powered by a 164.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which produces 19 Ps of power and 15.5 Nm of torque.

It features KTM’s split trellis frame for stability and agility, optimised WP Apex fork with hollow axle for improved rigidity, bionic light wheels & lighter hugger tube to reduce unsprung mass, casted pillion step holder and sleek, functional grab rail for enhanced aesthetics and ergonomics. The braking is handled by a 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc. Lastly, it is equipped with a 5-inch LCD display for instrumentation.

Manik Nangia, President – Probiking, said, "Inside every one of us is a racer. We all have that instinct to compete and push limits. For over a decade, KTM has given that instinct expression – defining India’s premium sport motorcycle category with an uncompromising ‘Ready to Race’ mindset and thrilling generations of young riders. With the new KTM 160 Duke, we’ve distilled KTM’s legendary DNA into performance motorcycles that are more accessible than ever – without sacrificing the performance, precision, and attitude that define every KTM."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has reported its financial results with standalone revenue of INR 95.79 billion and a net profit of INR 11.26 billion, up 65 percent YoY for Q1 FY2026.

The consolidated profit includes a onetime gain of INR 7.22 billion, on the back of dilution of investment in associates.

During the quarter, the company sold 1.36 million two-wheelers, with growth in the 125cc scooter segment (Destini 125, Xoom 125) and 100cc motorcycle segment (HF Deluxe Pro). Hero’s electric mobility brand, VIDA, continued to gain traction, while international operations outperformed industry trends.

The company expects demand to remain healthy in the coming quarters on the back of the upcoming festive season and a robust line-up of new products.

Vivek Anand, Chief Financial Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Our profitability and margins remained resilient, supported by strong demand for our entry & deluxe motorcycles and 125cc scooter segments. We are witnessing good traction in our electric mobility business (VIDA), and global operations also remained ahead of industry, reflecting the strength of our brand in international markets. With favourable customer sentiment, upcoming festive season and a robust pipeline of new product launches, we are confident of sustaining and driving growth in the coming quarters.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Triumph has launched the new Thruxton 400 in India at prices starting INR 274,137, with a global release planned for later in the year.

The Thruxton 400 joins Triumph's Modern Classic line-up with the bike's chassis and suspension have been revised to provide a sportier ride. Rider technology includes switchable traction control, a torque-assist clutch, a ride-by-wire throttle, and an integrated analogue speedometer with an LCD screen. The Thruxton 400 has service intervals of 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months and comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. The motorcycle is built with a new fairing housing a classic round LED headlight and has four colour scheme option – Lava Red Gloss and Aluminum Silver, Pearl Metallic White and Storm Grey, Metallic Racing Yellow with Aluminum Silver and Phantom Black with Aluminum Silver

The motorcycle features a 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a 12:1 compression ratio, producing 42 PS (30.89 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It features a six-speed gearbox, a wet multi-plate slip & assist clutch and is equipped with a Bosch electronic fuel injection system. The motorcycle chassis is a hybrid spine/perimeter tubular steel frame with a twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy swingarm. It has a wheelbase of 1371 mm, a seat height of 805 mm and a wet weight of 181 kg. Featuring a 13-litre fuel tank capacity, the motorcycle comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 27km per litre.

In terms of suspension, on the front it gets 43mm upside-down forks with 140mm of wheel travel, while the rear suspension uses a gas monoshock RSU with an external reservoir and preload adjustment, providing 130mm of wheel travel.

For stoppage, it uses a single 300mm fixed disc with a four-piston radial caliper on the front and single 230mm fixed disc with a single-piston floating caliper on the back, both with ABS.

Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles, said, “The Thruxton name is synonymous with an exhilarating ride, a focused riding position and the iconic cafe racer silhouette. The new Thruxton 400 delivers all that and more, representing exceptional value that will appeal to a younger audience who long to own a stylish motorcycle with the modern performance and premium finish of a Triumph. With its uprated engine and sportier ergonomics, the Thruxton 400 is an exciting addition to our Modern Classic range, building on the accessibility and confidence inspiring handling that has made the 400 range so popular.”

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Triumph business in India has seen tremendous momentum over the past year – from expanding our network and experience stores to a growing community of passionate riders who are engaging deeply through regular rides and events. The response to the Modern Classic 400cc range has exceeded expectations, and the new Thruxton 400 is a worthy addition. It blends authentic cafe racer styling with exhilarating performance and exceptional build quality. With this launch, we continue to offer Indian riders not just motorcycles, but iconic machines that evoke emotion and foster community.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Delhi-NCR-based Steelbird Helmets, one of India’s leading helmet manufacturers, has expanded its product line-up with Vintage 3.0 series, an open-face helmet inspired by retro designs of 1970s at prices starting INR 1,299.

Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Helmets, said, “At Steelbird, we don’t just make helmets – we create riding companions that reflect a rider’s identity. The Vintage 3.0 is a salute to motorcycling heritage, combining retro design with cutting-edge safety and unmatched comfort. It’s for riders who want to stand out, stay safe, and feel free on every ride.”

The Vintage 3.0 features an advanced screw-free Quick Release Mechanism that allows riders to easily switch between the heritage-style peak and a full protective visor. It can also accommodate Steelbird’s 3-in-1 mask system and comes with a rear elastic strap holder to anchor riding goggles securely.

In terms of safety, the Vintage 3.0 meets ISI (IS 4151:2015) and DOT (FMVSS 218, USA) standards. Vintage 3.0 helmet uses high-impact ABS outer shell, high-density EPS liner, breathable mesh and soft, removable cheek pads that can be washed and reinstalled. The optical-grade visor features high-quality polycarbonate to provide visual clarity, UV protection and scratch resistance. The micrometric quick-release buckle system is tested to endure up to 225 kg of load, aligning with stringent European norms for rider safety. It weighs around 1,000 + 50gm, making it ideal for extended uses. The helmet is available if 15 colour options, including – Sea Blue, Coral Peach, Cherry Red, Battle Green, Armada Blue and Glossy Black. It comes in three shell sizes — Medium (580 mm), Large (600 mm) and Extra Large (620 mm).

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!