Posied to launch an electric two-wheeler during the second half of FY2024-25, TVS Motor Company is eyeing 30 percent share of its sales to come from electric vehicles. In this direction, the Chennai-based company is also working on an electric three-wheeler. 

TVS Motor Company Managing Director Sudarshan Venu opined that the company is gearing up for an aggressive push into the electric vehicle (EV) market with plans to have a large portion of its sales from its electric portfolio in the coming years.

Speaking to Motoring Trends on the sidelines of Indian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting held in Kolkata, the top official said, “We are incredibly excited about electrification and it’s becoming a central focus for TVS. A significant portion of the company’s future growth will come from its electric line-up. The company has identified electric mobility as a major area of investment and expects that this segment will contribute to around 30 percent of its sales in the foreseeable future.”

The company is currently offering electric scooters like the iQube and X. It is gearing up to introduce another electric scooter this financial year. What is even more interesting is the foray of TVS Motorc Company into electric bicycles. It is in line with its commitment to build a full range of electric mobility solutions.

TVS is heavily investing in research and development with a significant focus on electric vehicle technology. The company, claim sources, employs around 800-900 engineers in research and development. Their expertise, sources add, spans across key domains on the electric vehicle side such as battery management system, motor control unit, cycle control unit and various electronics.

With an emphasis on developing much of the components used in electric vehicles, inclduing the motor in-house, TVS is working to further advance its capabilities in the electric mobility space.

Commenting on the technological focus of the upcoming electric two-wheeler, Venu noted, “The new product is expected to focus on advancements in battery technology, which is continuously improving. TVS, through its global partnerships, aims to offer batteries that are among the best in the market. Additionally, the integrated electrical and electronic architecture, along with significant investments in vehicle software, control systems and physical design, are seen as key strengths. Bringing these elements together is considered a major advantage for the company, setting it apart in the competitive electric vehicle market.”

Answering whether the manufacturer plans to foray into the electric small commercial vehicles market, he said, “TVS is currently focusing its efforts on two and three-wheelers and is not actively pursuing the small commercial vehicles market. The company is prioritising advancements and innovation in its existing vehicle segments rather than expanding into that space at this time.”

Mid-term growth

Looking ahead, TVS anticipates strong growth in the two-wheeler market with the managing director forecasting industry growth in proper double digits. He added that TVS is well-positioned to grow at a faster rate than the overall industry, driven by its investments in both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

As part of its growth strategy, TVS is also focusing on expanding its presence in the export market. The company has set its sights on increasing its market share in its current export markets while also exploring new opportunities. One key area of focus is Europe, where TVS plans to expand its presence by CY2025. The company is also optimistic about opportunities in Africa, where the market is beginning to recover after a challenging period.

“Africa, which contributes a significant portion of our export revenue, had bottomed out but we’re seeing signs of improvement and expect to capitalise on opportunities there,” the managing director said.

Alluding to whether EVs will outgrow ICE in the two-wheeler category in the near future, Venu remarked, “We recognise the opportunities in the electric vehicle sector and aim to capitalise on them. While the electric two-wheeler market is expected to grow rapidly, partly due to its low starting base, ICE vehicles are still seen as having a significant future. Currently, ICE vehicles account for 95 percent of the industry, and TVS believes consumer preferences will largely dictate the pace of transition. As a result, the company continues to invest in new ICE products, seeing potential for growth in both EV and ICE segments.”

On the alternative-fuel front, he noted that CNG is considered an appealing option due to its emissions-saving potential and affordability. The three-wheeler market, particularly in India and other regions, is experiencing notable growth, presenting opportunities in this segment. TVS is expected to explore this area further. 

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Ola Electric has commenced what could be seen as the next evolution of the automotive purchasing experience. The company has commenced pilot ‘HyperDelivery’ for its range of e-scooters, which will see customers get same-day delivery and registration for their EV.

HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India. HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India.

“We have significantly cut the processing time of registering the vehicles through AI-led automation and by moving the registration process completely in-house. We are excited to announce #HyperDelivery which has completely transformed the vehicle purchase and delivery experience in the automotive segment. With this we are ensuring a much smoother purchase experience for our customers, eliminating tedious purchase processes and longer delivery timelines,” said the company in a statement.

The EV maker shared that it is leveraging AI to automate the majority of the steps in a registration process, which eliminates the need for additional resources during the typical registration process.

Numeros Motors, a new-age original equipment manufacturer specialising in indigenous electric vehicles (EVs), has launched an NFT-backed loyalty programme in collaboration with Polygon. This first of its-kind initiative in the EV industry, integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, will reward the first 1,000 buyers of Diplos with a unique digital collectible.

The NFT series ‘The Journey’ consists of 10 original artworks, each with 100 copies, that depict Diplos conquering the essence of India's many landscapes and the spirit of adventure that characterises the brand's motto, ‘Gets It Done’. Customers that own one join a limited group that prioritises performance, resiliency and progressive mobility. These NFTs, which are protected on Polygon's blockchain, provide exclusivity, authenticity and a more in-depth interaction with the brand.

This programme adds value to the Diplos experience by providing holders with access to premium products, invites to special events and priority customer service in addition to the NFT. These NFTs serve as a permanent remembrance of their role in Numeros Motors' history since they are soul-bound, meaning they are always connected to their original owners. In April of this year, Numeros Motors will also open its first store in Bangalore that is owned and run by the firm.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder and CEO, Numeros Motors, said, "Diplos was built for those who move forward, challenge limits and embrace new possibilities. This NFT initiative is our way of recognising and celebrating our customers who believe in our vision. By integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, we are creating an ownership experience that extends beyond the ride itself."

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green, was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Institute in Pune.

The recognition was conferred to Motwani for her contribution towards driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. An MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, USA, she has also worked towards promoting manufacturing in the country and has held notable positions at the Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) and Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. The Firodia family has always by synonymous with strong values, nation building, self-reliance and a deep-rooted sense of nationalism. This acknowledgement inspires me to further serve for the greater good, a mission that we at Kinetic Green are constantly working towards,” said Motwani.

Škoda Auto has released a teaser clip of the all-new Elroq vRS, offering a first glimpse of both its exterior and interior. The world premiere is scheduled to take place digitally on 3 April 2025 and will be streamed live on Škoda’s official YouTube channel.

Following its digital unveiling, the all-electric compact SUV will make its public debut at Milan Design Week 2025 in the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea gallery in the Porta Venezia Design District. In keeping with Škoda's Be More Elroq campaign, the exhibition will showcase the Elroq vRS as the focal point of an experiential journey from 8 to 13 April 2025. The show will also feature the official launch of Botas sneakers, which are based on Škoda Modern Solid design principles, in honour of the company's 130th anniversary. These sneakers were created in collaboration with the Škoda Auto design team. Members of the Škoda team will wear one of the three versions that are planned for the occasion.