Ashok Leyland and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers at the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) have collaborated, where the researchers are developing a micro gas turbine. The core of the micro turbine is a patented combustion technology called ‘Swirl Mesh Lean Direct Injection (LDI) system’. The collaboration aims to develop a series of hybrid electric vehicles using the turbine technology, which will replace the large batteries in main powertrains to generate onboard power, claims Ashok Leyland.

Ashok Leyland also states that the main powertrain will be the electric motors. However, the onboard power would be generated by the micro gas turbine, developed jointly by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos Energy, an IITM-incubated start-up. After the technology was demonstrated on a lab scale, Ashok Leyland signed a letter of support to develop this technology for the heavy vehicles segment with NCCRD, IIT Madras, according to the commercial vehicle manufacturer. Besides, as part of the collaboration, Ashok Leyland handed over a nine-metre passenger electric bus to NCCRD on Monday.

As per Ashok Leyland, this collaboration will enable the development and demonstration of a series of vehicles with a hybrid concept equipped with this micro gas turbine called the ‘turbine electric vehicle’ (TEV). The aim of this project is to establish a powertrain that has ultra-low emissions, low cost of ownership, fuel flexibility and a reliable system for long range heavy vehicles.

The commercial vehicle manufacturer further claims that the key advantages of this series of hybrid configuration with this new micro turbine technology include –

• An overall lighter powertrain (high weight-to-power ratio)
• Ultra-low emissions
• Multiple fuel capabilities (e.g., biogas, CNG, LNG, diesel, hydrogen etc.)
• An overall low cost of ownership

Prof V Kamakoti, Director at IIT Madras, received the bus on behalf of NCCRD, IIT Madras, from Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer at Ashok Leyland, and Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President – Product Development at Ashok Leyland. This bus would be converted as part of the series of vehicles having hybrid powertrain with the micro gas turbine developed by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos, according to Ashok Leyland.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Saravanan said, “Micro gas turbines hold a significant promise as a technology that will extend fuel combustion beyond traditional IC engines, and provide for more efficient performance and multi-fuel capability. Ashok Leyland is proud to be associated with IIT Madras and Aerostrovilos in this development effort.”

Additionally, highlighting the key outcomes from this collaboration, Prof Sathya Chakravarthy, Coordinator, NCCRD, IIT Madras, said, “This marks our conviction of not only working with the industry on innovative technological solutions of societal impact but also pushing the inhouse developments on innovation to see the light of day with the industry.”

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Statiq, an electric vehicle charging network provider, has partnered with German luxury brand BMW Group India to establish a high-power charging corridor across the country's major driving routes. The initiative aims to install charging stations of a minimum of every 120 kW every 300-350km, facilitating intercity travel for users.

The collaboration has created a robust charging corridor spanning over 4,000 km from Jammu to Madurai. The fast chargers are strategically located on key highways and public spaces, and they are accessible to all EV owners, regardless of brand. BMW customers can locate and access these chargers through the myBMW app.

• The chargers deployed offer capacities ranging from 120 kW to 720 kW.
• Chargers are placed near cafes, restaurants and public spaces to enhance the customer experience.

Statiq's network currently includes more than 8,000 EV chargers in over 70 cities and has integrated its platform with other major charging providers like E-Fill, Sunfuel and GLIDA to expand usability.

Akshit Bansal, Founder & CEO, Statiq, said, “The partnership with marks a defining moment for India’s ecosystem. By enabling high-power charging every 300-350km, we are addressing the core challenge of range anxiety and providing the confidence needed for long-distance electric mobility. Our core mission at Statiq has always been to make EV charging easy, accessible and reliable for all, and this corridor puts India firmly on the global map of green mobility leaders.”

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Group India is immensely proud to be the first luxury carmaker to surpass the remarkable milestone of 5,000 electric vehicle deliveries. We are pleased to partner with Statiq and an additional charging operator to expand our charging infrastructure. Through this initiative, we are working steadily towards creating a great travel experience for all electric mobility consumers with complete peace of mind.”

Statiq has clear plans to install 20,000 charging points and foster partnerships to create a robust, inclusive EV infrastructure ecosystem.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has surpassed the 100,000 electric vehicle sales milestone in India, becoming the second passenger vehicle manufacturer to achieve this feat in the country. The company's diverse EV portfolio now contributes over 70 percent to its overall month-on-month sales.

The brand's EV market share has grown significantly, expanding from 26 percent in CY2024 to 35 percent currently. JSW MG Motor India attributes this milestone to the robust performance of its EV offerings, which cater to varied customer demands for clean and intelligent mobility solutions.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said: “Crossing the 100,000 EV sales milestone reflects the trust Indian customers place in sustainable choices. I thank our customers and the entire JSW MG Motor India team for this momentous milestone. As mobility evolves, we remain committed to driving India’s vision of innovative and clean mobility solutions.”

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Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini (KGTL), the joint venture between Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions and Tonino Lamborghini, has appointed Surge Systems as its authorised dealer for the electric luxury golf and lifestyle cart range in India. This partnership is set to leverage Surge Systems' expertise in professional turf maintenance and aftersales support to establish Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini's presence in the luxury golf cart market.

The golf carts, which the company describes as embodying Italian design and Indian engineering, are marketed as a luxury lifestyle statement under the 'Make In India' initiative.

Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini aims to achieve an annual revenue of INR 25 billion over the next five years and capture 10 percent of the global golf car market. The appointment of an authorised dealer in India supports the company's commitment to both building and selling in India, while also contributing to its export ambitions.

Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said, “A symphony of Italian design and Indian engineering, the KGTL’s Golf Carts embody the Make In India initiative and a luxury lifestyle statement. On this journey, we are thrilled to onboard Surge Systems as our official dealer partner and looking forward to their positive contribution. I am confident that the company’s unique credibility, exceptional after-sales service, and extensive network will add value to our presence in India. Our collaboration with Surge Systems allows us to leverage their deep technical expertise, established customer trust and premium market presence while introducing a globally renowned luxury brand into its portfolio.’’

Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President, Tonino Lamborghini, said, "This collaboration with Kinetic Green marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the brand founded by my father over 45-years ago. Together, we have created a project that combines the best of two worlds: the elegance and identity of Italian design with the strength, efficiency and innovation of Indian manufacturing. This is more than an industrial joint venture – it is a bridge between two entrepreneurial cultures, united by a shared vision of the future. We chose India not only as a strategic production base, but also as a symbol of openness, growth and global ambition."

Antony Bijoy, CEO, Surge Systems, said, “At Surge System, our strength lies in engineering excellence and responsive technical support. Representing Tonino Lamborghini and Kinetic Green electric luxury golf carts is a natural extension of our commitment to performance, reliability and service, delivering not just luxury mobility, but a robust, sustainable solution.’’

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Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has announced that it has achieved its highest-ever monthly sales record in October 2025, delivering 40,397 vehicles, which represents a substantial increase of 92.6 percent YoY. This milestone was announced as the 300,000th NIO ES6 rolled off the production line.

The total October deliveries were distributed across the company’s three electric vehicle brands:

• NIO Premium smart EV brand: 17,143 units.
• ONVO (Family-oriented smart EV brand): 17,342 units.
• FIREFLY (Small smart EV brand): 5,912 units.

Cumulative deliveries for the company reached 913,182 units as of 31 October 2025.

The NIO ES6 has become the best-selling battery EV from a Chinese brand priced above RMB 300,000, and the first in its segment to reach the 300,000-unit production milestone. The new ES6, introduced earlier this year, has strengthened NIO's leadership in the premium EV market.

The NIO ES6 is a 5-seater mid-size SUV with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Key specs include a total power output of up to 400 kW (536 hp) and 725 Nm of torque, enabling a zero to 100 kmph of 4.7 seconds for the Performance and Signature models. It features a standard active air suspension and is available with a 75 kWh or 100 kWh battery pack, with the latter offering a claimed range of up to 610 km on the NEDC cycle. 

Furthermore, the ONVO L90, the brand’s smart large-space flagship SUV, achieved monthly deliveries exceeding 10,000 units for the third consecutive month since its official launch in late July 2025. The L90 is positioned to accelerate the transition of large three-row SUVs toward full electrification.

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