Ashok Leyland, India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today commenced the delivery of its electric vehicles (EV) to Billion Electric Mobility (member of Group BillionE) with the flag-off ceremony of the AVTR 55T Electric tractor and the BOSS 19T Electric and BOSS 14T Electric trucks. BillionE has placed an order of 180 EVs with Ashok Leyland.

The vehicles were flagged off by Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, and Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO, Billion E-Mobility & ChargeZone, in the presence of Dr N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland; Sanjeev Kumar, President – M&HCV, Ashok Leyland; Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland; Sanjeev Kulkarni, CTO, BillionE; Ravindra Mohan, COO, ChargeZone and Mustafa Wajid, Member of Board, BillionE.

These EVs are built to deliver cutting-edge economy, safety and performance. The battery packs provide IP67 protection to prevent water and dust intrusion, and their frame-level placement guarantees compatibility with popular trailers and superstructures. For increased safety, the vehicles use Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). Additionally, the vehicles include the popular Common Charging Standard 2 (CCS2) and simultaneous dual-gun charging for quicker recharge.

Agarwal said, “Ashok Leyland is proud of its partnership with BillionE Group as we commence deliveries of our AVTR 55T Electric Tractor and BOSS ICV Electric trucks. We are equally proud that in both BOSS and AVTR electric platforms, we have packed the most advanced and premium features making these products way superior in performance and TCO.  BOSS Electric is India’s first and only electric truck in the ICV range, and AVTR 55T Electric Tractor is the first 4x2 Tractor to be commercially offered by an Indian CV manufacturer. Ashok Leyland remains committed in pushing the boundaries of innovation to lead the shift to green mobility, offering cutting-edge technologies and outstanding customer experience."

Hariyani said, “As we build our energy transition platform BillionE, an integrated mid-mile Electric Truck Platform as a collaboration between our group companies Billion E-Mobility and CHARGE ZONE, we embark on a journey together towards a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable tomorrow. We thank Ashok Leyland for delivering the technologically advanced Electric vehicles – AVTR 55T Tractor and BOSS, enabling us to take forward our commitment to driving a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem.”

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.