Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy has announced three new initiatives Battery as a Service (BaaS), Assured Buyback programme and launched an Extended Comprehensive Warranty (ECW) to make owning the green vehicles more attractive.

These initiatives address key concerns for potential EV buyers, namely high upfront costs, uncertainty about resale value and warranty issues.

The BaaS model allows customers to purchase an electric scooter without the battery upfront, significantly reducing the initial cost. The price of the scooter is split into a 'shell' and a 'battery' component. Under this model, the Ather Rizta starts at INR 75,999 (ex-showroom Lucknow) and the 450 Series starts at INR 84,341 (ex-showroom Lucknow).

This represents a 30 percent reduction in the upfront cost for the Rizta. Customers then pay for the battery on a monthly usage basis, with plans starting as low as INR 1 per kilometre. The cost of the battery is recovered over three to four years. Additionally, BaaS customers get a year of free fast charging at Ather's network of over 3,300 fast chargers nationwide.

Ravneet S Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "As the EV segment continues to grow in the country, we see customers with different needs and challenges entering the segment. To unlock the segment's true potential and accelerate growth, we've rolled out a slew of initiatives to cater to the different needs of our potential customers. With BaaS, ECW and Assured Buyback, we aim to address major barriers that exist for customers when purchasing a new EV scooter. As one of the leading players, we stay committed to making it easier for families to experience the benefits of EVs."

Building on a pilot programme, Ather has now extended its Assured Buyback programme to a wider customer base. The programme guarantees up to 60 percent of the scooter's value after three years and up to 50 percent after four years, based on the kilometres travelled. This initiative aims to provide clarity on the future value of the investment, addressing a common concern for buyers in a rapidly changing market.

Ather also launched its ECW, which covers the battery and 11 other critical components, including the motor, motor controller, dashboard and charger. The warranty is valid for up to five years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. This provides protection against potentially expensive component replacements and offers peace of mind for customers. The ECW is available to all AtherStack Pro customers.

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Energy In Motion, a provider of integrated electric mobility solutions for long-haul freight transportation, has executed an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to establish and operate charging and battery swapping infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles at retail outlets across India.

As per the understanding, Energy In Motion will deploy swap-and-charge hubs on freight corridors including Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur and Chennai–Bangalore over the next 18 to 24 months. These stations will support vehicles such as the Ashwa 55-tonne e-tractor, providing battery exchange capability in 7 minutes.

Energy In Motion manages battery inventory and hardware, while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation provides space and utilities across its network of over 25,000 retail outlets.

Narendra Murkumbi, Managing Director, Energy In Motion, said, “Charging infrastructure succeeds or fails on reliability. Working with HPCL allows us to place charging and swapping where drivers already stop – sites with power, space, amenities, safety systems and staff on duty. Combining our battery and fleet expertise with HPCL’s nationwide retail network lets us build dependable swap-and-charge hubs on the corridors that carry India’s freight and to do it at the pace the transition demands.”

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Hero MotoCorp's electric mobility brand, VIDA, has made its international market entry into Nepal through a partnership with CG Motors.

The launch was announced by Kausalya Nandakumar, Chief Business Officer, Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp and Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director, Chaudhary Group.

The introduction features the VIDA VX2 Evooter range – comprising the VX2 Plus and VX2 Go variants – alongside the VIDA DIRT.E K3 youth off-roader. The VX2 Plus features a 4.4 kWh setup, delivering a 140 km range and a top speed of 90 kmph, while the VX2 Go uses a 2.2 kWh battery with a 75 km range. The DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-roader equipped with a 350W motor and app-based parental controls.

Kausalya Nandakumar said, “This launch marks a proud and defining moment as VIDA goes global. We are thrilled to take the very best of our engineering and design capabilities beyond India, starting with Nepal, a strategically crucial market where riders are quickly adopting smart electric mobility. The VIDA VX2 EVOOTER range and the VIDA DIRT.E K3 are built to redefine the future of mobility, and through our collaboration with CG Motors, we are ensuring that the Nepalese customers have access to premium, reliable, and technologically advanced riding experience.”

Nirvana Chaudhary added, “The entry of VIDA perfectly aligns with Nepal's shift towards sustainable mobility. By offering advanced electric products & solutions tailored for both, everyday commuters and the next generation of riders, this product launch redefines our two-wheeler landscape. CG Motors is proud to strengthen its partnership with Hero MotoCorp and partner with VIDA to drive our nation's green transition forward."

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Pune-headquartered electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has announced that Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, recently flagged off 15 EKA Mobility electric buses in Zanzibar. The commercial operations for the e-buses is scheduled to begin on 1 August 2026.

The deployment forms part of an initial order of 35 e-buses, with the fleet expected to expand to 150 units by the end of the year.

EKA Mobility is collaborating with Global Rapid Transport and the Zanzibar Social Security Fund to train local personnel in vehicle operations, maintenance and safety systems.

Vijay Yelne, President – Export Marketing & SCM, EKA Mobility, said, "The launch of Zanzibar's first electric bus fleet is a strong validation of EKA's technology and our ability to deliver world-class electric mobility solutions beyond India. It demonstrates that products designed and manufactured in India can successfully meet the evolving mobility needs of international markets. This is another step in taking Indian engineering to the world, and we see Africa as a key growth market in EKA's global expansion journey."

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Kia India has launched the Syros EV, it’s first mass-market electric vehicle offering at prices starting INR 1.34 million (ex-showroom) for the 42 kW variant and INR 1.69 million (ex-showroom) for the 51.4 kW Extended Range variant. The EV goes on sale at dealerships nationwide starting 30 July 2026.

The Syros EV is offered with two battery options: a 51.4 kWh battery delivering an ARAI-certified range of 526 km and a 42 kWh battery offering 443 km of range. It features DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in a claimed 39 minutes.

Ownership programmes include an Assured Buyback programme offering up to 80 percent resale value after three years, a Battery-as-a-Service programme starting at INR 799,000 with battery EMIs starting at INR 3.3 per kilometre and a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty of 15 years with unlimited kilometres.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, "At Kia, every product begins with one question, how can we create greater value for our customers? The Syros EV answers that by making electric mobility more accessible, without compromise. Beyond an attractive price point, we've built one of the industry's most confident ownership propositions with an Assured Buyback programme offering up to 80 percent resale-value, the best in India today, alongside BaaS enabling one of the most accessible entry points into EV ownership; and a Lifetime Battery Warranty delivering long-term battery confidence, addressing the key concerns that continue to influence EV adoption. Combined with segment-leading range of 526 km and 171 PS performance, advanced technology and Kia's growing EV ecosystem, the Syros EV represents our commitment to accelerating India's transition towards sustainable mobility while keeping customer needs at the heart of every decision."

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