Automakers are on course to offer at least USD 2.6 billion in electric vehicle discounts this year. They are however likely to fall short of the UK Government's sales mandate even then, as per the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

SMMT could be considered as an equivalent of India's FADA in the UK and has been active in highlighting the sales and registration trends in that country. Helping lift electric registrations in September 2024, the considerable price discounts electric vehicle manufacturers have been offering has however not helped to meet or exceed the 22 percent market share target set by the government this year.  
The lower than expected sales performance of electric vehicles could jeopardise further investments by automakers. They have already put millions and billions in the design and development of battery electric vehicles or BEVs. 
The other effect of less than expected sales performance of BEVs is likely to put at risk the environmental ambitions. 
Amid the lacklustre sales performance of electric vehicles, questions are being asked by many motorists whether it is right to phase out fossil fuel powered vehicles in a hurry. 
Of the reasons that are claimed to behind the reluctance of moving over to an electric vehicle in the UK, one seems to be the roll back of subsidies. In fact, many countries in Europe have been scaling back the subsidies they offered to purchase an electric vehicle. 
After Volkswagen Group faced trouble as it announced its intention to close its plants in Germany in early September 2024, the issuance of profit warnings by automakers like Stellantis and Ford have aptly highlighted that the challenges are bigger than once anticipated. 
The European continent has been particularly subject to growing Chinese competition whereupon the European automakers that have been present in China for some time now are battling slowing sales in that market. 
While BEV sales in the UK rose 25 percent in September 2024,which is considered to be big, registrations of such vehicles increased a mere 1. percent year-on-year, claimed an industry source. Electric vehicles accounted for about 20.5 percent of the total sales in September 2024 in the UK, they informed. 

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.