Blue Energy Motors Ltd., a key partner in Essar’s green mobility initiative and a pioneer in clean-energy trucking, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The agreement outlines a proposed INR 35 billion investment to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the state, aiming to produce 30,000 advanced electric (EV) trucks.

The facility, slated to commence operations in FY 2025-26, will include advanced research and development capabilities, a battery-pack production line, motor manufacturing units and EV charging stations. This initiative is expected to create over 4,000 direct jobs, strengthening Maharashtra’s position as a hub for clean mobility solutions while accelerating its transition to green energy.

Commenting on the partnership, Blue Energy Motors Chief Executive Officer Anirudh Bhuwalka said, “We are excited to announce this landmark partnership with the Government of Maharashtra. This collaboration represents a crucial milestone in our ambitions of pioneering green trucking in partnership with Essar’s green mobility initiative. It reflects our shared vision for a cleaner, greener and a more sustainable future. Our investment will not only reaffirm Maharashtra’s position as a global hub for advanced clean mobility solutions but also will contribute to job creation and economic growth.”

The facility will employ cutting-edge manufacturing practices to produce zero-emission EV trucks integrated with AI and ML technologies, setting new standards in heavy-duty trucking efficiency and reliability while significantly reducing carbon footprints.

Terra Charge has named Go Suzuki as its new Managing Director for India. With over 13 years of experience spanning business development, global operations and mergers and acquisitions, Suzuki is poised to steer the company’s growth in the USD 23.38 billion EV ecosystem.

In his new role, Suzuki will oversee daily operations, drive innovation in charging infrastructure products and services and cultivate strategic partnerships. Terra Charge aims to leverage his expertise to develop shared home charging solutions and expand its public network by collaborating with residential societies, resident welfare associations, and commercial properties across India.

Suzuki’s credentials include scaling revenues at Terra Motors Vietnam from USD 10,000 to USD 800,000 per month. He also led Terra Drone’s operations across Brazil, Chile and Argentina, establishing the company’s footprint in South America. According to Terra Charge, his international experience will bolster the company’s ability to optimise operations in India, forge public-private partnerships and collaborate with government entities.

Terra Charge is exploring advanced data analytics to optimise EV charger placement and integrating smart energy management systems to enhance efficiency. The company is also pursuing joint ventures and strengthening its local leadership team to enhance its innovation capabilities. These initiatives align with the growing EV charging market in India, projected to reach $5.7 billion by 2030.

Suzuki’s appointment underscores Terra Charge’s commitment to driving accessibility and innovation in India’s rapidly evolving EV landscape.

Managing Director of Terra Charge, Go Suzuki, expressed his thoughts on his new appointment and vision. He stated, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead Terra Charge and promote e-mobility in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. India is a key market for Terra and has the potential to lead the electric vehicle revolution in Asia. As the MD of the company, I want to tap into this growth potential and support the sector through innovation in chargers and infrastructure. So, I take this opportunity to welcome mutually beneficial collaborations with local entities to meet our common goals and promote sustainability."

JSW Group has taken a significant step towards industrial growth and sustainable development by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra. The agreement, announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, outlines a massive investment of INR 3,000 billion in key sectors across the state including electric vehicles (EV).

This ambitious partnership reinforces Maharashtra’s position as India’s leading industrial hub. The investment will target critical sectors such as steel manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, solar wafer and cell modules and infrastructure and cement. The steel sector will see an expansion of manufacturing capacities using clean, green technology, while renewable energy projects will pioneer advancements towards a sustainable future.

The EV segment will benefit from advanced manufacturing facilities for new-age electric vehicles and high-performance lithium-ion batteries, bolstering India’s EV ecosystem. Additionally, the solar energy ecosystem will be strengthened with new facilities for solar wafers and cell modules, alongside infrastructure and cement projects to drive Maharashtra’s transformation.

This strategic initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boost industrial capabilities and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Under the MoU, the Maharashtra government will facilitate the investment by fast-tracking approvals, providing fiscal incentives and ensuring essential resources such as land, water, power and infrastructure in line with state policies.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said, “Signing of an MoU with JSW Steel, a company with diverse investments across key sectors such as steel, solar, auto, and cement in Maharashtra, is a significant step in fulfilling our vision to developing Gadchiroli as the ‘steel city’ of India. JSW’s continued commitment to Maharashtra, including their focus on electric vehicles and sustainability, is a clear testament to their confidence in our state’s potential. I am confident that this collaboration will further strengthen Maharashtra’s position as an industrial and economic powerhouse, driving innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity for our people.”

Alluding to the development, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal said, “This MoU reflects our unwavering commitment to Maharashtra, a state that has been pivotal to JSW Group’s journey of growth and innovation. Through this partnership, we take another step towards Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of Clean and Green Bharat. This investment will not only boost industrial development but also drive India’s green transition with sustainable technologies, clean mobility and renewable energy solutions. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Maharashtra, led by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, for their visionary approach and industry-friendly policies, which make transformative initiatives like these possible.”

Leading electric vehicle (EV) solutions provider Urja Mobility has announced the launch of its B2C battery leasing programme, which will target e-rickshaw drivers in 10 strategically selected cities. The programme aims to address the financial challenges associated with battery ownership by converting high upfront costs into affordable monthly payments and is consistent with India's wider electric mobility and environmental aims, notably the goal of fully electrifying commercial three-wheelers by 2030.

In order to provide drivers access to better Lithium-Ion batteries – which have longer life cycles, need less maintenance and have better thermal performance than conventional Lead Acid options – the business has launched a ‘Smart Opex Model’ as part of the initiative. Over a period of 12 to 24 months, drivers must pay a monthly leasing amount. The driver receives ownership of the battery at the conclusion of the lease, giving them a dependable energy source for more than five years. Drivers will also have access to digital tools that streamline the management process by offering real-time information regarding leasing data and battery performance.

Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar and Puri are the 10 cities that are part of the first phase. These areas were chosen to allow drivers to optimise asset utilisation due to their high rates of EV adoption and substantial tourist traffic. Urja Mobility intends to inform consumers about the advantages of moving to lithium-ion batteries in order to achieve its ambitious target of onboarding 50,000 e-rickshaw drivers. This programme highlights the long-term financial and environmental benefits of implementing contemporary battery technology, while more than 75 percent of the market is still dependent on lead acid solutions.

In order to guarantee smooth operations, Urja Mobility has set up service facilities in each of these locations. These centres offer end-to-end assistance, which includes installation, maintenance and troubleshooting, and ensures that vehicles are operational for at least 26 days a month. Smart, technologically enhanced batteries with sophisticated Battery Management Systems will also help drivers. This system ensures dependability and safety by monitoring battery health, anticipating any problems, and maintaining peak performance via the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Pankaj Chopra, Founder and CEO, Urja Mobility, said, "This initiative represents a significant step forward in making electric mobility accessible and affordable for e-rickshaw drivers. By providing a cost-effective, reliable and sustainable battery solution, we aim to empower drivers and contribute to India’s vision for a greener future."

GreenCell Mobility, India’s leading provider of electric mass mobility solutions, has deployed 200 electric buses to serve pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world's largest spiritual gathering, held in Prayagraj.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which runs from 13 January to 26 February 2025, will use 200 electric buses, demonstrating the growing versatility and effectiveness of electric vehicles in meeting extensive public transportation demands. It also emphasises GreenCell Mobility's steadfast dedication to environmentally responsible and sustainable transportation options. In addition to providing for the mobility needs of the millions of devotees who attend this sacred event, this project is expected to prevent thousands of tonnes of tailpipe emissions and drastically cut carbon emissions during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, resulting in a cleaner, greener environment.

Devndra Chawla, MD &CEO of GreenCell Mobility, stated, "We are honoured to contribute to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, one of the world's largest and most revered spiritual gatherings. At GreenCell Mobility, our vision is to seamlessly integrate sustainability with public transportation. The deployment of 200 electric buses to serve millions of devotees goes beyond enhancing mobility – it reflects our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable future. We are proud to support this sacred event and play a role in making it an environmentally responsible celebration."