BYD Debuts At Japan Mobility Show 2025, Announces Dual EV+PHEV Strategy

BYD - Japan Mobility Show 2025

Chinese new energy vehicles manufacturer BYD marked its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 by unveiling the BYD Racco, a lightweight all-electric K-EV designed specifically for the Japanese market.

The company also announced its dual ‘EV + PHEV’ strategy for Japan with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid model for the market, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. This debut, themed ‘ONE BYD,’ featured both passenger and commercial vehicles, aiming to build a comprehensive lineup that integrates hybrid and pure-electric technologies.

The passenger vehicle booth featured the all-new BYD Racco and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, alongside existing models like the BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal. The display also included the Yangwang U9 supercar, representing BYD's premium brand.

BYD, which entered the Japanese passenger vehicle market in July 2022, plans to launch a total of seven to eight electric and hybrid models by 2027. The company currently operates 66 retail outlets across Japan.

On the commercial front, BYD unveiled the BYD T35 all-electric truck and the J6 Living Car Concept. The BYD T35, developed to align with Japanese regulations and dimensions, features BYD’s Blade Battery and is expected to enter the market in 2026.

BYD is already a market leader in Japan's electric bus segment, having achieved cumulative sales of approximately 500 electric buses since 2015.

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of BYD in Japan and the first time our passenger and commercial vehicles are showcased together. From electric buses to electric cars and now our Super Hybrid DM-i models – BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and the world premiere of the K-EV – BYD has always aimed to offer safe, efficient and high-quality new energy vehicles suited to Japan's needs. We will keep strengthening our services, expanding our lineup and working with Japanese customers toward a more sustainable future.”

Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini

Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini has appointed Electrify Maldives as its exclusive dealer for its electric golf and lifestyle carts in the Maldives. The appointment follows a distribution agreement with Trade Promoters Sri Lanka.

Electrify Maldives unveiled the electric carts on 28 October at TechEng 2025, the Maldives' exhibition for engineering and technology. Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President of Tonino Lamborghini, attended the opening ceremony as the Guest.

The collaboration is positioned to bring mobility solutions to sectors including golf courses, resorts, estates and corporate campuses.

At present, the cart line-up is offered in two product lines: the Genesis Range and the Prestige Range. Available in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-seater configurations, the models feature a MacPherson suspension, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, 45 Nm torque and 30 percent gradeability. The lithium-ion battery with wireless charging offers a 10-year life and a range of up to 150km, backed by a 5-year warranty. Smart features such as a TFT dashboard, LED headlights and wireless mobile charging are included.

Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said: “For a long, the golf cart segment has awaited a true disruptor – an extraordinary offering that transcends the mundane. Over the years, the use of golf carts has extended well beyond golf- to luxury resorts, world-class airports, sprawling townships and corporate campuses and to personal use. But the design and specifications of popular golf carts has remained much the same, and this is where we see a large global market ready for disruption! Our JV will leverage the long legacy of the Kinetic Group in automotive engineering, Kinetic Green’s pioneering expertise in design and manufacture of electric vehicles and the experience of our partner, Tonino Lamborghini’s global experience in redefining design and lifestyle experiences and to top it all, marketing our products globally using the famous red shield with the iconic Bull. This fusion of our robust Indian engineering and EV capabilities with Tonino Lamborghini’s unparalleled design prowess and global luxury vision is not just a partnership; it is a confident declaration.”

“We are poised to create a disruption in this segment and work towards seizing leadership, globally, bringing a confident, and ambitious new benchmark to markets that are ripe for revolution. For Kinetic Green, this marks the beginning of our global journey, bringing Made in India EVs to the World. Kinetic Green’s aim is to build a USD 1 billion EV business by 2030 and this JV will play a key part in our global ambitions. I am confident that Electrify Maldives will drive this transformation in the Maldivian market by introducing innovation, ecological consciousness, premium design, trailblazing technology and top-tier quality through the sale of our carts. Electrify Maldives is officially designated to manage all local operations in the Maldives and will lead sales, marketing, and after-sales support for the entire lineup of Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini electric carts,” she added.

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. At Tonino Lamborghini, we believe in redefining everyday experiences into expressions of style, performance, and unmistakable identity. Our brand philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s heritage yet constantly driven by innovation and a passion for excellence. With these golf and lifestyle carts, we are bringing that philosophy to life in a new segment – delivering not just vehicles, but a bold statement of lifestyle in motion. We chose India not only as a strategic production base, but also as a symbol of openness, growth, and global ambition. With Kinetic Green, we share fundamental values: a deep focus on the customer, continuous innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a product range that reflects the very soul of our brand – powered by cutting-edge technology and destined for discerning customers around the world. The Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts embody our vision of electric lifestyle mobility: elegant, high-performing, and purpose-driven. We are proud to launch this journey in such a dynamic market as The Maldives. We are confident it will carry our style and passion for excellence and deliver exceptional brand experience to customers in the region.”

Kasun Abeyrathne, General Manager, Electrify Maldives, said: “At Electrify Maldives, our strength lies in engineering excellence and responsive technical support. Representing Tonino Lamborghini and Kinetic Green electric golf carts is a natural extension of our commitment to performance, reliability and service, delivering not just luxury mobility, but a robust, sustainable solution.’’

Honda Unveils EV Outlier E-Motorcycle Concept At Japan Mobility Show 2025

Honda EV Outlier

Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co has presented the world premiere of the EV Outlier Concept, an electric motorcycle model that proposes a new vision for motorbikes beyond 2030 at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

The concept, the company said, is not merely an electric version of existing motorcycles but represents a new direction for the segment.

The EV Outlier Concept capitalises on the design freedom unique to electric motorcycles by featuring in-wheel motors on both the front and rear wheels. This arrangement achieves a dynamic and low-proportion styling. Honda's move with the EV Outlier aims to create unprecedented value in its motorcycle offerings through electrification.

Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Push For Higher Blends And Flex-Fuel Vehicles

Ethanol

The Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), the apex body for India's ethanol production sector, has urged the government to accelerate the rollout of higher ethanol blends and fast-track the nationwide adoption of flex-fuel vehicles.

GEMA states this strategy is necessary to align India’s biofuel policy with global practices, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support the country’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Following the successful achievement of the 20 percent ethanol blending target set for 2025, the association believes India should now aim for higher blend levels, citing Brazil's model of progressive blending up to E27 (a 27 percent blend) and use of flex-fuel vehicles.

While acknowledging that a blend of 25 percent to 30 percent may not be possible immediately, GEMA stressed the possibility of increasing the blend up to the tolerance level of existing vehicles (potentially 1 percent or 2 percent over 20 percent).

Dr. CK Jain, President, Grain Ethanol Manufacturer’s Association, said, “There is an immediate need to enhance the blending up to the tolerance level of the existing vehicles to give some relief to the Grain Ethanol Industry. The roadmap for ethanol blending beyond 20 percent must be clear, ambitious and supported by a forward-looking policy framework.”

He further added that the industry has already invested to meet enhanced requirements but stressed that timely government policies and cohesive inter-ministerial coordination are essential to maintaining momentum.

GEMA emphasised that higher ethanol blends will not only significantly cut carbon emissions but also reduce India’s oil import bill, enhancing energy security. Furthermore, increased blending would boost the rural economy and employment by creating demand for agricultural feedstocks like sugarcane, maize and surplus rice.

The association urged faster collaboration between policymakers, the Department of Science and Technology, and automobile manufacturers to enable flex-fuel readiness.

Abhinav Singal, Treasurer, GEMA, added, “A cohesive approach involving relevant ministries and all stakeholders is essential to build a sustainable and economically viable biofuel ecosystem.”

Toshiba Launches SCiB 24V Battery Pack For Automotive And Industrial Use

Toshiba SCiB

Toshiba has introduced a new SCiB 24V battery pack (P25H20-3), a lithium-ion solution designed for the automotive, marine and heavy equipment sectors. The battery is intended for seamless replacement of conventional lead-acid batteries.

The new product is already being used in the ‘e-Float Terrace,’ an electric boat from Yamaha Motor Co., which is scheduled to begin offering cruise experiences in Yokohama, Japan, this October.

The SCiB 24V battery pack, equipped with 20Ah-HP SCiB cells, is engineered to meet the D23 size specified for starter lead-acid batteries (JIS D 5301). This allows for direct replacement of existing 24V lead-acid units.

The pack can be deployed as a standalone unit or configured in series and parallel – up to 2 in series and 6 in parallel (48V, 5.76 kWh) – to meet power requirements. The battery’s capability to handle high-load operations makes it suitable for marine vessels, commercial vehicles (buses and trucks) and heavy equipment (construction and agricultural machinery).

Toshihiko Takaoka, Vice-President, Battery Division of Toshiba Corporation, said, “We engineer SCiB batteries for outstanding reliability in demanding environments. The 24V battery pack combines excellent low-temperature performance and vibration resistance with robust waterproofing certified to the IPX9K and IPX7 standards. Its exceptional long-life performance helps reduce maintenance requirements for electric boats. To extend these advantages to more partners, we will continue to pursue further orders across marine and other applications.”

The Japanese company shared that tis range of SCiB batteries are known for their high safety, long life, low-temperature performance, rapid charging capability and wide usable state-of-charge range.