BYD India, a subsidiary of the China-headquartered world-leading new energy vehicles manufacturer BYD, has launched what it claims is India's first 6- and 7-seater electric MPV – the BYD eMAX 7 at prices starting INR 2.69 million.

The BYD eMAX 7 will succeed the BYD e6, with one of the notable changes over the outgoing model is the integration of the 8-in-1 electric powertrain from BYD's e-platform 3.0 and varied seating options.

The e-MPV comes in two variants – Superior and Premium – with 6- and 7-seater options for both. While the Superior variant comes with a battery pack of 71.8 kWh, the Premium variant packs a 55.4 kWh battery pack, returning a claimed 530km and 420km range NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) tested, respectively.

The Superior variant is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds and the premium variant does the same in just 10.1 seconds. The vehicle also boasts a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, which is one of the best in the MPV segment.

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said: “This electric MPV is not just a vehicle; it's a revolution in how progressive families experience travel. With its cutting-edge technology, exceptional comfort, and eco-friendly performance, the BYD eMAX 7 is set to raise the bar in the Indian electric vehicle market. We are excited to bring this modern, elegant eMPV to our customers and are confident that it will significantly enhance their driving, travel and ownership experience. We will always be committed to bringing the latest global innovation to our discerning Indian consumers.” 

The vehicle offers an immersive and futuristic cabin experience with abundant room, front ventilated seats, a 12.8-Inch (32.5 cm) rotatable infotainment display, a 5-inch (12.7 cm) advanced instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger and an gear lever.

The expansive 1.42 sqm panoramic glass roof creates a sense of roominess in the cabin, further enhancing passenger comfort. The third row of the vehicle can be folded to create 580-litres of boot space, ensuring ample space for cargo needs. The middle seats can also be split into 60:40 to maximise the boot space.

The BYD eMAX 7 is available with 4 exterior colour options – Quartz Blue, Cosmos Black, Crystal White, and Harbour Grey.

The e-MPV uses BYD’s Blade Battery and the 8-in-1 electric powertrain from the globally acclaimed e-platform 3.0. The distinctive feature of the BYD Blade Battery is the arrangement of battery cells in a blade-like formation, which increases the contact area between cells and electrical pathways, resulting in efficient heat transfer. Additionally, this unique design helps reduce the risk in the event of a vehicle collision. 

On the other hand, BYD's 8-in-1 electric powertrain is a system that integrates eight critical components into one, consisting of the motor, motor controller, reducer, on-board charger, DC converter, high-voltage distribution box, vehicle controller, and BMS (Battery Management System). This system is designed to optimise space utilisation and energy efficiency.

The EV packs a range of safety features, including 6 airbags as standard, ABS, EPF, EBD and ADAS to name a few.

The BYD eMAX 7 also takes care of the New Energy needs of its customers with advanced technologies like VTOL and Regenerative braking. Powering a family camping outdoors or using it to power other electric equipment, the VTOL (Vehicle to Load) technology ensures maximum usability of the vehicle. 

On the comfort side, the BYD eMAX 7 sees all the three rows of the vehicle have its separate AC vents and 2 Type A and Type C charging ports for the first two rows each. The 12.8-Inch (32.5 cm) intelligent rotating touch screen hosts Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity to customers' phones. It gets immersive 6-speaker sound system too. In addition, the vehicle also hosts advanced convenience features like voice assistance, keyless entry, NFC card key, electric trunk opening, PM 2.5 filtration system, one touch up-down with anti-pinch for all 4-door windows and automatic air conditioning.

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.