BYD has launched the ‘world’s first high-performance’ sodium-ion BESS product using its proprietary form factor, the ‘Long Blade Battery cell’, claim industry sources. They point at an announcement by BYD Energy Storage’s UK and Ireland head Kai Wang. He, they mention, recently announced the launch of the ‘MC Cube-SIB ESS’ product.

The ‘Long Blade Battery’ as a proprietary form factor of BYD has a ‘CTS super integrated design’, making it the world’s first high-performance sodium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS). It has ultra-high energy density, exceptional safety standards and flexible module design, explain sources as they draw attention to the fact that the BESS has an energy storage capacity of 2.3 MWh and a nominal voltage of 1200-volts. The voltage range is from 800-volts to 1400-volts.

Leveraging to its advantage, the sodium-ion configuration of the ‘Long Blade Battery’ is found in natural abundance. This results – theoretically – in lower manufacturing costs compared to that of the lithium-ion batteries. Also, the sodium-ion batteries offer a higher charge/discharge rate. They have a broader operating temperature range, a longer cycle life and thus offer superior safety.

Image for representative purpose only.

JSW MG Motor India has delivered 201 electric vehicles, which includes MG ZS EV, MG Windsor and MG Comet, in a single day in Bengaluru.

Furthermore, Refex Green Mobility has deployed 75 ZS EVs for Bengaluru Airport Taxi.

The OEM to further drive adoption of electric vehicles has taken a slew of steps that includes Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, eHUB by MG app, which enables provides access to over 85 percent of public EV charging stations across the country.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched its first electric scooter in India called the Activa e. It has also launched the QC1 electric vehicle that marks a pivotal moment in particular for the Japanese two-wheeler brand in India. 
With deliveries set to commence from February 2025, the Activa e blends tradition and innovation to sport an LED headlight and tail lamp; an LED DRL as part of its sleek and attractive styling that also includes a dual-tone seat, 12-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, flat footboard and a sturdy grabrail. 
Available in two variants, the Activa e – available in five colours – features a 7.0-inch TFT screen that offers real-time connectivity with Honda RoadSync Duo app that includes (navigation which is operated via toggle switches placed on the handlebar, H-Smart key with Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock and Smart Start) and swappable battery tech.   
The swappable battery tech is claimed to be revolutionary such that it allows for a quick and easy recharge. The swappable battery pack – called as Honda Mobile Power Pack e – has been developed and maintained by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd and comes in the form of two units of 1.5 kWh capacity each. It offers a range of 102 km on a full charge. 
The batteries are exchanged with the help of designated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: (BeX swapping stations) planned across Indian cities and already operational in Bengaluru and Delhi. 
Powering the e-scooter is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that helps to deliver 6 kW of peak power and 22 Nm of torque. There are three riding modes – Eco, Standard and Sport. 
The QC1, on the other hand, is a e-scooter that emphasises personal mobility by combining fluidic design and sophisticated engineering. Symbolising elegance through its styling and attributes such as a LED headlight and tail lamp, clear winkers and five vibrant colours, the e-scooter with classy rear-view mirrors, stylish 12-inch front alloy wheel, a sturdy grab rail and an overall eye-catching futuristic look is powered by a 1.5 kWh fixed battery pack that has been rigorously tested to provide an impressive range of 80 km on a single charge. 
Capable of effortlessly charging with a 330-watt off-board home charger (with an auto-cut technology to ensure safe and efficient charging) from zero to 80 percent in four hour and 30 minutes, the e-scooter develops a peak power of 1.8 kWand a maximum torque of 77 Nm. Its top speed is 50 kmph. 
Featuring two riding modes – standard and econ – that help customise the riding experience, the QC1 flaunts a 5.0-inch all-info LCD display, a USB Type-C outlet and a 26-litre under-seat storage box.
Speaking about the Activa e and QC1, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President and CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Today is a very significant day as HMSI steps into the electric mobility space. The introduction of ACTIVA e: and QC1 marks a defining step in our commitment to sustainable mobility in India. It is in line with Honda’s global ‘Triple Action to ZERO’ concept to realize carbon neutrality by 2050, which focuses on three areas: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. With our EV roadmap now in the execution phase, HMSI is committed to build one of India’s best EV ecosystems. This is a milestone moment in Honda’s journey to electrification, and with every step forward, we are focused on building a future that is safer, more sustainable & meets the evolving needs of our society.” 
Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, averred, “We are ecstatic to mark our entry into the Indian EV market with not just one but two all-new electric vehicles, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving sustainability by providing cleaner mobility solutions. In line with the global direction, we are introducing these new two-wheelers to electrify your dreams. With ACTIVA e:’s swappable battery technology and QC1’s fixed battery set-up along with the industry-leading hassle-free ownership experience, we are striving to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Moreover, to ensure the highest level of safety for our technicians and the vehicle, we are introducing industry-first insulated tools designed specifically for the servicing of electric vehicles. Together, let us ride towards a cleaner future.”

Komaki Electric Vehicle has launched its latest model, the MG PRO Lithium series under its 'Har Ghar Komaki' campaign, which will be available at an ex-showroom price of INR 59,999.

The series has been specifically tailored to meet the daily needs of Indian households and is part of the high-speed category of the brand.

Offered with a 2.2 kW and 2.7 kW LiFePO4 battery that facilitates an impressive range of 150 km, the MG PRO Lithium Series sports an auto repair feature as well.

This feature automatically addresses minor issues and ensures a smoother and safer ride for the users.

Backed by a three-year or 30,000 km warranty on its motor, battery and controller (this is alongside a one-year warranty on its charger), the MG PRO Lithium Series e-scooters add to the growing clout of e-scooters in India from young as well as legacy players.

"We're excited to introduce the MG PRO Lithium series as the perfect family scooter. It's not just an EV; it's a smart choice for families looking to contribute to a greener tomorrow while enjoying an economical, reliable, and high-performance ride. With this new launch, Komaki continues to champion electric mobility for Indian families, bringing innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions to everyday travel,” said Gunjan Malhotra, Co-founder of Komaki Electric.

In the aftermath of the launch of XEV 9e and BE 6e e-SUV, Mahindra & Mahindra (Mahindra) has showcased the vehicle's robust construction at its state-of-the-art Passive Safety Lab in Tamil Nadu, one of the largest OEM-owned facilities globally.
The automaker has demonstrated exceptional battery resilience by conducting several rigorous tests like nail penetration test (by subjecting a live battery cell to a nail penetration test, proving in-turn that it can withstand physical damage without catastrophic consequences), Fire Resistance Test (by exposing a fully charged battery to open fire and confirming that it maintains structural integrity and does not lead to fire or explosion under extreme temperatures) and crush test (by driving a 22-tonne truck over a live battery pack). 
Showing that the battery has retained its structural integrity, electrical function and charging capability despite the severe abuse, Mahindra has emphasised that it is unlimiting safety and setting new standards in the automotive industry. 
The XEV 9e and BE 6e e-SUVs that it recently introduced at a price tag of INR 21,90,000 and INR 18,90,000 ex-showroom respectively are said to underline a vision of safe and sustainable mobility.