Clean Electric, a startup working on XFC battery technology for electric vehicles, has unveiled what it claims is its revolutionary rapid recharging battery technology that can fully charge electric vehicles in under 12-minutes (claimed). 

This groundbreaking advancement represents a major leap forward, with EV charging times ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. Its proprietary battery technology uses universal CCS 2 DC charging standards, ensuring compatibility across all EV model form-factors, positioning it as a game-changer for the entire industry. 

The fireproof batteries had been tested for 3700 rapid charge cycles with only 11 percent degradation in the overall range. The energy storage solution firm manufactures the batteries at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pune, the plant is well-equipped to produce up to 1,200 battery packs per month.

The groundbreaking technology by Clean Electric, is said to have been under development for 4-years and is backed by 4 granted patents both domestic and US. Its battery architectures had several industry-first technologies, such as direct contact liquid cooling (DCLC) for e-four-wheeler and large battery systems, self-contained adaptive active liquid cooling (SCALC) for e-two-wheelers and e-three-wheeler battery systems and DCLC with Integrated cell to pack (CTP) battery architecture, which will allow intrinsically safe batteries, mitigating thermal runaway risk, and enable RAPID Charging with higher packaging efficiency to boost EV range without added degradation. 

The start-up is currently working with EV OEMs in e-car, e-two-wheeler, e-three-wheeler, e-LCV, and established startups to address major roadblocks to enable mass adoption. Some of the poignant issues include EVs catching fire, anxiety from long charging times (minimum 1 hour), and the limited range (200-300km) of current EVs. 

Clean Electric recently held a live demonstration in Pune, showcasing a 2.2 kWh e-two-wheeler battery & 12.5 kWh e-three-wheeler, charging from 0-80 percent State of Charge (SOC) in just 10 minutes at a constant of 5C charge rate using BIS-approved Type 6, Bharat DC-001 and globally accepted CCS 2 DC public charger, making it the world’s fastest- charging production electric vehicle. 

The start-up was founded by Akash Gupta, Abhinav Roy & Ankit Joshi in 2020 to develop, manufacture, and supply advanced energy storage solutions for EVs and grid applications. It has built advanced liquid-cooled battery solutions for two-, three-wheelers, e-cars and grid storage. 

Ankit Joshi, Chief Product Officer, Clean Electric said, “This is a revolutionary moment for all of us at Clean Electric, our proprietary 12-minute charging technology sets a new global standard that will drive the EV industry forward. Committed to sustainability, we strive to democratize RAPID Charging for EVs coupled with long battery life, reducing environmental impact and shaping the future of electric vehicles. Clean Electric plans to introduce Gen 3 batteries next fiscal year, enabling affordable, high-energy density batteries to take rapid charging to the masses.”

Akash Gupta, Co-Founder, Clean Electric stated, “We support Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s audacious vision to stop the production of new fossil fuel based combustion engine vehicle by 2034, I firmly believe Clean Electric will be the strongest catalyst in the EV-ecosystem to enable shift to renewable energy powered electric vehicle, also we need to add ‘Design in India’ to the narrative of ‘Make in India’ and make India technology powerhouse globally for other country to follow India’s footsteps/ successful scalable models/ solutions to benefit human mankind.”

Clean Electric has raised seed funding of $2.2 million (INR 183.2 million) in October 2022 led by Kalaari Capital. 

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CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components – we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

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Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

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Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

• Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
• Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
• Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
• Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
• Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
• Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
• Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”

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