Renault India has announced the launch of CNG kits for Kwid, Kiger and Triber models that are already running on the roads. The move – expected to help Renault increase its reach into a new and growing side of passenger vehicle market in the country – will be offered on variants other than that having an automatic transmission and a turb-petrol engine. 
Supported by a three-year warranty, the CNG kits will be fitted by the company’s preferred vendor, using a homologated kit that meets all safety and performance standards.
 The development and customisation of the fitment is detailed to the smallest hardware packaged as a kit to have uniformity and standardised fitments across the network.
Renault cars with the CNG kits have been duly validated to ensure there is no impact on driving performance ensuring that our customers enjoy the best driving experience.
The CNG retrofitment kits will be made available in a phased manner. Sales will start in five key states of Haryana, UP, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra, contributing 65 percent of the market and subsequently cover 100 percent in the coming months.
Speaking about the development, Venkatram M, Managing Director and Country CEO, Renault India, said, "Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to continuously improve our offerings. The introduction of the Govt. approved CNG retrofitment kit across all models are a testament to our dedication to providing eco-friendly and smart solutions for our customers. We believe this initiative will make Renault cars even more accessible and practical, solidifying our position in India."
 

The International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE) has partnered with Suzuki R&D Center India Private Limited to propel advancements in alternative vehicular fuels such as bio-CNG, e-fuel and hydrogen. The two companies signed a MoU recently in this regard.

Focused in the development of sustainable mobility solutions and automotive innovation, the partnership would include cutting-edge research, development of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and creation of state-of-the-art training programmes tailored for students as well as industry professionals.

They would combine iACE’s expertise in educational excellence with Suzuki’s robust R&D capabilities, driving a change in the automotive sector and advancing green energy technologies.

Mumbai-based retrofit components supplier Ecofuel Systems India has expanded its product offering for the commercial vehicle market. The company which primarily focused on the passenger vehicle segment, has now introduced CNG, LNG and bio-CNG kits for the commercial vehicle segment.

Virendra Vora, Founder & Chairman, Ecofuel Systems, said, “Expanding into the heavy vehicle sector is a natural progression for Ecofuel as we continue our mission to make the world a cleaner, greener place. Our advanced fuel solutions, including CNG, LNG and bio-CNG, not only reduce emissions but also lower running costs for fleet operators. We’re proud to offer solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.” 

The company claims that in addition to reduction in emissions, the retrofitted vehicles will also get better fuel economy and further help in reduction in fuel imports for the country.

Image for representational purpose only.

Electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Euler Motors has singed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Power Renewables for fast chargers.

As per the understanding, Euler Motors’ customers will get smart cards to access Tata Power Renewables’ high-speed charging network. Furthermore, Tata Power Renewables will also modify chargers if needed to support Euler Motors HiLoadEV electric three-wheeler, which can be fully charged in 30 minutes.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Virendra Goyal, Head Business Development - EV Business, Tata Power EV Charging Solutions (TPEVCSL) and Ashish Tandon, Global Head - Customer Excellence, Euler Motors.

Saurav Kumar, Founder & CEO, Euler Motors, said, "Charging infrastructure is a key ingredient to enable EV adoption, and fast charging is a customer preference as it enables greater on-road time for vehicles, resulting in lower TCO and higher ROI. This partnership with Tata Power is a step forward in enabling customer confidence in EV adoption and Euler Products that are uniquely designed with Fast charging option.  As we scale our fleet across India, this partnership will play a crucial role in building a robust EV ecosystem that supports the commercial segment's transition to clean mobility."

TVS Motor Company recently launched its connected passenger electric three-wheeler named King EV Max in Kolkata for the eastern market. Equipped with a high-performance 51.2V lithium-ion LFP battery, the vehicle delivers a top speed of 60 km/h with three driving modes – ECO (40 km/h), City (50 km/h) and Power (60 km/h) to suit varied commuting needs. The vehicle accelerates from 0-30 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and boasts a gradability of 31 percent, ensuring seamless operation on inclined surfaces. Additionally, its water wading depth of 500 mm enhances reliability in challenging weather conditions.

A 179-km range on a single charge makes the King EV MAX an efficient choice for daily transport. The battery supports fast charging, reaching 80 percent in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, while a full charge takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. This ensures minimal downtime for fleet operators and individual users alike.

The L5 segment passenger vehicle comes with LED headlamps and tail lamps for improved visibility and safety. Additionally, the Bluetooth-enabled TVS SmartXonnect system allows users to access real-time navigation, vehicle alerts and diagnostics directly from their smartphones, enhancing operational efficiency and fleet management.

Prioritising passenger comfort, the vehicle features a spacious cabin and ergonomic seating for a smooth and comfortable ride. Its durable construction and well-designed interior make it a standout option for urban commutes.

The company is also set to enter the L5N cargo segment with plans to launch a vehicle within Q4FY25. Commenting on the development, Commercial Mobility Business Head Rajat Gupta told Motoring Trends, “The company is expanding its footprint in the electric three-wheeler space by introducing a cargo variant designed for commercial applications. The L5N classification refers to three-wheeler trucks intended for cargo transportation, whereas the L5M category is designated for passenger vehicles. With this strategic move, TVS aims to strengthen its presence in the electric mobility sector, catering to both passenger and logistics markets.”

Alluding to how TVS leveraged its strong automotive design and manufacturing capabilities in the King EV Max, he noted, “One of the key strengths of TVS is its customer-centric approach, which the company calls ‘Living with Customers’. This methodology involves closely engaging with end users to understand pain points, which are then directly addressed in product development. As a result, the latest TVS three-wheeler EV incorporates industry-first features, making it more advanced, efficient and user-friendly.” 

“A standout feature is the 26 connected functionalities integrated into the vehicle’s digital cluster, setting a new benchmark in the segment. Additionally, TVS has introduced the first Bluetooth-connected three-wheeler, enhancing fleet management and driver convenience. In terms of energy efficiency, TVS leads the category with an optimised 17.4 kWh energy consumption, maximising range while ensuring superior cost savings,” he added.

The vehicle has a localisation level of 65-70 percent and is being manufactured at the company’s Hosur plant, which has an annual production capacity of 250,000 units. While there is no pre-filled order book, demand is driven by daily retail sales, allowing the company to maintain a flexible supply chain. Given the modular nature of its production setup, the manufacturer can quickly scale up output to meet rising market demand, informed Gupta.

Currently, the installed EV production capacity stands at 5,000 units per month, utilising the same manufacturing line for internal combustion engine models.

The vehicle is now available at select dealerships in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and West Bengal with an ex-showroom price of INR 295,000. The vehicle is backed by a 6-year/150,000 km warranty, along with round-the-clock roadside assistance for the first three years.

Alluding to efforts in battery recyclability, Gupta noted, “We acknowledge that battery recyclability is a critical aspect of EV adoption, especially as the Indian market has seen significant growth in two-wheeler and three-wheeler electrification over the past five years. While an estimated battery lifespan ranges between of four to five years, real-world performance often exceeds this range. However, with evolving battery chemistries and new advancements, recyclability remains a work in progress.” 

“Currently, we source battery cells from Korea and the company is actively evaluating solutions for recycling and second-life applications, recognising that as EV adoption accelerates, end-of-life battery management will become increasingly important. While a concrete roadmap for battery recycling has yet to be finalised, the company is committed to developing a sustainable approach in the near future,” he added.