Pune-headquartered electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has expanded its retail presence to 60 operational dealerships across 15 states in India. The company has also confirmed that an additional 30 dedicated distribution outlets are under development.

The infrastructure expansion aims to establish localised maintenance and retail networks for the logistics, e-commerce and public transport sectors. Each retail outlet is configured specifically for commercial electric vehicles, featuring a minimum of two service bays, factory-trained technical personnel and component warehousing to manage fleet vehicle uptime. The company intends to scale its distribution footprint to more than 200 dealerships across 20 states in FY2027.

The company operates under the Government of India’s Automotive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Its equity backers include Mitsui & Co. of Japan, the VDL Group of the Netherlands, the NIIF India-Japan Fund and Enam Holdings.

EKA Mobility operates manufacturing facilities at Koregaon Bhima and Chakan in Pune, which produce electric buses, trucks and small commercial vehicles (SCVs). The company is also building a 47-acre production complex in Pithampur. Once fully operational, the combined manufacturing infrastructure will support an annual production capacity of 15,000 electric buses, 24,000 SCVs and 4,000 freight trucks.

The manufacturer's vehicle line-up includes the EKA 3W Cargo, the EKA 6S and 3S passenger three-wheelers, a line of four-wheel SCVs spanning 1.5 to 3.5 tonnes, electric buses ranging from 7- to 12-metres and heavy-duty trucks up to 55 tonnes. All eCVs are linked to EKA Connect, an internal automated fleet management platform that processes real-time positioning, telematics and predictive battery diagnostics to manage fleet operating costs.

Rohit Srivastava, Business Head and Chief Growth Officer, EKA Mobility, said, “Last-mile connectivity is at the heart of India’s mobility transformation. With a presence across 15 states, we are steadily building a strong and accessible retail ecosystem for our customers. As demand for electric commercial vehicles grows, it is important that customers have easy access not just to products, but also to dependable service and long-term support. Looking ahead, we plan to scale our network to over 200 dealerships in 20+ states by FY27, further strengthening our reach across key markets, as we remain committed to making electric mobility more accessible, practical, and dependable for businesses across India.”

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Italian luxury automotive brand Ferrari has unveiled the Ferrari Luce, its first fully electric production vehicle, at the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport in Rome. The debut marks the expansion of the manufacturer’s multi-energy strategy, positioning electrification alongside its existing internal combustion engine and hybrid powertrains.

The vehicle’s bodywork, cabin and digital interface were developed in partnership with LoveFrom, the design collective founded by Jony Ive and Marc Newson. The 5-seater, 4-door model features a glasshouse structure enclosed by floating aerodynamic wings at the front and rear.

The exterior surfaces yield a drag coefficient of 0.254, which represents the lowest figure achieved by a road-going Ferrari model. The vehicle utilises staggered wheel sizes, with 23-inch dimensions at the front and 24-inch dimensions at the rear.

The powertrain is built on an 800-volt electronic architecture and features four independent synchronous electric motors with radial flux derived from the F80 platform. The configuration yields a total output of 1,050 cv (1,035 horsepower) and 990 Nm of torque.

Ferrari claims that the vehicle achieves a zero to 100 kmph acceleration time of 2.5 seconds, a zero to 200 kmph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 310 kmph. Power is supplied by a 122 kWh battery pack manufactured in Maranello that functions as a structural component of the chassis and supports fast charging rates up to 350 kW, providing an estimated operating range of over 530 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.

The vehicle has a total kerb weight of 2,260 kg. To control the quad-motor system, Ferrari introduced its Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) and Side Slip Control X software, which modulate torque distribution across all four wheels 200 times per second. The vehicle incorporates an independent rear-wheel steering setup and an active suspension architecture with electronic actuators. It also features an elastically mounted rear subframe designed to manage noise, vibration, and harshness.

Inside the cabin, the layout pairs mechanical buttons, switches, and dials with digital displays developed alongside Samsung Display. The mechanical controls handle functions such as drive mode selection and climate settings. The system includes a patented acoustic feedback program that captures mechanical vibrations from the axles to generate an electronic soundscape inside and outside the vehicle based on throttle input.

Production is scheduled to begin in late 2026, with European pricing positioned at approximately EUR 550,000. Deliveries in the United States are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2027.

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Uber, one of India’s leading ridesharing apps, has inked a partnership with JSW Group to co-develop and deploy electric vehicles targeted for the Indian ride-hailing market.

The MoU signed between Parth Jindal of JSW Group and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, will see JSW Green Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW Group, deploy EV solutions at prices and performance expected in the cab segment in India.

The aim is to provide localised EV solutions across various categories on Uber, along with driving the adoption and utilisation of green vehicles.

Parth Jindal, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Uber to explore scalable EV mobility solutions aligned with national net-zero goals for India. By combining Uber’s platform scale and mobility insights with JSW’s growing automotive and clean mobility ambitions, we hope to contribute meaningfully to India’s EV ecosystem.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “India’s transition to electric mobility requires strong ecosystem partnerships across technology platforms, automakers, fleet operators, and infrastructure players. Through this collaboration with JSW Group, we aim to help accelerate the adoption of EVs on the Uber platform by exploring solutions purpose-built for the needs of Indian riders and drivers. This partnership also reflects our continued commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of advancing green and sustainable mobility at scale.”

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European automotive major Stellantis has announced a project to produce an electric vehicle, designated the E-Car, with production scheduled to begin in 2028. The manufacturing will take place at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant in Italy.

The term E-Car refers to European, Emotion, Electric and Environmental friendliness. The project aims to support the adoption of electric vehicles for city-centric mobility and intends to boost design and manufacturing jobs in Europe. The vehicle is designed to address the contraction of the small car segment in the region.

Antonio Filosa, CEO, Stellantis, said, “The E-Car is a concept that finds its natural match in the small car success that runs deep in our European Stellantis DNA. Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.”

The selection of the Pomigliano plant aligns with its history of producing cars, such as the Fiat Panda. The E-Car models will utilise BEV technologies developed with partners to improve affordability and reduce time-to-market.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has introduced the Skoda Epiq, its first entry-level city SUV crossover, which it claims achieves price parity with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Kamiq, in several European markets.

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ modular electric platform, the front-wheel-drive Epiq doubles Skoda's battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup alongside the Enyaq, Elroq and upcoming Peaq.

The platform features two battery chemistries and three power outputs tailored for urban efficiency –

• Epiq 35 & 40: Features a 38.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 267 Nm of torque and a 310 km range. The entry-level Epiq 35 delivers 85 kW, while the Epiq 40 outputs 99 kW.
• Epiq 55: The range-topping variant utilises a 55 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack, generating 155 kW of power and 290 Nm of torque for a 440 km range.

The Epiq 55 supports fast DC charging, replenishing the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. It also features bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L, V2H and V2G) and introduces full one-pedal driving in B mode. Mechanical disc brakes are fitted on both axles to limit rotor oxidation, as the front wheels handle all regenerative braking.

Measuring 4,171 mm long with a 2,601 mm wheelbase, the Epiq is the first production model to fully adopt Skoda’s ‘Modern Solid’ design language. The traditional front grille is replaced by a glossy black Tech-Deck Face concealing integrated sensors, framed by a new T-shaped LED light signature.

The crossover achieves a drag coefficient of 0.275. This aerodynamic profile is enabled by active cooling shutters, front-wheel Air Curtains, a fully enclosed smooth underbody pan and an extended roof spoiler.

Despite its compact exterior, the vehicle offers substantial storage, prioritising a 475-litre rear boot. This is supplemented by a 25-litre front luggage compartment (frunk) and 28 litres of cabin storage.

The cabin is completely animal-free, replacing leather with a durable synthetic material called Techtona. All textile seat fabrics are woven from 100 percent recycled polyester fibers (PES).

The digital core is powered by an Android-based infotainment system utilizing a 13-inch central display with third-party app hosting and a mobile digital key platform.

Safety hardware includes seven standard airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and advanced driver assistance features:

It gets Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and an eye-tracking mirror camera for driver fatigue as standard. Customers will also have a choice for an Optional Crossroad Assist feature using front-corner radars, and Travel Assist 3.0 with proactive stop-light recognition, Trained Parking and Remote Park Assist.

Shortly after the initial market rollout, a limited Epiq First Edition will launch exclusively with the high-output 155 kW Epiq 55 powertrain. It is distinguished by a two-tone paint finish with a black roof, exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, and Navajo Orange accents on the mirrors, bumpers, and side trim. The interior is upgraded with matching orange stitching, contrast safety belts, and aluminium sports pedals.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto, said, “The Epiq is our most approachable step into electric mobility – compact, confident, unmistakably Skoda, and designed to deliver exceptional value for money. It sets a clear benchmark for what an entry-level electric model should be: clean, purposeful design, intuitive user experience, and genuine everyday value. As our first series-production model to fully adopt the Modern Solid design language, the Epiq brings technologies from higher vehicle segments into an accessible package."

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, added, “With the Epiq, we are addressing customers who are looking for a straightforward and attractive entry into electric mobility. The model combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly spacious interior, including a 475-litre luggage compartment, and a design focused on functionality. It delivers the quality and Simply Clever solutions our customers expect from Skoda, along with new features such as bidirectional charging."

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