India’s electric mobility transition is entering a decisive phase with public transportation emerging as the flagship for decarbonisation. At the 4th East and Northeast Energy Conclave held in Kolkata, A.K. Saxena, Senior Director at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), laid out an ambitious yet structured roadmap for how electric vehicles—particularly electric buses—can catalyse a cleaner, more inclusive transport future for India’s eastern and northeastern regions.

The event, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, brought together policymakers, energy sector leaders and infrastructure experts to deliberate on regional energy transition strategies. Saxena’s keynote address stood out for its clarity on India’s electric mobility outlook, emphasising that public transport electrification must lead the charge.

Data-driven rollout in Kolkata

TERI’s work with the West Bengal Transport Corporation served as a case in point. The state aims to deploy 1,200 electric buses in Kolkata and Saxena revealed how technology and granular data are at the heart of this transformation. “We carried out a comprehensive traffic survey using GIS mapping and drone analytics to understand routes, congestion points and energy demand,” Saxena said. The insights helped identify optimal locations for EV charging infrastructure across the city.

The approach reflects a broader shift in India’s energy planning—from top-down mandates to data-driven micro-planning. Saxena emphasised that charging infrastructure is not just about installation but about siting, access, demand forecasting and grid-readiness. “The efficiency of public EV fleets hinges on planning that is grounded in real-world usage patterns,” he noted.

National push

In tandem with regional projects, the event also marked the launch of a new EV web portal and a short film on decarbonising public transport, both developed by TERI. These tools aim to enhance public awareness, empower local governments and standardise best practices.

Saxena pointed to TERI’s development of the e-Amrit portal for NITI Aayog—a national dashboard for EV adoption—as another example of institutional capacity-building in the e-mobility space. The platform offers guidance on EV incentives, vehicle types, charging options and ecosystem partners. “Digital platforms like e-Amrit can help streamline decision-making for city planners, fleet operators and even individual consumers,” Saxena added.

Broader energy transition

But Saxena was clear that electric mobility cannot be addressed in isolation, it must be integrated into a larger energy transition framework. He pointed out that e-mobility needs to be powered by clean, renewable energy and not simply displace tailpipe emissions with upstream fossil fuel usage.

“India must ensure that new incremental energy demand from EVs is met through renewables plus storage, not coal,” he said. TERI’s own roadmap recommends phasing out inefficient coal plants and meeting new demand growth through clean sources, particularly solar, wind and hydro.

Battery storage and pumped hydro have been prioritised as key enablers, especially for regions with variable renewables and peak demand mismatches. Saxena cited examples such as the Purulia and Turga pumped storage plants in West Bengal and Aparindavati in Odisha as vital to integrating e-mobility sustainably.

Coordinated ecosystem

One of Saxena’s boldest proposals was the formation of an East and Northeast Energy Transition Council. This cross-state platform would allow for better coordination between utilities, transport agencies and regulators. He argued that states like Odisha, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal can benefit from collaborative planning, especially on issues like charging infrastructure interoperability, storage strategy and renewable energy synergies.

He also floated the idea of setting up solar parks and EV charging corridors specifically tailored for intercity public transport routes. “Kolkata to Bhubaneswar or Guwahati to Shillong could become future-ready with fast-charging lanes,” Saxena said.

On the urban distribution front, Saxena advocated for the creation of distribution system operators (DSOs), specialised agencies tasked with managing decentralised energy flows including bi-directional EV charging, rooftop solar integration and grid balancing. “With vehicle-to-grid technologies on the horizon, the distribution system can no longer be passive,” he asserted.

Inclusive transition

Saxena closed his remarks with a reminder that India’s energy transition must be socially just and inclusive. Electrification of transport must not leave behind regions dependent on fossil fuels or traditional automotive sectors.

“Coal mining communities and internal combustion engine industries must be given retraining opportunities, livelihood alternatives and transition finance,” he said. Public transport electrification, he argued, presents an opportunity not only to cut emissions but to create green jobs, especially in battery servicing, EV manufacturing and smart infrastructure installation.

He acknowledged that the economics of EVs, especially in public fleets, may not yet be universally favourable. “But if we keep waiting for perfect conditions, the transition will remain academic,” Saxena said. “At some point, bold decisions have to be made.”

As India eyes near-universal e-mobility by 2040, Saxena’s remarks offered a realistic yet optimistic roadmap. The push to decarbonise public transport backed by smart tools, local data and clean energy is not just about vehicles. It is about shaping cities that are cleaner, healthier and more equitable for the future.

And in the alleys and arteries of Kolkata, India’s next mobility revolution may already be taking shape.

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy has announced three new initiatives Battery as a Service (BaaS), Assured Buyback programme and launched an Extended Comprehensive Warranty (ECW) to make owning the green vehicles more attractive.

These initiatives address key concerns for potential EV buyers, namely high upfront costs, uncertainty about resale value and warranty issues.

The BaaS model allows customers to purchase an electric scooter without the battery upfront, significantly reducing the initial cost. The price of the scooter is split into a 'shell' and a 'battery' component. Under this model, the Ather Rizta starts at INR 75,999 (ex-showroom Lucknow) and the 450 Series starts at INR 84,341 (ex-showroom Lucknow).

This represents a 30 percent reduction in the upfront cost for the Rizta. Customers then pay for the battery on a monthly usage basis, with plans starting as low as INR 1 per kilometre. The cost of the battery is recovered over three to four years. Additionally, BaaS customers get a year of free fast charging at Ather's network of over 3,300 fast chargers nationwide.

Ravneet S Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "As the EV segment continues to grow in the country, we see customers with different needs and challenges entering the segment. To unlock the segment's true potential and accelerate growth, we've rolled out a slew of initiatives to cater to the different needs of our potential customers. With BaaS, ECW and Assured Buyback, we aim to address major barriers that exist for customers when purchasing a new EV scooter. As one of the leading players, we stay committed to making it easier for families to experience the benefits of EVs."

Building on a pilot programme, Ather has now extended its Assured Buyback programme to a wider customer base. The programme guarantees up to 60 percent of the scooter's value after three years and up to 50 percent after four years, based on the kilometres travelled. This initiative aims to provide clarity on the future value of the investment, addressing a common concern for buyers in a rapidly changing market.

Ather also launched its ECW, which covers the battery and 11 other critical components, including the motor, motor controller, dashboard and charger. The warranty is valid for up to five years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. This provides protection against potentially expensive component replacements and offers peace of mind for customers. The ECW is available to all AtherStack Pro customers.

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Polestar’s all-electric SUV, the Polestar 3, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by an electric SUV on a single charge. The Long Range Single Motor model covered an impressive 581.3 miles (935.44 km), significantly surpassing its official WLTP range of 438 miles (706 km). Professional drivers Sam Clarke, Kevin Booker and Richard Parker meticulously optimised efficiency during the 22-hour, 57-minute test, achieving an energy consumption rate of 19.5 kWh per 100 miles (12.1 kWh/100 km).

Conducted under mixed weather conditions, including rain, the challenge followed strict protocols. Guinness World Records judge Paulina Sapinska oversaw the attempt, with Webfleet providing verified telematics data, including GPS tracking, battery levels and odometer readings. The unmodified Polestar 3 rode on standard 20-inch wheels with factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 EV tyres.

Remarkably, the SUV still had 20 percent battery remaining when it reached its WLTP range and continued for an additional eight miles (12.87 km) after displaying zero percent charge. The drivers rotated every three hours to maintain focus, with the AA on standby for safety. The achievement highlights the Polestar 3’s real-world efficiency and endurance beyond laboratory estimates.

Matt Galvin, Polestar UK Managing Director, said, “While Kevin, Sam and Richard pushed the Polestar 3 to the boundaries of its range capability, it goes to show how battery range has improved exponentially over the past few years. For a large luxury SUV to go way beyond a London to Edinburgh distance is truly impressive. When this achievement is coupled together with real world independent tests such as Norway’s El Prix winter range test earlier in the year where the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor won against 23 other electric vehicles, it goes to show: long distances are perfectly achievable with minimal fuss. Add to this rapid charging with up to 250 kW allowing a 10–80 percent charge in 30 minutes, the adage that ‘EVs can’t go far’ has been very much consigned to the history books.”

Driver Sam Clarke said: “Since we first started setting records, we have noticed how much more driving it is taking to achieve them! While we aim to push the car to the limits, the car is also pushing us to our limits. I am pleased to be setting the first electric SUV journey record, and to do it in such a capable EV like the Polestar 3 has been a real pleasure.”

Driver Kevin Booker said: “Setting this record alongside Sam and Richard is a great achievement – especially in a large SUV such as the Polestar 3. There’s always jeopardy, and our attempt could have been hampered by the adverse weather conditions and traffic we experienced – there was a lot of standing water during part of the day, meaning more resistance from the tyres and lower efficiency. But, finishing up on zero percent at nearly one o’clock in the morning knowing we’d beaten previous records was a fantastic feeling!”

Driver Richard Parker said: “After the rain subsided, we had a few more challenges on our hands including some interest from the local constabulary! When they realised our official attempt was ultra-efficiency, and they had wished us good luck – we were back on track and getting into our routine of driving shifts until a last-minute road closure near Melton Mowbray was an additional test for us to face. It was another proof point that the record isn’t just down to the driver but also the passenger – quick-thinking co-pilot navigation was just as vital as battery management for this attempt.”

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Euler Motors and Magenta Mobility have completed a collective 20 million kilometres in electric mobility operations. The collaboration, which has seen 733 Euler Motors electric vehicles used in more than 10 cities, has had a fleet uptime of over 97 percent.

The companies say the milestone shows that electric vehicles are a dependable part of the logistics grid in India. The fleet is used for a number of last-mile delivery applications.

The partnership has also cut 1,757 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and saved more than 665,000 litres of diesel. This environmental impact is equivalent to planting over 73,000 trees.

The collaboration has a presence in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. Magenta provides services to clients like Flipkart, Amazon, D-Mart, Zomato, ShadowFax and DHL.

Saurav Kumar, Founder and CEO, Euler Motors, said, "This milestone is a testament to how far the EV ecosystem has come, from promise to performance. Together with Magenta Mobility, we've demonstrated that electric commercial fleets are not just future-ready, but present-day reliable, proving their worth on real roads, in real conditions, across multiple cities."

Euler Motors has provided on-site technicians, driver training and technology integrations to support the fleet.

Maxson Lewis, Managing Director and CEO, Magenta Mobility, said, "At Magenta Mobility, we’ve always believed that clean mobility must match, if not exceed, the performance of ICE vehicles to drive real adoption. Our partnership with Euler Motors has proven that conviction, on the ground, at scale, and across cities. With over 2 crore electric kilometres, industry-leading uptime, and measurable climate impact, we’re not just talking about the future of logistics, we’re delivering it.”

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India’s leading automakers and government officials gathered at the 4th International Conference on World Biofuel Day to discuss accelerating the country's transition to a biofuel-driven economy. Hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) under its Jaivik Pahal (Bio Initiative) campaign, the event highlighted India's rapid progress in biofuel adoption and the collaborative efforts needed to further its clean mobility goals.

The conference's discussions were underscored by a significant achievement: India has already reached its target of 20 percent ethanol blending (E20), a goal originally set for 2030. Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, credited the National Biofuel Policy of 2018 for this success, which expanded the types of feedstock that could be used for ethanol production.

Experts from around the world praised India's progress. Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, the Ambassador of Brazil, noted that the success of a biofuel program relies not just on technology, but on a robust and predictable regulatory framework. He emphasised that biofuels are crucial for cleaner air, energy security and rural empowerment.

Looking ahead, the conference explored ways to move beyond E20. Niraj Shirgaokar, Managing Director of The Ugar Sugar Works, suggested gradually increasing the nationwide blend to E25, E27 and eventually E30. This sentiment was echoed by other industry leaders who stressed that new passenger vehicles are now fully E20 compliant, paving the way for higher blends.

Innovations and Challenges in the Biofuel Ecosystem

The conference also delved into the development of advanced biofuels and the importance of a sustainable supply chain. Leaders from the commercial vehicle sector, like R S Sachdeva of VE Commercial Vehicles, shared that they've been working to integrate biodiesel blending and biogas into their systems.

Meanwhile, Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director of Indraprastha Gas, expressed optimism about biogas, stating that India has huge untapped potential if it can address challenges like feedstock aggregation and waste segregation. He believes that a 10 percent infusion of biogas in CNG is achievable by 2030.

A key concern raised was the need for a reliable feedstock supply. Aswani Srivastava, Joint Secretary of the Government of India, said that while India has sufficient capacity to meet its E20 goals, ongoing efforts are focused on developing more water-efficient crops, like sweet sorghum, to ensure long-term sustainability.

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, stated, “We can make biofuel economy not just an aspiration, but India's global identity through innovation and collaboration.”

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