Taral Agarwal is helping his father run their ‘chikki’ business at Lonavala besides studying to achieve a BBA degree. Coming from a family that has been into the traditional Indian sweets business for three generations now, Agarwal firmly belongs to Gen Z and has the confidence as well as the exposure to match. His thoughts about how he wants to see their family enterprise grow sustainably and offer hygienic products is interesting, He does not seem to be bothered about how fast a ‘chikki’ brand in his city has grown and branched out. 
What is surprising about the lad who rides to college and runs errands for his family on a fossil fuel powered two-wheeler, is his thoughts about shifting to an electric vehicle to cut down operating costs. Agarwal is clearly not convinced.  He is not convinced about the claim of EVs being ‘green’! What is the point in buying an EV when the fuel or electricity it is going to be powered with, is going to come from burning lignite? he asks. 

Agarwal is not alone among the Gen-Zers. Credit should be given to them for their exposure to the world events and how they think of or are sensitive to the developments taking place around them. They perhaps are more sorted with the idea of environment and sustainability. Paying more for the initial acquisition cost of an EV is a concern to Agarwal, but a bigger concern is whether what is claimed by EVs manufacturers in terms of range and carbon neutrality is true or not. 

The falling prices of batteries or the alternatives to rare earth metals has the attention of Gen-Zers like Agarwal, but a larger and complete picture is what he and other like him want to see. Aware of the fact that their country would benefit from less dependence on fossil fuel, the Gen-Zers seem to want products that truly measure up to their claims. They, it looks like, are keen to see with their eyes, real sustainability plans over claims. They are looking for more than the ESG performance may indicate, though that is one parameter that is assuming importance. 

Events like floods, bush fires and the accelerated melting of glaciers are not beyond the purview of the Gen-Zers. They are in fact making them aware of where the directions of the efforts should be. But they are not the one that will believe in claims. They are therefore keeping a close eye on how the future mobility scene is shaping up in terms of carbon neutrality and sustainability. Something that the tall compounds walls of manufacturing plants and glass facades of various corporate offices of automotive manufacturers may not be able to conceal for long. 

Even governments are not beyond the watchful eye of the Gen-Zers. It is important therefore that it will take much more for them to simply announce regulations and change rules pertaining to mobility. It would not take long to understand for the Gen-Zers if the governments are truly interested in addressing their concerns and needs or simply chalking out short and mid-terms measures. 

The Gen-Zers are at a juncture where they are seriously thinking if fossil fuel vehicle pollute more over their lifetime or the EVs do. They are rather concerned about the ‘cost-to-the-environment’ and recyclability than the claims of zero-pollution. 

Future interest in EV adoption fell most among Gen Z age category (74 percent in 2021 vs 56 percent in 2022), read the intro of an article in theevreport.com dated 1 August 2022. An article dated 8 May 2023 in USA Today mentioned that electrifying the car market may be getting more difficult with the share of Americans who say they’re ‘very unlikely’ to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. Citing a report by consumer analytics firm JD Power, the article stated that persistent worries about charging infrastructure and vehicle pricing was dampening enthusiasm for EVs among other reasons like the lack of public charging infrastructure, geography and education. 

The rising status of India as the world’s biggest micro-electro mobility market would do good to align with the expectations of the Gen Z. Not just in terms of performance, durability or range, but also in terms of how ‘green’ the entire concept truly is. It is only when they are convinced, would they want to invest.  Mere ESG figures may not even satiate their appetite in terms of their future mobility needs. 

The question that comes to mind therefore is, are hydrogen vehicles really the future? Are governments the world over simply rushing to phase out fossil fuel vehicles? Are government truly aware of the ‘cost-to-the-environment’ about EVs vis-à-vis fossil fuel vehicles or they simply interested in reducing their dependence on imported fuels? What are their plans about producing electricity through greener means to support the kind of EVs envisaged? What about the other infrastructure needs? What about taxation and subsidies? 
Typical answers and corporate keywords may not work in this case. For the Gen-Zers to bet their money on EVs, it will take much more. Incidences like EVs catching fire has already put more questions in the mind of Gen-Zers. Convincing them would not be easy. 

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Bengaluru-based electric motorcycle maker Ultraviolette Automotive has expanded its presence across India with the launch of new experience centres in five cities – Madurai, Kolkata, Berhampore, Jaipur and Yelahanka (Bengaluru) – within a span of 72 hours. The company has also opened its second experience centre in Bengaluru, taking its total presence to 17 cities nationwide.

The rapid rollout is aimed at meeting growing demand for its F77 series, including the F77 SuperStreet and F77 MACH 2 models. These new ‘UV Space Stations’ will offer customers test rides, vehicle delivery, aftersales support and access to genuine spare parts.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, Ultraviolette’s active expansion is not just about scaling but also about strategy and impact. With the opening of five new experience centres in a short span of 72 hours and launch of a second experience centre in Bengaluru today, we are delivering on our commitment to architect a scalable customer ecosystem with robust sales and aftersales facilities. Our launch in ten countries across Europe in June 2025 and the second phase of India expansion underscores the agility of our operational model, and our vision of serving our customers across hundred cities by FY 2026. Designing and building in India isn’t just a philosophy, it’s about laying the foundation for long-term value creation, and prioritizing service excellence ahead of new product rollouts. We are ushering in the next wave of design-led and advanced tech mobility.”

The company’s experience centres provide tailored sales and service support, creating an end-to-end customer experience. The expansion marks Ultraviolette’s entry into Rajasthan and West Bengal.

Ultraviolette also continues to upgrade its technology offerings. Its latest ‘GEN3 Powertrain Firmware’ and ‘Ballistic+’ performance mode are now available at no extra cost for all F77 owners, new and existing. These updates improve throttle response, acceleration, and initial torque. Earlier updates in 2024 included features such as Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill-Hold Assist, and regenerative braking.

The company aims to further scale its reach to 100 cities across India by FY 2026.

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BYD has made its debut in the top 100 of the Fortune Global 500, securing the 91st position in the 2025 ranking announced on 29 July. This marks a significant leap from its 143rd place in 2024 and represents its fourth consecutive year on the prestigious list since 2022.

The company achieved robust growth across its four core industries in 2024, generating annual revenue of RMB 777.1 billion (around USD 107.1 billion), a 29 percent increase year-on-year. BYD also set a new benchmark in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales, delivering 4.27 million units – a 41 percent surge compared to the previous year – solidifying its position as the global NEV sales leader for the third straight year.

Central to BYD’s success is its dedication to technological innovation, guided by a ‘Technology-based, Innovation-oriented’ philosophy. In 2024, the company invested RMB 54.2 billion (approximately USD 7.47 billion) in R&D, a 36 percent annual rise that exceeded its net profit. Remarkably, BYD has outpaced its annual net profit with R&D spending in 13 of the past 14 years, leading to breakthroughs like the Blade Battery, DiSus Intelligent Body Control System and Megawatt Flash Charging.

Expanding its global footprint, BYD accelerated overseas growth in 2025, with passenger vehicles and pickup trucks surpassing 470,000 units in overseas sales during the first half of the year. Key milestones include launching its European headquarters in Hungary, producing its first vehicle in Brazil and delivering its 90,000th NEV in Thailand. Today, BYD operates in 112 countries and regions, offering sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

With its rising Fortune ranking underscoring its innovation and global strategy, BYD remains committed to advancing sustainable development and its mission to ‘Cool the Earth by 1°C’ through cutting-edge technology and expanded international presence.

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Automobili Lamborghini has reported strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, demonstrating stability despite global economic challenges. The Italian automaker generated EUR 1.62 billion in revenue, matching previous year figures, while operating profit reached EUR 431 million – a slight decline attributed to unfavourable currency fluctuations. The company delivered 5,681 vehicles during this period, setting a new first-half record with a two percent year-over-year increase.

Maintaining robust profitability at 26.6 percent, Lamborghini continues its sustainable growth trajectory while renewing its entire product lineup. Regional deliveries were led by EMEA with 2,708 units, followed by the Americas (1,732) and APAC (1,241).

The brand's success reflects the execution of its Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, particularly its transition to a fully hybridised lineup. Key models driving this momentum include the Revuelto, Lamborghini's first High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV), featuring a groundbreaking 1,015 HP hybrid powertrain combining a V12 engine with three electric motors. Equally impactful is the Urus SE plug-in hybrid Super SUV, delivering 800 HP with enhanced efficiency and technology.

Later this year, Lamborghini will expand its electrified range with the Temerario, a new V8 HPEV super sports car that recently completed dynamic testing in Estoril. Scheduled for deliveries in early 2026, this model reinforces the brand's commitment to performance-oriented electrification, marking another milestone in its ongoing transformation.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “The results from the first six months of 2025 are solid despite global economic and political instability, confirming that the decision to hybridise the entire range was the right one. The success of the Revuelto and Urus SE demonstrates that our vision is shared by our customers, and we now look forward to the market launch of the Temerario, which will complete the first fully hybrid range in the segment.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “In the current macroeconomic and geopolitical context, the financial and business performance of the first half of 2025 demonstrates the resilience we have built over the years, and confirms once again the brand’s positioning among the leading players in the luxury sector.”

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), convened a roundtable conference titled ‘Gas se Gati, Bharat ki Pragati’ at the India Habitat Centre, focusing on the role of gas-based fuels in promoting cleaner mobility across India.

Held under SIAM’s ‘Gas Mobility’ initiative, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as alternative fuels for urban and long-distance transport.

In his opening address, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Globally, India is the largest user of gas fuels in mobility. We began with CNG cars and now have the largest gas-based bus and three-wheeler fleet. The launch of the world’s first CNG two-wheeler last year marked another key milestone.”

Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighted the role of the auto industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2047. He noted that the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme supports gas-powered vehicles and localisation of their components.

Additional Secretary from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Sudeep Jain, emphasised the potential of CBG from agricultural waste, stating that converting 10 percent of oil imports to CBG could significantly impact rural development, pollution control and energy self-sufficiency.

Maruti Suzuki’s Rahul Bharti acknowledged the government’s role in expanding CNG infrastructure, with nearly 10,000 stations targeted by 2025. He cited improvements in CNG fuel efficiency and job creation, adding that CBG and LNG also offer promising solutions for the transport sector.

The Commission for Air Quality Management’s Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee called gas-based transport a necessity, not a choice, especially for pollution control in Delhi-NCR. He pointed to efforts such as phasing out older vehicles and reducing stubble burning.

Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, said India’s energy transition in transport is well underway and gas fuels are an effective transitional option, supported by existing infrastructure.

The thematic session, chaired by Ved Prakash Mishra of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, reiterated gas’s relevance until full electrification is achieved. Academic and policy experts, including IIT Kanpur’s Prof Mukesh Sharma and MNRE’s Dr Gaurav Mishra, shared data on emissions reduction and the role of bioenergy.

Presentations covered city gas expansion, vehicle technology innovations, and infrastructure challenges, featuring speakers from Bajaj Auto, Mahanagar Gas and the Association of CGD Entities.

A panel discussion on CBG and LNG adoption, moderated by ICF’s Gurpreet Singh Chugh, included input from NITI Aayog, GAIL Gas, Indraprastha Gas, VE Commercial Vehicles and Tata Motors. Speakers discussed scalability, infrastructure needs, and the role of gas in supporting India’s net-zero goals by 2070.

The event concluded with remarks by Ashish Chutani, Chairman, SIAM Gas-Based Mobility Group and Head – Government & Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India.

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