In what may come as a boon to the electric vehicle industry in India, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the government is set to do away with duties on several goods used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

The move is being seen as a way to support the domestic EV industry, which may be impacted by potential reciprocal US tariffs.

“We aim to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness by reducing duties on raw materials,” said Sitharaman.

The move is expected to exempt 35 items used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

The manufacturing, adoption and promotion of EVs has been a priority area for the government of India, which has introduced a wide-variety of schemes such as – Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) with a budgetary allocation of INR 26.7 billion, Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) with a budget outlay of INR 5 billion, PM E-Drive Scheme with an outlay of INR 109 billion, Pm e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme with an outlay of INR 34.3 billion and Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC).

According to the latest data shared by the government of India, the country has over 4.4 million EVs registered as of August 2024, which includes 950,000 units sold in just eight months of 2024, achieving 6.6 percent market penetration.

Škoda Auto has released a teaser clip of the all-new Elroq vRS, offering a first glimpse of both its exterior and interior. The world premiere is scheduled to take place digitally on 3 April 2025 and will be streamed live on Škoda’s official YouTube channel.

Following its digital unveiling, the all-electric compact SUV will make its public debut at Milan Design Week 2025 in the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea gallery in the Porta Venezia Design District. In keeping with Škoda's Be More Elroq campaign, the exhibition will showcase the Elroq vRS as the focal point of an experiential journey from 8 to 13 April 2025. The show will also feature the official launch of Botas sneakers, which are based on Škoda Modern Solid design principles, in honour of the company's 130th anniversary. These sneakers were created in collaboration with the Škoda Auto design team. Members of the Škoda team will wear one of the three versions that are planned for the occasion.

Folks Motor, a retrofit start-up, has announced that it will invest INR 5 billion towards capital expenditure over the next five years, it is also targeting to attain revenue of INR 5 billion revenue including INR 2 billion from domestic market and INR 3  billion in exports.

The start-up claimed it is investing towards developing India’s first retrofit warehouse and industrial park – The Blue IP – to strengthen domestic EV supply chain.

Folks Motor claims it has already started exports to Middle East and Africa, with plans to enter Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The new investment will see the start-up form strategic partnership with powertrain manufacturers, electronic manufacturing services, energy storage and system integrators.

Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD & CEO, Folks Motor, said, "At Folks Motor, we recognise the urgent need to build a robust and integrated EV ecosystem in India. With ‘The Blue IP’, the first-ever xEV-focused warehousing and industrial park, we are taking a big step toward strengthening domestic manufacturing. Our target of INR 6 billion in order book by 2030 reflects our commitment to making India a leader in the global EV supply chain. Our expansion strategy ensures that sustainable mobility is accessible to a broader audience without the financial and environmental costs of scrapping existing vehicles."

The start-up claimed that it has structured a USD 100 million ESG bond for efficient fund utilisation, which it aims to scale up to INR 2.5 billion for working capital and operational expenses.

Hyundai Motor Company today teased the INSTEROID, a playful take on a ‘dream car’. The design concept is based on its popular INSTER sub-compact electric vehicle (EV) and aims to strengthen the emotional connection with the Hyundai brand.

Combining the words ‘INSTER’ and ‘STEROID’, the name captures the fun and muscular character of this concept automobile, which is based on the INSTER production model. With significant sales in both Europe and Korea after its June 2024 worldwide premiere, INSTER has emerged as a popular EV. With its racing game-inspired look, wheel arch air vents, 21-inch wheels, a noticeable rear spoiler and diffuser and Signature Pixel LEDs, the INSTEROID enhances the production model's appearance. The company plans to unveil the INSTEROID ‘dream car’ to the public in early April 2025.

Benglauru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ola Electric has commenced deliveries for its S1 Gen 3 scooter portfolio across India. The S1 Gen 3 portfolio includes the flagship S1 Pro+ along with S1 Pro and S1 X.

The S1 Pro+ comes with two battery options 5.3kWh and 4kWh and is powered by a 13kW motor, which comes with claimed top speed of 141 kmph and 128 kmph respectively with a brisk acceleration of 0-40 kmph in just 2.1 and 2.3 seconds. The S1 Pro has a claimed range of 320km (IDC), while the 4kWh S1 Pro+ comes with claimed 242km (IDC). The e-scooter has four riding modes – Hyper, Sports, Normal and Eco – and gets dual ABS and disk brakes in front and rear

Ola Spokesperson, Ola Electric said, "The overwhelming response to our S1 Gen 3 scooters reaffirms our commitment to accelerating India's transition to electric mobility. We're excited for our customers to experience the superior performance, enhanced safety features, and improved efficiency that the Gen 3 portfolio offers."

The company claims the Gen 3 platform now sports a mid-drive motor and chain drive for optimised performance and reliability and an integrated MCU (Motor Control Unit) for better range and efficiency. Compared to the previous generation e-scooters, the Gen 3 offers 20 percent increase in peak power, 11 percent cost savings and 20 percent higher range.

Ola Electric shared that the Gen 3 platform also comes with category-first dual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and patented brake-by-wire technology for e-scooters.

On the other hand, the S1 Pro is powered by an 11 kW mid-drive motor, offers 4kWh and 3kWh variants with top speeds of 125 kmph and 117 kmph. It has a claimed range of 242 km and 176 km (IDC) respectively. Both accelerate 0-40 kmph in 2.7 seconds, featuring four riding modes – Hyper, Sports, Normal and Eco – plus single ABS and dual disc brakes. Available in Porcelain White, Industrial Silver, Jet Black, Stellar Blue and Midnight Blue, the S1 X+ flagship matches the 4kWh S1 Pro’s 125 kmph speed and 242 km range, adding new seat foam, sporty decals, a 4.3-inch display, a front disc brake, and colour options like Passion Red.

The S1 X, aimed at value-conscious buyers, comes in 4kWh, 3kWh and 2kWh variants with a 7kW motor, hitting claimed top speeds of 123 kmph, 115 kmph and 101 kmph, and ranges of 242 km, 176 km and 108 km (IDC). These accelerate 0-40 kmph in 3.0, 3.1 and 3.4 seconds, with a 4.3-inch display, decals, improved seating and four riding modes, available in five colours. The new Roadster X series starts at INR 74,999, with the Roadster X+ 4.5kWh at INR 104,999 and the 9.1kWh model (4680 Bharat Cell) at INR 154,999, offering a 501 km range.