As India pursues a goal to drastically reduce greenhouse gases through efforts like a shift to zero carbon emission vehicles that also lead to the elimination of dependence on imported fuels, even imported battery cells, the first impact report of Taiwan-based Gogoro is out. It outlines some very interesting and important factors on battery electric two-wheelers and battery swapping technology, stopping short of how green electricity could be harness over a grey source to ensure a greener well to wheel journey. 

Highlighting Gogoro's progress in sustainability and ESG, the first impact report categorically outlines how its swapping and smart scooters have been successful in enabling a transformation to sustainable urban transportation. The company's Founder and CEO Horace Luke mentions that ten years ago few were contemplating the urban energy and transportation transformation necessary to address in the wake of the plight cities were facing because of air pollution and other negative effects of climate change. Our first impact report highlights this and the progress we have made in our ESG initiatives, in-turn outlining our future intentions, he adds. 

Drawing attention how the report summarises his company’s commitments and progress in four key strategic areas of cleaner planet, safety and resilience, responsible business and social impact, Luke avers that these four areas are key to our success in achieving smarter, cleaner and safer cities. 
With nearly two million customers and 400 million battery swaps to date, Gogoro has established an open 360-degree ecosystem, which is AI-powered and cloud-connected to deliver the most accessible urban energy solution. The system is constantly learning, adjusting and optimising smart batteries and swapping stations to enable a variety of smart city solutions. 

Stating how the battery swap technology and smart scooters have made a positive impact with the help of key statistical data in terms of fossil fuel consumption reduction, CO2 emissions reduction, particulate emission reduction and employment generation, the first impact report also highlights how cities in Asia and Africa, where two-wheelers are used for daily commutes, are benefitting.  With the battery swapping system paid particular attention to because it allows users to refuel their electric scooters quickly and easily, the first impact report states that the system or technology creates the potential to integrate renewable power into electricity grids through virtual power plants and demand response programmes. 

In 2022, Gogoro began purchasing renewable energy in Taiwan to further reduce the amount of scope 2 emissions caused by its manufacturing, retail operations and battery swapping service, according to the first impact report. With a long-term goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy, in 2022, it achieved 40 percent renewable energy in its factory operations and at two retail stores.

Gogoro And Hero Group
Hero MotoCorp, which began deliveries of its first Vida V1 electric scooter in select cities in India starting with Bengaluru, announced in 2021 that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Gogoro to establish a battery swapping JV that will bring the Taiwanese company's industry leading battery swapping platform to the Indian market. The Indian two-wheeler major also announced that the two companies will collaborate to build electric two-wheelers in India that are branded as Hero and powered by Gogoro network. 

Drawing attention to Gogoro's hyper-efficient battery swapping network receiving the 2020 Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year award for the Global Swappable Battery Electric Scooter Market, sources aware of the development mentioned that Hero MotoCorp would benefit from Gogoro's knowledge and experience to drive a beneficial arrangement in the electric two-wheeler market that is also being encouraged by the government. Citing that there are hurdles like an electric two-wheeler attracting 5 percent GST and a battery attracting 18 percent GST, they added that these are being followed up on and would soon hopefully be sorted. 

Encouraging battery swap with a favourable policy structure
While Gogoro may be keen to carve out a good pie of the Indian market with its intelligent battery swapping technology, India's homegrown company, Sun Mobility, may not be any less in its ability to deliver on the same front. At Auto Expo 2023, it showcased an AI enabled smart battery swapping system and smart battery packs in line with the government's encouragement to develop an efficient EV ecosystem and bring about a shift to lower the CO2 emissions that Indian cities seem to battle with. Cities like Mumbai, which have until now not figured among the top polluted cities in the world, seem to be getting there with high particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions. 

While the high amount of construction activity and a change in wind currents may be the contributing factor, the fact that the number of two-wheelers in the megacity have risen in the last one or two decades is an indication that a transition to EVs will contribute to lowering of emission levels to an extent. An ability to generate electricity needed to fuel these many numbers of electric two-wheelers would also need to come from a greener source rather than from lignite burning thermal plants that would mean a mere shift of pollution from cities to rural areas where most thermal plants are. 
 

Gogoro partnership with Maharashtra Government

The Indian State of Maharashtra announced a strategic energy partnership with Gogoro Inc. and Belrise Industries (erstwhile known as Badve Engineering Ltd) to establish an unprecedented battery-swapping infrastructure in January 2023. The two companies in association to the respective state government plan to build a smart energy infrastructure that is open and accessible and establishes battery swapping and smart battery stations as a leading source for mobility and energy storage. The deployment is also expected to accelerate job growth throughout the smart energy, electric vehicle and sustainability value chain. It is expected to foster smart electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly too.  

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India’s battery manufacturing capacity is expected to surge from nearly 60 GWh to 100 GWh by next year, according to industry leaders speaking at the 18th Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo and 3rd The Battery Show India (TBSI) in Greater Noida. The events, organised by Informa Markets in India, brought together innovators, investors and policymakers to strengthen global collaboration in the clean energy ecosystem.

Nikhil Arora, Director, Encore Systems, noted that with automation efficiencies exceeding 95 percent and the handling of 12 kg cells by six-axis robotics, large-scale localisation is driving the energy storage value chain. He highlighted that sodium-based cell technologies, which are highly recyclable and suitable for grid-scale storage, reflect India’s growing self-reliance. Arora added that collaborations with institutions like IIT Roorkee and NIT Hamirpur are accelerating technology transfer. He stated that as storage costs fall from INR 1.77 to INR 1.2 per unit in five years, India is set to achieve cost parity between solar and storage, advancing its journey toward energy independence.

Ankit Dalmia, Partner, Boston Consulting Group, predicted that the next five years will be shaped by advances in battery storage, digitalisation and green hydrogen. He stated that new chemistries, such as LFP, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries, could cut storage costs by up to 40 percent by 2030, enabling 24x7 renewable power.

Dalmia added that the country's clean-energy ecosystem represents a USD 200–250 billion investment opportunity this decade, with targets of 500 GW of renewables and 200 GWh of storage by 2030. He also noted that the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets 5 million tonnes of production annually by 2030, is positioning India to capture about 10 percent global green-hydrogen capacity.

Dalmia stated: “With the right policy support, manufacturing scale-up and global partnerships, India can become a resilient, low-cost hub for clean energy and battery innovation. India’s clean-energy ecosystem represents a USD 200–250 billion investment opportunity this decade, with targets of 500 GW of renewables and 200 GWh of storage by 2030. Investors are focusing on hybrid RE + storage, grid-scale batteries and pumped storage projects, while companies leverage AI and digital twins for smarter grid integration. Despite policy and land challenges, strong momentum and falling costs are powering rapid growth.”

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, highlighted policy support, stating that the Ministry of Power has approved a INR 54 billion Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for 30 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) which is expected to attract INR 330 billion in investments by 2028.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Think Gas, a City Gas Distribution player, to strengthen the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refuelling ecosystem for long-haul and heavy-duty trucking in the country.

The collaboration aims to enhance infrastructure readiness, build awareness around fuel quality and enable wider adoption of LNG-powered commercial vehicles.

As part of the agreement, Tata Motors will work with Think Gas to identify freight corridors and logistics clusters with potential for LNG infrastructure expansion. Think Gas will focus on maintaining standards of fuel quality and supply reliability. Tata Motors customers will also receive exclusive benefits, including preferential pricing.

Think Gas currently operates 18 Liquefied and Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) stations and plans to develop a corridor connecting industrial hubs, agricultural regions and logistics centres across the country.

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “As India advances towards sustainable and efficient freight movement, LNG presents a compelling solution for long-haul and heavy-duty trucking. Recognising its potential early on, we have developed robust solutions that deliver higher fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and superior performance. Through this partnership with Think Gas, our goal is to strengthen ecosystem readiness – ensuring reliable access to refuelling infrastructure and enabling fleet operators to adopt LNG with confidence. This collaboration marks another step forward in our commitment to advancing cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions for India’s commercial vehicle industry.”

Somil Garg, Senior Vice-President and Business Head (LNG Fuel), Think Gas, said, “At Think Gas, our aim is to make cleaner fuels accessible and affordable across India. Partnering with Tata Motors, a leader in advancing alternate-fuel mobility will help us strategically scale our expansion. Supported by our global investors – I-Squared Capital, Osaka Gas, Sumitomo Corporation, Konoike Transport, JOIN, we remain committed to building a robust, safe and sustainable LNG network nationwide.”

Tata Motors is developing mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies, including battery electric, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), LNG, hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cell.

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Chinese new energy vehicles manufacturer BYD marked its debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 by unveiling the BYD Racco, a lightweight all-electric K-EV designed specifically for the Japanese market.

The company also announced its dual ‘EV + PHEV’ strategy for Japan with the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid model for the market, the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. This debut, themed ‘ONE BYD,’ featured both passenger and commercial vehicles, aiming to build a comprehensive lineup that integrates hybrid and pure-electric technologies.

The passenger vehicle booth featured the all-new BYD Racco and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, alongside existing models like the BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal. The display also included the Yangwang U9 supercar, representing BYD's premium brand.

BYD, which entered the Japanese passenger vehicle market in July 2022, plans to launch a total of seven to eight electric and hybrid models by 2027. The company currently operates 66 retail outlets across Japan.

On the commercial front, BYD unveiled the BYD T35 all-electric truck and the J6 Living Car Concept. The BYD T35, developed to align with Japanese regulations and dimensions, features BYD’s Blade Battery and is expected to enter the market in 2026.

BYD is already a market leader in Japan's electric bus segment, having achieved cumulative sales of approximately 500 electric buses since 2015.

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of BYD in Japan and the first time our passenger and commercial vehicles are showcased together. From electric buses to electric cars and now our Super Hybrid DM-i models – BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and the world premiere of the K-EV – BYD has always aimed to offer safe, efficient and high-quality new energy vehicles suited to Japan's needs. We will keep strengthening our services, expanding our lineup and working with Japanese customers toward a more sustainable future.”

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Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini has appointed Electrify Maldives as its exclusive dealer for its electric golf and lifestyle carts in the Maldives. The appointment follows a distribution agreement with Trade Promoters Sri Lanka.

Electrify Maldives unveiled the electric carts on 28 October at TechEng 2025, the Maldives' exhibition for engineering and technology. Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President of Tonino Lamborghini, attended the opening ceremony as the Guest.

The collaboration is positioned to bring mobility solutions to sectors including golf courses, resorts, estates and corporate campuses.

At present, the cart line-up is offered in two product lines: the Genesis Range and the Prestige Range. Available in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-seater configurations, the models feature a MacPherson suspension, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, 45 Nm torque and 30 percent gradeability. The lithium-ion battery with wireless charging offers a 10-year life and a range of up to 150km, backed by a 5-year warranty. Smart features such as a TFT dashboard, LED headlights and wireless mobile charging are included.

Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said: “For a long, the golf cart segment has awaited a true disruptor – an extraordinary offering that transcends the mundane. Over the years, the use of golf carts has extended well beyond golf- to luxury resorts, world-class airports, sprawling townships and corporate campuses and to personal use. But the design and specifications of popular golf carts has remained much the same, and this is where we see a large global market ready for disruption! Our JV will leverage the long legacy of the Kinetic Group in automotive engineering, Kinetic Green’s pioneering expertise in design and manufacture of electric vehicles and the experience of our partner, Tonino Lamborghini’s global experience in redefining design and lifestyle experiences and to top it all, marketing our products globally using the famous red shield with the iconic Bull. This fusion of our robust Indian engineering and EV capabilities with Tonino Lamborghini’s unparalleled design prowess and global luxury vision is not just a partnership; it is a confident declaration.”

“We are poised to create a disruption in this segment and work towards seizing leadership, globally, bringing a confident, and ambitious new benchmark to markets that are ripe for revolution. For Kinetic Green, this marks the beginning of our global journey, bringing Made in India EVs to the World. Kinetic Green’s aim is to build a USD 1 billion EV business by 2030 and this JV will play a key part in our global ambitions. I am confident that Electrify Maldives will drive this transformation in the Maldivian market by introducing innovation, ecological consciousness, premium design, trailblazing technology and top-tier quality through the sale of our carts. Electrify Maldives is officially designated to manage all local operations in the Maldives and will lead sales, marketing, and after-sales support for the entire lineup of Kinetic Green Tonino Lamborghini electric carts,” she added.

Ferruccio Lamborghini, Vice-President, Tonino Lamborghini, said: "This collaboration with Kinetic Green marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the brand founded by my father over 45 years ago. Together, we have created a project that combines the best of two worlds: the elegance and identity of Italian design with the strength, efficiency, and innovation of Indian manufacturing. This is more than an industrial joint venture – it is a bridge between two entrepreneurial cultures, united by a shared vision of the future. At Tonino Lamborghini, we believe in redefining everyday experiences into expressions of style, performance, and unmistakable identity. Our brand philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s heritage yet constantly driven by innovation and a passion for excellence. With these golf and lifestyle carts, we are bringing that philosophy to life in a new segment – delivering not just vehicles, but a bold statement of lifestyle in motion. We chose India not only as a strategic production base, but also as a symbol of openness, growth, and global ambition. With Kinetic Green, we share fundamental values: a deep focus on the customer, continuous innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is a product range that reflects the very soul of our brand – powered by cutting-edge technology and destined for discerning customers around the world. The Tonino Lamborghini Golf Carts embody our vision of electric lifestyle mobility: elegant, high-performing, and purpose-driven. We are proud to launch this journey in such a dynamic market as The Maldives. We are confident it will carry our style and passion for excellence and deliver exceptional brand experience to customers in the region.”

Kasun Abeyrathne, General Manager, Electrify Maldives, said: “At Electrify Maldives, our strength lies in engineering excellence and responsive technical support. Representing Tonino Lamborghini and Kinetic Green electric golf carts is a natural extension of our commitment to performance, reliability and service, delivering not just luxury mobility, but a robust, sustainable solution.’’

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