GoMechanic, India’s premier tech-enabled automotive service provider, is set to launch EV-specific workshops across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, in line with its strategic expansion to cater to the rapidly growing demand for electric mobility.

The announcement comes after Nitin Gadkari recently predicted that India's yearly EV sales would cross the 10-million-mark by 2030, opening up an INR-20-trillion industry. This increase is in line with GoMechanic's goal of growing its network of EV service centres to better serve the changing needs of fleet operators and individual owners. It is also supported by government incentives like the third phase of the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which is set to launch soon.

As part of the expansion plan, GoMechanic will open 100 EV-specific workshops across key metropolitan areas by March 2025, aiming to double the number of workshops by FY2026. “These workshops will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including real-time diagnostics, battery health monitoring and AI-powered predictive maintenance, ensuring the highest level of service for EV owners,” said Muskan Kakkar, Co-Founder and COO, GoMechanic.

In order to provide predictive maintenance and real-time EV health monitoring, GoMechanic is also in the process of incorporating telematics and IoT-based diagnostics into its operations. Leading EV manufacturers in India, such as BluSmart, MoEVing, Zypp Electric and Evera, are already receiving servicing for their three- and four-wheelers from GoMechanic. With the growth of the local EV market and the backing of programmes like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which will increase domestic battery cell manufacture, these collaborations are expected to grow. GoMechanic wants to lower energy use and emissions in the environment by keeping a big number of EVs in the transportation sector.

According to Himanshu Arora, Co-Founder of GoMechanic, the company is poised to become a key player in the EV ecosystem over the next five years, accomplishing the target of servicing 10,000 EVs by March 2025. "Our goal is to not only expand our service network but also to become a trusted partner for fleet operators and individual EV owners alike, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions tailored specifically for electric vehicles," said Arora.

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Ola Electric has commenced what could be seen as the next evolution of the automotive purchasing experience. The company has commenced pilot ‘HyperDelivery’ for its range of e-scooters, which will see customers get same-day delivery and registration for their EV.

HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India. HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India.

“We have significantly cut the processing time of registering the vehicles through AI-led automation and by moving the registration process completely in-house. We are excited to announce #HyperDelivery which has completely transformed the vehicle purchase and delivery experience in the automotive segment. With this we are ensuring a much smoother purchase experience for our customers, eliminating tedious purchase processes and longer delivery timelines,” said the company in a statement.

The EV maker shared that it is leveraging AI to automate the majority of the steps in a registration process, which eliminates the need for additional resources during the typical registration process.

Numeros Motors, a new-age original equipment manufacturer specialising in indigenous electric vehicles (EVs), has launched an NFT-backed loyalty programme in collaboration with Polygon. This first of its-kind initiative in the EV industry, integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, will reward the first 1,000 buyers of Diplos with a unique digital collectible.

The NFT series ‘The Journey’ consists of 10 original artworks, each with 100 copies, that depict Diplos conquering the essence of India's many landscapes and the spirit of adventure that characterises the brand's motto, ‘Gets It Done’. Customers that own one join a limited group that prioritises performance, resiliency and progressive mobility. These NFTs, which are protected on Polygon's blockchain, provide exclusivity, authenticity and a more in-depth interaction with the brand.

This programme adds value to the Diplos experience by providing holders with access to premium products, invites to special events and priority customer service in addition to the NFT. These NFTs serve as a permanent remembrance of their role in Numeros Motors' history since they are soul-bound, meaning they are always connected to their original owners. In April of this year, Numeros Motors will also open its first store in Bangalore that is owned and run by the firm.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder and CEO, Numeros Motors, said, "Diplos was built for those who move forward, challenge limits and embrace new possibilities. This NFT initiative is our way of recognising and celebrating our customers who believe in our vision. By integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, we are creating an ownership experience that extends beyond the ride itself."

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green, was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Institute in Pune.

The recognition was conferred to Motwani for her contribution towards driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. An MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, USA, she has also worked towards promoting manufacturing in the country and has held notable positions at the Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) and Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. The Firodia family has always by synonymous with strong values, nation building, self-reliance and a deep-rooted sense of nationalism. This acknowledgement inspires me to further serve for the greater good, a mission that we at Kinetic Green are constantly working towards,” said Motwani.

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.