Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has reported significant early-stage breakthroughs in the development of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. These efforts aim to deliver higher energy efficiency, improved safety and longer battery life, supporting India's transition to clean, sustainable energy.

As lithium-ion battery supply chains face growing constraints and rising costs, zinc is emerging as a viable and strategic alternative. The company shared that zinc-based batteries offer several advantages, including superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, recyclability and operation across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, they leave a greenhouse gas footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “Batteries are pivotal in the global shift toward clean energy. We are committed to driving innovation through our collaborations with premier Indian research institutions and by leveraging our metallurgical expertise. Our goal is to responsibly accelerate the battery revolution and contribute meaningfully to India’s energy independence.”

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, Hindustan Zinc is exploring sustainable zinc-based storage technologies.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2024, researchers at JNCASR are advancing zinc-ion battery technology, with a focus on novel zinc anode formulations and advanced electrolytes.

“Our work on electrode/electrolyte interface engineering has yielded promising results,” said Professor Prem Senguttuvan from JNCASR.

In a parallel initiative, IIT Madras is working on the development of a 1 kWh rechargeable zinc-air battery module, structured as a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran, emphasises rechargeability, interface durability and battery longevity. “These batteries have enormous potential for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and consumer electronics,” said Prof. Chandiran.

Hindustan Zinc quoted a recent BloombergNEF report, which projects the global energy storage market will grow at a 21 percent CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030.

Further expanding its global footprint, the company has also signed an MoU with US-based AEsir Technologies, a leader in nickel-zinc battery innovation. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will provide technical expertise, commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to help scale battery technologies from lab prototypes to industrial production.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, currently supplies to over 40 countries and commands approximately 75 percent of India’s primary zinc market.

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Pune-headquartered electric vehicle company Kinetic Watts and Volts, a subsidiary of Kinetic Engineering, has entered into a retail financing partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank to provide credit options across its dealership network.

The arrangement enables customers at Kinetic EV dealerships to access loan options, interest rates and instalment plans, subject to eligibility criteria. Ground teams from IDFC FIRST Bank will collaborate directly with dealership staff to process applications at the point of sale. The initiative coincides with the expansion of Kinetic EV’s retail footprint, which currently comprises over 65 operational sales, service and spare parts facilities in India.

Ajinkya Firodia, MD, Kinetic Watts and Volts, said, "For many customers, choosing an electric two-wheeler is not just about selecting the right product, but also about finding a purchase option that works for them. Our partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank gives customers greater choice at the point of purchase and strengthens the support available across our dealership network. With quick financing options, attractive EMI plans and exciting offers for eligible customers, we want to make the overall purchase journey simpler and more convenient. As we continue to expand our presence across markets, we look forward to making the journey towards electric mobility more accessible for more customers."

The tie-up leverages the bank's branch and operational network to support dealership sales in multiple regional markets. The companies are also developing customer schemes and promotional offers that will be announced at a later date.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler company TVS Motor Company conducted a single-day delivery event in Cuttack, Odisha, handing over more than 100 units of the TVS iQube MillionR Special Edition electric scooter to customers.

The MillionR Special Edition was launched on 25 August 2026 to mark the cumulative sales milestone of one million TVS iQube scooters. Based on the 3.5 kWh battery variant, the edition features an Aurora Green Dual Tone paint finish, custom seat upholstery and specific graphics alongside MillionR badging.

The e-scooter features a front utility storage compartment that expands overall storage capacity from 32 litres to 35.5 litres, an integrated USB Type-C charging port and over 118 connected features. The 3.5 kWh battery setup provides an Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of 145 km on a single charge.

In Odisha, the TVS iQube MillionR Special Edition is priced at INR 131,138 (effective ex-showroom). The standard TVS iQube range starts at INR 105,851 (effective ex-showroom), with Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option pricing starting at INR 59,999.

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More Retail, a leading supermarket and hypermarket chain, has expanded its electric mid-mile logistics operations through the deployment of 110 Montra Electric Eviator electric small commercial vehicles across its distribution network, including 25 units in Bengaluru.

The company shared that electric commercial vehicles now account for 150 of its 600 total mid-mile logistics fleet. The 110 Montra Electric Eviator units operate across daily store replenishment and delivery routes, covering a combined minimum distance of 22,000 kilometres per day. The transition from internal combustion engine vehicles aims to lower operational energy expenses and vehicle maintenance requirements while providing driver ergonomics for city traffic conditions.

Saju Nair, CEO of the e-SCV Division, Montra Electric, said, "Electrification of commercial mobility will accelerate when it delivers measurable business value at scale. More Retail’s journey towards 100 percent electrification with our Eviator, is a strong example of that shift, from evaluating EVs as an alternative to deploying them as a core part of everyday logistics. As More Retail moves towards a fully electric mid-mile fleet, our focus is to enable that transition with vehicles and an ecosystem built around uptime, efficiency and long-term profitability."

Prasanna Hegde, National Transport Manager, More Retail, said, "Our mid-mile fleet keeps our stores stocked every day, so reliability comes first for us. The move from ICE vehicles to Montra Electric's Eviator e-SCVs has been smooth across our distribution network. The vehicles have already covered over 8.8 lakh kilometres on our routes, and our drivers have responded well to their comfort, instant torque and day-to-day dependability. Alongside lower operating costs, we are cutting emissions with every delivery run. With 150 of our 600 mid-mile vehicles now electric, we are well on our way to a fully electric fleet, and Montra Electric has been a trusted partner at every step."

The Montra Electric Eviator features a 10.3-foot loading deck and a payload capacity of up to 1,707 kg. The vehicles are integrated with telematics systems that monitor battery status, driver metrics, and route planning data to maintain fleet uptime between distribution centres and retail outlets.

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South Korean energy major LG Energy Solution has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United States-based commercial electric vehicle startup indiGOtech to explore battery supply and technological collaboration.

Under the MoU, the companies will work toward a final agreement for LG Energy Solution to supply 46-series NCM cylindrical battery cells from 2027 to 2030 for indiGOtech’s Flow Ride and Flow Cargo vehicles.

The partnership involves vehicle-battery integration, performance verification, driving range extension, and charging time reduction. The agreement expands LG Energy Solution's client base for its 46-series cylindrical batteries, following a reported 1.5-fold YoY increase in cylindrical battery shipments in the second quarter.

Headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, indiGOtech specialises in commercial van platforms for the North American market, integrating vehicles, charging infrastructure and digital services.

Will Graylin, Chairman and CEO, indiGOtech, said, "Urban ride hail and delivery must electrify and automate at scale, but today’s electric vehicles are not designed for purpose, and are severely limited by the local charging infrastructure – that’s why vast majority of rides and deliveries are still driven by gas vehicles. Working toward a long-term relationship with LG Energy Solution brings together advanced battery technology for durable economic advantage for vehicles, drivers and fleet operators."

Sunghwan Oh, Mobility & IT Battery Marketing Group Leader, LG Energy Solution, said, "Based on LG Energy Solution’s 46-series NCM cylindrical battery technology that boasts high energy density and rapid charging capabilities, we will closely collaborate with indiGOtech, which is successfully building the Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) ecosystem in the U.S. Leveraging this partnership, we plan to enter the diverse commercial vehicle market in the U.S., including logistics, last-mile delivery, and ride-hailing."

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