Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched its first electric scooter in India called the Activa e. It has also launched the QC1 electric vehicle that marks a pivotal moment in particular for the Japanese two-wheeler brand in India. 
With deliveries set to commence from February 2025, the Activa e blends tradition and innovation to sport an LED headlight and tail lamp; an LED DRL as part of its sleek and attractive styling that also includes a dual-tone seat, 12-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, flat footboard and a sturdy grabrail. 
Available in two variants, the Activa e – available in five colours – features a 7.0-inch TFT screen that offers real-time connectivity with Honda RoadSync Duo app that includes (navigation which is operated via toggle switches placed on the handlebar, H-Smart key with Smart Find, Smart Safe, Smart Unlock and Smart Start) and swappable battery tech.   
The swappable battery tech is claimed to be revolutionary such that it allows for a quick and easy recharge. The swappable battery pack – called as Honda Mobile Power Pack e – has been developed and maintained by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd and comes in the form of two units of 1.5 kWh capacity each. It offers a range of 102 km on a full charge. 
The batteries are exchanged with the help of designated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: (BeX swapping stations) planned across Indian cities and already operational in Bengaluru and Delhi. 
Powering the e-scooter is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that helps to deliver 6 kW of peak power and 22 Nm of torque. There are three riding modes – Eco, Standard and Sport. 
The QC1, on the other hand, is a e-scooter that emphasises personal mobility by combining fluidic design and sophisticated engineering. Symbolising elegance through its styling and attributes such as a LED headlight and tail lamp, clear winkers and five vibrant colours, the e-scooter with classy rear-view mirrors, stylish 12-inch front alloy wheel, a sturdy grab rail and an overall eye-catching futuristic look is powered by a 1.5 kWh fixed battery pack that has been rigorously tested to provide an impressive range of 80 km on a single charge. 
Capable of effortlessly charging with a 330-watt off-board home charger (with an auto-cut technology to ensure safe and efficient charging) from zero to 80 percent in four hour and 30 minutes, the e-scooter develops a peak power of 1.8 kWand a maximum torque of 77 Nm. Its top speed is 50 kmph. 
Featuring two riding modes – standard and econ – that help customise the riding experience, the QC1 flaunts a 5.0-inch all-info LCD display, a USB Type-C outlet and a 26-litre under-seat storage box.
Speaking about the Activa e and QC1, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President and CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Today is a very significant day as HMSI steps into the electric mobility space. The introduction of ACTIVA e: and QC1 marks a defining step in our commitment to sustainable mobility in India. It is in line with Honda’s global ‘Triple Action to ZERO’ concept to realize carbon neutrality by 2050, which focuses on three areas: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. With our EV roadmap now in the execution phase, HMSI is committed to build one of India’s best EV ecosystems. This is a milestone moment in Honda’s journey to electrification, and with every step forward, we are focused on building a future that is safer, more sustainable & meets the evolving needs of our society.” 
Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, averred, “We are ecstatic to mark our entry into the Indian EV market with not just one but two all-new electric vehicles, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving sustainability by providing cleaner mobility solutions. In line with the global direction, we are introducing these new two-wheelers to electrify your dreams. With ACTIVA e:’s swappable battery technology and QC1’s fixed battery set-up along with the industry-leading hassle-free ownership experience, we are striving to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Moreover, to ensure the highest level of safety for our technicians and the vehicle, we are introducing industry-first insulated tools designed specifically for the servicing of electric vehicles. Together, let us ride towards a cleaner future.”

Infineon Technologies, a leading provider of automotive semiconductors has partnered Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier for automotive cockpit electronics, to accelerate development of next-generation electric vehicle powertrains.

The partners will work towards integrating power conversion devices based on Infineon semiconductors, with particular emphasis on wideband gap device technologies, which they state provide significant advantages in power conversion applications compared to silicon-based semiconductors. These devices include greater power density, efficiency and thermal performance, which contribute to improved efficiency and reduced system costs for next-generation power conversion modules for the automotive sector.

Going forward, Visteon EV powertrain applications incorporating Infineon CoolGaN (Gallium Nitride) and CoolSiC (Silicon Carbide) devices may include battery junction boxes, DC-DC converters and on-board chargers.

Dr. Tao Wang, Head of the Electrification Product Line of Visteon Corporation, said, “Working with Infineon allows us to integrate cutting-edge semiconductor technologies that are essential in improving power conversion efficiency and overall system capability of next generation electric vehicles. This collaboration will advance technologies that accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and efficient mobility ecosystem.”

Peter Schaefer, Chief Sales Officer Automotive, Infineon Technologies, said, “Visteon is a recognised innovator and an early adopter of new technologies, making them an ideal partner for us. Together, we will push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and provide superior solutions to the global automotive industry.”

Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Foxtron Vehicle Technologies (hereafter, Foxtron), a subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) for developing electric vehicles.

As per the understanding, Foxtron will develop and supply Mitsubishi Motors with an OEM EV model. This model will be manufactured in Taiwan by Yulon Motor Co (Yulon Motor) and introduced in the Oceania region (Australia and New Zealand) in the second half of 2026.

This is part of the earlier announced plan for Australia, extending through 2030, which includes premium driving performance as an EV and an advanced infotainment system, making it optimal for the Oceania region.

The Japanese automaker is making strides in the electrification space with new models along with upgrades to the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid EV, and the addition of hybrid EV models to the popular Xpander and Xforce models in the ASEAN region.

In addition to exploring collaboration with Foxconn, Mitsubishi Motors plans to enhance its electrified vehicle lineup by leveraging the strengths of the Alliance, such as receiving OEM models from Renault Group in Europe and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in North America.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Motors is also exploring expanding its collaboration with its Alliance partners globally, including in the Oceania region, to strengthen the electrified vehicle lineup.

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Simple Energy has announced its ambitious plans to raise USD 350 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) slated for Q2-Q3 of FY2027.

The company is projecting INR 8 billion (USD 96 million) in revenue for FY2026 and over INR 15 billion (USD 180 million) in cumulative revenue over the next 18 months.

The EV maker states it commenced commercial operations less than two years ago, has already achieved gross margin breakeven and is targeting a 15 percent gross margin in the near term. EBITDA profitability is anticipated by the end of FY2026, with net profitability planned ahead of the IPO.

The upcoming IPO is expected to accelerate Simple Energy’s national expansion, and support manufacturing capacity enhancement.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, said, “Clean energy is the cornerstone of India’s sustainable future. With 95 percent of our vehicle components made in India, we are proud to contribute to the Make-in-India initiative. The IPO is a pivotal step in our journey to democratise electric mobility, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.”

With a growing footprint in key markets such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala, Simple Energy aims to achieve 100,000 cumulative EV sales and a 5 percent share of the domestic two-wheeler EV market by FY2027, a sharp rise from its current 0.3 percent. Its dealership network is also set to expand from 15 to over 250 outlets across 23 states.

Founded in 2019, Simple Energy till date has raised USD 41 million in funding from a network of investors, including Balamurugan Arumugam (Chief Growth Officer, Klarity), the Apar Industries family office, Dr. A Velumani’s family office, the Haran family office and others.

JSW MG Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has launched the MG Windsor Pro with a new 52.9 kWh battery pack at prices starting INR 1.24 million + INR 4.5/km for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. The MG Windsor Pro can be had without BaaS at INR 1.74 million (valid for first 8,000 bookings).

The EV now comes with a larger 52.9 kWh battery pack, claimed certified range of 449km, 136 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. It is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, 12 major features – Traffic Jam Assist, Vehicle Safe Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control, Bend Cruise Assistance (Sub-function of ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Headlamp Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency braking system and Intelligent Hydraulic Braking Assistance ––  with 3 level of warning through audio, visual and haptic for enhanced safety.

The Windsor Pro comes with three new and vibrant colour options, Celadon Blue, Aurora Silver and Glaze Red, along with a new 18-inch dual tone machined alloys. A new dual-tone Ivory and Black interiors further highlight the variant.

In terms of creature comforts, the new Windsor Pro is equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) technologies. The V2L features allow users to power external devices directly from the car, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the V2V technology enables energy sharing capabilities between compatible EVs

JSW MG Motor India has also onboarded new financiers, such as IDFC First Bank and Kotak Mahindra Prime to expand the reach of its BaaS plans.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “MG Windsor has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of India’s 4W-EV segment, winning customers over with its compelling value proposition. Positive word-of-mouth from early buyers fuelled its rapid acceptance, extending its reach beyond metro cities into Tier II and III markets. By introducing a product that stands apart from the conventional, we have successfully connected with a new wave of buyers. Alongside our partners, we remain committed to redefining the Indian auto landscape by delivering relevant innovations at the right time with the right technology. The launch of the MG Windsor Pro reflects our commitment to providing expanded choices, instilling greater confidence in EVs in general, and inviting more customers to venture confidently into the future of sustainable mobility.”