Bengaluru-based clean tech company Indofast Energy has partnered Nexus Select Malls to introduce battery swapping stations within shopping mall premises. The initiative has commenced with the inauguration of Quick Interchange Stations (QIS) at Nexus Shantiniketan and Nexus Whitefield in Bengaluru.

This marks the first time such infrastructure has been integrated into the portfolio of India’s first Retail REIT. The partnership is designed to provide energy solutions for commuters, delivery partners and fleet operators by utilising high-footfall retail destinations.

Following the Bengaluru launch, the companies plan to expand the network to other cities, including Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Pune. The technology allows users of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers to replace depleted batteries in minutes, addressing requirements for the last-mile delivery sector.

The swapping stations utilise an automated platform that supports multiple vehicle types. By placing these stations in malls, the companies intend to make electric vehicle (EV) charging as accessible as traditional retail services. The project aligns with broader efforts to embed sustainable mobility into urban infrastructure and reduce the time vehicles spend at stationary charging points.

Anant Badjatya, CEO, Indofast Energy, said, “Our collaboration with Nexus Select Malls represents a paradigm shift in how urban infrastructure can support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. By integrating our state-of-the-art battery swapping technology directly into high-footfall retail destinations, we are not just providing convenience; we are creating an ecosystem where electric mobility becomes an effortless and integral part of daily life for millions of shoppers and commuters, and especially the thriving last-mile delivery ecosystem. We are incredibly proud to be Nexus Select Malls’ first battery swapping partner and look forward to a successful, rapid expansion across their extensive network. This partnership underscores our commitment to making battery swapping the default choice for urban transportation and accelerating India’s transition to sustainable mobility.”

Nilesh Singh, Senior V-P, ESG & Business Excellence, Nexus Select Malls, added, “As India’s first Retail REIT, Nexus Select Malls is committed to reimagining malls as future-ready urban ecosystems. Introducing battery swapping stations for the first time across our portfolio is a meaningful step in embedding sustainability into everyday consumer spaces. This initiative supports cleaner last-mile mobility while making greener choices visible, accessible and practical for millions of visitors who engage with our malls every day.”

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Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has launched its first high-speed electric two-wheeler, the OSM Vextra, at INR 99,900. The e-scooter marks the company’s transition from commercial electric vehicles into the personal urban mobility sector.

The company stated that Vextra is designed for daily commuting and professional use, featuring a top speed of 70 kmph and a claimed real-world range of over 110 km. OSM will utilise its network of more than 200 dealerships to distribute the vehicle across Tier I, II and III cities in India.

The e-scooter is powered by a 3 kW BLDC hub motor and a 3.45 kWh IP67-rated LMFP battery. It offers a gradeability of 12 degrees, allowing for performance on inclines and flyovers. The company claims a zero to 80 percent charge in 4 hours and a full-charge in 5 hours. It features a 3.5-inch colour LCD instrument cluster that displays battery charge and distance to empty data.

The OSM Vextra is manufactured at the company’s facility in Faridabad, which has an annual production capacity of 25,000 units. In addition to domestic sales, OSM plans to export the model to African markets. The company has also indicated plans to develop an electric motorcycle specifically for the Middle East and Africa.

Dr Uday Narang, Founder & Chairman, Omega Seiki Mobility, said, “At Omega Seiki Mobility, our goal has always been to democratise clean mobility with products that are practical, reliable and future-ready. With the launch of OSM Vextra, we are entering the fast-speed two-wheeler segment with a vehicle that balances performance, range, and affordability. Vextra reflects our commitment to build technology-led electric vehicles for everyday India – not just for metros, but for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where efficient mobility can truly transform lives and livelihoods.”

Gaurav Kumar, Vice-President of Strategy and Operations (2 Wheeler Business), Omega Seiki Mobility, added, “OSM Vextra represents our vision for the future of everyday mobility in India. It has been designed around how people really live, work, and move in our cities. By blending intelligent technology, refined comfort, and sustainable efficiency into one platform, we want to create an electric riding experience that feels effortless, dependable, and inspiring for the next generation of urban commuters and professionals.”

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Swedish electric performance car brand Polestar is significantly enhancing the public charging experience for its European drivers through a series of integrated services. Central to this effort is the Polestar Charge app, which now provides streamlined access to an extensive network of more than one million charging points, positioning it as one of the continent's most comprehensive systems. A key feature simplifying this process is Plug & Charge technology, which automates authentication and payment when connecting to compatible stations, offering a seamless experience at nearly a thousand locations in the UK alone.

Further expanding convenience, Polestar has become an early adopter in fully incorporating Tesla Superchargers directly into its own app and vehicle systems. This integration allows drivers to locate, access and utilise over 20,000 Superchargers across Europe without needing separate applications. Real-time availability for these stations is displayed within the car’s native Google Maps navigation, aiding in efficient route and charging stop planning.

The network itself combines major cross-border operators like IONITY, Fastned and Total with regional providers, ensuring wide coverage. For users seeking added value, a subscription option offers reduced rates at more than 80,000 fast-charging points from dozens of operators. The service's popularity is reflected in its rapidly growing user base, which saw a 30 percent rise to over 45,000 users by 2025. Together, these developments create a cohesive and user-focused charging ecosystem for Polestar owners.

Olivier Loedel, Head – Product Software Management, Polestar, said, “With Polestar Charge, we give our customers access to one of the biggest charging networks in Europe. By expanding Plug & Charge and fully integrating Tesla Superchargers, we’re improving our premium seamless charging experience even further. Our strong charging offer, integrated with the in-car navigation in Google Maps, sets us apart from many competitors.”

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BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) maker, has become the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event, running from 23 July to 2 August 2026, will see 3,000 athletes from 74 nations compete across 10 sports and six Para sports at four venues in the city. For the occasion, BYD will supply a fleet of 90 vehicles to facilitate operations and transport athletes and personnel along the vast competition corridor.

The partnership was announced with the participation of BYD UK's Deputy Country Manager Steve Beattie and Glasgow 2026's Chief Operating Officer Jade Gallagher. They were joined by local swimmer Katie Shanahan, who is set to compete for Team Scotland. BYD will also serve as an Official Partner for the Scottish host nation team, supporting home athletes like Shanahan as they pursue medals.

This collaboration underscores BYD's significant role in the UK's shift towards electric mobility. The company's international prominence is reflected in its domestic sales, having captured a 12.01 percent market share of the fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle market through 2025, establishing it as the country's top New Energy Vehicle manufacturer.

Steve Beattie, Deputy Country Manager, BYD UK, said, “BYD is hugely proud to become the Official Car Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With the city’s organisers creating a highly sustainable model for running the Games, I believe BYD’s technology-led approach to reducing emissions makes this agreement the perfect fit for both sides.”

Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer, Glasgow 2026, said, “One of our biggest ambitions for Glasgow 2026 is to be the most environmentally sustainable Commonwealth Games, setting new standards for best practice by using existing venues, reducing waste and carbon emissions. We can’t achieve that without a partner like BYD who have a global reputation for their innovation in new energy vehicles.”

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Marking a significant step in its electrification strategy, Subaru Corporation has initiated domestic production of Battery Electric Vehicles at its Gunma Yajima Plant. This launch coincides with the finalisation of extensive upgrades to the plant’s production systems, a project commenced in August 2025. Central to these enhancements is a new, flexible assembly line engineered to manufacture the all-new E-Outback alongside traditional petrol and hybrid models within a single, integrated process. This approach leverages Subaru's established expertise in mixed-model production, allowing the company to adapt efficiently to the evolving automotive landscape.

The E-Outback itself represents a key milestone as Subaru's second global BEV, developed through a longstanding alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation. This partnership, celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2025, has grown to encompass collaborative efforts in development, production and supply chain management. The recent manufacturing advancements are a direct result of deepened cooperation in electrification technologies, combined with continuous refinement of Subaru’s own manufacturing, or monozukuri, capabilities.

Looking forward, Subaru intends to further increase manufacturing flexibility. This focus aims to achieve greater production efficiency and development agility, thereby strengthening the company's ability to respond to market shifts and bolster its overall competitiveness. The Subaru E-Outback is scheduled for introduction in the United Kingdom during Summer 2026, with full specifications to be disclosed nearer the launch date.

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