iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology), an innovation-based start-up incubator, announced the winners of the EVangelise ’22 on Wednesday. This was the second edition of EVangelise, an EV innovation challenge. iCreate states that the aim of EVangelise’22 has been to put India on the global EV innovation map by identifying clean, low cost, innovative technologies that solve the industry's critical problems. It took place over six months, during which start-ups and EV innovators from 23 states and UTs showcased their solutions for real-life challenges in the EV industry under three themes – vehicle traction, energy storage and vehicle infrastructure.

iCreate claims that upon technical evaluation, market relevance and implementation strategies, Gyrodrive Machineries, C Electric Automotive Drives and Fasmho Energy Systems were awarded the top three positions in the TRL>4 category, respectively. Cancrie, Vijigi Energy and INTAKT EV Hybrids bagged the top three positions in the TRL<4 category, respectively, states iCreate.

Commenting on the achievement, Eshan Dhar, CTO of Gyrodrive Machineries and the winner of EVangelise’ 22, said, “We are overwhelmed to be chosen as the winner of EVangelise’22. We believe that our innovation on magnet-free switched reluctance motors will be the future of the EV industry. This eliminates the need for rare earth materials that are detrimental to the environment and make India Atmanirbhar, as these motors can be manufactured domestically. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the iCreate team for mentoring us throughout the challenge and giving us a platform to showcase our innovation to some of the best minds in the industry. EVangelise’22 has proved to be a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs like us, and moving forward, we hope to work with the team at iCreate more closely to co-create solutions for the EV industry.”

Ratheesh Nair, CTO of C Electric Automotive Drives, the second-place winner of EVangelise’ 22, stated, “We are thrilled on being awarded the second position at EVangelise’22. Our innovation on indigenous electric drive components enables Indian electric vehicle makers to customise their motor controllers as per their requirements, while also reducing costs by 40 percent. EVanglise’22 has been instrumental in showcasing this to top industry leaders, and we have already received multiple orders. Advanced discussions with some more manufacturers are on.”

Six winners across two categories – TRL> 4 and TRL<4 – received cash prizes of INR one million, INR 0.75 million and INR 0.5 million, respectively. Six consolation prizes worth INR 0.3 million were also awarded, according to iCreate. The top three winners with TRL>4 also received INR 5 million as incubation support, subject to agreed terms and conditions to each to take their ideas to market.

Congratulating the winners, Avinash Punekar, CEO of iCreate, said, “Having completed two successful editions, EVangelise has grown to become India’s largest and most awaited EV innovation challenge for innovators and start-ups. The enthusiastic response received for EVangelise’22 from industry leaders, such as Dr Piyush Desai, Co-founder and Vice President, Turntide Technologies; Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, Chair Startup 20 Engagement Group; and Srinivas Kudligi, GM, Aditya Auto Products And Engineering, highlights the potential of Indian innovators in solving pressing challenges for the global EV industry. We, at iCreate, are proud to partner with them in their journey and position India as a knowledge superpower in the EV space. I congratulate the winners of EVangelise’22 and look forward to working together to take their solutions to market.”

As per iCreate, EVangelise’22 has seen participation from 1,160 participants, including students, individual innovators, researchers and institutions, who have created promising solutions in the areas of battery safety and EV infrastructure. During the course of the bootcamp and the finale, innovators pitched directly to industry leaders and explored strategic partnerships. Industry leaders who supported, engaged and provided guidance to the innovators at the EV innovation challenge included BPCL, Mahindra Logistics, Tata Stryder, JOY ebike, Turntide Technologies and Rotomag to name a few, according to the start-up incubator.

iCreate claims that the finale also saw distinguished speakers share insights and learnings with the innovators. The speakers included Chetan Maini, Co-Founder of Sun Mobility; Dr Piyush Desai, Co-Founder of Turntide Technologies; Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission and Chair of the Startup 20 Engagement Group; and H K Mittal, Chairman, Startup India Seed Fund Committee.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components – we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

• Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
• Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
• Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
• Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
• Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
• Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
• Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!