JSW MG Motor India has partnered with Vision Mechatronics, a leading Indian technology company and a player in the field of second life batteries, to unveil ReLive, India's first high-voltage second-life battery with a homegrown Battery Management System (BMS), as part of its ‘Project Revive’.

Setting a new benchmark for second-life EV batteries, this is the third pilot project for second-life battery applications from JSW MG Motor India, which reiterates the company’s resolve in promoting circular economy and creating a sustainable EV ecosystem. This concept will first be used as a UPS backup solution for an industrial plant in Pune, proving the adaptability and usefulness of second-hand EV batteries in large-scale energy storage. The product will be on display at The Battery Show, held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from 3 to 5 October 2024.

Vision Mechatronics has played a key role in the development of this project. The product is designed with an indigenous BMS that is tailored for industrial use of various stationary applications, offering flexibility and efficiency. To guarantee optimum battery performance and early identification of possible problems, it has sophisticated monitoring systems. High safety requirements and strict safeguards against thermal runaway and other dangers are also included.

Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, "Our partnership with Vision Mechatronics is a testament of bringing circularity in the EV batteries by providing it a second life for large-scale industrial application. The launch of this project, India’s first high-voltage second-life battery with an indigenous BMS, is indeed an innovation and makes us future ready. We are a responsible OEM with innovative values and this project highlights our continued work to drive momentum in building a sustainable EV ecosystem. This is our third project in the space of providing a second life to EV batteries. The successful initiatives under ‘Project Revive’ are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Dr Rashi Gupta, Managing Director, Vision Mechatronics, said, “Vision Mechatronics is proud to introduce ReLive, in partnership with JSW MG Motor India. Our partnership resonates shared values of minimising carbon footprints by deploying innovative solutions. ReLive is India's first high-voltage repurposed battery, equipped with an indigenous, homegrown active balancing BMS. This innovative solution adheres to the highest safety standards, making it a reliable and sustainable choice for industrial energy storage. By repurposing EV batteries, ReLive contributes to a circular economy and offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional energy storage options. We are excited to collaborate with industry partners to drive the adoption of this technology and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

JSW MG Motor India has been proving its commitment towards sustainability by announcing a number of EV battery recycling programmes under ‘Project Revive’. In February 2024, the firm collaborated with BATX and IIT Delhi on a pilot project to create a fully off-grid charging station as part of its larger goal to reduce adverse environmental effects. Additionally, they collaborated with TERI and Lohum on a second pilot project to install a 5kWh BESS unit in August 2024 to power a school in Nainital.

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.