Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM) launched its first electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), a one-tonne payload truck called TEZ, at an event in Indore, marking its entry into India’s fast-evolving EV logistics space. 

The company, which has previously worked with Tata Motors and Volvo, aims to capitalise on the country’s push for sustainability, efficiency and self-reliance in transportation.

“Electric mobility is no longer an option but an imperative,” said Jupiter Group Managing Director Vivek Lohia, at the launch event. “With rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, this is the right moment to bring fully indigenous, high-performance eLCVs to market.”

The newly unveiled truck promises industry-leading specifications, including a robust electric drivetrain, extended range and smart connectivity features. 

JEM has also committed to rapid product expansion with two- and three-tonne variants expected by the end of the year.

Besides the eLCV, the company also inaugurated it's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Prithapur that will serve as the backbone of its electric vehicle production strategy, ensuring high localisation and reduced import dependency. 

Currently, the plant is equipped with a capacity of around 10,000 units a year, which the company plans to increase with demand. 

“We have invested around INR 1.5 billion in the manufacturing unit. Our built-to-suit model ensures these eLCVs are tailored for real-world applications. The focus is on engineering solutions that are not just innovative but also practical and commercially viable,” informed Jupiter Group Deputy Managing Director Vikash Lohia. 

“A vehicle alone cannot drive change. We need a complete ecosystem for seamless adoption,” Vikash emphasised.

The new facility spans 2.5 acres and is equipped with an in-house skateboard platform to vehicle assembly unit, reinforcing JEM’s focus on ground-up manufacturing. 

With a keen focus on durability, JEM’s trucks are designed for high-utilisation applications such as e-commerce, grocery and cement transportation. The vehicles also incorporate advanced remote monitoring and predictive analytics, catering to leasing firms and fleet operators seeking better asset management.

Manufacturing journey 

Speaking at the launch, Jupiter Electric Mobility Director Kartik Hajela informed, " Three years ago, the company set its sights on entering the electric truck segment. The challenge was competing with established players in an industry that has operated for decades. But the company saw electrification as a reset, a new starting point for all. Unlike traditional automotive products that move directly from retail to end-use, EVs demand an ecosystem approach spanning financing, insurance, and charging infrastructure."

"With market readiness still evolving, we took a patient approach, iterating vehicle design multiple times to ensure adaptability across applications. The goal was to create a product that isn’t confined to a single use case. Given that commercial vehicles remain in operation for 10 to 15 years, resale value and versatility were key considerations," he added.

Range anxiety was another major concern. The company engineered its trucks to deliver an on-road range exceeding 190 km with heavy payload capabilities. 

The vehicle’s 265 Nm torque and 80 kW motor enabled it to handle high-load applications. Fast-charging capabilities were also built in, allowing for a 100 km top-up in just one hour. Battery longevity was another strategic bet. 

"While some questioned the company's decision to oversize the battery two years ago, falling costs worked in the our favor. The result is a vehicle offering longer life cycles, fewer charge cycles and sustained reliability," added Hajela. 

The company also identified fleet financing and leasing as a growing market segment. 

"Many last-mile operators, influenced by the gig economy, prefer renting over ownership. To address financiers’ concerns about asset risk, the company developed an in-house telematics platform, integrating sensors to track vehicle wear, overload and driver behavior. This proprietary system offers predictive insights, helping leasing firms manage their fleets more efficiently," said Hajela. 

The company's roadmap focuses on continuous range improvement and deeper integration of smart vehicle monitoring. With a blend of hardware innovation and software intelligence, the company seeks to position itself as a key player in India's evolving commercial EV space.

The company is also expanding its footprint through a state-wise rollout, beginning with key markets such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. 

Strategic collaborations with partners like Porter, Pulse Energy, Battwheel and Tapfin will further strengthen JEM’s presence in the EV sector.

The vehicle is priced at INR 1,035,000 (ex-showroom). Deliveries are slated to start in March. 

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Tata Power and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) have inaugurated a TATA.ev MegaCharger Hub at the iLabs Centre in Hitech City, Hyderabad, which marks the first-of-its-kind in Telangana.

The hub is designed to support the growing number of electric vehicles in the city, including private cars, commercial fleets and ride-hailing services. Key features include a total of 360 kW charging capacity. It has three 120 kW dispensers capable of charging six vehicles simultaneously, which is accessible 24 hours a day.

This hub is part of the TATA.ev MegaCharger network, which comprises over 750 charging points across India. Users can manage charging sessions via the Tata Power EZ Charge App.

Tata Power currently operates a network of over 6,500 public charging points across more than 700 cities and towns. The company has also installed over 230,000 home chargers in collaboration with various automotive manufacturers.

The inauguration event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana and Gopalakrishnan VC, Director of the Automotive and EV Sector for the Government of Karnataka, alongside representatives from Tata Power and Tata Motors.

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Hindustan Zinc has deployed a 250 Metric Tonne capacity electric crane at its Zinc Smelter in Debari, Rajasthan. The hybrid machine operates on diesel and electricity and is part of a strategy to reduce emissions across the company's industrial infrastructure.

The crane replaces a diesel-operated model that consumed 93,600 litres of fuel per year. The company expects this transition to avoid approximately 250.8 tonnes of CO2 in annual emissions.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “At Hindustan Zinc, sustainability is deeply embedded in how we operate, innovate and grow. The deployment of India’s first 250 MT electric crane is another example of our resolve to adopt clean technology and redefine how core industry transitions to low-carbon solutions. This initiative reflects our efforts to foster a culture of sustainability while laying the foundation for a greener and more resilient industrial ecosystem.”

The deployment follows a series of green initiatives introduced by Hindustan Zinc, which include deploying underground battery electric vehicles (BEVs), inducting a fleet of 250 LNG trucks for concentrate transport, use of 40 electric bulkers & electric passenger buses and launch of four electric loaders at the Rampura Agucha Mine.

Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India, said, “Hindustan Zinc has consistently demonstrated industry leadership in adopting technologies that redefine sustainable mining. At Sany, we are honoured to partner with the company in deploying India’s first 250-tonne diesel-electric hybrid all-terrain crane, a solution designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and support more responsible industrial operations. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation that delivers both operational excellence and meaningful environmental impact.”

Hindustan Zinc aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has increased renewable energy in its power mix to 18 percent and is targeting a 50 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its 2020 baseline.

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American electric vehicle start-up Slate has announced that its base truck model will be priced at USD 24,950, with deliveries expected to begin in Q4 of CY2026.

The platform allows owners to configure the vehicle as a pickup or an SUV, with options for the Squareback and Fastback models starting at USD 29,950. The EV features a modular design with a reported range of 205 miles (329km). The towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lb (907 kg), with a payload capacity of 1,550 lb (703 kg).

The EV design includes tactile controls and lacks a touchscreen. Owners can personalise their vehicles using over 200 accessories available through the Slate Marketplace.

Slate has engineered the modular EV to facilitate maintenance by the owner, with support provided via the Slate U guide. The vehicle includes a 10-year/110,000-mile (177,027 km) battery and powertrain warranty. Repair services are available through a network of 3,000 RepairPal shops and service centres.

Peter Faricy, CEO, Slate, said, “More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable and built around their lives. Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalise their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow. We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”

Established in 2022, Slate assembles its vehicles in Warsaw, Indiana. The company plans to invest USD 400 million in its factory, with projections to create 2,000 jobs. Customers can preorder the vehicle on the company website for USD 300. The company uses a direct-to-consumer sales model.

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Delhivery and Bajaj Auto have signed an agreement to deploy electric three-wheelers across Delhivery's last-mile delivery network. The partnership begins with the deployment of 200 Bajaj RIKI eCarts (model C4005) in the first phase, with a second phase planned for 2026–2027 that aims to reach a total of approximately 1,500 electric vehicles.

The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency in both metropolitan areas and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The Bajaj RIKI eCart (C4005) offers a claimed range of over 100 km per charge. The vehicle features an electric powertrain and a two-speed automatic transmission. Delhivery plans to pair the vehicles with its automated route optimisation software to increase drop-offs per trip and reduce operating costs per kilometre. The EVs are designed with ergonomic seating to protect riders from weather conditions and reduce physical fatigue.

Prashant Gazipur, Chief Operating Officer, In-City Operations at Delhivery, said, "Our collaboration with Bajaj Auto addresses the economic well-being of our delivery partners while advancing both our environmental goals and those of our clients. By combining our intelligent routing systems with highly efficient cargo EVs, we are creating a more profitable model for our riders and offering our clients a cleaner, lower-carbon supply chain."

Samardeep Subandh, President, Intra-City Business, Bajaj Auto, added, "This partnership with Delhivery has the potential of transforming last-mile cargo transport, with Delhivery’s scale and technology and Bajaj Auto’s expertise in 3-wheeler electric mobility. The Bajaj Riki C4005 offers 100+ kms of range on a single charge, excellent reliability and durability along with better comfort and ergonomics for drivers."

The deployment is part of Delhivery’s broader strategy to reduce its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and meet its environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

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