Justdial, the top local search engine in India, examined search data for categories linked to electric vehicles (EVs) to learn more about the increasing interest of its users. According to the statistics, searches significantly increased between January 2022 and August 2024, coinciding with the spike in EV sales.

There was a 220 percent countrywide increase in searches for electric vehicles on the site between January and August 2022 compared to the same time in 2023. The growth was much more noticeable in metro areas, where it reached 233 percent, compared to 187 percent in non-metro areas. The spike in searches was most pronounced in metro areas like Hyderabad, where they surged to eight times higher than before. In Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Jaipur, the increases were two, three and two times higher, respectively. (2022–2023 against 2022–2023 January–August). Additionally, there were notable gains of 179 percent, 166 percent and 117 percent in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, respectively. Non-metropolitan areas followed suit, with Coimbatore seeing an increase in searches of 178 percent.

The tendency, however, changed from January 2023 to August 2024, with non-metropolitan areas seeing a more notable increase of 141 percent as opposed to metro areas' 71 percent growth. With a startling 379 percent increase, Indore topped the list, followed by Surat (143 percent) and Patna (230 percent). While the total surge in metro regions was more moderate at 71 percent, metro cities like Chennai (368 percent) and Kolkata (114 percent) also showed significant growth.

Electric bike rentals saw the biggest increase of any EV category, with search volume in Hyderabad rising to an astounding 18 times its pre-crisis level. Next came Bangalore and Ahmedabad, where searches increased to four and five times their prior levels, respectively. Dealers of electric vehicles also observed a significant increase of 203 percent, while dealers of electric cars had a more moderate increase of 55 percent (January-August 2022 vs January-August 2023).

Comparing January–August 2023 with January–August 2024, dealers of electric vehicles had a 151 percent increase countrywide, with Delhi leading the way at 146 percent, while producers of electric buses saw a 142 percent increase. There was a 97 percent increase in searches for electric bikes for rent, with Kolkata witnessing 167 percent, Pune 123 percent and Mumbai 91 percent.

TI Clean Mobility, part of the Murugappa Group, has appointed Jalaj Gupta as the new Managing Director.  

The auto industry veteran in his last position was the Business Head for Commercial Vehicles at Mahindra Group. He has around 29 years of experience in the automotive industry with expertise in business strategy, product development, sales, marketing, and vendor management.

Gupta an alumnus of Punjabi University and IMT Ghaziabad has also held leadership roles at Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland.

Prior to Gupta, TI Clean Mobility was led by Kalyan Kumar Paul, who served as the Managing Director with over 30-years of career with Tube Investments of India (TII) Group, which is part of the Murugappa Group. Paul had retired from the company in October 2024.

TI Clean Mobility, the electric vehicle business of the Murugappa Group, currently sells electric three-wheelers under the Montra brand and is also set to enter the electric small commercial vehicle (e-SCV) and electric tractor space. 

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra has unveiled the teaser sketches of its upcoming electric origin SUVs – the BE 6e and XEV 9e ahead of the November 26 debut.

Based on the Heartcore design philosophy, the BE 6e and XV 9e are completely new pure electric vehicles designed by the company, which it believes will disrupt the passenger vehicle segment.

The company is betting big on the upcoming EVs as they encapsulate dynamic styling, premium materials, and progressive proportions.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Heartcore Design is about creating an emotional bond with our customers through design. Prepare to fall in love with our Electric Origin SUVs.”

Montra Electric, a brand owned by Tl Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd, has praised the Government of India for the continuation of subsidy support for the electrification of last-mile mobility under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

Roy Kurian, Business Head, Montra Electric (Last Mile Division), said, “Montra Electric sincerely thanks the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India for ensuring continuity of the subsidy support to last-mile mobility. This crucial support will help the industry navigate challenges and further speed up the shift to electric last-mile solutions.”

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was launched on 29 September 2024. The scheme was put into effect on 1 October 2024 and will continue until 31 March 2026. Furthermore, EMPS-2024, the number of vehicles and the spending under EMPS-2024 for e-2w and e-3w being implemented from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 are being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme; hence, the scheme's effective time will be two years.

Pure EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, a subsidiary of Clarion Investment LLC, with an aim to expand its presence across the Middle East and African regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pure EV will provide Arva Electric with a first shipment of 50,000 of its flagship models, the eTryst X and ecoDryft, over the next couple of years. Pure EV's position in these developing markets is anticipated to be cemented when the supply rises to 60,000 units per year after this initial phase. Pure EV will be Arva Electric's key technology partner in addition to supplying motorcycles, offering knowledge and assistance all the way through the distribution process. Pure EV will uphold all intellectual property rights pertaining to the bikes in order to safeguard unique technology as they increase their market share.

Dr Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV, said, “Our commitment to innovation and user experience ensures that we provide market-ready offerings and meet the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. This partnership not only aims to enhance sales but also to foster sustainable mobility solutions in regions where electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining traction, marking a significant step towards expanding our footprint in Middle East and African markets. By leveraging our strengths and capabilities together with Arva Electric, we are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape globally.”

Aniyan Kutty, Managing Director, Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, said, “We are pleased to partner with Pure EV, as their expertise in R&D and cutting-edge technology helps in building efficient and reliable 2W products. Both the companies are committed to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions with an aim to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability in these regions.”