Kinetic Green Secures $25M from Greater Pacific Capital, Aims for $40M Series A

 

Kinetic Green, one of the leading manufacturer of electric two- and three-wheelers has bagged $25 million (INR 2.08 billion) investment from Greater Pacific Capital (GPC), a leading global private equity firm, as part of an overall targeted Series A fundraise of up to $40 million (INR 3.33 billion).

Founded in 2016, Kinetic Green is led by Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation member of the Firodia family, the founders of the Kinetic Group. Kinetic Green manufactures and sells a diverse range of products including electric two-, three-wheelers and golf carts. Till date, the company has sold over 1,00,000 EVs, generating cumulative sales over INR 10 billion.

This is the also the first external equity fundraise by Kinetic Green, and it comes at a time when the Indian EV market is at an inflection point. The company states that EV penetration in India has reached approximately 6 percent, with electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers seeing the fastest adoption and becoming the primary growth drivers of the sector. Furthermore, it is expected that EV sales in India will grow rapidly with a targeted 30 percent EV penetration by 2030, driven by favourable Government policies for increased adoption of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. 

The company is in the process of expanding its dealership network reach and is aiming to sell over 1,00,000 EVs over the coming year.

Kinetic Green aims to utilise the funds towards scaling up production at its manufacturing facility in Supa (Maharashtra), marketing and distribution of its current products including the recently-launched e-Luna, and towards research and development of new products. 

The EV maker launched the E-Luna in January 2024 in New Delhi in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Since its launch the company claims, the E-Luna has received a tremendous market response in large and small towns of India, as a personal mobility solution and as a ‘business partner’, well designed for the fast growing e- commerce and home delivery segment.

In addition to scaling up its sales of electric two- and three-wheelers in India, Kinetic Green will also focus on global expansion, in particular through the launch of its premium golf cart range which are designed, developed and manufactured through an exclusive joint venture with the Lamborghini family of Italy.

GPC’s investment in Kinetic Green is through a combination of instruments including common equity shares, convertible preference shares and debentures. As part of the investment, Nandan Desai, Managing Director and Co-Head of India for GPC, will join Kinetic Green’s Board of Directors. The company is in active discussions with other potential investors to secure an additional $15 million (INR 1.25 billion) of funding which it aims to complete during 2024.

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, CEO, Kinetic Green said, “The partnership with Greater Pacific Capital marks a pivotal moment for Kinetic Green. Our mission has always been to lead the transition to sustainable mobility and make electric vehicles accessible to a broader audience. This investment will enable us to enhance our capabilities, drive zero-emission transportation, and contribute significantly to India’s energy transition goals. As India moves towards its 2030 EV targets, Kinetic Green is well-positioned to be a key driver in this transformation.”

Ketan Patel, Founder and CEO, GPC added: “India’s successful energy transition is critical for the world to meet its net zero objectives, and as the country scales into the third largest economy globally in the next 4-5 years, and its middle class rapidly expands, the electrification of transport will be a crucial element of this transition. The Kinetic Group has been at the forefront of innovation in India’s automotive sector for the last 50 years and with Kinetic Green and products such as the e-Luna, is well positioned to provide innovative and aspirational electric vehicles to India’s large, young and growing population. We are excited to partner with Kinetic Green to help them rapidly scale their business across the country and help drive India’s energy transition forward.” 

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo has introduced its latest innovation, the Fourth-Generation SBR Binder Platform, designed to meet the evolving demands of electric vehicle and battery energy storage systems. This development reflects the company's strategic focus on delivering high-performance materials essential for the global shift towards sustainable energy.

The platform results from advanced polymer science and collaboration with battery manufacturers, targeting key industry requirements such as increased energy density, superior durability and more efficient production. It provides a significant improvement in peel strength, enabling stronger electrode bonds, thicker coatings and higher manufacturing speeds. These attributes are vital for developing higher-capacity batteries that can extend driving range and improve storage solutions.

The inaugural product, VOLTABOND™ 109 Latex Binder, offers this next-generation performance with broad compatibility across various anode materials and manufacturing processes. Its design ensures excellent stability and low resistance, supporting faster charging and long-term reliability. To ensure robust supply, Trinseo will produce the platform locally within major global regions, enhancing responsiveness to battery production hubs.

Rooted in decades of expertise, this new platform establishes a foundation for future innovations tailored to diverse customer needs across the battery value chain

CATL And Stellantis Begin Work On EUR 4.1 Billion Spanish Battery Plant

CATL

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.

Neuron Energy Secures INR 310 Million To Expand EV Battery Manufacturing For Four-Wheelers & Buses

Neuron Energy

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."

Mahindra Intros XEV 9S Electric 7-Seater SUV At INR 1.99 Million, Deliveries From 23 January

Mahindra XEV 9S

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.”