Supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years, Mercedes-Benz has delivered an electric Popemobile based on the G-Class for the first time. Helping the Vatican go electric in terms of its ‘main’ fleet car, Mercedes-Benz has delivered the vehicle well in time for the 2025 Jubilee event, which takes place every 25 years and with millions of pilgrims visiting. 
Overcoming challenges like adapting the electric drivetrain to low speed travel given the public appearances by Pope Francis, the electric Popemobile is a result of a team that managed the project in Rome. The drivetrain parallelly was developed and adapted to the needs of the Popemobile by a team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customised equipment using traditional craftsmanship. 
The electric drivetrain that is engineered to support the vehicle’s slow travel during public appearances is from the Mercedes-Benz G580. Its EQ technology (with a combined energy consumption of 30.4-27.7 kWh per 100 km and a combined CO₂ emissions of 0 g per km) has four near-wheel motors. 
Replacing the bench seat that would be ideally found in the G580, the team that realised the Popemobile replaced it with a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat should make it possible for Pope to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. 
Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers. The roof – removed at the B-pillar – meant the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. 
In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.
Like the previous Popemobiles, this one is also painted in classic pearl white on the outside.

Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has reported significant early-stage breakthroughs in the development of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. These efforts aim to deliver higher energy efficiency, improved safety and longer battery life, supporting India's transition to clean, sustainable energy.

As lithium-ion battery supply chains face growing constraints and rising costs, zinc is emerging as a viable and strategic alternative. The company shared that zinc-based batteries offer several advantages, including superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, recyclability and operation across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, they leave a greenhouse gas footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “Batteries are pivotal in the global shift toward clean energy. We are committed to driving innovation through our collaborations with premier Indian research institutions and by leveraging our metallurgical expertise. Our goal is to responsibly accelerate the battery revolution and contribute meaningfully to India’s energy independence.”

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, Hindustan Zinc is exploring sustainable zinc-based storage technologies.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2024, researchers at JNCASR are advancing zinc-ion battery technology, with a focus on novel zinc anode formulations and advanced electrolytes.

“Our work on electrode/electrolyte interface engineering has yielded promising results,” said Professor Prem Senguttuvan from JNCASR.

In a parallel initiative, IIT Madras is working on the development of a 1 kWh rechargeable zinc-air battery module, structured as a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran, emphasises rechargeability, interface durability and battery longevity. “These batteries have enormous potential for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and consumer electronics,” said Prof. Chandiran.

Hindustan Zinc quoted a recent BloombergNEF report, which projects the global energy storage market will grow at a 21 percent CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030.

Further expanding its global footprint, the company has also signed an MoU with US-based AEsir Technologies, a leader in nickel-zinc battery innovation. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will provide technical expertise, commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to help scale battery technologies from lab prototypes to industrial production.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, currently supplies to over 40 countries and commands approximately 75 percent of India’s primary zinc market.

JSW MG Motor India is set to expand its EV portfolio with the MG Windsor Pro, which is set to be introduced on 6 May 2025.

The MG Windsor Pro is expected to offer a higher range, more features, improved safety and minor design tweaks. While technical details are yet to be released, it is safe to understand that the company is looking to further drive sales of its popular EV, targeting a new set of customers.

Launched on 11 September 2024, the company positioned the Windsor as a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) and the most comfortable EV in its segment.

The Windsor EV has already surpassed 20,000 units sales since launch, and has been the highest selling electric passenger vehicle for the last several months in a row.

Gujarat-headquartered electric vehicle maker Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, the maker of ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’ brand, has reported a consolidated net profit of INR 63.6 million for FY2025, maintaining profitability for the fifth consecutive year despite industry headwinds and a 5.1 percent drop in annual revenue.

The company’s total consolidated revenue stood at INR 3.04 billion, down from INR 3.2 billion last year. However, EBITDA rose 13.9 percent YoY to INR 3.6 billion, and EBITDA margins improved by 222 basis points to 12.11 percent, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency.

Despite a 52.7 percent YoY dip in PAT, largely due to a high base in FY2024, Wardwizard remained in the black – underscoring resilience amid a challenging EV market environment.

Yatin Sanjay Gupte, Chairman & MD, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, said, “While annual revenues saw a slight decline, EBITDA rose 14 percent YoY. Our profitable performance, sustained for five consecutive years, sets us apart and reinforces the strength of our strategy.”

In Q4 FY25 (Jan–Mar 2025), the company recorded a 62.2 percent YoY rise in PAT to INR 64.5 million, with EBITDA nearly doubling to INR 1.8 billion. PAT margins for the quarter expanded to 5.91 percent, and EBITDA margins reached 17.26 percent, reflecting improved product mix and cost optimisation.

During the last fiscal, the company deployed over 400 electric two-wheelers across major cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad as well as the launch of L5 electric rickshaws in Maharashtra. Ongoing partnerships and a USD 1.29 billion EV initiative in the Philippines are expected to drive future growth.

“With continued innovation and targeted execution, we are building a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” Gupte added.

OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV) has appointed Ajay Dhiman as the new President – Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its electric vehicle and EV components business.

In this strategic leadership role, Dhiman will be responsible for operations and technology functions spanning manufacturing, R&D, product development, quality, sourcing, supply chain and business strategy.

He joins OPG Mobility with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and EV sectors. He previously served as Senior Vice-President at Revolt Motors, where he is said to play a key role across CXO-level functions and was instrumental in accelerating product development and delivering high-quality electric mobility solutions. His career includes leadership stints at Honda, Renault-Nissan, Subros and Sonalika Group, contributing across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler segments.

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, OPG Mobility, said, “We are delighted to have Ajay Dhiman join our leadership team at a pivotal moment in OPG Mobility's journey. As we step up our presence in the EV ecosystem, Ajay’s deep experience in product development and operations will be invaluable in scaling our EV and components business. His thorough knowledge of both legacy systems and new mobility technologies will drive value, innovation, and faster execution across our transformation journey.”

Ajay Dhiman, added, “It’s an honour to join OPG Mobility at such a transformative time. The brand’s vision of delivering inclusive and innovative electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with my passion for engineering excellence, innovative products and future-focused manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with the leadership and teams to strengthen our product pipeline, accelerate product innovation, strengthen our technological edge, enhance operational excellence, and scale solutions that support India’s evolving mobility needs. We aim to position OPG Mobility as a frontrunner in shaping India’s electric mobility revolution.”