Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today strengthened its BEV portfolio in India by launching its second Made in India BEV, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC. The company also announced the start of local production of the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC from its state-of-art manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC will be the second locally manufactured BEV in India from Mercedes-Benz after the EQS 580 luxury sedan. With the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz offers six BEV across the portfolio comprising the EQA, EQB, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQS sedan and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV 680.

With 400 kw power output, 858 Nm of torque and a sprint of 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds, the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is a high-performance oriented BEV. The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC is equipped with a state-of-the-art electric drive train (eATS) on the rear as well as front axle, making it a 4MATIC all- wheel drive. The electric motors are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM), offering high power density, excellent efficiency and consistent power delivery. It comes with rear-axle steering with up to 10 degrees of movement and five different modes – ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL and OFFROAD.

The EQS SUV shares the long wheelbase (126.4 inches) with the EQS Sedan but stands over 7.8 inches higher, enhancing its SUV profile. The vehicle can accommodate up to seven passengers, with electrically adjustable second-row seats provided as standard. The trunk has a generous capacity, able to fit up to four golf bags. Additionally, an optional third row with two individual seats can be added for increased flexibility. A 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger is part of the virtually full dashboard-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen, which enables dynamic content with intelligent dimming to maintain driver focus. Furthermore, by arranging discrete audio components all around the listener, the Burmester 3D Surround sound system with Dolby Atmos® produces a 360-degree soundscape that improves spatial awareness and immersion.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The EQS SUV marks a significant milestone in our electrification journey in India, as the second locally manufactured luxury BEV from Mercedes-Benz and the third luxury BEV launched this year. EQS SUV’s localisation underpins our deep commitment to grow the Indian luxury Electric car market and reinforce our commitment for a greener and sustainable future. With the EQS SUV we further strengthen our comprehensive lineup of BEVs across segment,catering diverse customer requirements ranging from EQA to Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. Mercedes-Benz is deeply committed to the Indian market with an additional investment of Rs. 200 crores in 2024 towards manufacturing operations, new product start-ups and digitisation of manufacturing processes. The localisation of the EQS SUV manifests our local competencies, creates value for Indian customers and supports the government’s vision of ‘Make in India’.”

Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Local production of the second world-class BEV from our manufacturing facility in Pune is an immensely proud moment for our highly experienced and dedicated team. This success emphasises our core technical skills, flexibility at production, ongoing commitment to develop our plant, various technological processes and our incredible team for the future. To embrace future manufacturing needs in electric transformation, we leverage high-voltage technology know-how and intensified data-driven strategies to bring digitalisation to the forefront of the shop floor, acknowledging that our people drive our innovation and success. This accomplishment also underlines our global standard practices in quality, with an unwavering focus on sustainability across our products, plant and supply chain. It showcases our manufacturing prowess,developed over decades,and our expertise in complex assembly processes to produce high-end, sophisticated BEVs like the EQS SUV 580.”

The EQS SUV 580 4MATIC claims to be India’s longest range electric SUV with the largest battery capacity of 122 kWh and ARAI-certified range of 809 km. The electric SUV starts at an introductory price of INR 14.1 million (all-India ex- showroom) and comes with a 2-year/30,000-Km service interval.

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The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), convened a roundtable conference titled ‘Gas se Gati, Bharat ki Pragati’ at the India Habitat Centre, focusing on the role of gas-based fuels in promoting cleaner mobility across India.

Held under SIAM’s ‘Gas Mobility’ initiative, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as alternative fuels for urban and long-distance transport.

In his opening address, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Globally, India is the largest user of gas fuels in mobility. We began with CNG cars and now have the largest gas-based bus and three-wheeler fleet. The launch of the world’s first CNG two-wheeler last year marked another key milestone.”

Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, highlighted the role of the auto industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2047. He noted that the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme supports gas-powered vehicles and localisation of their components.

Additional Secretary from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Sudeep Jain, emphasised the potential of CBG from agricultural waste, stating that converting 10 percent of oil imports to CBG could significantly impact rural development, pollution control and energy self-sufficiency.

Maruti Suzuki’s Rahul Bharti acknowledged the government’s role in expanding CNG infrastructure, with nearly 10,000 stations targeted by 2025. He cited improvements in CNG fuel efficiency and job creation, adding that CBG and LNG also offer promising solutions for the transport sector.

The Commission for Air Quality Management’s Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee called gas-based transport a necessity, not a choice, especially for pollution control in Delhi-NCR. He pointed to efforts such as phasing out older vehicles and reducing stubble burning.

Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, said India’s energy transition in transport is well underway and gas fuels are an effective transitional option, supported by existing infrastructure.

The thematic session, chaired by Ved Prakash Mishra of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, reiterated gas’s relevance until full electrification is achieved. Academic and policy experts, including IIT Kanpur’s Prof Mukesh Sharma and MNRE’s Dr Gaurav Mishra, shared data on emissions reduction and the role of bioenergy.

Presentations covered city gas expansion, vehicle technology innovations, and infrastructure challenges, featuring speakers from Bajaj Auto, Mahanagar Gas and the Association of CGD Entities.

A panel discussion on CBG and LNG adoption, moderated by ICF’s Gurpreet Singh Chugh, included input from NITI Aayog, GAIL Gas, Indraprastha Gas, VE Commercial Vehicles and Tata Motors. Speakers discussed scalability, infrastructure needs, and the role of gas in supporting India’s net-zero goals by 2070.

The event concluded with remarks by Ashish Chutani, Chairman, SIAM Gas-Based Mobility Group and Head – Government & Policy Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India.

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Pune-headquartered Kinetic India, a legacy name in the scooter segment, has re-entered the two-wheeler segment with the Kinetic DX EV through its EV-focused subsidiary, Kinetic Watts and Volts (KWV).

The DX range, comprising the DX and DX+, is a fully made-in-India electric scooter line designed in collaboration with Italian designers and equipped with a range of segment-first features. The e-scooters are priced at INR 111,499 for the DX and INR 117,499 for the DX+ (ex-showroom, Pune). The DX+ will be offered in Red, Blue, White, Silver, and Black, while the DX is available in Silver and Black. Bookings are open online at INR 1,000.

Both models feature a strong metal body, a spacious floorboard and the largest-in-segment 37-litre under-seat storage. They are powered by a 2.6 kWh LFP battery developed by Range-X, offering a claimed IDC range of 116 km (on the DX+). The battery promises a lifespan of over 2,500 cycles – up to four times more than standard NMC batteries – and supports a 60V system with K-Coast regenerative braking. The electric motor delivers a claimed top speed of up to 90 kmph and includes three ride modes: Range, Power and Turbo.

The DX EV range features keyless start (Easy Key), a patented retractable charging cable on the DX+ (Easy Charge), and one-touch pillion footrest deployment (Easy Flip). Both variants come with reverse and hill-hold assist, front telescopic and adjustable rear suspension, a 220mm front disc brake, and a 130mm rear drum brake with combi-braking.

The DX+ variant adds app connectivity and Telekinetic features such as real-time ride statistics, vehicle tracking, Geo-fencing and voice alerts. It also includes a Bluetooth-enabled Kinetic Assist switch, in-built speaker for music and voice navigation. Bookings are limited to 35,000 units, with deliveries starting September 2025.

Kinetic Watts & Volts has received INR 720 million in capital from Kinetic Engineering and its promoters, who have also pledged an additional INR 1.7 billion to scale the DX platform.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman, Kinetic India, said, “The legendary Kinetic DX set so many firsts back in the ’90s, that it earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions. Reviving this icon was about more than just launching a scooter, it was about bringing back the reliability, innovation, and robustness that defined Kinetic for decades, giving it a future-ready soul. With the new DX, we’ve introduced multiple segment-first features that we’re confident, will make it a favourite in the new era of electric mobility. This marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Kinetic and for the evolution of electric mobility in India."

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler major Ather Energy has crossed the milestone of having over 400 Ather Grid fast charging points across Maharashtra.

With 64 Experience Centres and 42 Service Centres in Maharashtra, Ather Energy has cemented its position in over 37 cities in the state. Furthermore, to provide its customers access to fast charging, it’s Ather Grid network now extends to 35 cities across Maharashtra including Mumbai, Nashik, Pune and Nagpur. It has also strategically placed the fast chargers to connect significant routes such as Mumbai - Pune, Pune - Satara, Satara - Kolhapur, Sangali - Kolhapur and Pune - Panshet.

What’s interesting to note is that customers also have access to 220 fast charging points built on the LECCS (Light Electric Combined Charging System) standard, which has been developed by Ather and opened for industry-wide adoption.

LECCS allows different brands of light electric vehicles to use the same network. Ather Grid chargers are also visible on Google Maps, making it easy for any customer with a LECCS connector on their scooter to locate, navigate and charge, further enhancing the everyday ownership experience.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Maharashtra has been a strong market for us, and we’ve seen EV adoption here grow steadily over the years. As more people switch to electric, what really builds confidence is knowing that charging won’t be a challenge. However, for many potential buyers, charging continues to be one of the perceived barriers, and that’s something we’ve always worked towards solving. From the beginning, we’ve focused on building infrastructure that keeps pace with growing demand. Crossing 400 fast chargers in the state is a reflection of that effort. It’s about giving riders the assurance that they’ll always find a charger when they need one. As we expand our retail presence, the charging network will continue to grow in tandem to make EV ownership truly seamless.”

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eBikeGo, an Acer Official Licensee and one of India’s electric mobility leader, has opened its first Acer Electric Vehicles retail outlet in New Delhi’s Okhla Industrial Area (Phase 2). This marks the beginning of a nationwide expansion, with 15 flagship stores planned to showcase Acer-branded e-vehicles.

The store offers a premium range of e-bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes, blending global design with rugged Indian road adaptability. Targeting urban commuters and eco-friendly riders, the lineup includes e-cycles starting at an introductory price of INR 35,999, with e-scooters and e-bikes arriving soon.

Hari Kiran, Co-Founder & COO, eBikeGo, said, “We at eBikeGo are elated to announce our significant expansion in 15 cities across PAN-India, which has been made possible within only a few months, based on our strategic approach of setting up Acer Electric Vehicles retail outlets across various states. This rapid expansion underscores our commitment to eco-friendly transportation while positioning eBikeGo as a pivotal player in the Indian EV market and promoting a green and sustainable future for all Indians. It also enables us to put the spotlight on eBikeGo’s brand new e-2Ws products’ lineup, including our e-cycles, e-scooters and e-bikes.

“The overwhelming response we have received for eBikeGo’s store expansion and the feedback we have received for Acer brand serves as a testament to the strong brand appeal and speaks volumes about our credibility. With our wide portfolio of reliable EVs tuned to the Indian roads and consumer requirements yet boasting world-class standards, we shall continue to expand and grow our retail store network furthermore across the nation.”

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