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.

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Ola Electric has commenced what could be seen as the next evolution of the automotive purchasing experience. The company has commenced pilot ‘HyperDelivery’ for its range of e-scooters, which will see customers get same-day delivery and registration for their EV.

HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India. HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India.

“We have significantly cut the processing time of registering the vehicles through AI-led automation and by moving the registration process completely in-house. We are excited to announce #HyperDelivery which has completely transformed the vehicle purchase and delivery experience in the automotive segment. With this we are ensuring a much smoother purchase experience for our customers, eliminating tedious purchase processes and longer delivery timelines,” said the company in a statement.

The EV maker shared that it is leveraging AI to automate the majority of the steps in a registration process, which eliminates the need for additional resources during the typical registration process.

Numeros Motors, a new-age original equipment manufacturer specialising in indigenous electric vehicles (EVs), has launched an NFT-backed loyalty programme in collaboration with Polygon. This first of its-kind initiative in the EV industry, integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, will reward the first 1,000 buyers of Diplos with a unique digital collectible.

The NFT series ‘The Journey’ consists of 10 original artworks, each with 100 copies, that depict Diplos conquering the essence of India's many landscapes and the spirit of adventure that characterises the brand's motto, ‘Gets It Done’. Customers that own one join a limited group that prioritises performance, resiliency and progressive mobility. These NFTs, which are protected on Polygon's blockchain, provide exclusivity, authenticity and a more in-depth interaction with the brand.

This programme adds value to the Diplos experience by providing holders with access to premium products, invites to special events and priority customer service in addition to the NFT. These NFTs serve as a permanent remembrance of their role in Numeros Motors' history since they are soul-bound, meaning they are always connected to their original owners. In April of this year, Numeros Motors will also open its first store in Bangalore that is owned and run by the firm.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder and CEO, Numeros Motors, said, "Diplos was built for those who move forward, challenge limits and embrace new possibilities. This NFT initiative is our way of recognising and celebrating our customers who believe in our vision. By integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, we are creating an ownership experience that extends beyond the ride itself."

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green, was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Institute in Pune.

The recognition was conferred to Motwani for her contribution towards driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. An MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, USA, she has also worked towards promoting manufacturing in the country and has held notable positions at the Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) and Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. The Firodia family has always by synonymous with strong values, nation building, self-reliance and a deep-rooted sense of nationalism. This acknowledgement inspires me to further serve for the greater good, a mission that we at Kinetic Green are constantly working towards,” said Motwani.

Škoda Auto has released a teaser clip of the all-new Elroq vRS, offering a first glimpse of both its exterior and interior. The world premiere is scheduled to take place digitally on 3 April 2025 and will be streamed live on Škoda’s official YouTube channel.

Following its digital unveiling, the all-electric compact SUV will make its public debut at Milan Design Week 2025 in the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea gallery in the Porta Venezia Design District. In keeping with Škoda's Be More Elroq campaign, the exhibition will showcase the Elroq vRS as the focal point of an experiential journey from 8 to 13 April 2025. The show will also feature the official launch of Botas sneakers, which are based on Škoda Modern Solid design principles, in honour of the company's 130th anniversary. These sneakers were created in collaboration with the Škoda Auto design team. Members of the Škoda team will wear one of the three versions that are planned for the occasion.