Pune-based MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has unveiled its battery fabrication and research facility dedicated to lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) technologies. Marking a first-of-its-kind initiative by a private university in India, the facility aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable energy.

It will offer end-to-end capabilities for battery development – from the synthesis of active materials to coin cell fabrication and electrochemical performance evaluation. The research team at MIT-WPU is currently focused on improving battery efficiency by developing advanced electrode materials that enhance energy density, cycling stability and operational safety. The facility is also working on solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), particularly those with high ionic conductivity and thermal stability, which could provide a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional liquid-based battery systems.

In addition to mainstream research, the university is exploring innovative technologies such as glass-polymer composite electrolytes and paper-based batteries. Work has also begun on synthesising high-purity solvents and electrolytes for Li-ion batteries – a critical step toward supporting domestic battery manufacturers with quality raw materials.

Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, the facility supports both academic research and collaborative industrial projects. Plans are underway to expand its capabilities to include the fabrication of cylindrical and prismatic cells, broadening its scope for diverse battery applications across sectors.

Prof. Dr Bharat Kale, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Materials Science at MIT-WPU and former Director of C-MET, MeitY, Government of India, said, “The launch of this state-of-the-art battery fabrication and research facility marks a major milestone in MIT-WPU’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies. As the first such initiative by a private state university in India, it aligns with national missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to strengthen India’s energy independence. With end-to-end capabilities – from material synthesis to cell fabrication and electrochemical evaluation – we’re developing advanced electrode materials and solid-state electrolytes for safer, more efficient lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and Lithium sulfur as well.  The group is also working on paper batteries in collaboration with MID Sweeden   This facility not only fosters academic and industry collaboration but also serves as a vital platform for training future talent. With greater support from national funding agencies like ANRF and others, private institutions like ours can significantly contribute to India’s clean energy future.”

Beyond research, the facility is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists. It provides a hands-on learning environment for students and research opportunities for Ph.D. scholars in the field of advanced battery technologies.

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Ampere, the two-wheeler brand from Greaves Electric Mobility, has rolled out a 5-year / 75,000km battery warranty on its flagship electric scooter – the Ampere Nexus.

The Ampere Nexus utilises a Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery, which is claimed to have around 110km of real-world range, top speed of 93 kmph.

It features best-in-class suspension, aerodynamics and an industry-fastest charging time of just 3 hours 22 minutes. The Ampere Nexus had undertaken a endurance run of plying over 10,000km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride, setting four national records.

The e-scooter is priced at INR 114,900 (ex-showroom) and also comes with lowest down payment and interest rate starting 6.99 percent.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has introduced a new variant of its flagship electric scooter the TVS iQube with 3.1 kWh battery that comes with an IDC range of 123 km, hill hold and dual tone design with prices starting INR 103,727 (Delhi). 

Till date, the TVS iQube has gone home to over 600,000 customers and is available across 1,900 touchpoints. With the latest addition, the TVS iQube family now consists of six variants.

The new variant also gets Hill Hold assist for added safety and a refreshed UI/UX interface for a more intuitive riding experience and four attractive colours: Pearl White, Titanium Grey, and two dual-tone options—Starlight Blue with Beige and Copper Bronze with Beige.

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Vida, the electric vehicle business of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the VX2 electric scooter at prices starting INR 59,490 with Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and INR 99,490 (ex-showroom) for outright purchase for the VX2 Go variant.

The higher VX2 Plus variant gets a 3.4 kWh battery and is priced at INR 109,990 (ex-showroom) for outright purchase and INR 64,990 for BaaS model. While the VX2 Go variant comes with a claimed range of 92km with 2.2 kWh battery. Under BaaS, the user will pay approximately INR 0.96 per kilometre of usage. Customers will also get access to over 3,600 charging points and more than 500 sales and service centres.

To provide peace of mind to customers, Vida is offering complimentary battery replacement if the performance falls below 70 percent.

In terms of tech, the VX2 gets seamless smartphone integration for real-time ride statistics, telemetry, and Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) updates. The VX2 Plus gets 4.3-inch TFT screen, while VX2 Go gets 4.3-inch LCD both offering turn-by-turn navigation.

The company claims that the e-scooters can be charged to 80 percent in just 60 minutes.

The e-scooters sport 12-inch wheels and 33.2-litre boot space (with removable battery) for VX2 Go variant.

With this, the company aims to make the e-scooters one of the most affordable electric vehicle offerings in the country.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp

INR 99,490 (ex-showroom price) and 59,490 with BaaS and INR 0.96 per km

Vida VX2 E-Scooter Launched At INR 99,490 And INR 59,490 With BaaS

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Vida was born from a vision far greater than building electric vehicles—we set out to spark a movement. A movement that puts people and planet first, that redefines mobility as a force for good, and that gives every individual—not just the few—the opportunity to thrive, grow, and live better. Vida means ‘life’—and that is exactly what we aim to bring: cleaner air, better choices, and smarter journeys. A name that reflects our purpose—to drive meaningful progress and create a positive impact, not just in cities, but across every corner of Bharat and the world. On the birth anniversary of our Founder Chairman, Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, we renew our commitment to build a future that is smart, connected, and conscious. With the Vida VX2 Evooter, we are not simply launching a product—we are delivering an ecosystem that empowers change. This is our promise: to make sustainable mobility widely accessible, to make our products highly affordable, and to always lead with trust, responsibility, and purpose. Backed by Hero MotoCorp’s legacy, Vida will power a better tomorrow – for everyone.”

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has expanded its Rizta family e-scooter line-up with the introduction of the Rizta S, featuring a 3.7kWh battery pack. The new variant is priced at INR 137,047 (ex-showroom) in Delhi, INR 137,258 (ex-showroom) in Mumbai, INR 137,999 (ex-showroom) in Bangalore and INR 139,312 (ex-showroom) in Chennai.

The Rizta S with the 3.7kWh battery pack offers an IDC range of 159km. Launched in 2024, the Rizta now accounts for over 60 percent of Ather's total sales and has surpassed 100,000 units sold within one year of its release. This new variant expands the Rizta portfolio to four options.

Ravneet S. Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "The Rizta has resonated strongly with families across the country, and the recent milestone of crossing 1 lakh Rizta scooters is a testament to the strong demand that we are seeing. As an ongoing quest to expand our portfolio addressing different consumer needs, we are excited to introduce the Rizta S with a higher range. With the new variant offering 159 km on a single charge, riders can confidently plan their day, making it ideal for commuters with high daily usage.”

The scooter maintains a 34-litre underseat storage, expandable by 22 litres with a Frunk accessory. It features a large seat and practical floorboard design. The 3.7kWh variant includes a 7-inch DeepView Display with Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Additional features for convenience and safety include AutoHold, Fall Safe, Emergency Stop Signal, Tow & Theft Alerts, Find my scooter and Alexa Skills. The scooter supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Users can access Ather's fast-charging network, Ather Grid, which has over 3,900 charging points.

The Rizta S with the 3.7kWh battery pack is available with the 'Ather Eight70’ warranty programme, providing 8 years or 80,000 km coverage, guaranteeing a minimum of 70 percent battery health.

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