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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Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM), the electric commercial vehicle arm of Jupiter Wagons, has opened its first showroom in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, marking the regional debut of its flagship electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the JEM Tez.

Strategically positioned in one of India’s leading urban logistics hubs, the new facility is designed as a comprehensive experience centre offering sales consultations, test drives, service support and financing options. JEM also operates a dedicated service hub in Devanahalli to support its growing customer base in the region.

The JEM Tez is built to meet the demands of last-mile delivery and intra-city freight movement. It features a certified range of over 190 km, an 80 kW peak motor, 23 percent gradeability and a 1.05-ton payload capacity.

The showroom was inaugurated by Shivanand Kalakeri, IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax (DR), with key members of JEM's leadership present, including Gaurav Jalota, CEO, and Kartik Hajela, CEO of the Battery Division.

Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, Jupiter Group, said, “The inauguration of our first showroom in Bengaluru is a key step in our national rollout strategy. Bengaluru’s thriving logistics ecosystem and growing EV adoption make it the ideal launchpad for the JEM Tez.”

JEM is also actively investing in a full-scale EV ecosystem, partnering with firms such as Porter, Pulse Energy and Automovill to build infrastructure for charging, financing and aftersales support. Through its JEM Udaan programme, the company offers business support to JEM Tez owners.

The launch follows the recent commissioning of JEM’s 2.5-acre manufacturing plant in Pithampur, Indore, which has a capacity of 8,000–10,000 e-LCVs annually, with plans for expansion.

As part of its nationwide growth plan, JEM aims to expand into key EV markets, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, further expanding its share in India’s last-mile electric mobility sector.

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India's USD 15 billion last-mile delivery sector, under pressure from e-commerce growth and urbanisation, is witnessing a green transformation. Jassper Shipping is emerging as a key player in this shift by making electric vehicles the cornerstone of its logistics operations. With 58 EVs already deployed and plans to expand to 150 within six months, the company is building a sustainable delivery network while creating better opportunities for its workforce.

The move comes as India accelerates its EV adoption, with 1.67 million electric vehicles sold in 2023-24, including 3,700 electric buses. Government initiatives like FAME-II's INR 11,500 crore subsidy and INR 800 crore for charging infrastructure further underscore this transition. Jassper's EV-first model delivers triple benefits: reduced carbon emissions, lower operational costs and maintained service excellence.

Unlike traditional logistics firms retrofitting existing fleets, Jassper has built its operations ground-up around electric mobility. The company collaborates with charging infrastructure providers and offers comprehensive EV training to delivery agents. Its unique approach addresses critical industry gaps by providing health/life insurance and competitive pay to gig workers – a rarity in India's logistics sector.

While competing with established players like Delhivery and Ecom Express, Jassper differentiates itself through its ESG-aligned strategy. The company plans to onboard 1,500 delivery partners across Tier 1 and 2 cities, combining environmental responsibility with social impact.

Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development (Subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia), Jassper Shipping, said, “At Jassper, our electric vehicle (EV) strategy is not just about cutting costs – it’s about driving sustainability and empowering our delivery partners. EVs are a core part of our long-term vision to reduce our carbon footprint, manage fuel cost fluctuations and improve partner profitability through lower operating expenses. As a part of our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable logistics, we are creating job opportunities by aiming to onboard 1,500 new last-mile delivery partners across India over the next five years. This expansion will enhance our logistics network and help create more sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on efficiency, reach and reliability, we are building a delivery ecosystem that benefits both our partners and our customers.”

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Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of diversified conglomerate Murugappa Group, has launched its 'SUPER CARGO' electric three-wheeler in Bengaluru. The new SUPER CARGO is aimed at the last-mile 3W cargo segment and claims to provide uncompromised range and power to easily navigate any terrain.

The SUPER CARGO boasts a Sturdy Boron Steel Chassis that offers superior strength and durability, along with best uptime in the category. Featuring the longest wheelbase in its category, it provides a spacious driver's cabin and a 6.2-feet load tray for large delivery applications. The 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a category-best on-road range of 170 km, while the powerful drivetrain produces 70 Nm torque and 11 kW peak power with 23 percent gradeability. The 1.2-tonne vehicle is engineered to carry all types of loads with ease. The vehicle also features regenerative braking and multiple drive modes for efficiency. On the safety front, the vehicle includes high-performance front disc brakes, hill hold function, reverse assist and provision for seat belts.

There are three cargo body options for the Montra Electric Super Cargo: the 140 cubic foot eCX d, the 170 cubic foot eCX d+ and the tray eCX. Furthermore, two models (Tray eQX and 170 cubic feet eQX d+) include a 15-minute 100 percent Quick Charging option. Super Cargo comes in four colours: Indian Blue, Steel Grey, Stallion Brown and Chilli Red.

Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, TI Clean Mobility Private Limited, said, "The addition of the Montra Electric SUPER CARGO to our product portfolio marks an exciting new chapter of growth for us in the last-mile delivery segment. While we began our journey in the passenger 3-wheeler space with SUPER AUTO and expanded into first-mile logistics with our RHINO heavy trucks, one segment we always wanted to make a foray is – Cargo for mid and last mile. With EVIATOR, we have already made inroads into the mid-mile segment. And now, with the launch of the SUPER CARGO, we are entering the highly strategic last-mile delivery space. As a Tru-EV brand, our responsibility goes beyond just offering vehicles – it is about enabling a cleaner, efficient future. With this, we are proud to expand our presence across segments and power India’s mobility shift towards sustainability.”

Roy Kurian, Business Head – Last Mile Mobility, Montra Electric, said, “Montra Electric SUPER CARGO is engineered with deep customer insights. It is packaged with unique features, and the 15-minute full charging option is a great benefit for B2B players. The Super Cargo is well-suited for a variety of applications for both fleet operators and individual entrepreneurs. Our expanding dealer network assures uptime across the nation.”

Arun Vinayak, Co-Founder, Exponent Energy, said, “We are excited to partner with Montra Electric. Our 15-minute 100 percent charging solution has been well accepted by the market for its potential to unlock higher asset utilisation, and this strategic partnership with Montra Electric will help us take forward the clean mobility agenda at enhanced scale. We will closely work with the brand to expand our charging network in line with customer requirements across the cities they are present in.”

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GreenCell Mobility's NueGo, India's first electric intercity bus brand, has launched its all-electric bus service on the Delhi–Lucknow route, with rates starting at INR 999. This route launch follows the successful completion of NueGo's Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) expedition, which highlighted the value of public participation in sustainability initiatives and showed how resilient electric buses are in a variety of terrains.

This new route offers guests a first-rate travel experience between two major cities in the Northern area, further solidifying the brand's dedication to sustainable mass mobility. An important milestone in sustainable travel has been reached with the opening of its newest and longest electric intercity bus route, which will connect Delhi and Lucknow and cover the vast distance in around 10 hours. This route sets a new standard for long-distance EV intercity transit in India.

The electric buses from NueGo are designed to seamlessly combine sustainability, punctuality, comfort and safety. Each bus is subjected to 25 stringent safety tests, including mechanical and electrical examinations, and has zero tailpipe emissions, guaranteeing dependability for long-distance transportation. The Delhi-Lucknow route provides visitors with a convenient, environmentally friendly travel experience, with a range of more than 250 kilometres on a single charge.

Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility, said, “At NueGo, we are constantly working towards offering guests a sustainable yet premium intercity travel experience. With this expansion, we’re not just launching new routes, we’re building a movement towards cleaner, smarter intercity travel. Our mission is to reduce India’s carbon footprint while delivering unmatched comfort and reliability.”

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