Montra Electric’s e-SCV Division, Tivolt Electric Vehicles has inked a strategic collaboration with Steam-A. The understanding will see the OEM integrate Steam-A’s Iris EV charging management suite into Powerdock its EV charging network.

This will enable a seamless and reliable charging operation for Montra Electric, where it will leverage advanced software to get real-time operational insight, AI-driven predictive maintenance and seamless EV roaming capabilities. Steam-A will bring to the table AI-enabled predictive failure management system, which will maximise charger uptime and network availability.

A standout feature of Iris is its industry-first AI-enabled predictive failure management system, seamlessly integrated with a comprehensive asset and workflow management suite. This innovation significantly reduces operational costs while maximizing charger uptime and network availability. Additionally, the platform delivers deep analytical insights into network performance, facilitating continuous service enhancements and business growth.

Saju Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Tivolt Electric Vehicles, said, “We are excited to join hands with Steam-A. Our vision at Montra Electric is to drive electrification in commercial logistics and empower customers to transition to electric mobility with confidence. By integrating Steam-A’s Iris platform into our Powerdock network, we are strengthening our commitment to innovation and customer-first solutions. This collaboration will drive greater EV adoption while delivering a seamless and effortless experience for our customers.”

Vishwanath Surendiran, Co-Founder, Steam-A, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Montra Electric on their journey of making mobility more sustainable. Earning the trust of such a longstanding organization fills us with pride and a heightened sense of responsibility. We will go all out to deliver industry-leading standards of reliability and customer experience.”

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.

Folks Motor, a retrofit start-up, has announced that it will invest INR 5 billion towards capital expenditure over the next five years, it is also targeting to attain revenue of INR 5 billion revenue including INR 2 billion from domestic market and INR 3  billion in exports.

The start-up claimed it is investing towards developing India’s first retrofit warehouse and industrial park – The Blue IP – to strengthen domestic EV supply chain.

Folks Motor claims it has already started exports to Middle East and Africa, with plans to enter Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The new investment will see the start-up form strategic partnership with powertrain manufacturers, electronic manufacturing services, energy storage and system integrators.

Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD & CEO, Folks Motor, said, "At Folks Motor, we recognise the urgent need to build a robust and integrated EV ecosystem in India. With ‘The Blue IP’, the first-ever xEV-focused warehousing and industrial park, we are taking a big step toward strengthening domestic manufacturing. Our target of INR 6 billion in order book by 2030 reflects our commitment to making India a leader in the global EV supply chain. Our expansion strategy ensures that sustainable mobility is accessible to a broader audience without the financial and environmental costs of scrapping existing vehicles."

The start-up claimed that it has structured a USD 100 million ESG bond for efficient fund utilisation, which it aims to scale up to INR 2.5 billion for working capital and operational expenses.

In what may come as a boon to the electric vehicle industry in India, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the government is set to do away with duties on several goods used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

The move is being seen as a way to support the domestic EV industry, which may be impacted by potential reciprocal US tariffs.

“We aim to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness by reducing duties on raw materials,” said Sitharaman.

The move is expected to exempt 35 items used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

The manufacturing, adoption and promotion of EVs has been a priority area for the government of India, which has introduced a wide-variety of schemes such as – Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) with a budgetary allocation of INR 26.7 billion, Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) with a budget outlay of INR 5 billion, PM E-Drive Scheme with an outlay of INR 109 billion, Pm e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme with an outlay of INR 34.3 billion and Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC).

According to the latest data shared by the government of India, the country has over 4.4 million EVs registered as of August 2024, which includes 950,000 units sold in just eight months of 2024, achieving 6.6 percent market penetration.

Hyundai Motor Company today teased the INSTEROID, a playful take on a ‘dream car’. The design concept is based on its popular INSTER sub-compact electric vehicle (EV) and aims to strengthen the emotional connection with the Hyundai brand.

Combining the words ‘INSTER’ and ‘STEROID’, the name captures the fun and muscular character of this concept automobile, which is based on the INSTER production model. With significant sales in both Europe and Korea after its June 2024 worldwide premiere, INSTER has emerged as a popular EV. With its racing game-inspired look, wheel arch air vents, 21-inch wheels, a noticeable rear spoiler and diffuser and Signature Pixel LEDs, the INSTEROID enhances the production model's appearance. The company plans to unveil the INSTEROID ‘dream car’ to the public in early April 2025.