Indofast Energy, the joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and Sun Mobility, has partnered Motovolt Mobility, an electric vehicle start-up to integrate battery swapping tech for the MVS7 e-scooter.

The EV company aims to make MVS7 e-scooter more accessible by decoupling the battery cost from the vehicle purchase through BaaS (Battery As A Service) model. Motovolt Mobility claims that the MVS7 is a multi-utility e-scooter, come with a top speed of 50 kmph, a 2.5kW peak power BLDC motor delivering 120 Nm of torque and a travel range of 80-85 km per charge. Featuring a double-cradle steel frame it has a combined 150 litres of open storage and a 150 kg payload capacity, positions it as an ideal companion for both personal commuting and last-mile logistics. The scooter features five riding modes (Eco, Power, Sport, Reverse, Cruise) and an IP65 display to display all information.

Rajat Malhan, Senior VP, Indofast Energy, said, “This isn't just a partnership; it’s a paradigm shift for Indian e-mobility. We are eliminating the biggest hurdles to EV adoption, offering a solution that is not only economically viable but also incredibly convenient. Our QIS battery swapping network will ensure Motovolt MVS7 users experience uninterrupted journeys and unparalleled vehicle uptime, driving their economic prosperity.”

Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO, Motovolt Mobility, said, “As a domestic OEM dedicated to transforming mobility, we are excited to join hands with Indofast as a step towards green mobility. Since our inception, we have focused on developing vehicles that are high on utility and an asset for the consumer. We are unveiling this collaboration with our first multi-utility scooter named MVS7. Overall, this collaboration will not only strengthen EV infrastructure and leverage a pay-per-use model but also help us refine the end consumer experience significantly, as a cost-efficient and more credible alternative to traditional ICE vehicles.”

Motovolt is also expanding its dealership network in key metropolitan areas, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. Over the next 12 months, the partnership aims for significant market penetration, targeting the sale of approximately 20,000 units of the MVS7 in the B2B sector and 5,000 units in the B2C segment.

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Switch Automotive Mobility (Switch India), the electric vehicle business of commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland, has announced a rejig in its top management.

The company has announced that Mahesh Babu, current CEO of Switch Automotive Mobility, has decided to step down from his position to pursue opportunities outside the Group, effective 31 August 2025.

On the other hand, Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ashok Leyland, will take additional charge as CEO of Switch Automotive Mobility starting 1 September 2025.

The company aims to optimise operational costs by leveraging the strengths of Ashok Leyland and maintain focus on electric buses and light commercial vehicles.

Dheeraj G Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility, said, “We would like to place on record our appreciation to Mahesh for his significant contributions during his tenure with us. Having achieved EBITDA breakeven in FY2025, Switch India is now poised to scale up the business and achieve positive PAT status shortly. Ganesh Mani, with his experience in operational excellence and leading large scale transformation initiatives, will take Switch India to the next phase of profitable growth.”

At present, Switch currently sells the 1.25 tonner IeV3 and 1.75 tonner IeV4 in the electric LCV segment and 12m buses in standard and low floor segments offering range up to 200 kms without a recharge. The EV maker has a strong order pipeline of over 1,500 e-buses, with target to double its top line in FY2026.

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India is embarking on an ambitious journey to become a dominant force in the global rare earth metals (REMs) market, with a significant seven-year initiative (2025-2032) aimed at bolstering its domestic mining, refining and magnet production capabilities. This strategic pivot comes as the world increasingly relies on these 17 chemical elements, which include the 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium, for cutting-edge technologies that drive electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, smartphones and defence systems.

A recent report by Coherent Market Insights stated that despite possessing the world's fifth-largest rare earth element reserves, estimated at an impressive 6.9 million metric tonnes, India has historically been heavily reliant on imports of rare earth magnets. However, the landscape is rapidly changing. The Indian rare earth market, valued at approximately USD 40 million in 2024, is projected to soar to USD 62.0 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8 percent starting in 2025.

A key aspect of this initiative involves IREL (India) Ltd., a public sector enterprise, which is increasing its neodymium output. Additionally, new magnet manufacturing plants are being established in Visakhapatnam and other industrial centres. To further secure its supply chain, India has temporarily paused some exports to prioritise domestic needs and has announced significant public-private partnerships for advanced processing facilities. The nation is also actively forging international partnerships with countries in Africa and Central Asia to secure upstream supplies.

This move by India is particularly pertinent given the global concentration of rare earth supply. As of 2023, China is the dominant player, responsible for a staggering 65-69% of total rare earth output and nearly 90 percent of the world's rare earth element processing. China's recent export restrictions on gallium and germanium in 2023, in response to chip sanctions, underscored its willingness to leverage critical mineral supply chains for geopolitical influence. Such actions have accelerated efforts by the U.S., EU, and Japan to diversify their sources.

The global market for rare earth metals is projected to be worth nearly USD 6 billion by 2025, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.4 percent from 2025 to 2032, ultimately reaching around USD 9.3 billion. This growth is primarily fuelled by the shift towards clean energy and the surging demand in the electronics and EV sectors. Neodymium, a key component in permanent magnets used for EV motors and wind turbines, stands out as the most commonly used rare earth metal, holding about 38.1 percent of the market share in 2025.

India's strong emphasis on supply chain resilience, innovation, and environmental sustainability aims to position it as a key player in the global rare earth materials value chain over the next decade.

Mohit Shrivastava, AVP Research, Coherent Market Insights, said, “Rare earth metals are quickly becoming the backbone of both the clean tech and defence sectors. While China currently holds a strong grip on the supply, India has a unique opportunity to shake things up with its abundant reserves and fresh strategic plans. Transitioning from being a mere importer to an active player in the value chain will depend on enhancing refining capabilities, fostering public-private partnerships and navigating geopolitical challenges. Over the next ten years, if India invests wisely in rare earth metals infrastructure, it could emerge as a key regional processing hub – boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening global supply chain resilience."

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Delhi-NCR-based electric motorcycle brand Revolt Motors has further expanded its product offering in the Sri Lankan market with the launch of RV1 and RV1+.

The company is set to introduce its latest e-motorcycles through its exclusive distributor Evolution Auto. The new products will join the company’s existing e-motorcycle’s RV400 and BRZ in the neighbouring country.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, Revolt Motors, said, “This is more than just a product launch, it's a reaffirmation of Revolt’s global ambitions. With the RV1 and RV1+, we are expanding our reach in Sri Lanka with offerings that blend performance, affordability, and sustainability. Our goal is to empower riders across borders with smart mobility that is both aspirational and accessible.”

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Scania has secured a landmark agreement to deliver 60 battery-electric city buses to South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), reinforcing its leadership in sustainable transport solutions. The deal supports the state’s electrification goals and builds on Scania’s strong partnership with South Australia, where 825 of its buses already operate.

The Scania K-series low-entry buses, featuring Volgren bodies, will enter production later this year, with the first deliveries expected in November 2025. Designed for Adelaide’s urban routes, each bus seats 43 passengers and offers a range exceeding 400 kilometres. Equipped with Scania’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, the buses enhance road safety by optimising speed, lane positioning and distance from pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

The agreement includes options for additional buses through June 2029, marking a key step in South Australia’s plan to transition its 1,000-strong bus fleet to zero-emission alternatives. This initiative underscores Scania’s commitment to advancing electrification and sustainable mobility in Australia.

Steven Godbold, Contract Manager Government Bus – SA/TAS, Scania Australia, said, “This order is not only strategically significant for Scania; it also demonstrates the strength of our ongoing partnership with DIT.”

Anna Ställberg, Head of Urban Solutions at Scania Group, said, “This landmark deal means Scania will support South Australia’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable public transport network while also increasing our penetration of the Australian electric vehicle market.”

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