The Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC), nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India, has issued a statement, asking why special attention is reserved only for electric vehicles while overlooking auto LPG.  

Days ago, the government announced another allocation of INR 1,000 crore for the development and installation of charging infrastructure under the phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (FAME) scheme. Sometime in the middle of the year, the government had extended the second phase of FAME by two years until March 2024. 

Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, “While we certainly welcome the long-term focus of government to set the ball rolling for a minimally carbon-intensive vehicular fuel policy and of course, the tilt towards electric vehicles would be a part of that vision, it is totally baffling that the government continues to ignore the immediate potential that auto LPG holds out in all respects as compared to electric mobility. Talking of infrastructure, government’s plans to set up 4500 EV charging stations across the country is woefully inadequate since there is a need for at least 4 lakh charging stations, 100-times that target, in order to meet its own target of having 2 million EVs on the roads by 2026. In contrast, auto LPG already has almost 1500 stations for refilling across 600 cities in the country. And that too without almost any government support. Further, India’s import dependence on lithium-ion batteries, without which EVs are an absolute non-starter, is unlikely to ease immediately even with government’s full policy push. With China dominating the world market for the raw material, it becomes even more complicated and unpredictable. On the other hand, thanks to the drive for household consumption of LPG, an extensive infrastructure exists in the country from before. With 2.5 million auto LPG vehicles already running on Indian roads, it makes almost perfect sense to give an instant policy boost to this fuel.” 

Gupta added, “Cost-wise, instead of buying expensive EVs, it becomes far easier for a consumer to get their existing vehicles retrofitted with LPG conversion kits. All that the government needs to do is to ease the Type Approval norms governing the retro-fitment of LPG/CNG conversion kits and bring them in line with the European norms. Currently, the Indian rule to renew Type approvals for auto LPG conversion kits every three years is hugely cost-prohibitive as well as a disincentive and a deterrent from both manufacturer and consumer standpoints. The government must also consider shifting the GST slabs of conversion kits from 28 to 18 percent and of auto LPG from 18 percent to 5 percent with a view to stimulate demand on the ground. In fact, even environmentally speaking, electric vehicles are not really as environmentally friendly as they are being made to be especially in the immediate term. Almost 60% of electricity in the country is still produced by carbon-emitting fossil fuel-based sources. On the other hand, auto LPG has a zero global warming potential with negligible emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.” (MT)  

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German luxury automotive brand BMW Group India has cemented its leadership in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market by becoming the first in the segment to deliver over 5,000 EVs in the country. To mark this significant milestone, the company has inaugurated a new high-power charging corridor spanning 4,000 kilometres from North to South, offering charging access to all EV brands.

The new corridor features charging stations every 300 kilometres, effectively linking major cities and highways from Jammu to Madurai. The route covers key locations including Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai, aiming to eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers.

Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “BMW Group India is immensely proud to become the first luxury carmaker to cross the remarkable milestone of 5,000 electric vehicle deliveries. This achievement is not just a number, it represents our unwavering commitment to e-mobility and pioneering spirit in the premium EV landscape. At BMW, luxury and performance is delivered seamlessly with sustainability, and our electric products embody this philosophy. In this journey, we will continue to delight our customers with the most electrifying products and services that provide complete peace of mind. To mark this milestone, we are happy to introduce our high-power charging corridor. Across the length of the nation, from Jammu to Madurai, EV customers can now just sit back and enjoy Sheer Driving Pleasure without a second thought.”

In a move to encourage broader EV adoption, BMW Group India has made these new charging stations accessible to all EV owners, regardless of their vehicle's brand. The stations, with capacities ranging from 120kW to an impressive 720kW, are a part of a larger network of over 6,000 charging points across the country, accessible via the myBMW app. The company is collaborating with charging operators like Statiq and Zeon to manage these new stations.

The sales milestone has been attained by the company’s expansive portfolio of EVs compromising the flagship BMW i7 to the popular BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, which was the highest-selling BMW EV in the first half of 2025.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched a new electric three-wheeler, the ‘TVS King Kargo HD EV’ at INR 385,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), which it believes will transform urban and semi-urban logistics. The EV is engineered for performance, durability and connectivity in the last-mile delivery sector.

The King Kargo HD EV is designed to improve safety and comfort for operators. It features several segment-first innovations, including LED headlamps and tail lamps for better visibility and a spacious cabin with fully rolling windows. For enhanced performance, it has a dedicated Power Gear Mode that provides higher torque when carrying heavy loads.

The new three-wheeler is also India's first Bluetooth-enabled cargo three-wheeler. It comes equipped with TVS SmartXonnect, offering 26 smart features, along with twin-axis rear-view mirrors for safer navigation through congested city streets. The vehicle’s connected features are managed through TVS Connect Fleet, a web-based platform that gives fleet operators real-time tracking, remote control and advanced analytics for efficient fleet management.

Rajat Gupta, Business Head of Commercial Mobility at TVS Motor Company, said, “The launch of the TVS King Kargo HD represents a transformative moment in the evolution of cargo mobility, aligned to our ‘Re-Imagine 2030’ vision. This three-wheeler will set new benchmarks by delivering an unmatched combination of smart features, high load capability, comfort, ergonomics and safety. Coupled with the TVS Connect Fleet, the vehicle will empower businesses and also improve the everyday life of operators. With the TVS King Kargo HD EV, we are confident of redefining customer expectations and enabling them to achieve more, every day, effortlessly.”

In its initial phase, the TVS King Kargo HD EV will be available in key markets, including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and Bengaluru. The company also showcased a CNG variant, which is scheduled for release later this year.

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In a significant move to capture Punjab's growing electric vehicle market, Japanese EV manufacturer Terra Motors has launched its flagship high-speed L5 electric auto showroom in Amritsar. The new facility, established in partnership with local dealer AP Motor & Finance, provides a full sales and service experience, allowing customers to explore, test ride, and purchase Terra's latest models.

The brand's reputation for reliable performance and strong value, built over a decade in the three-wheeler sector, was evident in the overwhelming response to the inauguration. The dealer partnership was secured due to competitive margins, rising consumer demand for EV financing and Terra's proven track record as a top-selling e-rickshaw manufacturer in India. This entry into Amritsar represents a key milestone in Terra Motors' national growth strategy, following recent launches in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, as it aims for a tenfold expansion in the coming years.

The flagship Kyoro+ model is central to this expansion, promoted as a compelling choice for drivers seeking higher earnings. It boasts a segment-leading range of 200 km per charge, a robust build, a five-year warranty, and an attractive starting on-road price of INR 366,000, supported by a low down payment financing scheme.

Go Suzuki, Managing Director, Terra Motors India, said, “Punjab is a key market for us, and partnering with a trusted dealer here will help bring top-quality electric autos to local customers. Our goal is to be present in all major cities with Terra e-autos, and we’re inviting experienced EV dealers to partner with us." 

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Jitendra New EV Tech Pvt Ltd (JNEVTPL), operating as Jitendra Electric Vehicles, has entered a strategic partnership with MET’s Institute of Engineering in Nashik. The Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed on 5 August 2025 at the institute by Dr V P Wani, the Principal, and Tejas Merchant from JNEVTPL's R&D department, with other key faculty and company officials in attendance.

This collaboration is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application within the fast-growing electric vehicle industry. The core of the partnership involves a series of joint initiatives focused on research, new product development and industrial consultancy to address complex technical challenges. A significant aspect of the agreement includes expert consultancy from the institute’s engineering department to enhance productivity and implement advanced solutions for real-world problems.

Furthermore, MET’s IOE will provide direct technical support for the development of a range of electric vehicles, including scooters, rickshaws and motorcycles. Crucially, the alliance is committed to fostering the next generation of engineers by offering students hands-on industrial exposure through organised site visits, comprehensive internship programmes and live project opportunities. This practical experience is intended to give them invaluable insight into EV technologies and modern manufacturing processes, effectively preparing them for careers in this evolving field.

Dr Wani, said, “This MoU marks a vital step towards bridging classroom learning with real-world innovation. Collaborating with a forward-looking company like Jitendra EV will empower our students to engage with cutting-edge technologies, enhance their practical skills and contribute meaningfully to the future of electric mobility.”

Merchant said, “This collaboration is more than just knowledge exchange – it's about nurturing future-ready engineers who can contribute to real-time problem-solving and innovation in the EV space. Through this MoU, we aim to build a strong foundation for joint research, product development and talent development.”

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