Swedish truck manufacturer Scania is all set to showcase its versatile range of electrified and biofuel heavy trucks, including a brand-new battery electric tractor, at the IAA Transportation event in Hannover from 17 to 22 September. Along with these trucks, new efficiency enhancing and cost-saving services will take centre stage with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation and complete solutions for the transport industry.

Among the vehicles on display at Scania’s stand at IAA, the EM C1-4 Tractor stands out with its 728-kWh installed battery capacity, which is achieved by adding a seventh battery pack under the cab. This is projected as the volume powertrain in Scania’s portfolio of BEVs. It is the equivalent of a 13-litre combustion engine and comes with a range of at least 530 kilometres. Then there is the P160+ swap-body BEV truck, representing Scania’s most powerful electric machines, which is available in two power levels, 400 or 450 kW. With a 6x2 configuration and a maximum range of more than 500 kilometres, it can charge from empty to 100 percent in 85 minutes under the right conditions.

Next is the Scania R 660 truck, built for the toughest conditions and featuring Scania’s legendary V8 engine, which can run on HVO or other biodiesels, reaching CO2 reductions of up to 90 percent. Irrespective of the fuel used, the truck’s 660 hp and 3,300 Nm of torque will deliver under the toughest conditions and the most demanding operations. And then there’s the Scania Super R 460, the latest winner of the German Green Truck Award. This 13-litre truck provides customers with a choice of compressed and liquified biogas, the latter with ranges up to 1,800 kilometres. 

Stefano Fedel, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales & Marketing, Scania, said, “We are focusing on bringing new energy to all the transport buyers that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Regardless of their individual operation, Scania can create a modularised solution for them to suit their specific needs. Nothing makes me prouder than our capacity for making exactly the right solution for every individual customer. For instance, we now have three different electric machines that are available in nine power output levels, which is outstanding. And the same goes for our battery packs: Scania’s modularised thinking makes for optimised customer solutions where customers can have the right amount of installed energy on their trucks and gain payload.”

On the digital front, Scania is introducing two new services that are based on digitalisation and Scania’s vast experience of connected vehicles. By cranking up the connection between the My Scania portal and the Scania Driver app, the interaction inside the companies will also become easier and more efficient. Positioning, checks before driving, remaining drive time and other crucial tasks become effortless to manage.

Christian Levin, President and CEO, Scania, added, “Customers can now benefit from greener options without adversely affecting normal operations and thereby help set the stage for a fossil-free future of heavy transport. Meanwhile, electrified transport depends on a whole ecosystem. To be the best partner to our customers we must offer more than vehicles. Additionally, our support includes charging infrastructure, battery performance monitoring, dynamic route planning, financing and many other services. Over the past two years, we’ve worked hard to get all of that in place.”

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle company Ola Electric has commenced what could be seen as the next evolution of the automotive purchasing experience. The company has commenced pilot ‘HyperDelivery’ for its range of e-scooters, which will see customers get same-day delivery and registration for their EV.

HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India. HyperDelivery is being tested in Bengaluru, which will then be rolled out in a phased manner across India.

“We have significantly cut the processing time of registering the vehicles through AI-led automation and by moving the registration process completely in-house. We are excited to announce #HyperDelivery which has completely transformed the vehicle purchase and delivery experience in the automotive segment. With this we are ensuring a much smoother purchase experience for our customers, eliminating tedious purchase processes and longer delivery timelines,” said the company in a statement.

The EV maker shared that it is leveraging AI to automate the majority of the steps in a registration process, which eliminates the need for additional resources during the typical registration process.

Numeros Motors, a new-age original equipment manufacturer specialising in indigenous electric vehicles (EVs), has launched an NFT-backed loyalty programme in collaboration with Polygon. This first of its-kind initiative in the EV industry, integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, will reward the first 1,000 buyers of Diplos with a unique digital collectible.

The NFT series ‘The Journey’ consists of 10 original artworks, each with 100 copies, that depict Diplos conquering the essence of India's many landscapes and the spirit of adventure that characterises the brand's motto, ‘Gets It Done’. Customers that own one join a limited group that prioritises performance, resiliency and progressive mobility. These NFTs, which are protected on Polygon's blockchain, provide exclusivity, authenticity and a more in-depth interaction with the brand.

This programme adds value to the Diplos experience by providing holders with access to premium products, invites to special events and priority customer service in addition to the NFT. These NFTs serve as a permanent remembrance of their role in Numeros Motors' history since they are soul-bound, meaning they are always connected to their original owners. In April of this year, Numeros Motors will also open its first store in Bangalore that is owned and run by the firm.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder and CEO, Numeros Motors, said, "Diplos was built for those who move forward, challenge limits and embrace new possibilities. This NFT initiative is our way of recognising and celebrating our customers who believe in our vision. By integrating blockchain technology into customer engagement, we are creating an ownership experience that extends beyond the ride itself."

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green, was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Institute in Pune.

The recognition was conferred to Motwani for her contribution towards driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. An MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, USA, she has also worked towards promoting manufacturing in the country and has held notable positions at the Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) and Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. The Firodia family has always by synonymous with strong values, nation building, self-reliance and a deep-rooted sense of nationalism. This acknowledgement inspires me to further serve for the greater good, a mission that we at Kinetic Green are constantly working towards,” said Motwani.

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.