Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Simple Energy has expanded its presence in Eastern India with the opening of its first retail outlet in Siliguri in partnership with CTA Connect.

The new Simple Store spread across 2,400 sqft, functions as a 3S facility, providing sales, service and spares in a single location. It will act as a hub for the brand in the region, which serves as a gateway to Northeast India.

The Siliguri store showcases the second-generation models of the Simple One series, which are designed for long-distance commuting with high-capacity battery integration.

The available models include:

• Simple One Gen 2 (5 kWh): Delivers an IDC range of 265 km. Priced from INR 177,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).
• Simple OneS Gen 2: Delivers an IDC range of 191 km. Priced at INR 149,999 (ex-showroom, Siliguri).

With this launch, Simple Energy now operates 63 outlets across India, including locations in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. The company has confirmed plans to open further stores in Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar in the coming months as part of its national network ramp-up.

Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO, Simple Energy, stated, “The launch of our first Simple Store in Siliguri marks an important step in strengthening Simple Energy’s presence in eastern India. As a key gateway to the Northeast, the city presents strong potential for electric mobility. With our 3S setup, we are bringing the Simple Energy experience closer to customers - from discovering our products to seamless after-sales support. We are excited to introduce our long-range, high-performance scooters to riders in Siliguri and remain committed to accelerating the transition to electric mobility across the region.”

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Vingroup has launched a multi-market initiative called ‘Trade Gas for Electric’, responding to fluctuations in global fuel prices by incentivising a shift to electric mobility across Vietnam, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. The programme provides additional discounts for customers who replace their old gasoline-powered vehicles with new VinFast electric models. During the promotional period, those making the switch will receive an extra three percent off electric cars and a five percent discount on electric scooters, applied on top of existing incentives already available in each market.

In alignment with this effort, the broader Vingroup ecosystem is also enhancing affordability. GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company, operating as Xanh SM in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia, has implemented a temporary fare reduction. From 11 to 31 March 2026, customers using its electric mobility services will benefit from a 10 percent decrease in fares, offering an economical and eco-conscious travel alternative. This reduction applies across the specified markets, reinforcing the group's commitment to accessible green transport.

The layered incentives are designed to accelerate the transition away from gasoline dependency, providing financial relief and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. By layering these new discounts with existing programmes, Vingroup aims to make electric vehicle adoption more attainable. Depending on international developments and future shifts in fuel costs, the campaign may see an extension, reflecting the company’s dedication to fostering a cleaner living environment and greater economic stability for communities.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, said, “The special 'Trade Gas for Electric' programme launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”

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Samarth E-Mobility has announced the development of a 100 percent indigenous electric vehicle (EV) technology platform. Engineered and manufactured in India, the full-stack system integrates critical components including the battery pack, motor and power electronics, which will power the company’s upcoming electric motorcycle.

The platform was developed over three years at the company’s R&D facility in Kalol, Gujarat. It features in-house hardware and software, including a battery management system (BMS), motor controller, power control module (PCM), DC-DC converter and an AI-controlled onboard fast charger with a 1500W capacity.

Samarth E-Mobility has completed homologation for its battery pack through NATRAX, while its BMS has been validated by iCAT. The technology has undergone 51,000 km of real-world riding and 3,400 km of torture testing to ensure reliability across Indian climatic conditions.

It has developed rare-earth-free motor, 1500W onboard fast charger with AI control and proprietary operating system and instrument cluster.

The company stated its manufacturing facility in Chhatral, Gujarat, has a monthly capacity of 45,000 units for the new products.

The company operates a 150,000 sqft manufacturing site, providing an annual capacity of over 500,000 units. By producing the technology stack in-house, the firm aims to reduce import dependency and build domestic intellectual property within the electric two-wheeler value chain.

Priyank Rakholiya, Co-Founder, Samarth E-Mobility, said, “India’s EV transition demands more than assembly-driven solutions. It requires deep engineering, indigenous innovation and products designed ground-up for Indian riders. At Samarth E-Mobility, we have spent the last three years building our entire technology stack in-house from battery systems and software architecture to motor and power electronics. Our endeavour is to enter the electric motorcycle segment, backed by validated technology, patented designs, and a clear vision to deliver reliable, high-performance electric mobility solutions. We will soon launch our brand in the premium aspirational space, reinforcing our commitment to building a truly self-reliant EV ecosystem in India.”

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CUPRA has unveiled an evolved version of its first all-electric model, the CUPRA Born, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to challenging conventions. The vehicle has been comprehensively re-engineered to offer a more intense and emotionally engaging driving experience, marked by striking exterior updates, a refined cabin and enhanced technology.

The exterior evolution embraces CUPRA’s dynamic design language, featuring newly sculpted front and rear bumpers. Distinctive triangular Matrix LED headlights complement a prominent illuminated CUPRA logo, which is now seamlessly integrated into the three-dimensional rear light cluster, enhancing the car’s visual presence.

On the interior front, the focus is on driver engagement and elevated quality. A redesigned steering wheel now incorporates intuitive physical controls, while new door panels contribute to a more premium feel. The immersive digital environment is amplified by a larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit, supported by an augmented reality head-up display. The auditory experience has also been transformed, with a Sennheiser Contrabass sound system delivering deep, immersive bass, while a newly developed Interior Sound Signature strengthens the connection between the driver and the machine.

Performance remains a core pillar, with the new Born intensifying every journey through its hallmark electrifying dynamics. Drivers can select from four distinct motor and battery configurations. Features such as launch control, a new One Pedal Driving System and wider tyres for both 19- and 20-inch wheels further sharpen the driving experience. This performance is matched by an updated suite of safety systems, including Travel Assist 3.0 with cloud-enhanced functionality, new Crossroad Assist, an upgraded Front Assist and pre-crash protection with rear detection.

The new Born offers flexible powertrain choices to suit different needs. The V1 and V2 versions, equipped with a 58-kWh battery, achieve an estimated range of around 279 miles (approximately 449 km). For extended range, both these models and the range-topping VZ version can be specified with a 79-kWh battery, targeting approximately 372 miles (approximately 598 km). Personalisation is available through six exterior colours, including the newly introduced Timanfaya Grey.

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Hyderabad-based electric vehicle company Keto Motors has secured CMVR Type Approval Certification from the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) for its nine-metre Urbanova KE9 electric bus. The certification confirms the vehicle's compliance with safety and performance standards, including structural integrity and range efficiency.

The company is now initiating customer demonstrations and preparing for deployments across State Transport Undertakings (STUs), school fleets and employee transportation providers.

The Urbanova KE9 is engineered for urban mobility and smart city networks. Through a technology partnership with TRON, a Taiwanese E-bus OEM, Keto Motors utilises liquid-cooled battery technology, a self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) and Fleet Management Systems (FMS).

The e-bus features a 245 kW liquid-cooled PMSM motor delivering 3000 Nm of torque.  A claimed cruise range of 188 km (IDC) and a top speed of 80 kmph. It can accommodate 31 seated and 11 standing passengers. It supports CCS2 fast charging support, regenerative braking, ABS and air suspension.

The company aims to start production in early FY2027 at the company’s 20-acre facility in Jadcherla, Telangana. The plant features in-house bus body manufacturing and testing systems, with an annual capacity of 1,000 units.

In addition to the nine-metre model, Keto Motors is developing 12-metre and 6-metre platforms to expand its presence across the public transport sector.

Venkatesh Challa, Director of Keto Motors, said, “Securing CMVR Type Approval for the Urbanova KE9 is a defining milestone for Keto Motors. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering dependable, high-performance electric mobility solutions designed specifically for Indian roads and fleet operators. With approvals in place, we are now focused on accelerating customer deployments and supporting India’s transition toward clean, zero-emission public transport.”

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