Czech automaker Skoda has revealed its new all-electric compact SUV the Elroq, which sits below the Enyaq SUV and becomes the second all-electric model that is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.

The Elroq e-SUV will be available in four trims – SE, SE L, Edition and SportLine.

The SE 50 comes with a 55kWh (52kWh net) battery, and is capable of more than 370km of WLTP range. It features a 19-inch Proteus silver alloy wheels, LED headlights and LED rear lights. On the inside, it gets fabric and artificial leather upholstery, grey headlining and a two-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel. A large 13-inch touchscreen display, digital cockpit and single-zone climate control as standard is featured in the entry-level variant. A rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition and blind spot detection provide significant level of safety.

Coming to the SE L 60 models come with a larger 63kWh (59kWh net) battery as standard, which translates to over 402km WLTP range on a single charge. In addition it gets a two-spoke leather heated multifunction steering wheel with paddles for recuperation selection, heated front seats, satellite navigation and Skoda Connect - Infotainment Online and Remote Access (three years).

The SE L also gets dual zone climate control, drive mode select, front parking sensors and preparation for a tow bar. As with the SE model, the SE L also comes with a six-metre, 32A Type 2 charging cable as standard, along with rapid charging capability of up to 145kW when connected to a suitable DC rapid charger.

The Elroq Edition model comes with two battery options; 60 and 85; a 63kWh (59kWh net) pack that offers more than 402km of WLTP range, and a larger 82kWh (77kWh net) pack that can deliver up to 580km on the WLTP cycle, respectively.

In addition to the features offered on the SE L; it gets 19-inch Regulus anthracite alloy wheels, unique dark chrome roof rails and window surround and privacy glass with acoustic side windows.

Customers can also opt for travel assist plus, predictive adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, keyless entry, and wireless charging (15W) with cooling function. Elroq 85 models, which come with the larger 82kWh (77kWh net) battery, can also take advantage of 175kW DC rapid charging capability.

The flagship model of the range the Elroq SportLine also comes with two battery options 60 and 85; a 63kWh (59kWh net) or 82kWh (77kWh net) battery pack with WLTP ranges of up to 415km and 571km respectively. The SportLine models gets distinctive 20-inch Asterion black alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, unique SportLine bumpers and gloss black roof rails, door mirrors and tailgate lettering.

On the inside, the SportLine models come with a bespoke Design Selection that features microsuede and artificial leather upholstery, carbon effect decorative inserts, front sports seats and a black headlining. A three-spoke artificial leather heated sports multifunction steering wheel with paddles for recuperation level selection is also fitted as standard.

The Elroq SportLine comes with progressive dynamic steering as standard (the 85 battery offers the addition of sports suspension as standard) while an electrically operated tailgate with kick activation and rear side airbags complete the specification.

While the company has yet not officially confirmed if the Elroq will make it to India, its Europe release and pricing have been confirmed.

TI Clean Mobility, part of the Murugappa Group, has appointed Jalaj Gupta as the new Managing Director.  

The auto industry veteran in his last position was the Business Head for Commercial Vehicles at Mahindra Group. He has around 29 years of experience in the automotive industry with expertise in business strategy, product development, sales, marketing, and vendor management.

Gupta an alumnus of Punjabi University and IMT Ghaziabad has also held leadership roles at Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland.

Prior to Gupta, TI Clean Mobility was led by Kalyan Kumar Paul, who served as the Managing Director with over 30-years of career with Tube Investments of India (TII) Group, which is part of the Murugappa Group. Paul had retired from the company in October 2024.

TI Clean Mobility, the electric vehicle business of the Murugappa Group, currently sells electric three-wheelers under the Montra brand and is also set to enter the electric small commercial vehicle (e-SCV) and electric tractor space. 

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra has unveiled the teaser sketches of its upcoming electric origin SUVs – the BE 6e and XEV 9e ahead of the November 26 debut.

Based on the Heartcore design philosophy, the BE 6e and XV 9e are completely new pure electric vehicles designed by the company, which it believes will disrupt the passenger vehicle segment.

The company is betting big on the upcoming EVs as they encapsulate dynamic styling, premium materials, and progressive proportions.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Heartcore Design is about creating an emotional bond with our customers through design. Prepare to fall in love with our Electric Origin SUVs.”

Montra Electric, a brand owned by Tl Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd, has praised the Government of India for the continuation of subsidy support for the electrification of last-mile mobility under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

Roy Kurian, Business Head, Montra Electric (Last Mile Division), said, “Montra Electric sincerely thanks the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India for ensuring continuity of the subsidy support to last-mile mobility. This crucial support will help the industry navigate challenges and further speed up the shift to electric last-mile solutions.”

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was launched on 29 September 2024. The scheme was put into effect on 1 October 2024 and will continue until 31 March 2026. Furthermore, EMPS-2024, the number of vehicles and the spending under EMPS-2024 for e-2w and e-3w being implemented from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 are being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme; hence, the scheme's effective time will be two years.

Pure EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, a subsidiary of Clarion Investment LLC, with an aim to expand its presence across the Middle East and African regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pure EV will provide Arva Electric with a first shipment of 50,000 of its flagship models, the eTryst X and ecoDryft, over the next couple of years. Pure EV's position in these developing markets is anticipated to be cemented when the supply rises to 60,000 units per year after this initial phase. Pure EV will be Arva Electric's key technology partner in addition to supplying motorcycles, offering knowledge and assistance all the way through the distribution process. Pure EV will uphold all intellectual property rights pertaining to the bikes in order to safeguard unique technology as they increase their market share.

Dr Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV, said, “Our commitment to innovation and user experience ensures that we provide market-ready offerings and meet the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. This partnership not only aims to enhance sales but also to foster sustainable mobility solutions in regions where electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining traction, marking a significant step towards expanding our footprint in Middle East and African markets. By leveraging our strengths and capabilities together with Arva Electric, we are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape globally.”

Aniyan Kutty, Managing Director, Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, said, “We are pleased to partner with Pure EV, as their expertise in R&D and cutting-edge technology helps in building efficient and reliable 2W products. Both the companies are committed to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions with an aim to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability in these regions.”