Tata Motors Avinya concept EV unveiled

24H Series Powered By Hankook Tire To Start 2021 Season At Dubai

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), has unveiled the Avinya concept, the company’s vision of a electric vehicle, based on GEN 3 architecture. 

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), has unveiled the Avinya concept, the company’s vision of a electric vehicle, based on GEN 3 architecture. 

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), has unveiled the Avinya concept, the company’s vision of a electric vehicle, based on GEN 3 architecture. 

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), has unveiled the Avinya concept, the company’s vision of a electric vehicle, based on GEN 3 architecture. Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), has unveiled the Avinya concept, the company’s vision of a electric vehicle, based on GEN 3 architecture. 

Derived from the Sanskrit language, the name Avinya stands for ‘Innovation’. The concept introduces a new a typology of mobility that liberates enormous roominess and comfort, not restricted by traditional segmentation, the company said in a statement. It comes packed with new age technology, software and Artificial Intelligence that work in the background to deliver wellness and tranquillity during transit, it said. The company said the concept will be fairly accessible to a majority of customers of fast growing, high volume segments of today. The EV will be introduced to the market by 2025.  

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors said, “While making the Avinya Concept a reality, the central idea was to offer a mobility solution like no other – a state of the art software on wheels that is well designed, sustainable and reduces the planet’s carbon footprint. Green Mobility is at the nucleus of TPEM, and the Avinya Concept is the perfect reflection of what the company stands for – a creation that will not only accelerate the adoption of EVs but also lead this movement. Furthermore, at the Tata group, we are uniquely positioned to bring all the expertise that is necessary to build these mobility solutions and we are confident that in years to come we will make a larger and sustainable impact not only in India but globally as well.”

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “It is indeed a matter of pride for us at TPEM to present the Avinya Concept to the world, a vision pivotal in signalling a ‘New Paradigm’. Holding on to its values of Simplicity, Timelessness, Effortlessness and Grace, the Avinya is not only a concept but is our new identity, an identity which is here to challenge the status quo. It gives me an intense sense of optimism to present a new typology of vehicles that will introduce the automobile industry to options beyond mobility – a tranquil space which will offer you a complete sensory experience while on the move. At its heart, the Avinya Concept has ‘IN’, which demonstrates our Indian roots and highlights how we pride ourselves in discovering new ways to move and power vehicles. The Avinya Concept is the fruition of our first idea built on our Pure EV GEN 3 architecture, enabling us to produce a range of globally competitive EVs. Our vision for pure EVs is focused on delivering wellness and rejuvenation while traveling, backed by cutting-edge technologies, aimed at improving the overall quality of life.”

Originally inspired by a catamaran, the Avinya Concept is an uncompromising vision for electric mobility. With a new silhouette, this concept is a mixology of the best of the worlds – it a product which combines the essence of a premium hatch to the luxuries and versatility of an SUV and the roominess and functionality of an MPV. A significant highlight on the front and the rear of the vehicle is the new identity. This new identity as a part of the DRL is a subtle nod to our commitment to enhance the quality of life and is a pivotal step in the evolution of EVs. Gliding to the sides, one is met by the ‘Butterfly’ doors, which welcome you with open arms to a class leading spacious interior which is sure to make its inmates feel calm, the release said. 

The concept focuses on a human centric design and promises a sensory journey of its own. From the skydome that enhances the overall sense of space and natural light to the functional console inspired steering wheel, to the voice activated systems for a deeper interface for all its passengers, to the sustainable materials being used, that communicate the ethos of the product and finally the finishing touch of the aroma diffuser.

Furthermore, envisaging a future trend, this concept is designed to believe that lesser screen time is the way to go. Taking this into consideration the concept has been made screen-less, to bar any distractions inside the car and create a stress free environment for the mind and soul.

The company said the concept stands for empathetic mobility, a machine that is engineered to be smart, spacious, sustainable yet techy. The agile and robust Pure EV GEN 3 Architecture offers this concept with a flexible design while boasting of next generation connectivity, advanced driver assistance systems and enhanced performance and efficiency. 

This architecture is built with the use of next-gen materials, efficient electronic componentry and proprietary energy management strategies and algorithms for efficiency management. Use of light-weight materials, and optimised structure for an EV only powertrain with enabled appropriate stiffness, helps minimize the overall mass, leading to good weight management. Furthermore, the battery used will support an ultra-fast charge capability, in line with the infrastructure evolution, pumping a minimum 500 kms range in under 30 minutes. The overall philosophy for enhanced range would be ‘Minimize- Maximize – Optimize’. (MT)

Eicher Delivers All-Electric Tarmac Coaches To IndiGo At Bengaluru Airport

In a significant move for sustainable aviation infrastructure, Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles, has supplied its first fleet of all-electric tarmac coaches to IndiGo airlines. The delivery of six Eicher Skyline Pro-E 12-metre buses inaugurates a strategic partnership centred on clean energy and operational efficiency, marking Eicher's inaugural entry into the aviation ground support equipment sector.

Deployed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, these zero-emission buses are engineered for the rigours of airport tarmac operations. With a mission to safely ferry passengers between the terminal and their aircraft in utmost comfort, the buses feature a high-capacity layout with seating for 17 passengers plus a driver, along with ample space for 52 standing occupants.

Its advanced lithium-iron phosphate battery and CCS2 fast-charging system are designed to sustain continuous operation. For a smooth and stable ride, the vehicle is equipped with full air suspension, power-assisted steering, and disc brakes on all axles. This initiative is a key part of IndiGo’s broader strategy to minimise the environmental impact of its operations.

Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VECV, said, "We are honoured to partner with IndiGo in their journey towards greener and sustainable ground operations at Kempegowda Airport – recognised for its striking aesthetics and sustainable practices. With a broad range of buses optimised for demanding applications and backed by connected 24X7 service, Eicher is already a familiar name for citizens, school children and factory staff in Bengaluru. With these tarmac coaches, Eicher stands committed to sustainably transporting the 42 million passengers that use this gateway to India’s Silicon Valley each year.”

SnapE Cabs Secures $2.5 Million In Bridge Round Led By Inflection Point Ventures

SnapE Cabs Secures $2.5 Million In Bridge Round Led By Inflection Point Ventures

SnapE Cabs, an electric vehicle mobility company, has secured USD 2.5 million in a bridge round led by Inflection Point Ventures. This infusion of capital will be directed towards leasing new EV cabs, covering operational expenses and enhancing the company's technological product development.

The company has reached a significant financial milestone by achieving EBITDA positivity. This success is underpinned by substantial growth, including a fleet that now exceeds 1,000 electric vehicles. SnapE Cabs has garnered over 1.2 million paying users and facilitated more than 3.2 million rides, culminating in gross revenues of INR 1.20 billion. Its recent strategic expansion into the Delhi market, in partnership with Rapido, has already proven profitable with an initial deployment of 200 cars.

A key to SnapE's competitive edge is its unique operational model, which is based on full ownership of its electric fleet and exclusive partnerships with charge point operators. This ‘EV as a Service’ approach ensures high vehicle availability. The company enjoys operating costs 60-70 percent lower than traditional cabs, allowing for competitive pricing without compromising profitability. Furthermore, SnapE demonstrates remarkable efficiency with a customer acquisition cost of just 0.8 percent of revenue and a 90 percent rider retention rate. Future scalability is anchored in ambitious B2B plans, including a collaboration with Rapido to deploy 5,000 cabs across India within two years.

Founded by Mayank Bindal, an industry veteran with over 15 years of telecom experience and a master’s degree in finance, SnapE Cabs currently operates in Kolkata and is expanding into the Delhi-NCR region. The company supports its operations with its own proprietary charging network.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “The demand for clean and sustainable vehicles is growing globally. The ride-hailing platforms are no exception. With an increasing number of people using ride-hailing services, this sector urgently needs a greener alternative. SnapE Cabs is addressing this by not only offering EV cab services but by also building a supportive infrastructure. Its model is both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable, achieving growth without burning cash for customer acquisition, discounts and fleet operations. The recent tie up with Rapido further strengthens the company mission for India’s EV adoption and sustainable goal.”

Mayank Bindal, Founder and CEO, SnapE Cabs, said, “We’re not just expanding; we’re delivering profitability at scale. With IPV backing us in this bridge round, SnapE has already deployed 200 electric cabs in Delhi in the last three months, which have been profitable from day one. Over the next 12 months, we’re adding another 1,000 cars, not to chase growth metrics but to meet a very real supply gap left open in the market. Our focus shifts from a demand aggregation to a supply-led infrastructure model empowers other demand aggregators, enhances utilisation and de-risks margins. In a sector built on burns, recent disruptions have created visible white space and squeezed up margins; SnapE is proving that EV fleet economics work today not just on projections. This round accelerates our mission to build the backbone that enables India’s EV mobility vision for 2030 – clean, scalable and built on fundamentals.”

EV Market In India At Inflection Point; Growth Imminent Across Categories

The third largest automobile market saw a staggering 2,142,565 units of electric vehicles sold between September 2024 and August 2025, according to data from Vahan Dashboard (excluding Telangana).

The electric vehicle sales in India witnessed mixed sales in August, 2025, according to the same source. Statistics put electric two-wheeler sales at the lead with 104,373 units compared to July’s 103,469 units, followed by four wheelers at 17,387 units from 16,127 units a month earlier and the rest of the pie was goods carriers, buses and three-wheeler cargo carriers.

The dashboard also reported a decline in electric rickshaw sales that dell to 36,962 from 39,782 in July, followed by electric three-wheeler L5 passenger (18,007 from 20,446) and electric carts (6,213 from 6,817).

Nonetheless, the market sentiment about this vehicular segment seems to be strong. Exuding confidence on World EV Day 2025, Deepak Manwani, Head of Operations and Revenue at Yuma Energy, told Motoring Trends, “As India’s automotive sector accelerates towards electrification, the momentum is unmistakable in two- and three-wheelers. What began with fleet use cases is now rapidly entering personal mobility with adoption climbing year-on-year.”

He noted that supportive government policies such as FAME II, the newly launched PM e-DRIVE scheme and state-level EV mandates for EV adoption as well as for charging and swapping infrastructure creation are creating a strong policy tailwind.

There is also an influx of customised financing options for EVs, which is providing further impetus to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. Industry projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 35–40 percent of new two-wheelers and over 50 percent of three-wheelers could be electric with more ambitious scenarios targeting up to 80 percent penetration in these categories.

Sharing the same confidence, Som Kapoor, Partner at EY India, noted, “EVs currently make up about five percent of the market and we’re at an inflection point. Growth is inevitable and the consistent share across different vehicle sizes signals strong policy support from the government. EV adoption will continue to expand as part of the overall auto market.”

He shared that post-pandemic, the Indian automobile market has witnessed stabilised growth at around 3–4 percent, rather than in double digits. With the upcoming GST changes, a boost in small cars and overall volume is expected, especially in the second half of this year.

“In terms of EVs, the two-wheelers segment, which already has a growing momentum, will continue in the path. We expect strong growth in segments where vehicles work on closed routes or where assets are monetised daily, such as three-wheelers and commercial vehicles. These areas will see tremendous adoption,” added Kapoor.

Market command

Despite a modest share in the entire automobile market currently, EVs are expected to gobble at least one-third of the pie. Alluding to this, Manwani noted, “By the end of this decade, we expect electric vehicles to command nearly a third of India’s automotive market with two and three-wheelers at the forefront of this shift. Projections indicate that up to 70–80 percent of new scooters, motorcycles and electric-rickshaws could be electric by 2030, while passenger cars and buses steadily build towards 20–25 percent adoption.”

At the global level, where there are outliers like China and the Nordics leading the EV penetration, India is broadly in line with other major markets and the adoption levels are comparable to its global peers, noted Kapoor.

Furthermore, the torch bearer for EV adoption till the end of the decade is expected to be two-wheelers and three-wheelers. “These are the vehicles that define our cities – scooters weaving through traffic, delivery bikes bringing food to our doors and rickshaws ferrying millions on their daily commutes,” said Manwani.  

He added, “They are the lifeblood of urban mobility, and because they run hard and run often, they are also the first to embrace the undeniable economics of going electric. Cars, meanwhile, will follow steadily, starting with city users and early adopters who see EVs as both aspirational and practical for daily city commutes. And then there are our commercial fleets, buses connecting cities, trucks and vans moving goods across states, slowly but surely shifting to electric because the savings are too big to ignore.”

Another boon for the indigenous industry will be collaborations, according to Kapoor. “As Chinese collaboration opens up, we expect to see technology transfers and joint ventures that can accelerate India’s EV ecosystem. These partnerships will be valuable for scaling both manufacturing and innovation,” he contended.

Drawing on the same lines, Omega Seiki Mobility Chairman Uday Narang noted, “Over the past year, India’s EV sector has moved from experimentation to consolidation with stronger players and sustainable models emerging. EV three-wheelers, both passenger and cargo, along with new-age electric trucks, especially in the 1–1.5 tonne category will be the real growth drivers of this market.”

Commenting on current market domination of EVs, Kazam Chief Executive Officer Akshay Shekhar opined, “India's EV narrative is transitioning from initial curiosity to industrial scale. It is not only from the vehicles but also from charging infrastructure and software orchestration. In the next five years, we anticipate chargers to be as pervasive as fuel pumps for three- and two-wheelers with charging equipment closely integrated into fleet operations, home installations and e-commerce logistics.”

Supply and power

Volks Energie Chief Executive Officer Piyush Goyal opined that the world is moving towards largescale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy and that companies in India are feeling that effect.

“What started as a symbolic initiative five years ago, has turned into a global movement today as the world collectively and rapidly moves towards large-scale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy. This adoption reflects not only a technological change and preference but also a shift in the societal expectations from the automotive and renewable industries overall. Consumers today demand cleaner and more resilient energy systems,” he stated.

Moreover, the Central Government’s ambitious plans to make the country an export hub can well be extended to electric vehicles. Alluding to the strategy, Kapoor stated, “Our immediate priority should be strengthening the local market. That said, companies like Maruti are already exporting EV models before bringing them to Indian customers. India has the technological capability and manufacturing infrastructure to grow as an export hub over time. Steady progress will be key.”

While he noted that currently the three main challenges for higher penetration are charging infrastructure, consumer mindset shift towards EVs and high upfront cost of ownership, private charging access is seen as a crucial.

“In India, many homes lack dedicated parking slots, making at-home charging challenging. Until that improves, public charging needs significant expansion. Both private and public infrastructure must evolve to support mass adoption,” noted Kapoor.

Another barrier pointed out was the reliance on imported components. According to Manwani, “India is heavily reliant on imported components for its EVs, especially batteries and advanced electronics, which makes India vulnerable to any kind of supply shocks due to changing geo-political scenarios. The current geo-political uncertainties have caused production disruptions in the last six months. And to overcome this, India needs to have a long-term plan to become self-reliant on cell manufacturing, rare earth magnet production as well as cultivating alternative sources of lithium and other metals essential for sustaining India’s EV ecosystem.”

Motwani also added that cell prices have dropped by as much as 40–50 percent in the last 24 months and this has certainly helped spur new demand in India. This has also meant larger battery packs in vehicles, thereby helping reduce range anxiety and making EVs a viable option in a market where charging infrastructure is still catching up.

For swapping players, this has been a boon as reducing cell and battery price means faster asset deployment due to lower capex spend. This has helped drive large scale transformation in commercial mobility in line with the policy push from various quarters.

Kapoor also noted a need to change the direction of incentives. “So far, incentives have largely supported the supply side. We now need demand-side incentives, which are direct benefits to consumers that make EV adoption more attractive,” he said.

Alluding to the growing demand for EVs, Trontek Chief Executive Officer Samrath Singh Kocchar opined, “India's EV ramp-up is being driven by affordable battery prices, policy incentive and fast two-wheeler electrification but true long-term play will be in battery technology, circularity and systems thinking. Over the next five years, we expect major strides in energy density and fast-charging with battery-swapping and modular solutions gaining momentum in fleet operations.”

Vinfast Launches Made-In-India Premium Electric SUVs VF 6 And VF 7

Vinfast Launches Made-In-India Premium Electric SUVs VF 6 And VF 7

VinFast has officially entered India's burgeoning electric vehicle market with the launch of its two made-in-India premium SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, starting at INR 1,649,000 and INR 2,089,000 (ex-showroom), respectively. This strategic introduction represents a significant step in the company's global expansion and underscores its commitment to supporting India's transition towards sustainable mobility. The new models are engineered to meet the specific demands of Indian consumers, combining advanced technology, safety and performance to redefine the premium EV ownership experience.

Designed with Indian families in mind, the VF 6 is a compact SUV that blends a sophisticated design with practical functionality. It is offered in three variants – Earth, Wind and Wind Infinity – each providing a distinct set of features. The model boasts an ARAI-certified range of up to 468 kilometres and supports rapid charging, capable of going from 10 percent to 70 percent battery in approximately 25 minutes. Its spacious interior, generous wheelbase and high ground clearance are tailored for comfort and practicality. Standard and upgraded features across the trims include a large infotainment screen, vegan leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including seven airbags.

The larger VF 7 SUV presents a bold design and is available in five variants, including Earth, Wind, Sky, Wind Infinity and Sky Infinity, with both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. It offers a choice of two battery packs, with the top-tier model delivering an impressive range of up to 532 kilometres. Performance is a key highlight, with the dual-motor Sky variant accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. The VF 7 is equipped with a host of premium amenities as standard, such as a coloured head-up display, panoramic glass roof on Infinity trims, a powerful audio system and sophisticated cabin technology.

To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast is establishing a robust national infrastructure. This includes a planned network of dealer touchpoints and service workshops across 27 cities. The company has also forged key strategic partnerships to provide tailored financing options, a nationwide charging infrastructure and comprehensive after-sales support. A cornerstone of its local commitment is a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where the vehicles will be assembled for the domestic market and future export. Leveraging its international experience from operations across North America, Europe and Asia, VinFast is positioned to become a major contributor to India's electric future.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “Today marks a historic milestone – the launch of cars that are not just made in India, but made by Indians, for Indians. We are introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem thoughtfully designed for Indian families. The VF 6 and VF 7 embody the perfect harmony of practical design, premium quality and cutting-edge technology that Indian consumers aspire to. Backed by our state-of-the-art Thoothukudi facility and strong ecosystem partnerships, we are committed to supporting India’s vision of becoming a global leader in electric mobility.”