Tata Motors Launches Tiago.ev

Continental Signs a MoU with Government of Karnataka

Tata Motors launched a latest member, Tiago.ev, in its EV ensemble today in Mumbai, India. Tata Motors states that this EV comes with special introductory prices starting at INR 0.849 million (all India - ex-showroom) for the first 10,000 customers (of which 2000 will be reserved for the current owners of Nexon EV and Tigor EV).

The Tiago.ev comes with leatherette seats, a contrast roof, fully automatic climate control as standard, projector headlamps and cruise control. It also offers customers rain-sensing wipers, auto head lamps, electric ORVMs with auto fold, push button start/stop, along with a puncture repair kit to be used during emergencies, as per the automotive manufacturing company.

Introducing its entry-level electric offering, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, “Having pioneered the EV market in India, we have successfully led its growth and penetration over the last couple of years. We believe ‘now’ is the right time to fast forward the ongoing revolution towards the future of mobility by introducing vehicles that will encourage the rapid adoption of EVs. With the launch of the Tiago.ev, India’s first electric hatchback, the nation can take a giant leap forward in the quest for safe, clean and green mobility. It is an ideal fun hatch, which offers premium, safety and technology features, an eco-friendly footprint, spirited performance, all made even more desirable with the added advantage of low cost of ownership.”

Giving more details, Chandra said that this latest EV car by Tata Motors will be the first in its segment to offer best-in-class connected features as standard across all trims, that are usually offered in more premium cars. He mentioned, “It comes with two options of battery packs and four different charging solutions, enabling customers to choose the combination that best serves their mobility needs. With its thrilling, yet easy to drive experience amidst a luxurious ambience, the Tiago.ev is likely to become the favourite car of every family member.”

He added, “Furthermore, with an aim to make our EVs more accessible, with this launch, we are entering 80 new cities, expanding our network to more than 165 cities. We are confident that this move will help more and more customers embrace EVs as their preferred mode for personal mobility. We remain focused to play our role in fulfilling India’s commitment towards reducing carbon footprint from auto emissions, and will offer more choice to customers with a portfolio of 10 EVs, by 2026.”

The EV architecture
According to Tata Motors, the Tiago.ev is based on the Ziptron technology, the company’s in-house developed high voltage architecture, designed for Indian driving and weather conditions in India. Ziptron stands by five key pillars – performance, technology, reliability, charging and comfort – and Tiago.ev stands strong on the same, claims the automobile manufacturer.

Battery offers
A per Tata Motors, this latest EV by them is offered in multiple combinations of IP67 rated battery packs (water and dust resistant) and charging options, including a 24kWh battery pack, delivering a Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) range of 315 kilometres for longer daily driving needs, and a 19.2kWh battery pack, for short and frequent trips. This delivers an estimated MIDC range of 250 kilometres, claims Tata Motors. The battery and motor also come with a warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Charging solutions
Tata Motors states that the Tiago.ev comes with four different charging solutions, as below – 

1. A 15A plug point, for hassle-free charging.

2. A standard 3.3 kW AC charger.

3. A 7.2kW AC home fast charger, which can add a range of 35 kilometres with 30 minutes of charging. It also aids full charging of the vehicle (from 10 percent to 100 percent) in 3 hours and 36 minutes

4. DC fast charging, which can add a range of 110 kilometres with 30 minutes of charging. Plus, it can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 57 minutes.

Connected features
The EV car, according to Tata Motors, also offers telematics as a standard feature on all trims. The ZConnect app will offer 45 connected car features, from remote AC On/Off (with temperature settings) to smart watch connectivity to real time charge status and more. Plus, there is also an 8-speaker Harman Infotainment System, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity included, claims Tata Motors.

The safety factor
Besides, as per Tata Motors, the Tiago.ev offers hill start and descent assist for ease of driving on inclines, DRLs and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (iTPMS), adding to its safety quotient. Featuring a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, it delivers a peak output of 55kw and an instant full torque delivery of 114 Nm. What’s more, the automobile manufacturer states that the EV vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 5.7 seconds.

Other features
The Tiago.ev is available in five colour options – teal blue, daytona grey, pristine white, midnight plum and tropical mist. Additionally, the electric car comes in two driving modes – City and Sport, along with four levels of regen settings in each of the drive modes. Furthermore, it delivers a one pedal-like driving experience with level 3 regen settings, according to Tata Motors.

Bookings for the Tiago.ev will start on 10 October, 2022. Tata Motors states that customers can reserve their car by paying a booking amount of INR 21000 at any authorised Tata Motors dealership or on the website. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from January 2023.

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo Launches Fourth-Generation Binder For The Next Wave Of EV Batteries

Trinseo has introduced its latest innovation, the Fourth-Generation SBR Binder Platform, designed to meet the evolving demands of electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. This development reflects the company's strategic focus on delivering high-performance materials essential for the global shift towards sustainable energy.

The platform results from advanced polymer science and collaboration with battery manufacturers, targeting key industry requirements such as increased energy density, superior durability and more efficient production. It provides a significant improvement in peel strength, enabling stronger electrode bonds, thicker coatings and higher manufacturing speeds. These attributes are vital for developing higher-capacity batteries that can extend driving range and improve storage solutions.

The inaugural product, VOLTABOND 109 Latex Binder, offers this next-generation performance with broad compatibility across various anode materials and manufacturing processes. Its design ensures excellent stability and low resistance, supporting faster charging and long-term reliability. To ensure robust supply, Trinseo will produce the platform locally within major global regions, enhancing responsiveness to battery production hubs.

Rooted in decades of expertise, this new platform establishes a foundation for future innovations tailored to diverse customer needs across the battery value chain.

CATL And Stellantis Begin Work On EUR 4.1 Billion Spanish Battery Plant

CATL

CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

Neuron Energy Secures INR 310 Million To Expand EV Battery Manufacturing For Four-Wheelers & Buses

Neuron Energy

Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

Mahindra Intros XEV 9S Electric 7-Seater SUV At INR 1.99 Million, Deliveries From 23 January

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

  • Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
  • Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
  • Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
  • Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
  • Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
  • Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
  • Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”