Vidyut, a full-stack electric vehicle ecosystem platform, has raised USD 2.5 million in funds from global fintech investor Flourish Ventures.

The funds will help Vidyut expand its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings in electric passenger and commercial vehicle segments. Vidyut was founded in 2021 by ex-Swiggy and Bounce executives Xitij Kothi and Gaurav Srivastava. The company through its BaaS provides EV’s on a pay-per-km subscription basis, enabling a reduction of upto around 35-40 percent of an electric three-wheeler cost.

Xitij Kothi, said, "With proven unit economics, strong 15% month-on-month growth, and long-term OEM partnerships, this investment will help us scale our innovative financing and lifecycle solutions across new vehicle segments. Vidyut has solved one of EV financing's biggest challenges – battery degradation risk. By analysing real-time performance data across state of health, discharge patterns, and usage metrics, we accurately predict battery life and value. This data-driven approach enables us to offer usage-based financing that aligns with actual asset performance, making EVs both affordable and financially viable for businesses in a way traditional finance cannot replicate. We're excited to partner with Flourish Ventures to make EVs accessible and profitable for businesses nationwide."

Harsh Gupta, Principal, Flourish Ventures, said, "We at Flourish Ventures believe that finance will have a key role in enabling actions towards climate change. As the economy transitions to sustainable solutions like electric vehicles, access to credit will play a key role to adoption in India. With its unique Battery-as-a-Service offering, Vidyut provides innovative financial solutions that help users reduce their upfront costs while addressing common concerns around battery life and replacement costs. We are continually impressed by the team and the growth they have demonstrated, and we look forward to their continued impact in accelerating the transition to climate-friendly solutions." 

At present, the company calls the likes of Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor India, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Piaggio and Euler Motors among its OEM partners. The company has an established distribution network across 30 cities.

Till date, Vidyut has raised USD 16.5 million in capital from investors including 3one4 Capital Saison Capital, Zephyr Peacock and Flourish Ventures.

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.

Folks Motor, a retrofit start-up, has announced that it will invest INR 5 billion towards capital expenditure over the next five years, it is also targeting to attain revenue of INR 5 billion revenue including INR 2 billion from domestic market and INR 3  billion in exports.

The start-up claimed it is investing towards developing India’s first retrofit warehouse and industrial park – The Blue IP – to strengthen domestic EV supply chain.

Folks Motor claims it has already started exports to Middle East and Africa, with plans to enter Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The new investment will see the start-up form strategic partnership with powertrain manufacturers, electronic manufacturing services, energy storage and system integrators.

Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD & CEO, Folks Motor, said, "At Folks Motor, we recognise the urgent need to build a robust and integrated EV ecosystem in India. With ‘The Blue IP’, the first-ever xEV-focused warehousing and industrial park, we are taking a big step toward strengthening domestic manufacturing. Our target of INR 6 billion in order book by 2030 reflects our commitment to making India a leader in the global EV supply chain. Our expansion strategy ensures that sustainable mobility is accessible to a broader audience without the financial and environmental costs of scrapping existing vehicles."

The start-up claimed that it has structured a USD 100 million ESG bond for efficient fund utilisation, which it aims to scale up to INR 2.5 billion for working capital and operational expenses.