Vietnamese auto maker VinFast Auto India has signed a strategic agreement with BatX Energies, a battery recycling, rare metal recovery and end-of-life battery repurposing company.

The partnership will see BatX Energies provide comprehensive high-voltage (HV) battery recycling, material recovery and repurposing services for VinFast India’s factory and aftersales operations. The aim is to ensure efficient recovery and reintegration of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel into the battery production cycle. This approach supports resource circularity, reduces dependence on mining and significantly lowers environmental impact.

Going forward, the partners are also exploring second-life applications, urban mining, and strategic material recovery, supporting India and Vietnam in circular economy solutions. BatX will also ensure traceability of the raw materials and battery recycling.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, said, “This partnership with BatX Energies is a meaningful step toward building a sustainable, circular battery ecosystem in India. At VinFast, sustainability goes beyond vehicles – it’s about environmental responsibility across the entire lifecycle. By working with BatX, we aim to reduce resource dependency, support national priorities, and set a new benchmark for responsible innovation in electric mobility.”

Utkarsh Singh, CEO, BatX Energies, said, “Our partnership with VinFast reflects a shared belief in responsible innovation and resource circularity to strengthen the EV battery value chain. By enabling sustainable end-of-life solutions for EV batteries, we are building infrastructure that can grow with the industry and create lasting environmental impact.”

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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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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle start-up Ultraviolette Automotive has introduced Battery Flex a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) programme designed to lower the entry cost of its electric motorcycles. The initiative is launched in partnership with Ecofy, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) specialising in green financing.

Under the new model, the upfront cost of the Ultraviolette X-47 is reduced by 40 percent. Customers can purchase the motorcycle chassis for INR 149,000 and subscribe to the battery for a monthly fee starting at INR 2,499. At the conclusion of the subscription period, ownership of the battery is transferred to the customer at no further expense.

The Battery Flex model is designed to reach price parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. By separating the cost of the battery from the vehicle, the company aims to make performance electric mobility accessible to a broader consumer base.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “At INR 250,000, Ultraviolette was at price parity with similarly powered ICE motorcycles. Now, with a starting price of INR 150,000, riders gain access to better technology, features, and performance that outpaces every segment. With operating costs as low as INR 2,499 per month, which is lesser than the average spends on petrol, we are redefining what affordability means in motorcycling. The introduction of Battery Flex makes performance, technology-driven mobility more attainable and practical for riders across India, while keeping the focus firmly on what matters most: the thrill of riding an Ultraviolette.”

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, added, “Battery technology sits at the core of every electric vehicle, and at Ultraviolette we have invested years of R&D to ensure our batteries deliver uncompromised performance, safety, and longevity. With the launch of Battery Flex, we are extending this innovation to our customers in a way that is both flexible and accessible. It reflects our commitment to building technology that adapts to customer needs and makes performance mobility more practical than ever before.”

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JSW MG Motor India has announced that its e-Hub by MG app is now the largest unified electric vehicle (EV) charging platform in India. The application has listed more than 22,500 charging points and exceeded 150,000 downloads.

The platform has onboarded 40 charge point operators (CPOs), including Jio-bp, TATA Power, Adani, Shell, Zeon, Charge Zone and BPCL. Since its inception, the app has facilitated the dispensing of 1.5 GWh of energy and the planning of 670,000 trips, covering 300 million kilometres.

The company has introduced updates to the application to assist MG and non-MG EV users. These features are designed to centralise the location, reservation, and payment processes for charging sessions.

The updated app includes smartphone integration, navigation tools, user feedback and network access.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “It is inspiring to witness the rapidly growing community of EV users, both MG and non-MG customers, embrace the e-Hub by MG app. What excites us the most is how effortlessly it is helping customers navigate their EV journeys, whether planning their long road trips or simply looking for the nearest available charger. By bringing the leading CPOs together on one intuitive platform, e-Hub by MG empowers users with choice, convenience and confidence. As India moves towards a more connected and electrified future, we remain committed to building experiences that make EV ownership effortless.”

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Kia UK is set to introduce its newest electric model, the EV2, to the public through a series of dedicated test drive events running from 16 April to 27 June 2026. The nationwide ‘First Drive Weekend’ initiative will see nearly all of the brand's 190 dealerships participate, providing customers with exclusive early access to this highly anticipated vehicle.

Structured around the theme of new beginnings, these events will offer attendees the first opportunity to engage with the EV2, explore Kia's latest electric design language and potentially take their first step into the brand's electric vehicle family. Given the limited capacity at each venue, interested individuals are advised to book their spots online in advance.

Taking place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, each event is designed to deliver a personalised and memorable experience. Guests will have a dedicated one-hour appointment, during which they will receive an expert-led walkaround of the vehicle, allowing for in-depth discussion and questions. This is followed by a comprehensive 30-minute test drive on a pre-planned route, giving participants a genuine feel for the car's performance and technology across different driving conditions. The experience concludes at the dealership, where attendees can continue exploring the Kia model range with the sales team.

The Kia EV2 itself represents a significant addition to the compact SUV market. Engineered and manufactured in Europe for European drivers, this model is Kia's smallest electric vehicle to date. Despite its compact dimensions of just over four metres, it offers remarkable interior space and up to 362 litres of boot capacity, a benefit of its dedicated electric platform. Customers will have a choice of two battery sizes, both capable of rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately half an hour.

The vehicle also introduces advanced technology typically found in larger, premium models. This includes a triple-screen display, over-the-air software updates and Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities. A standout feature is the Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows the car to be manoeuvred from outside using the key fob. The design philosophy, named Opposites United, incorporates sustainable materials, bringing a sophisticated and connected experience to a more accessible price bracket.

This nationwide event series follows the successful introduction of other Kia electric models, such as the EV3 and EV6, through similar dealer-led programmes. Last year's comparable events for the EV4 and EV5 attracted over 15,000 reservations, highlighting strong public interest. Full UK pricing and specifications for the EV2 will be announced shortly, with the first customer deliveries anticipated before the end of the year.

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