The CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Thomas Schäfer, revealed ideas for the core brand's future at a recent works meeting in Wolfsburg. A glimpse of the upcoming entry-level electric car from the Volkswagen brand was also shared with staff members for the first time. In early March, Volkswagen intends to unveil the new entry-level model's show car to the public. The production model is expected to make its global debut in 2027. The new entry-level electric vehicle will appeal to a wide range of user groups due to its basic price of under EUR 20,000.

One of the main pillars of the brand's future strategy will be affordable entry-level mobility in the electric age. The new electric vehicle is a member of the new electric compact car family that was created under the Volkswagen Group's Brand Group Core, together with the production version of the ID. 2all. Compact all-electric cars based on the latest phase of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform's development are part of the model family. As Volkswagen's first all-electric compact vehicle, the production version of the ID. 2all will be the first new model to hit showrooms in 2026. It will start at less than EUR 25,000.

Emphasising that the Wolfsburg plant would remain the heart of the Volkswagen brand in the electric age, Schäfer said, “The Wolfsburg plant has a clear perspective for the future. The agreed relocation of the Golf to Mexico will free up space for advanced technologies. In Hall 54, new production procedures will be introduced. We intend to produce the electric Golf successor on the new SSP platform there, as well as the high-volume electric T-Roc. This way, we will be making Wolfsburg the capital of our new all-electric compact class.”

Cavallo, Chairperson of the General and Group Works Council of Volkswagen AG, said, “As the heart of the Group, Wolfsburg will face crucial tasks which we intend to tackle with determination. Technical Development will be performing pioneering work for all the other passenger car brands with the SSP platform, which will be used throughout the Group. This lever will be just as important for our future success as our platform strategy for our current ICE models. At our main plant, we will not only be working on development but also producing strongly over the next few years. The future electric flagships – the Golf and the T-Roc produced in Wolfsburg – currently represent a volume in excess of 500,000 units per year. The main plant has therefore secured a highly attractive vehicle segment and will be continuing the tradition of the Golf from Wolfsburg, which has a history of more than 50 years. It will now be crucial to work consistently on the preparations required for success in the years to come. The Board of Management will need to deliver and to set a new course in terms of complexity, work procedures and synergy effects. The Works Council and top management will cooperate closely on these developments. Our cooperation will include a joint progress meeting every quarter.”

EKA Mobility, a leader in sustainable mobility solutions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KPIT Technologies, a global leader in mobility technology solutions for a cleaner, smarter and safer world, to develop and integrate cutting-edge electric powertrain technology components with an aim to set new benchmarks for efficiency, performance and sustainability in India’s electric commercial vehicle (e-CV) industry. 

In order to accommodate EKA's wide variety of electric buses and commercial vehicles, the MoU will concentrate on creating cutting-edge electric powertrain systems, including traction motors, controllers, vehicle control units and battery management systems. KPIT's three decades of experience in the mobility industry and its wide range of domestically created electric powertrain technology will be utilised in the MOU. These developments will allow EKA Mobility to provide its clients with unparalleled driving experiences, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), and increased energy efficiency. 

Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman, EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with KPIT Technologies, a pioneer in mobility technology with over three decades of legacy. This collaboration underscores our commitment to redefining mobility by delivering cutting-edge, sustainable and efficient electric vehicles to our customers. By leveraging KPIT’s expertise in electric powertrain technologies, we aim to accelerate India’s transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles." 

Kishor Patil, CEO, KPIT Technologies, said, “World over, consumers are looking for clean and safe mobility solutions that meet their everyday needs. KPIT’s electric powertrain solutions offer high efficiency and are highly cost competitive. We are pleased to collaborate with EKA, who are building a wide range of BHARAT-centric trucks, buses and logistics fleet. Together, we will develop EV mobility solutions for country-specific use cases, promoting wide adoption.”

Ola Electric, India's largest pure-play EV company, has made a grand entry into the EV motorcycle segment with the launch of its Roadster X series of electric motorcycles.

The all-new Roadster X series, which is based on the company's scalable motorbike architecture, is being released with prices starting at INR 74,999 for the Roadster X, INR 104,999 for the Roadster X+ 4.5 kWh and INR 154,999 for the Roadster X+ 9.1 kWh (with 4680 Bharat Cell), which provides an unparalleled 501 km/charge range. It costs INR 74,999 for the 2.5 kWh, INR 84,999 for the 3.5 kWh, and INR 94,999 for the 4.5 kWh versions of the new Roadster X. A three-year/50,000-kilometre warranty is standard on the Roadster series. The Roadster series deliveries will begin in mid-March.

With first-in-segment patented brake-by-wire technology with single ABS and smart MoveOS 5 features like advanced regeneration, cruise control and reverse mode, the Roadster series offers a breakthrough in motorcycle technology. It is available in Industrial Siver, Anthracite, Stellar blue, Pine green and Ceramic white colour options. With a single design idea that can be adjusted to various capacities, the Roadster series battery system is a breakthrough in modular design that offers safer and more energy-efficient performance. It has a replaceable Battery Management System (BMS) that makes maintenance simple, cutting-edge wire bonding technology and an IP67 waterproof and dust-proof certification. A lower centre of gravity, improved stability, manoeuvrability and rider safety are all benefits of the user-friendly twin cradle frame architecture, which is robust, lightweight and nimble with optimal weight distribution.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Managing Director of Ola Electric, said, “Motorcycles are at the heart of India’s mobility landscape. With our electric motorcycles, we’re driving the EV revolution deeper into the core of Indian mobility. After transforming the scooter market and making EVs mainstream, our futuristic Roadster series of motorcycles is here to accelerate the EV adoption further and make electric the first choice for every rider in India. The Roadster series will transform urban and rural mobility alike and take us closer to #EndICEAge, bringing in unmatched range, performance, reliability, efficiency, and technology. There can’t be a better time to join the revolution.”

In keeping with its #UnlimitIndia pride moment, Mahindra has announced the opening of bookings for all packs of the XEV 9e and the BE 6 beginning at 9 AM on 14 February 2025. Timelines for each version are disclosed as part of an organised production ramp-up being created to support this.

Vehicle Ex-Showroom Price & Start of Deliveries Timeline

Customers can enter their preferences for the model and version of their choosing on the company's official website from 6 February 2025, 10 AM onwards.

Nashik-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Jitendra New EV Tech has inked a strategic partnership with Battery Smart, one of India's largest and fastest-growing battery-swapping networks for electric two- and three-wheelers.

As part of the understanding, Jitendra New EV Tech will integrate Battery Smart’s battery-swapping technology in its two-wheelers. This will allow Jitendra New EV Tech customers to access Battery Smart’s network of over 1,400 battery-swapping stations in more than 40 cities in India. In addition, the e-scooters will also become more economically accessible as the upfront cost of batteries will be done away with.

Samkit Shah, Co-Founder and CEO, Jitendra New EV Tech, said, "At Jitendra EV, we continuously strive to enhance the ownership experience for our customers. Our collaboration with Battery Smart aligned perfectly with our vision to offer sustainable, reliable, and future-ready mobility solutions. This partnership will help us accelerate EV adoption in India and make electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience."

Prateek Joshi, Senior Director – Partnerships, Battery Smart, added, “Our partnership with Jitendra EV is a significant step towards making electric mobility more accessible. By integrating our battery swapping network with their electric two-wheelers, we aim to simplify the EV ownership experience, reduce charging time, and enhance affordability. Together, we are accelerating the electrification of two-wheelers across India, helping more riders seamlessly transition to sustainable electric mobility."