Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL) showcased its latest innovations at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Among the highlights were Olectra’s Blade Battery Chassis, a re-engineered 12-metre blade battery platform and newly styled 9-metre city and 12-metre coach buses. These cutting-edge products underline Olectra’s commitment to efficient and eco-friendly public transport solutions.

At the forefront of Olectra’s innovations is the Blade Battery, developed by BYD. This battery offers unmatched safety and performance, withstanding stringent tests like nail penetration and furnace trials without risk of fire or explosion. Delivering 30% greater energy storage, it powers buses for up to 500 kilometres per charge. Compact, lightweight, and capable of over 5,000 charge cycles, the Blade Battery enhances vehicle efficiency and stability.

Olectra’s electric buses prioritise passenger comfort and safety. Key features include fully digital instrument panels, Electronic Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS), real-time Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS), and Reverse Park Assist Systems (RPAS). Amenities such as USB charging ports, roof-mounted air conditioning, and cantilever seats ensure a superior travel experience, while advanced braking systems and in-wheel motors provide seamless rides.

Passenger safety remains central to Olectra’s design ethos, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), GPS tracking, and CCTV cameras enhancing security. Air suspension and kneeling mechanisms ensure smooth rides, while wheelchair ramps and inclusive designs make these buses accessible to all, including specially-abled passengers.

Olectra’s fleet of over 2,200 electric vehicles (as of 30 September 2024) has traversed more than 300 million kilometres, slashing CO2 emissions by over 270,000 tonnes—equivalent to planting 12.4 million trees. By replacing diesel buses, Olectra has saved approximately 100 million litres of diesel, reducing operational costs and improving urban air quality.

The company has also secured the world’s largest electric bus order of 5,150 buses for MSRTC in Maharashtra and is revolutionising industries like construction and mining with its electric tippers. Operating in 10 states and one union territory, Olectra’s buses offer eco-friendly solutions to millions of passengers.

Manufactured in Hyderabad at a cutting-edge facility, Olectra’s buses embody advanced technology and rigorous quality standards. Each innovation strengthens the company’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.

Olectra Greentech Limited is more than an electric bus manufacturer; it is a catalyst for transformative change in India’s mobility landscape. By leading the charge in green transportation, Olectra is driving the nation towards a cleaner, greener future—one kilometre at a time.

Maruti Suzuki India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has upgraded its popular offering the Super Carry with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) function.

The Super Carry now has seven advanced safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimise braking across varying loads, Engine Drag Control (EDC) prevents wheel slip during sudden deceleration, Traction Control System (TCS) to provide grip on slippery surfaces, Rollover Prevention steps, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and ESP that provides stability around sharp turns.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to deliver vehicles that empower businesses with power, efficiency, safety, and reliability. The introduction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the Super Carry underscores our commitment to innovation and customer safety. Trusted for its power, comfort, low maintenance, and profitability, the Super Carry continues to be the ideal partner for our commercial customers. We thank them for their trust and look forward to driving their success together.”

The Super Carry SCV comes with Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine and five-speed manual transmission.

The commercial vehicle industry witnessed a decline of 1 percent in overall sales for February 2025.

A total of 79,883 units were sold last month across segments as compared to 80,954 units for the same period last year.

The country’s largest CV maker Tata Motors reported a 8 percent decline in overall sales, with SCV Cargo and Pickup segment witnessing the sharpest drop (-20 percent YoY). The ILMCV Trucks segment, however, showed growth at 11 percent.

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 4 percent increase in total sales, driven by a 9 percent rise in LCV (2T-3.5T) and a 23 percent jump in LCV >3.5T & M&HCV. However, the LCV < 2T segment dropped 21 percent.

Ashok Leyland experienced modest growth (2 percent overall), with M&HCV Trucks (+1 percent) and LCV (+5 percent) offsetting the M&HCV Bus decline (-5 percent).

Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles grew 6 percent YoY, indicating steady demand.

The slight market decline was led by weaker small commercial vehicle (SCV) and passenger carrier demand, affecting Tata Motors significantly. However, medium & heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) trucks and LCVs in the 2T-3.5T range showed resilience, benefiting Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland.

While challenges remain in certain segments, sustained growth in the LCV and HCV categories suggests stable demand in core logistics and transportation sectors.

Representational image: IEA

JCBL, a leading bus bodybuilder, has delivered 106 custom-designed staff buses to Mahindra & Mahindra in a record time of three months.

The buses feature 17-inch-wide seats, driver’s cabin partition, digital LED route displays, USB charging points and fans on each seat row. A TV and a six-speaker music system are also incorporated to provide entertainment on the go.

In terms of safety, the buses are equipped with pneumatic passenger door with safety sensor, seatbelts, CCTV cameras with a 30-day recording capacity, panic switches, anti-rust treatment and a Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS).

Dinesh Dua, Business Head, JCBL, said, “This project is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative mobility solutions. Completing one of India’s largest single-customer staff bus orders within just three months reflects our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.”

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has announced that the company has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by utilising 100 percent renewable power at its Oragadam production facility.

A major component of this strategy is the installation of a renewable power-generation plant with a peak capacity of 4,300 kW, powered by 15,000 solar panels, which offsets approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually, contributing to 17 percent of the renewable power generated in-house. This achievement highlights DICV’s commitment to environmental protection and represents a significant step, as the company has successfully reduced its Scope 2 emissions ahead of the original end-2025 target. A total of 22,970 tonnes of CO₂e are offset through the sourcing of renewable power, demonstrating DICV’s decarbonisation efforts.

Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “We have made significant strides in positioning DICV as a leader in sustainable manufacturing and we are proud to achieve 100 percent renewable power utilisation at our Oragadam facility. This milestone, achieved ahead of target, demonstrates our commitment to decarbonising operations. Since 2018, we have focused on building the infrastructure to increase our reliance on renewable power and now we have reached 100 percent renewable power utilisation under Scope 2 emissions. Supportive state and central policies, such as green power purchases through various energy sources available under regulatory framework, played a vital role in this accomplishment.”