A global movement to celebrate e-mobility and a day to shift the transition to sustainable transport with consumer, business and policy outcomes, World EV day is a social media-led campaign to engage consumers around the sustainability benefits of EVs. In its inaugural year, World EV day is an initiative created by the media company, Green TV.

In an exclusive interaction with Jeetender Sharma, MD and Founder, Okinawa Motors, Motoring Trends correspondent learned that the Indian EV diaspora is going stronger than ever before. On the occasion of World EV day, Jeetender Sharma shares his views: “World EV day marks our greater ambition to make the challenging but much-needed shift from ICE to EVs. Seeing the clean blue-sky during lockdown was not just a matter of awe, but an alarm for us. Now we all have seen very clearly what we have lost and only our wiser choices can return our healthy environment back to us.  The auto industry was already going through a slow down before COVID 19 hit the markets and now it has taken a turn for even worse. Every industry, including the automobile industry had to suffer the blow. However, due to the outbreak people are now opting for their own vehicles. Post lockdown lift, we observed the trend wherein people wanted to own their vehicles that would ensure their safety. And for those who are now buying new vehicles, the fact that in long term EVs prove economically viable has caught their attention. This would lead the EVs to share a major slice in the overall revival of the auto industry. Technology and innovation only make sense when it follows environmental sustainability. Today, I urge every person to pledge to make the shift from conventional fuel run vehicle to electric vehicle.”

Every automobile manufacturer is putting in efforts to make their vehicle the smartest and the most sustainable in their respective segments and electric powertrain seems to be the ‘in-demand’ factor for the ‘smart vehicle’ buyers. Manufacturers are also expanding their portfolio to include electric motorcycles. Okinawa is aggressively pushing for its much-hyped Oki100 motorcycle to go on sale in this fiscal year. The motorcycle is targeted towards riders who prefer long journeys and powerful accelerations.

Right policies, Right regulations, Right Timeline
The Government plays a very crucial role in setting the path for expansion for the EV industry in India. The import and export are not in a very healthy state right now due to the pandemic. Post this, EV manufacturers are looking for support from the government in terms of tax rebates and financial support to businessmen who are into exports business. Consideration on import duty on certain components used in EVs would boost the EV market in India. Even though a lot has already been done by the government it needs to be further expanded and communicated in the Indian manufacturing sector to boost the morales and sentiments of the consumers during this pandemic.

Jeetender Sharma, as an EV manufacturer and having been active in the automotive industry for the past two decades, opines, “Earlier in 2015-2017 most of the electric vehicle industry players were importing CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units only. However, with strict norms and FAME 2 in place, things improved and industry players started localising to a certain extent. To become Atmanirbhar (self reliant) there needs to be a two-way strategy- strictness on localisation and boosting the local manufacturers. Only when strict norms are brought EV players will be pushed towards localizing across the segments. Once taxes and rebates motivate the local manufacturers and suppliers, they will be lured to innovate further. In terms of battery, currently battery cells are not available in India. These are mostly imported from Japan, China, and few other countries. Though there is rigorous research going on in India to manufacture the battery cells locally, once the research is supported by government authorities and provided with the right economic influx, we will be able to avail faster results. Localisation of Okinawa is already more than 92 percent and with Oki 100,  it will be 100 percent. We are increasing our supplier base in India and within a couple of years we will have the full ecosystem within India only.”

With Indigenous products like the Ridge, the Praise, iPraise+, R30, Lite series, Praise PRO, Ridge+ in the market, Okinawa has introduced detachable lithium-ion batteries and its own patented permanent magnetic BLDC motor and microprocessor controller for electric two-wheelers. Okinawa aims to expand its dealership network to 500 from the current 350. Okinawa has revealed that it retailed 1,000 units in just 30 days post the lockdown lift and is very aspirational for the upcoming festive seasons.

Okinawa claims that it has collectively reduced around 90 million kgs of CO2 through the 84,000 electric scooters it has sold in India since its inception. This would be equivalent to over 3 million full grown plants.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, handed over 10 TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles to the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) to support a structured rider development programme for aspiring racers aged 10–14 years.

The initiative, named the TVS Apache Junior Programme, provides training and mentorship at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA). Participants will train on the purpose-built TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles, which will be available on rent as part of the scheme. The curriculum focuses on racing fundamentals, including discipline, precision, control, safety and physical conditioning, under the guidance of instructors and TVS Racing champions.

The programme forms the initial tier of a four-stage talent development framework designed to transition young riders into professional circuit racing. Following the TVS Apache Junior Programme for ages 10–14, riders aged 15 and above can enter competitive circuit racing through the TVS OMC Rookie Category. Subsequent levels include the TVS OMC RR 310 Expert Category for advanced development, leading to opportunities in the TVS Racing International Championship.

Safety protocols remain integrated into the training structure. Participants receive coaching in controlled environments, using specialised safety equipment and protective gear alongside the mini motorcycles.

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, racing is more than a sport—it is part of our DNA. For over four decades, we have championed performance, precision and safety while building India's motorsport ecosystem. With competitive racing under FMSCI regulations beginning at the age of 15, the TVS Apache Junior Programme addresses the need for structured early training by providing aspiring riders aged 10–14 years with world-class coaching in a safe, controlled environment. Powered by the TVS Apache RR 200 Mini Motorcycle at the Madras International Karting Arena and guided by TVS Racing experts, the programme creates a clear pathway for India's future racing champions while strengthening the grassroots of Indian motorsport."

The launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which now represents a community of over 7 million riders across 90 countries. The development programme extends the manufacturer's 40-year involvement in domestic motorsport by linking grassroots talent identification with its broader racing operations.

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Flying Flea, the electric mobility brand from Royal Enfield, has expanded its network with 10 new touchpoints in Bengaluru, supplementing its initial store in Jayanagar.

The expansion supports the Flying Flea C6 motorcycle, priced at INR 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom) or INR 1.99 lakh with Battery-as-a-Service. The network uses a hub-and-spoke model, featuring a service hub in BTM Layout and spoke centres across locations including Whitefield, Rajaji Nagar and Electronic City.

The FF.C6 is a ground-up electric platform weighing 124 kg. It features a 3.91 kWh lithium-ion battery encased in magnesium alloy, providing a peak power of 15.4 kW. The motorcycle achieves a top speed of 115 kmph and delivers 60 Nm of motor torque, resulting in over 400 Nm of wheel torque.

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Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, one of the leading mid-sized motorcycle manufacturers, has completed the Shaurya Vijay Yatra in partnership with the Indian Army, culminating at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Kargil Vijay Diwas. The expedition covered 1,900 kilometres from the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Participants travelled through Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh on Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles, carrying soil from the National War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial. The event was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, "The Shaurya Vijay Yatra is our way of ensuring that the stories of India's bravehearts continue to inspire future generations. From the National War Memorial to Dras, every kilometre of this journey was dedicated to honouring those who gave everything for the nation. We are proud to undertake this tribute alongside the Indian Army and the wider riding community. By bringing together serving and retired defence personnel, Veer Naris and civilian riders, we hope to ensure that the values of courage, service and national pride continue to resonate across generations."

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, unveiled a portfolio of 10 motorcycles and scooters in New Delhi, comprising 7 models and 3 refreshed variants.

The lineup spans internal combustion engine, electric and flex-fuel mobility, featuring models such as the ADV 160, CB 500, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, XR 300L, XR 300 Rally and QC3 EV. Production utilises local sourcing and manufacturing capabilities to support market expansion.

Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, "India remains one of Honda's most strategic global markets. This 10-product portfolio offers a wide range of mobility solutions. It reinforces Honda's multi-pathway approach, with advanced ICE vehicles, electric mobility solutions, and flex-fuel technologies designed to address diverse customer needs and varying infrastructure readiness. At the same time, we are accelerating our Make-in-India for the World commitment by strengthening local engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This not only allows us to bring Honda's global technologies closer to Indian customers, but also reinforces India's role as an important manufacturing and export hub within Honda's global operations, while maintaining the quality, reliability, and safety that define Honda.”

Mutsuo Usui, Director - Sales & Marketing, added, "Indian customers today are looking for products that complement their lifestyles as much as their mobility needs. Through this expanded portfolio, we are bringing a broader range of Honda’s globally acclaimed models to India and offering customers greater choice across multiple riding categories. Whether for daily commuting, weekend exploration, adventure touring, or leisure riding, this product range enables customers to choose a Honda that best matches their aspirations.”

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