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iCAUR V23 leads Southeast Asia boxy EV SUV segment with strong sales |

By
Rahul Arora
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Since its global launch, iCAUR V23 from Cherry Group’s new energy strategic brand, iCAUR, has gained a strong foothold in international markets. With its distinctive boxy design and full capabilities, the V23 has increasingly become a popular choice in the new energy SUV segment. In Southeast Asia, the model has maintained strong momentum and consistently ranks among the best-selling vehicles in the region’s new energy boxy SUV category, highlighting its growing global appeal.

The success of V23 reflects its dual strength in both market performance and brand reputation in key Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. In February, the model made its debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show, where it took home three major awards – Best APM Outdoor Activity, Favorite New Car Launch, and Favorite Newcomer Car Brand.

Further reinforcing its strong market reception, iCAUR V23 also generated over 300 blind pre-orders at launch, demonstrating significant consumer interest and establishing an immediate presence in the local market.

In the Thailand market, the V23 has delivered benchmark performance, with cumulative sales exceeding 4,000 units. It has held the No. 1 position in the boxy pure EV SUV segment for two consecutive months and has entered the top five EV models based on registrations in Thailand. At the 2026 Model of the Year Awards, it won Best Performance Compact SUV EV and Best Boxy Styling, achieving widespread recognition in both sales and prestige. In Malaysia, the V23 has also performed strongly, with over 1,800 units delivered since launch and receiving local positive recognition.

A model can remain a leader in foreign markets primarily because its product meets local driving requirements. Southeast Asia has complex terrain, with many mountains and unpaved roads. Off-road capability, practicality of location and daily commute use are also in high demand among local users. iCAUR V23 has been designed to match these key requirements. With a 43° approach angle, 41° departure angle and 210 mm of high ground clearance, the vehicle can handle both city commutes and outback trips with ease. Its 2,735 mm long wheelbase also offers a spacious cabin and cargo space, making it suitable for solo trips, family trips and other scenarios.

The V23’s solid performance in Southeast Asia is also supported by several official certifications. The model has received a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP, becoming the first pure electric boxy SUV to achieve this result. Its cage body structure is made of 70% high-strength steel, with more than a dozen advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), providing comprehensive safety protection for drivers and passengers. The V23 was also ranked No. 1 in the 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Automotive Performance for Mid-Size Pure Electric SUVs released by J.D. Power, proving its product strength in global markets.

A strong product base continues to open up new market opportunities and provide enhanced experiences for users. iCAUR V23 has developed a highly flexible modification ecosystem designed to meet diverse customer preferences across different regions, further strengthening its adaptability to global markets.

At the upcoming 2026 Beijing Auto Show and iCAUR International Business Summit, the brand will introduce several customized versions of the V23, highlighting its versatility and expanded use-case capability. Additionally, AIMOGA robots and robotic dogs are also set to be showcased at the iCAUR exhibition booth, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the brand’s forward-looking innovation. Stay tuned for more updates.

Simple Ultra launched at Rs. 2.34 Lakh with 400 km range |

By
Rahul Arora
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Simple Energy has announced the price of its latest electric scooter, the Simple Ultra, at ₹2.34 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned as a premium long range electric scooter, the Simple Ultra is now available for purchase, with deliveries already underway in select cities.

The Simple Ultra is powered by a 6.5 kWh battery pack and claims an IDC range of 400 km, making it one of the longest range electric scooters currently available in India. The scooter delivers a top speed of 115 kmph and accelerates from 0-40 kmph in just 2.77 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric scooters in the segment.

In terms of features, the Simple Ultra is equipped with a seven-inch rider console that provides connectivity and essential riding information. It also features four levels of traction control to enhance stability and safety in different riding conditions.

Simple Energy continues to expand its retail and service footprint with approximately 70 touchpoints across cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Visakhapatnam. The company is also planning to expand in Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar.

Earlier this year, Simple Energy introduced the second generation Simple One Gen 2 with a claimed IDC range of 236 km and 265 km, with the Simple One S Gen 2 offering a range of 190 km.

Commenting on the launch, Suhas Rajkumar said that the Simple Ultra is designed for riders seeking extreme range and performance, adding that the model aims to set a new benchmark in India’s electric two-wheeler market, while supporting worry-free mobility supported by an extended pan-India network.

Delhi CM flags off 200 electric buses, promotes clean public transport.

By
Rahul Arora
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 200 new electric buses and launched an interstate EV bus service, further accelerating the shift towards clean and sustainable public transport in the city. This initiative is another step in the government’s comprehensive vision of building a “Green Delhi, Smart Delhi, Clean Delhi”.

Speaking at the rollout event, Gupta highlighted the continued growth of Delhi’s public transport network. He said, “Delhi government is continuously working towards making Delhi ‘Green Delhi, Smart Delhi, Clean Delhi’. Today, we have taken another step forward by adding 200 new EV buses to our transportation system.”

He said Delhi’s bus fleet continues to expand, with the total number of buses reaching 6,300. “I congratulate the people of Delhi as the city is strengthening its transport infrastructure. The introduction of EV buses will provide convenient and eco-friendly travel options for all,” she said.

In a post on social media platform X, Gupta said the government is working in mission mode to completely transform Delhi’s public transport into electric mobility. He revealed that the number of electric buses in the capital has already crossed 4,500, with a target to reach 7,000 EV buses by the end of 2026.

Along with the rollout, the government also launched a new interstate electric bus service connecting Delhi and Rohtak, inaugurated a new bus terminal at Madanpur Khadar, and opened a new administrative building at the DTC East Vinod Nagar depot.

The Chief Minister further emphasized that the government is encouraging the adoption of clean mobility through attractive subsidies under the new EV policy. According to reports, the current administration has inducted around 2,184 electric buses since taking charge, taking the total fleet count to around 6,300, which includes 1,759 CNG buses.

A structured and time bound fleet expansion program focused on electric mobility is also underway. Under this plan, Delhi’s total bus fleet is expected to increase to approximately 14,000 buses by FY 2028-29, strengthening the city’s leadership in sustainable urban transportation.

Last week, the Delhi government also introduced its draft EV Policy 2.0, which aims to accelerate the adoption of clean mobility through incentive and regulatory measures.

Tesla is bringing 6-seater cool SUV, will run 750KM on one charge.

By
Rahul Arora
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Tesla Model YL India: Tesla is now preparing to launch its new and bigger SUV in the Indian market. According to reports, the company may soon introduce its 6-seater electric SUV Tesla Model YL.

Updated On:
Apr 18, 2026 | 11:35 am

Tesla (Source. Tesla)

Tesla SUV Launch India: Electric car manufacturing giant Tesla is now preparing to launch its new and bigger SUV in the Indian market. According to reports, the company may soon introduce its 6-seater electric SUV Tesla Model YL. This will be a longer version of the existing Model Y, which will offer more space and three rows of seating.

Special design for family

The new SUV has been specially designed keeping in mind those customers who want a large and comfortable family car. It will have a seating layout of 2+2+2, which means 6 people will be able to travel comfortably. Captain seats will be provided in the second row, which will be heated and ventilated. The third row will also have the feature of heated seats, due to which the rear passengers will also get a premium experience.

Sales of the first model were weak

In India, Tesla is already selling the standard version of Tesla Model Y, which was launched in 2025. However, the company’s sales were not as expected. Only 227 units could be sold in the entire year, whereas the target was 2,500 units. Due to low demand, the company had to give a discount of up to ₹ 2 lakh.

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Will be imported from China

The new Tesla Model YL is currently being manufactured at the Shanghai plant in China and from there it will be imported to India. Due to high import duty, its price may remain high, which may affect sales. Nevertheless, the company hopes that the new variant will attract customers.

Strong range and tremendous speed

Talking about the features, this SUV will be provided with an 82 kWh battery, which can give a range of up to 751 kilometers on a single charge. It will have dual motor and all-wheel drive system, due to which this car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Its top speed is said to be around 201 km/hour.

Also read: If caste is written on the vehicle, the consequences will be heavy, challan of Rs 5,000 and even jail.

Tough competition from BYD

Tesla is facing tough competition in the global market. Especially the Chinese company BYD has moved ahead in terms of sales. In such a situation, Tesla is trying to strengthen its hold through new models and updates.

Competition will increase in SUV segment

If Tesla Model YL is launched in India, it will be Tesla’s second major offering. Especially in the large family SUV segment, the competition will become even more interesting.

Zelio e-Mobility appoints Divyanshu Agarwal as CEO to expand nationwide.

By
Rahul Arora
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Zelio e-Mobility has announced the appointment of Divyanshu Agarwal as its Chief Executive Officer, effective April 15, 2026. The appointment is a strategic move by the fast-growing electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler maker as it strengthens leadership to support its nationwide expansion plans.

Divyanshu Aggarwal, a 26-year-old chartered accountant, has taken up the role following a resolution passed by the company’s board of directors based on the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee. His appointment comes at a time when Zelio e-Mobility is experiencing rapid growth, with the company doubling its performance year on year.

Before joining Zelio, Agarwal was with Navi Limited, founded by Sachin Bansal, where he worked since November 2021. During his tenure, he advanced from Finance Associate to Head of UPI Business and Growth in July 2025, leading efforts to scale operations, build strategic partnerships and enhance execution capabilities.

He also contributed to key organizational initiatives, including the DRHP process, private equity fundraising, and cross-functional projects involving finance, product, HR, and legal functions. Additionally, he worked closely with Founder and Chairman Sachin Bansal on strategic initiatives across the organization.

At Zelio e-Mobility, Agarwal will focus on strengthening operational execution and overseeing the development and scaling of new manufacturing facilities, including plants in Odisha and Coimbatore. His responsibilities will also include expanding market presence, enhancing distribution networks, strengthening partnerships, improving product-market fit and aligning growth with long-term business fundamentals.

Agarwal started his professional journey at Price Waterhouse Chartered Accountants in Kolkata, where he handled statutory audits of large listed companies. He holds a B.Com (Hons.) degree from St. Xavier’s College Kolkata and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

With this appointment, Zelio e-Mobility aims to accelerate its growth strategy, expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position in India’s rapidly growing electric mobility market.

Nissan envisions AI-led electrified future with customer-centric global vision –

By
Karthik Iyer
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Nissan has unveiled a bold long-term vision to transform itself into a smarter, more agile, customer-centric mobility company. With a new direction of “Mobile Intelligence for Everyday Life,” the company is transcending the boundaries of traditional automobiles and integrating advanced technology, electrification, and digital intelligence into everyday mobility experiences.

At the heart of this vision is a clear shift in focus – from simply building vehicles to delivering a more intuitive, connected and value-driven customer experience. Nissan’s strategy reflects broader changes taking place in the global auto industry, where technology, software and user experience are becoming as important as engineering and performance.

A key pillar of this transformation is the development of artificial intelligence-defined vehicles (AIDV). Nissan plans to embed AI deeply into its vehicles, combining AI-driven safety systems with smart in-car experiences. Technologies like Nissan AI Drive and AI Partner are designed to not only improve driving safety but also make vehicles more responsive to everyday user needs. Over time, Nissan aims to deploy AI-driven features across 90% of its product line, marking a major shift toward software-led mobility.

Electrification remains central to Nissan’s roadmap. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the company has a diversified strategy that includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, range extenders and all-electric powertrains. Its e-POWER technology is positioned as a key bridge to deliver an electric-like driving experience without the need for external charging, while paving the way for wider EV adoption.

Beyond technology, Nissan is simplifying its product portfolio to improve efficiency and focus on growth. The company plans to reduce its global product line from 56 models to 45, while clearly defining the role of each model – whether as a core volume driver, a growth-focused product, or a brand-defining flagship. This approach is expected to increase scale, improve cost efficiencies and accelerate product development cycles.

Nissan is also rethinking the way it builds its cars. The company will move to an architecture-led development model, focusing on shared platforms, powertrains and software systems. The shift is expected to streamline manufacturing, improve quality and enable faster introduction of new technologies across multiple models.

Geographically, Nissan is strengthening its global strategy by clarifying its role in its key markets: Japan, the United States and China. Japan will serve as a technology hub, the United States will drive scale and profitability, and China will become a hub for cost efficiency and export growth. At the same time, emerging markets such as India are positioned as important contributors to future expansion, supporting the company’s broader global ambitions.

What stands out most about Nissan’s vision is its strong focus on balancing innovation and affordability, electrification and customer choice, global scale and local relevance. The company is not only preparing for the future of mobility but also actively reinventing its business model to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving environment.

As Nissan moves forward, its success will depend on how effectively it executes this transformation – combining advanced technology with real-world usability while putting customers at the center of everything it does.

Bijliride reports 80% revenue growth to INR 18 crore in FY25

By
Rahul Arora
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Bizliride recorded strong financial growth in FY24, with revenue growing 80% to Rs 18 crore from Rs 10 crore in FY24 due to rising demand and improved operational efficiency.

Building on this momentum, the company has set an ambitious target of Rs 44 crore in revenue by FY27 with plans to expand its fleet to 10,000 vehicles. The growth strategy is supported by a clear focus on sustainable scaling and achieving EBITDA margins above 20%, reinforcing Bijliride’s commitment to profitable and long-term expansion.

Fundamentally, Bijliride’s growth strategy is rooted in a disciplined and structured approach. The company is prioritizing depth over rapid expansion by strengthening its presence in high-usage markets. With an impressive fleet utilization rate of 92%, Bijliride is leveraging the hub-and-spoke (STAR) model to build a dense, demand-driven network that maximizes operational performance and asset productivity.

A key driver behind this growth is the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in the rental and last-mile delivery segments. The rapid expansion of e-commerce and instant commerce platforms, many of which are aiming for 100% EV adoption by 2030, is further accelerating this shift, creating a strong demand pipeline for bijliride offerings.

To capitalize on this opportunity, the company is also expanding through a franchise-based model, enabling faster and capital-efficient growth into new markets while maintaining operational control and service quality.

Additionally, Bijliride continues to invest in its in-house technology platform, which plays a key role in enhancing operational efficiency. From streamlining bookings and tracking vehicle performance in real-time to optimizing fleet deployment, the technology backbone significantly reduces manual intervention, improves uptime and enhances customer experience.

Speaking on the company’s outlook, Mr. Shivam Sisodia, CEO and Co-Founder, BijliRide, said: “At BijliRide, our growth is driven by a clear focus on sustainability, efficiency and profitability. The strong revenue growth we have achieved reflects our disciplined approach and deep understanding of market demand. As we move towards a fleet of 10,000 and a revenue target of Rs 44 crore, we are committed to building a business that Where profitability and operational excellence go hand in hand.”

Bijliride’s superior financial performance is supported by a number of factors, including high fleet utilization driven by gig workers and enterprise customers, economies of scale in purchasing and servicing, and continued improvements in operational efficiency. The company is also focusing on leveraging innovations such as reducing vehicle downtime, optimizing battery performance and battery swapping to further enhance productivity and margins.

Strategic partnerships with OEMs and ecosystem players continue to play a key role in supporting BijliRide’s expansion while maintaining an asset-light approach. These collaborations enable the company to grow efficiently while improving cash flow management and infrastructure utilization.

Looking ahead, Bijliride is confident about its growth trajectory. Over the next 12-18 months, the company plans to deepen its presence in existing markets, expand into select new cities and continue driving efficiency in its operations.

With a strong foundation, clear growth roadmap and focus on long-term value creation, Bizliride is well positioned to lead the transformation towards sustainable mobility in India.

Renault bets big on ‘futuREady’ in India, aims to join top three global market positions –

By
Karthik Iyer
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Groupe Renault has unveiled an ambitious India-focused strategy under its global ‘futuREady’ vision, positioning India as a key growth driver, technology hub and export base for the next phase of international expansion.

At the end of a week-long visit to India, Groupe Renault CEO Francois Provost highlighted the growth potential in India, which accounts for more than one-third of the markets in which the Renault brand operates. He noted that India will not only develop into a major growth market but also a center of excellence and a global export hub, underscoring the importance of India in enhancing the group’s overall competitiveness.

As part of the strategy, Renault has laid out a clear product roadmap for India, targeting a seven-model portfolio by 2030, covering key segments from compact cars to large SUVs. Mr. Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Groupe Renault India, said the future product line-up will include a full range of electric powertrains from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles, supported by world-class engineering and competitive manufacturing. The product offensive includes the recently launched Renault Duster, which has already generated strong customer interest, and the Renault Bridger concept, which previews a new B-segment compact SUV. These models, as well as future additions, will be built on the RGEP and RGMP platforms, both of which are designed with a multi-energy approach to support internal combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains according to market demand.

Apart from product expansion, the OEM is also repositioning itself in India with a higher value-added strategy focusing on advanced in-car technologies, electrified powertrains and enhanced design appeal. The company is also reinforcing its customer-centric approach through its ‘Reno Forever’ programme, which aims to improve service quality, simplify the ownership experience and build long-term trust. As part of this, customers will benefit from a seven-year warranty, reflecting an increased focus on ownership value and after-sales engagement.

A key pillar of futuREady’s India plan is to transform India into a technology and export hub for Groupe Renault. The company’s Chennai engineering center is one of the largest in the world, bringing together around 6,000 engineers and IT experts working on vehicle architecture, software, simulation and lifecycle upgrades. The center will play a more significant role globally and contribute to platform development and technology projects not only for India but also for international markets.

On the manufacturing front, the company has fully owned the Chennai facility, allowing for deeper localization, stronger supplier integration and more efficient end-to-end supply chain management. Leveraging on India’s cost competitiveness, the group is also positioning the plant as a strategic export center for cars, parts and services, especially targeting markets such as South America, with the goal of annual exports reaching 2 billion euros by 2030.

With the launch of futuREady India, Renault makes a decisive statement on its long-term commitment to the country, aiming to make India one of its top three global markets by the end of this decade. The strategy focuses on a broader shift in Renault’s global strategy, in which India is not just a volume market but a core pillar of its growth, innovation and export ambitions.

Isuzu and Toyota to jointly develop Japan’s first mass-produced light-duty fuel cell electric truck

By
Rahul Arora
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Isuzu Motors Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced a collaboration to develop Japan’s first mass-produced next-generation light-duty fuel cell (FC) electric truck, with production targeted for fiscal 2027. The new vehicle will be based on Isuzu’s ELF EV battery electric light-duty truck and integrate Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system, combining the expertise of both companies to support the transition toward carbon-neutral logistics and a hydrogen-based mobility ecosystem.

The joint development will focus on enhancing performance and durability as well as ensuring system compatibility to meet the demanding operational requirements of commercial vehicles. Both companies aim to advance technologies suitable for high-use situations, in line with their multi-path approach to achieving carbon neutrality.

Light-duty trucks play a vital role in everyday logistics, including deliveries to supermarkets, convenience stores and other essential services. These vehicles often operate for extended hours, cover long distances, and are often equipped with refrigeration systems, making quick energy replenishment critical to maintaining operational efficiency.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen offer significant advantages in such applications. Compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), FCEVs enable faster refueling and longer driving ranges, making them particularly suitable for intensive commercial operations. Additionally, like BEVs, FCEVs operate with minimal noise and vibration and produce no CO₂ emissions during use, reducing environmental impact.

The new truck will be built on the ELF EV platform to be introduced in 2023 and will be developed using Isuzu’s i-MACS product development platform. It will include Toyota’s next generation fuel cell stack, designed to enhance vehicle durability and extend service life.

Addressing one of the major barriers to fuel cell adoption – high vehicle costs – Isuzu is working to optimize the body structure and refine manufacturing processes. Toyota is also cutting costs through innovations in fuel cell design and production methods.

The collaboration will leverage insights from previous joint initiatives, including the next-generation fuel cell route bus ERGA FCV and the fuel cell light-duty truck demonstration project led by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation. These learnings will help enhance control technologies, system integration and overall durability to meet the required reliability standards for commercial vehicles.

As hydrogen adoption initiatives expand across Japan, both companies are also working with local governments and industry partners to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen mobility solutions.

Isuzu aims to expand hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle options and contribute to the creation of a hydrogen society by putting fuel cell technology into practical use. Toyota, which sees hydrogen as a key energy source for the future, continues to invest in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and use through cross-industry partnerships.

Through this collaboration, Isuzu and Toyota aim to accelerate the development and adoption of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, while supporting the broader transition toward sustainable, carbon-neutral logistics.

Delhi’s EV incentive can fast-track India’s electric mobility revolution: CRISIL |

By
Rahul Arora
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Delhi’s proposed ban on new petrol-powered two-wheelers and three-wheelers is expected to significantly accelerate electric vehicle adoption across India, according to a new analysis by CRISIL Intelligence. The research firm estimates that the move could add about 600,000 electric two-wheelers and about 11,500 electric three-wheelers to national sales, despite Delhi’s share in the overall vehicle market being relatively low.

In its impact note, CRISIL highlighted that the draft Delhi EV Policy 2026-2030 proposes to ban new internal combustion engine (ICE) three-wheelers from January 2027 and two-wheelers from April 2028. If implemented, the policy could increase India’s electric two-wheeler penetration to 21-23% by FY2029, compared to an estimated 18-20% without the policy. Similarly, electric three-wheeler penetration could increase to 40-42% from 38-40% under current projections.

CRISIL said the lifetime cost of ownership of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers is already competitive with petrol-powered options. The incentives proposed under the Delhi EV Policy are expected to further strengthen the economic case for electric vehicles, encouraging faster adoption among consumers and fleet operators.

However, the report also points out some challenges. For example, school bus operators are not currently eligible for the subsidies available to state transport undertakings. CRISIL suggested that this segment may require targeted policy support to ensure a smooth transition.

The research firm stressed that Delhi’s move could have wider national implications. With 66 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities located in India, similar policy mandates across larger states could significantly accelerate the shift towards electric mobility in the country. This, in turn, could lead automakers to increase investments in electrification and accelerate localization of batteries, components and charging infrastructure.

The proposed policy follows Delhi’s ranking as the world’s most polluted capital in the IQAir 2025 World Air Quality Report. Vehicular emissions contribute about 23% to winter pollution in the city, with two-wheelers accounting for about 67% of Delhi’s registered vehicle population.

Apart from restrictions on new registrations, the draft policy also proposes a completely electric bus fleet for the Delhi Transport Corporation and the transport department, as well as a target to electrify 30% of school buses by 2030. The policy also outlines financial incentives and tax benefits to support buyers and operators during the transition.

The draft Delhi EV Policy 2026-2030 is currently open for public feedback till May 10, after which it is expected to be formally notified.

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