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Kia India kicks off 2026 with 10.3% year-on-year sales growth in January, reaching 27,603 units –

By
Karthik Iyer
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Kia India, one of India’s leading mass premium carmakers, has started 2026 on a positive note, reporting total sales of 27,603 units in January. Sales in January 2025 reached 25,025 units, a year-on-year increase of 10.3%. This performance reflects the company’s continued growth, strong demand in key segments and Indian consumers’ increasing preference for Kia’s differentiated products.

The company’s sales momentum in January was driven by sustained demand for its product portfolio, encouraging market response to the all-new Kia Seltos, continued performance of the Kia Sonet, and continued customer traction for the Kia Carens Clavis and Clavis EV. While the new-gen Seltos continues its legacy as one of India’s most influential mid-size SUVs and is poised to play a key role in the next phase of Kia India’s growth, the Sonet continues to build on the brand’s strong foundation in the high-volume compact SUV segment. At the same time, the Carens range strengthens Kia’s presence in the recreational vehicle and electric vehicle segments, reflecting growing customer preference for versatile and future-proof mobility solutions.

Commenting on the monthly results, Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “The encouraging start to 2026 reflects customers’ continued trust in the Kia brand. The positive response to the new generation Seltos, steady demand for the Sonet and the growing popularity of the Carens Clavis and Clavis EV underline the strength and balance of our product portfolio. This performance reinforces our focus on delivering differentiated, future-proof products across segments while continuously enhancing the overall ownership experience”

Kia’s product portfolio continues to be differentiated by a strong focus on design, technology and safety. While the new generation Seltos and Sonet offer advanced connectivity and driver assistance features in their respective segments, the Carens Clavis stands out with flexible 6- and 7-seater configurations and a versatile three-row cabin, while the Clavis EV (Kia’s first Indian-made electric vehicle) brings a practical seven-seater electric vehicle with connected technology and a strong emphasis on comfort, safety and daily usability.

With a balanced product portfolio, Kia India remains well-positioned to sustain growth momentum in the coming months. The company remains firmly committed to responding to evolving customer expectations through timely product enhancements supported by a customer-centric approach that enriches the overall brand experience.

Kia India’s growing network of 841 touch points across 376 cities brings the Kia brand closer to customers across the country, ensuring easy access to sales, service and ownership support in metros and emerging markets. It is supported by 122 certified second-hand stores, ensuring seamless exchanges, instant payments and hassle-free ownership transfers for customers.

Battery Smart by AWS | AutoguideIndia hosts ‘HackSmart’ tech hackathon for the first time in collaboration with AutoguideIndia

By
Rahul Arora
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Battery Smart, India’s largest battery-swapping network for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has successfully concluded its first technology hackathon, ‘HackSmart’, organized in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Aiming to address real-world challenges in clean mobility, the hackathon focused on innovation in battery intelligence, EV operations and cloud-scale infrastructure. HackSmart attracted over 1,000 registrations across the country, with over 200 participants selected from leading engineering institutes including IITs, BITS, NITs and other premier universities.

The hackathon began on January 31, 2026 and culminated in an intense 24-hour build sprint supported by engineers from Battery Smart and AWS. The participants showcased their solutions through demo-based presentations, which were evaluated by a jury comprising Battery Smart leadership and technology experts. The top five teams were chosen as winners.

Commenting on the initiative, Tejasav Khattar, Senior Vice President – ​​Engineering, Data & Product, Battery Smart, said, “HackSmart underlines our commitment to advance clean mobility while nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem. The quality of ideas and execution displayed by the participants was exceptional and reinforces our focus on leveraging AI- and ML-powered solutions to address battery management and grid-readiness challenges.”

The event concluded with the announcement of winners, prize distribution and a networking session, giving participants the opportunity to connect directly with Battery Smart’s engineering and leadership teams. The top three teams received non-cash prizes including PlayStation 5, GoPro Hero 12 and Marshall Speaker, along with cash prizes up to ₹2 lakh and opportunities for pre-placement interviews at Battery Smart.

With a network of 1,600+ battery swap stations across 50+ cities and over 270,000 IoT-enabled batteries, Battery Smart said it will continue initiatives like HackSmart to strengthen its cloud, data and AI capabilities, while building a strong pipeline of future-ready engineering talent aligned with India’s clean mobility mission.

Big impact of Budget 2026: EV and CNG become cheaper, air travel will also become cheaper, know what will change in your pocket.

By
Rahul Arora
-

Budget 2026 Evs And Cng Vehicles Become Cheaper Air Travel Also Gets More Affordable – Big impact of Budget 2026: EVs and CNG become cheaper, air travel will also become lighter, know what will change in your pocket.

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Budget 2026 Evs And Cng Vehicles Become Cheaper Air Travel Also Gets More Affordable

Odyssey Electric starts 2026 on a strong note with 275% year-over-year increase in January sales.

By
Rahul Arora
-

Odissi Electric Vehicles, one of India’s fastest growing premium electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has had a strong start to 2026 by registering strong year-on-year sales growth in January. The company sold 1,058 units in January 2026, an increase of 275% compared to 282 units sold in January 2025, underscoring growing consumer acceptance and growing market attractiveness.

The strong performance highlights Odyssey Electric’s growing presence in India’s electric two-wheeler segment, driven by the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective and reliable urban mobility solutions. This growth is supported by the company’s strategic expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, improving EV charging infrastructure and growing consumer awareness about the long-term benefits of electric mobility.

Odyssey Electric’s January performance reinforces its momentum in India’s rapidly growing EV ecosystem, as customers increasingly turn to clean and smart mobility options.

The company’s diverse portfolio including Racer Neo, Snap, HiFi and high-speed Odyssey Sun continues to be a key contributor to this sales trajectory. Designed to provide a balance of performance, convenience and smart features, these models have found strong acceptance among value-conscious, tech-savvy and eco-conscious riders. Positive customer feedback, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth recommendations continue to support demand in key markets.

Commenting on the January performance, Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odyssey Electric, said, “Starting 2026 with such strong sales figures is a powerful validation of our product portfolio and our unwavering customer-first approach. Our growth this month is not just a number; it represents the trust being placed in Odyssey by Indian passengers. We are driven to further strengthen our pan-India presence and continue to provide mobility solutions that are affordable as well as innovative.” Are.”

This achievement highlights Odyssey Electric’s growing retail reach and growing customer confidence. The brand now serves customers across 300+ pin codes in India, ensuring that high-quality electric mobility is accessible beyond just major metropolitan centres.

As India rapidly moves towards its clean mobility goals, Odyssey Electric continues to be at the forefront of bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and mass market reach.

Blue Energy Motors partners with HPCL to set up battery swapping network for electric trucks.

By
Rahul Arora
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Blue Energy Motors (BEM) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to set up battery swapping stations for electric heavy-duty trucks at select HPCL retail outlets across India.

Under the agreement, Blue Energy Motors will leverage HPCL’s extensive fuel station network to deploy battery swapping infrastructure, creating a convenient and accessible energy touchpoint for commercial EV fleet operations. The initiative aims to significantly reduce charging times and vehicle downtime, support the operational needs of electric commercial fleets and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in the heavy-duty segment.

This partnership will also contribute to the long-term growth of BEM and HP e-Charge by strengthening India’s EV charging and energy infrastructure.

Blue Energy Motors is a pioneer in alternative-fuel heavy-duty trucks in India, focused on delivering low- and zero-emission freight solutions. The company has played a key role in driving electric freight adoption, including the launch of India’s first electric freight corridor between Mumbai and Pune.

HPCL is one of India’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporations, operating over 24,400 retail outlets across the country and over 5,400 electric vehicle charging stations under the HP e-Charge brand.

The agreement assumes strategic importance as India accelerates its transition towards green transportation. HPCL’s existing retail outlet footprint provides a strong platform for quick deployment of battery swapping infrastructure and seamless expansion into key consignment markets.

Battery swapping enables energy replenishment in less than five minutes, significantly reducing idle time compared to conventional charging. For fleet operators, this translates into higher vehicle utilization, improved productivity and more predictable operations. The growing network of swap stations also helps eliminate range anxiety, allowing electric heavy-duty trucks to operate with confidence over long routes and multiple shifts.

By integrating battery swapping infrastructure within the existing energy retail network, the collaboration focuses on making electric mobility practical and scalable for India’s freight and logistics sector.

Expectation from Budget 2026: Will cheap electric car be easy? Big demands from Tata to Mercedes.

By
Rahul Arora
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Budget 2026 Expectations Electric Cars Become A Reality Major Demands From Tata To Mercedes – Expectations from Budget 2026: Will cheap electric cars be easy? Big demands from Tata to Mercedes.

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Budget 2026 Expectations Electric Cars Become A Reality Major Demands From Tata To Mercedes

BMW i7 sales exceed 1,000 units in India, setting new benchmark for luxury electric vehicles –

By
Karthik Iyer
-

Since its debut in India, BMW India has achieved a major milestone by delivering 1,000 units of its flagship electric sedan, the BMW i7. This milestone highlights India’s growing acceptance of luxury electric vehicles and reinforces BMW’s leadership in the premium electric vehicle segment.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said the BMW i7 is a “bold statement of avant-gardeism” that blends avant-garde design, electrified performance and uncompromising luxury. He added that the strong response from customers reflects the role the i7 plays in shaping the future of modern mobility in India, while reinforcing BMW’s dominance in the luxury electric vehicle market.

The BMW i7 blends electric innovation and top-level craftsmanship to mark a new era of luxury mobility. Externally, it stands out with a bold design language, with split headlights with Swarovski crystal daytime running lights and the illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille. Its massive proportions and striking silhouette unmistakably project presence and prestige.

Inside, the cabin offers a completely redesigned luxury experience. The BMW interactive bar and curved digital cockpit define the futuristic feel of the front cabin, while the rear cabin elevates comfort to class-leading levels. The highlight is the 31-inch 8K BMW Cinema screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV, turning the back seat into a private entertainment lounge. The Executive Lounge seats recline up to 42.5 degrees, feature premium merino leather, multi-level massage function, seat ventilation and a panoramic Sky Lounge roof with configurable LED lighting.

Powering the i7 is BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology. The i7 eDrive50 produces 449 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. With a WLTP range of up to 603 kilometers, the sedan combines long-distance capability with quiet, effortless performance for daily commuting and long-distance motorway journeys.

Montra Electric delivers India’s first PM e-Drive-certified electric truck.

By
Rahul Arora
-

Murugappa Group’s EM & HCV business vertical Montra Electric has achieved a major milestone in India’s clean mobility journey by becoming the country’s first heavy-duty electric truck manufacturer to receive certification under the PM e-Drive scheme of the Government of India.

To celebrate this milestone, Montra Electric delivered India’s first PM e-Drive-certified electric heavy truck – the Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 tractor-trailer – to UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete manufacturer. This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to accelerate the adoption and growth of electric mobility in the commercial vehicle segment.

The occasion was celebrated in the presence of Mr. Arun Murugappan, President – ​​Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility); Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director – Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility); and Mr. Sathiya Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement Limited, highlighted the significance of this achievement for India’s clean mobility ecosystem.

The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks in India’s logistics, mining, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors by significantly improving the business case for electrification. By enabling large fleet operators and industrial customers to move away from conventional fuels without compromising performance, uptime or economics, the certification is a decisive step towards cleaner, more efficient and future-ready freight transportation.

The first PM e-Drive-certified Rhino 5538 EV was flagged off and handed over to UltraTech by Mr. Arun Murugappan.

The Rs 10,900 crore PM e-Drive scheme has a budget of Rs 500 crore for e-trucks, leading to direct customer benefits of up to Rs 9.6 lakh per vehicle for the Rhino 5538 EV. This incentive improves long-term fleet economics by reducing operating costs, reducing fuel price volatility and supporting compliance with evolving sustainability and emission norms.

Commenting on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Shri HD Kumaraswamy said, “The PM e-Drive scheme is a testament to the growing power of Indian innovation in the heavy-duty electric vehicle segment. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are committed to decarbonizing our logistics and making India a global hub for EV manufacturing. Electric trucks are critical to our net zero goals, and through such certifications we will be able to achieve a self-reliant By promoting the ecosystem, we are carrying forward the spirit of self-reliant developed India.

We are very happy to see that our Prime Minister’s vision is being realized with the delivery today of the first PM e-Drive certified heavy duty electric truck from ‘Montra Electric’.”

Commenting on this milestone, Arun Murugappan, President, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.) said, “Decarbonizing freight transportation is one of the most significant challenges in India’s energy transition. We are grateful to the Government of India and our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing visionary and progressive policy frameworks such as the PM e-Drive Scheme, which

This represents a welcome and transformative step in accelerating this transition, particularly in heavy commercial vehicles where emissions intensity is high.

At Montra Electric, we are proud to contribute to this national mission by providing technologically advanced, reliable and scalable electric M&HCV solutions that can drive meaningful and lasting change in India’s mobility ecosystem.

Specifically designed for Indian operating conditions, the Rhino 5538 EV tractor trailer range is available in 6×4 and 4×2 tractor trailer variants. The Rhino 5538 EV 4×2 tractor trailer offers battery swapping and fixed battery options, six-minute battery swap, a 282 kWh LFP battery producing 380 hp and 2000 Nm of torque and a range of approximately 198 km under standard testing conditions. These capabilities make the Rhino 5538 EV suitable for high-usage, fixed-route and hub-to-hub applications in ports, mining operations, cement logistics, steel plants and long-haul freight corridors – which contribute significantly to India’s freight emissions footprint.

With heavy-duty trucks accounting for a disproportionate share of freight emissions, the PM e-Drive-certified Rhino 5538 EV represents an important lever in India’s journey towards net-zero and clean industrial growth. Montra Electric plans to work closely with customers, policymakers and ecosystem partners to accelerate the deployment of electric heavy-duty trucks across key economic sectors in India.

Bizliride launches B2C electric two-wheeler rental services in Delhi.

By
Rahul Arora
-

Bizliride, a fast-growing EV rental and mobility-tech startup, has launched its B2C electric two-wheeler rental services in Delhi, taking a major step towards creating shared, electric-first mobility solutions for urban commuters across India.

The Delhi rollout will focus on high mobility areas in South, Central, West and East Delhi – areas chosen for strong commuter demand, excellent public transport connectivity and growing need for short-distance urban mobility. The first confirmed pickup and drop-off location is Lado Sarai in South Delhi, with several additional rental centers planned in the coming months.

Delhi has been selected as the first B2C market for Bizliride due to high two-wheeler adoption, supportive EV ecosystem and urgent need for clean mobility options amid rising pollution and traffic congestion. The city also houses a growing population of gig workers, students, and young professionals who prefer flexible rental access over the costs and responsibilities of vehicle ownership.

With this launch, BijliRide aims to make affordable, sustainable and flexible urban mobility accessible to everyone, helping accelerate India’s transition towards shared electric mobility.

“Delhi represents both a challenge and an opportunity for electric mobility,” said Shivam Sisodia, CEO and co-founder of Bizliride.

“Everything from vehicle selection to pricing is designed around everyday usability,” the spokesperson said. “Our goal is to make electric mobility so reliable and affordable that it becomes the default choice for short-distance urban travel.”

As part of the initial phase, BejliRide will deploy 150-200 newly procured electric two-wheelers specifically dedicated for the Delhi launch. The fleet has been curated using operational insights from BijliRide’s Hyderabad operations, with a focus on range reliability, rider comfort, battery performance and minimal downtime to ensure a reliable daily commute experience.

All bookings and payments will be managed through the Bizliride mobile application available on Google Play Store, providing a completely app-based and seamless customer journey.

Customers will be offered weekly and monthly rental plans with battery support and swapping assistance and 24×7 roadside and breakdown support. Indicative prices for electric two-wheelers on battery-swapping models will start from around ₹220 per day, while the monthly rental plan is designed to remain significantly more affordable than the total cost of owning a two-wheeler.

With this launch, BijliRide aims to make electric mobility more accessible, affordable and practical for everyday urban travel, while meaningfully contributing to clean air and reducing congestion in India’s cities.

BYD India strengthens community infrastructure with targeted CSR initiatives.

By
Rahul Arora
-

BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has launched a focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program aimed at enhancing community infrastructure in education and healthcare in collaboration with FEED NGO. The initiative was officially launched on 28 January 2026 and underlines BYD’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable community development through practical, grassroots interventions tailored to local needs.

The program has been designed with a clear emphasis on improving the school learning environment and enhancing patient care facilities in hospitals. BYD India prioritizes long-term usability, functionality and accessibility, informed by on-site assessment and consultation with partner organizations to ensure interventions are tailored to community needs.

Under its education-focused initiative, BYD India will support a government school by upgrading the campus infrastructure, providing necessary learning equipment and providing guidance to teachers. The interventions aim to improve safety, accessibility and overall learning quality while promoting a stable and supportive environment for both students and teachers. This initiative reflects BYD’s belief that strong infrastructure is essential for better educational outcomes and sustainable community development.

In the healthcare sector, BYD India’s CSR program includes support for a government hospital aimed at strengthening patient care capabilities. As part of this effort, BYD will provide advanced hospital beds to aid in better treatment and recovery conditions. This intervention aims to assist healthcare professionals in providing more effective care while increasing comfort and safety for patients.

Complementing the education and health care initiatives, the CSR program also includes a limited environmental component in the form of tree plantation drives, carried out in collaboration with partner NGOs. While secondary in scope, the activity aligns with BYD’s broader sustainability philosophy and commitment to environmental responsibility.

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “At BYD, sustainability is not just limited to what we build or the technology we deploy; it also applies to how we engage with the communities around us. Our CSR initiatives focus on strengthening infrastructure in education and advancing environmental efforts through structured, on-ground action. By working closely with experienced partners, we “We want to deliver results that are practical, measurable and relevant to the communities we serve.”

Speaking on the collaboration, FEEED NGO said, “Our collaboration with BYD enables the execution of structured, impact-driven initiatives that respond directly to community needs. Be it supporting school development or enhancing health care facilities, this program reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term value through thoughtful CSR implementation.”

Across all initiatives, BYD India’s CSR program emphasizes disciplined execution, partner-led implementation and sustained community benefits rather than one-time interventions. By working closely with experienced organizations at the grassroots level, the company aims to ensure accountability and lasting impact.

The CSR program aligns with BYD’s global sustainability philosophy of “Technological Innovation for a Better Life”, which extends the company’s commitment beyond mobility to responsible social engagement. As BYD continues to expand its footprint in India, it remains focused on growing its business as well as making meaningful contributions to community development.

BYD India currently provides sales, service and charging guidance to customers through an expanded national network of 47 showrooms across 40 cities.

Globally, BYD has sold more than 14 million NEVs, reducing more than 121 billion kilograms of CO₂ emissions by 30 November 2025 – equivalent to the emissions absorbed by approximately 2.03 billion trees in a year. The company’s leadership in sustainable mobility is reflected in its inclusion among the top 10 most valuable global automotive brands by Kantar BrandZ and ranking at #91 on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 with a brand value of US$14.4 billion.

As BYD India moves forward, the company is committed to accelerating electric vehicle adoption, reducing environmental impact and keeping customers at the center of its growth strategy.

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