Tag: strategic partnership

  • EKA Mobility partners with Kerchanche Group to boost electric vehicle expansion in East Africa

    EKA Mobility partners with Kerchanche Group to boost electric vehicle expansion in East Africa

    Indian electric vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility and Ethiopian conglomerate Kerchanshe Trading PLC have entered into a strategic partnership to distribute, assemble and service electric buses and commercial vehicles in East Africa. The agreement was officially signed during a ceremony held in Dubai on Monday, 13 October 2025.

    As part of this collaboration, the partners plan to establish a local assembly facility in Ethiopia for EKA vehicles, expand the distribution and service network throughout Ethiopia and neighboring countries, and offer a range of electric mobility solutions tailored to regional needs. The partnership combines EKA Mobility’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with Kerchanche’s deep local expertise in assembly, distribution and market operations.

    Backed by equity partners such as Japan’s Mitsui & Co., Netherlands’ VDL Group and India’s Pinnacle Industries, EKA Mobility specializes in manufacturing electric buses, small commercial vehicles and three-wheelers. The company’s modular design and lean manufacturing processes aim to reduce total ownership costs and make electric vehicles more affordable for mass markets.

    With business interests spanning coffee export, manufacturing, real estate, logistics and renewable energy, Karachanche Trading Plc is one of the largest conglomerates in East Africa. The Group has extensive experience in industrial operations and vehicle assembly.

    Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of EKA Mobility, highlighted Ethiopia’s growing industrial base and commitment to clean energy as key reasons for choosing the country as the hub of East African operations. He stressed the aim of the partnership to provide sustainable mobility solutions across the region.

    Mr. Israel Degefa, CEO and Chairman of Karachanche Group, emphasized that this collaboration combines innovative electric vehicle technology with local knowledge to promote green mobility and industrial development in East Africa.

    This partnership marks a major milestone in building a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem in East Africa, with promising benefits for job creation, industrial growth and environmental sustainability across the region.

  • Motul India and Zip Electric launch EV repair training for mechanics.

    Motul India and Zip Electric launch EV repair training for mechanics.

    In a strategic partnership to enhance automotive skills in the electric vehicle (EV) scenario, Motul India and Zip Electric have joined hands to conduct a unique training program on two-wheeler EV repair and maintenance for mechanics. The initiative, which recently began with a two-day training program for a select group of mechanics in Gurugram, serves as a blueprint to train and certify more than 10,000 mechanics as EV-certified experts across India. Will work.

    As a premium player in the automotive lubricants industry, Motul India brings its extensive expertise in automobile maintenance and care, while Zip Electric, a leader in sustainable last-mile delivery solutions, brings its deep insight into the operational issues and needs of E-2W . Motul India and Zip Electric together aim to empower mechanics by expanding their skills, enabling them to confidently repair and maintain both ICE and electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

    The inaugural program offered a mix of intensive classroom and practical training. Mechanics learn the fundamentals of EV electrical systems, diagnosis and troubleshooting while gaining practical skills required for servicing electric two-wheelers. Feedback from participating mechanics and dealer partners highlighted the relevance of the program. The program achieved significant improvements in participants’ technical abilities, with mechanics showing up to 50% improvement in their EV repair knowledge after the training.

    Mr. Nagendra Pai, CEO, Motul India and South Asia, commented, “This initiative is part of Motul’s broader ambitions in the mobility industry, which includes retrofitting, thermal management and immersed battery technology in EVs, EVs and H2. In partnership with Zip Electric, we are equipping mechanics with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the changing mobility landscape. Apart from upskilling the mechanics, we are also empowering them to create new avenues of growth and earning.”

    Mr. Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zip Electric, said, “India is a fast-growing market, and its rapidly growing e-commerce requires massive logistics expertise and skills. Currently, the EV ecosystem needs several ground level interventions and training the workforce is one of them. Partnering with Motul India in this training initiative for mechanics aligns perfectly with our mission to build a sustainable EV last-mile delivery ecosystem.

    Motul India and Zip Electric’s collaboration represents a unique blend of expertise in two-wheeler ICE and EV maintenance, providing mechanics across the country an opportunity to upskill and remain competitive. In India’s rapidly changing automotive landscape, this partnership underlines the commitment of both companies towards an inclusive, efficient and adaptable service network, benefiting mechanics and consumers alike.

  • Pure EV partners with Arava Electric to expand presence in the Middle East and Africa

    Pure EV partners with Arava Electric to expand presence in the Middle East and Africa

    Pure EV, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has announced a strategic partnership with Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, a subsidiary of Clarion Investment LLC. The collaboration aims to increase the distribution and sales of electric motorcycles and bring sustainable mobility options to consumers in the Middle East and African regions.

    PURE EV will supply Arava Electric with an initial batch of 50,000 units of its flagship models – Ecodrift and eTryst Following this initial phase, supplies are expected to increase to 60,000 units annually, strengthening Pure EV’s presence in these emerging markets.

    Dr. Nishant Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV said, “Our commitment to innovation and user experience ensures that we provide market-ready offerings and meet the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. This partnership aims to not only increase sales but also promote sustainable mobility solutions in regions where electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining popularity, marking an important step towards expanding our footprint in the Middle East and African markets. Is. By leveraging our strengths and capabilities with Arava Electric, we are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape globally.

    Mr. Aniyan Kutty, Managing Director, Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, said, “We are delighted to partner with Pure EV as their expertise in R&D and cutting-edge technology helps in manufacturing efficient and reliable 2W products. Both companies are committed to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and supporting environmental sustainability in these regions.

    The UAE electric two-wheeler (E2W) market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.11% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 29.97 million in 2023 to USD 60.19 million in 2031. Demand for UAE electric two-wheelers is expected to grow in the market due to easy accessibility of electric motorcycles, rising prices of gasoline products and increasing efficiency of vehicles compared to conventional vehicles.

    All intellectual property rights related to the motorcycles will be retained by PURE EV to protect the proprietary technologies as they expand their market penetration. Notably, Pure EV motorcycles are believed to be the only Indian electric motorcycles to be included in the Middle East after proper approval for operation. The government is also planning to provide different incentives and subsidies for the purchase and sale of electric vehicles.

    In addition to supplying the motorcycles, PURE EV will serve as a strategic technology partner for Arava Electric, providing expertise and support throughout the delivery process.

  • Okaya EV and Battery Smart partner to accelerate EV adoption with over 1,400 battery swapping stations across the country |

    Okaya EV and Battery Smart partner to accelerate EV adoption with over 1,400 battery swapping stations across the country |

    Okaya EV, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer in India, has formed a strategic partnership with Battery Smart, the country’s largest battery-swapping network for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the electric vehicle ecosystem by integrating Okaya’s electric scooters with Battery Smart’s extensive network of over 1,400 battery-swapping stations across 35 cities. Riders will be able to replace fully charged batteries in under two minutes, increasing convenience and accelerating EV adoption.

    This partnership is set to address two critical barriers to EV adoption, which are range anxiety and charging downtime. With Battery Smart’s extensive battery-swapping infrastructure, Okaya EV users can access a fully charged battery at various locations across the country, bypassing long charging times and making electric mobility more affordable and accessible. Can.

    Dr. Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, Okaya EV, said, “This partnership is an important step in our mission to make electric mobility practical and accessible for our customers.” Our partnership with Battery Smart marks a turning point in India’s EV journey, addressing two of the biggest barriers to adoption, charging downtime and range anxiety. With over 1,400 battery smart swapping stations at the reach of our customers, we are bringing unprecedented levels of convenience and accessibility to electric mobility. This alliance symbolizes Okaya’s commitment to building a cleaner and more connected future for India, and we are confident that together, we will set new standards for electric fleet operations across the country.

    Talking about the partnership, Ms. Tanushree Bhattacharya, Assistant Vice President, Partnerships & Alliances, Battery Smart said, “Our collaboration with Okaya EV reflects our commitment to building a strong and reliable battery swapping ecosystem in India. Through our partnership with Okaya EV, fleet operators can take advantage of our extensive battery-swapping network, driving cost savings and increasing operational efficiency. We are confident that this collaboration will accelerate the transition to electric fleets across India, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

    This collaboration is particularly beneficial for commercial operators in the ride-hailing and last-mile delivery sectors. Fleet operators using Okaya vehicles will benefit from:

    Instant battery swaps at more than 1,400 locations reduced operational downtime from hours to minutes, extending road time, enabling more deliveries and higher revenue potential, empowering commercial fleet operations. Reliable long distance travel capabilities

    Okaya EV’s wide range of scooters including models like Freedom, Fast F2B, Fast F3, Fast F2F and Fast F4 are optimized for commercial fleet use. Through Battery Smart’s extensive battery-swapping network, Okaya aims to establish itself as the leading electric mobility partner for delivery, transportation and logistics companies across India. Initially available on the Freedom model, more Okaya electric scooters will be integrated with Battery Smart’s network in the near future, and customers can also avail attractive EMI options from authorized finance partners.