Author: Hasnain Ali

During a recent earnings analyst call, Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of Auto and Farm Sector, shared an exciting announcement: the Mahindra B07 Electric SUV is expected to be launched in the calendar year 2027. Drawing from my experience following Born Electric innovations, this born-electric model will be based on the BE.07 concept, which was first showcased in August 2022 alongside four other notable concepts — XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, and BE.09 — all of which unveiled Mahindra’s serious commitment to electric mobility. The upcoming B07 promises to blend the versatility of an SUV with advanced Electric drivetrain technology, while…

The Mahindra XUV 7XO has seen strong bookings, with more than 70 per cent concentrated on the top trims and higher variants, showing that buyers in India are gravitating toward premium options. Mahindra & Mahindra is slowly adjusting its range of products to focus more on electric vehicles, with battery electric vehicles (EVs) likely to be a key part of reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While the adoption of four-wheeler EVs continues at a gradual pace, interim solutions like alternative fuel, CNG, and hybrid technologies are designed to complement the transition toward cleaner mobility, highlighting the brand’s forward-thinking approach. Mahindra…

When I first explored the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric, I was impressed by how affordable yet sophisticated this entry-level electric sedan feels in the country. The German car manufacturer has truly focused on combining luxury with practicality. The new CLA Electric was unveiled recently, and enthusiasts in India can start making bookings from March 10. The model comes in a single variant, which is the 250+ edition, offering just one battery pack option, but it still delivers a remarkable driving range of up to 792 km on a single charge. From my experience with similar models, the modular electric architecture of…

Working closely with the Ola Electric Mobility team over the past months, I’ve observed how the company has carefully begun a significant reset of its retail presence. The recent quarterly report revealed that Ola has affirmed narrowing its network to approximately 700 outlets, a deliberate change in focus toward operations reinforcement rather than the fast development of sales. From my experience, this shift shows that the brand is prioritizing service quality while adjusting to the decelerated growth of EV adoption. It’s fascinating to see how operations are being improved, ensuring every outlet functions efficiently. This move complements an earlier announcement…

When I first heard that VinFast had planned to launch new models in India, I was curious about how this Vietnamese car manufacturer would fit into the growing EVs market. Over the past months, I’ve spotted the brand-new 7-seater MPV, the vinfast Limo Green, undergoing testing multiple times, and it’s clear they are finally ready. From my experience watching automotive launches, the next two months are likely when this launch will happen, and everything seems set for 2026. The design and build suggest that VinFast is serious about making a strong impression, and being ready with such a Limo Green…

Having seen the excitement around the Jeep Wrangler firsthand, I can say the Willys ’41 special edition truly stands out. Recently reintroduced in India, this limited-run version is positioned as a premium Rubicon variant, with only 41 units available in the Indian market. Priced at Rs 70.31 lakh, it comes in a distinctive ‘41 Green’ color with exclusive graphics and bold ‘1941’ hood decals, giving it a unique presence on the road. The latest allocation is restricted after the earlier edition launched in May 2025, which had just 30 units and sold out within seven days. Production has been capped,…

From my experience tracking the India passenger vehicle market, the shift toward electric mobility feels more real than ever, especially when you see how TATA.ev, backed by Tata Motors, has emerged as the largest EV player with a strong lineup of six battery-powered models. What truly stands out to me is how the brand has partnered with Shell India Mobility to roll out 21 ultra-fast EV charging hubs across major Indian cities, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s public charging infrastructure. The newly inaugurated TATA.ev x Shell Mega Charging Hubs, located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mysuru, Pune, and Vadodara,…

The Chery iCar V23, an electric SUV, was recently snapped at the ARAI facility in India. This off-roader is set for a launch under the JSW badge. With its blend of eco-friendly technology and off-road capability, the iCar V23 could be a game-changer in the Indian electric vehicle market, catering to both adventure enthusiasts and sustainability advocates. Chery iCar V23: A New Electric SUV for India The Chery iCar V23 has been sighted in India for the first time, where it was spotted as a camouflaged prototype at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility in Pune. This marks…

When exploring the India two-wheeler market, I recently had the chance to test the Suzuki Gixxer motorcycle line-up, which includes the 150 and 250 models, alongside the Avenis scooter. What stands out immediately is how the company has designed offers that benefit customers, giving real rewards for every purchase. Through the Motofest, buyers can get assured vouchers worth Rs 5000, a nice touch when visiting authorized dealerships. The brand also loves to host regional events to showcase new colours, including the Gixxer SF 250, which was recently launched. In my experience, these benefits make choosing between the motorcycle line-up or…

In my experience exploring electric mobility in India, one of the most practical innovations for two-wheelers has been the Battery Subscription model, also known as BaaS or Battery as a Service. Leading OEMs like Hero MotoCorp-Vida, Honda, and Ather Energy offer flexible models that let consumers transition to electric vehicles without worrying about charging at public facilities. In a country where charging infrastructure is unevenly distributed across the vast geography, having access to nearby charging points is often lacking, making BaaS a practical alternative. The topical discussion around Battery Subscription highlights how BaaS is reshaping the space, making electric two-wheelers…