ev segment

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is transitioning to electric vehicles, replacing a substantial portion of its 90 diesel vehicles. This initiative aims to promote green mobility, cut carbon emissions, and improve urban air quality. The corporation plans to deploy 60 EVs, including sedans and SUVs, through a bidding process for fleet operators.

Over the last few years, more manufacturers have started offering such schemes across multiple segments, including affordable city EVs and premium electric SUVs. Here’s a look at the electric vehicles in India currently available with Battery-as-a-Service plans, along with the benefits offered by each brand.

Tata Motors is set to launch the highly anticipated Sierra EV this month, aiming to dominate the midsize electric SUV market. This new model promises a premium, tech-laden interior with advanced features and multiple battery options. Expect innovative powertrain configurations, including potential all-wheel-drive, and a unique Battery-as-a-Service model.

Skoda Auto has revealed its new electric SUV, the Epiq. This compact vehicle is the brand's smallest and most affordable EV. It offers a driving range of up to 440 kilometers. The Epiq introduces Skoda's new design for future SUVs. It will be available globally, sitting below the Enyaq and Elroq in the electric lineup.

The latest fuel hike may also influence transmission preferences. While automatic gearboxes have become increasingly popular in urban markets, buyers focused on lower running costs could favour AMT-equipped vehicles over less efficient torque converter automatics. Electric vehicles are another segment expected to benefit, particularly among urban buyers with access to home charging.

The Curvv EV measures 4310 mm in length, 1810 mm in width, 1637 mm in height and has a 2560 mm wheelbase. The Hyundai Creta Electric is 30 mm longer, 20 mm narrower and 18 mm taller than the Tata Curvv EV, and also has a 50 mm longer wheelbase.

Features wise, the Curvv EV gets dual 12.3-inch screens - one for instrument cluster and infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, rear sunshades, front ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 6-way powered driver’s seat, two-step reclining rear seats, a 9-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer, connected car tech, 18-inch alloy wheels, Level 2 ADAS, V2V, V2L and much more.

India's auto sector is rapidly embracing new tech like ADAS and connected mobility, driven by consumers demanding value beyond price. This shift necessitates localization of engineering and manufacturing to tailor solutions for India's unique road conditions. The nation's green mobility journey will be multi-pathway, balancing EVs with other cleaner options, while focusing on sustainable production.

BYD Atto 3 is the only model in this group not manufactured locally. It is assembled in India from completely knocked down (CKD) kits, which contributes to its higher price. It gets a 60.5 kWh battery pack paired with a front-axle-mounted electric motor which puts out 201hp of power and 310Nm of torque. It has a claimed range of 521 km.

India's passenger vehicle market surged in April, marking a robust start to FY2026. Strong SUV demand, improving rural sentiment, and EV interest fueled impressive year-on-year growth for most manufacturers. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Kia achieved their best-ever April sales, showcasing a vibrant automotive landscape.

India's EV growth faces a charging reliability crisis, not an adoption problem. While public chargers have surged, a significant EV-to-charger ratio and user complaints highlight infrastructure gaps. The core issue is thermal derating in fast chargers, where high ambient temperatures reduce power output, impacting performance and user experience.

Bengaluru's Ultraviolette Automotive is launching its first electric scooter, the Tesseract, in Q2 2026. Priced at Rs 1.45 lakh, it boasts a 261 km range, 125 kmph top speed, and 0-60 kmph in 2.9 seconds. Key features include a 7-inch touchscreen, dual dashcams, and India's first radar-based rider assistance system for e-scooters.

Residential societies in Gurugram are mandating the removal of private EV chargers from basement parking due to fire safety concerns raised by the Haryana Fire Department. This directive, impacting Fire NOC renewals, could hinder EV adoption by removing convenient home charging options and increasing reliance on costly public stations.