The Technology Development Board (TDB) has signed an agreement with InfinityX Innovations Private Limited to develop automated battery swapping infrastructure in Telangana, a move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of electric mobility operations. This initiative will create automated, IoT-enabled battery swapping stations that can facilitate a complete battery swap in under 40 seconds.

Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Accelerating the deployment of efficient and scalable charging alternatives is critical for the growth of India’s electric mobility ecosystem.” The development of a standardized and interoperable battery swapping network is expected to significantly contribute to the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in India.

In addition to this technological advancement, the Telangana government is implementing a first-of-its-kind initiative to offer discounts of up to 20% on electric two- and four-wheelers for state government employees. This discount could lead to savings of up to Rs 4 lakh per employee for approximately 5 lakh government employees across the state.

The initiative reflects a broader trend in the electric vehicle market, where countries like Germany and France reported battery electric vehicle (BEV) market shares of 22% and 27%, respectively, in early 2026. Denmark also saw a remarkable increase, with a 17 percentage point rise in BEV market share compared to the previous year.

Ola Electric, Mahindra Electric, Gravton Motors, and Ather Energy are among the companies that could benefit from the enhanced infrastructure and government support, potentially leading to increased adoption of electric vehicles in the region.

The focus on reducing battery transition time to under 40 seconds positions electric vehicle energy replenishment to be comparable to conventional refueling, making EVs more appealing to consumers.

As the initiative progresses, observers will be keen to see how the battery swapping technology is integrated into the existing electric mobility framework in Telangana and its impact on the overall adoption of electric vehicles in India.

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TVS Motor Company has officially launched the Orbiter V1 electric scooter on March 12, 2026, in Lucknow, India. This new model is positioned as an affordable option in the growing electric vehicle market, with a price tag of ₹49,999 under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.

The introduction of the Orbiter V1 comes at a time when India’s electric two-wheeler market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable transportation solutions. Gaurav Gupta, President of India 2W Business at TVS Motor Company, described the launch as an important step in making electric mobility more accessible.

For customers opting out of the BaaS model, the scooter is priced at ₹84,500. The Orbiter V1 is equipped with a 1.8 kWh battery, providing a certified IDC range of 86 km per charge. Charging the battery from 0 to 80% takes approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

In addition to its performance specifications, the Orbiter V1 boasts a 34-litre under-seat storage capacity, making it practical for daily use. It features a coloured LCD instrument cluster and a companion mobile app for enhanced connectivity.

Safety is a priority for the Orbiter V1, which includes alerts for crashes, falls, theft, geo-fencing, and time-fencing. The BaaS model allows customers to subscribe to battery usage rather than paying for the battery upfront, with monthly plans starting at ₹862.

According to Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President heading the Commuter and EV Business, customer feedback on the Orbiter V2 directly informed the decision to introduce this more entry-level option. This strategic move aims to cater to a broader audience looking for affordable electric mobility solutions.

The Orbiter V1 is now the most affordable option in the TVS EV portfolio, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings. As the market continues to evolve, the impact of this launch on consumer adoption and the overall electric scooter landscape in India remains to be seen.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term performance and customer reception of the Orbiter V1, but it is clear that TVS Motor Company is positioning itself as a key player in the electric mobility sector.

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