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Updated On: 19-Jul-2025 07:25 AM
Weekly highlights on EV growth, farming reforms, logistics boost, and government initiatives shaping India’s mobility and agriculture sectors.
Welcome to the CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up for 13th to 19th July 2025 – your quick round-up of key updates in commercial vehicles, electric mobility, and agriculture.
This week, the government confirmed it will release subsidy guidelines for electric ambulances by year-end under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme. Tata Motors delivered 148 electric buses to Bengaluru’s BMTC, while Ashok Leyland partnered with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to boost rural vehicle financing. ZF unveiled a smart sensor to improve safety in modern vehicles.
The logistics sector continued to grow, powered by EV adoption and active farming transport. Ashok Leyland announced electric bus production in Lucknow, and NueGo trained over 3,000 EV bus drivers. Meanwhile, Youdha entered the e-rickshaw market, and Henkel launched re-powered electric trucks.
In agriculture, TAFE and ICRISAT opened a new research hub, ICAR celebrated 97 years, and Swaraj Engines posted strong Q1 results. The Cabinet approved the ₹24,000 crore PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, and the government may soon reduce GST on tractors, bringing good news for farmers.
Let’s look at this week’s top stories in detail.
Government to Announce Subsidy Guidelines for Electric Ambulances by Year-End
The Indian government will issue subsidy guidelines for electric ambulances by December 2025 under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme, allocating ₹500 crore specifically for them. Force Motors has already homologated one, and others like Tata and Mahindra are developing models. The scheme aims to make electric ambulances affordable by reducing their high upfront costs. Launches may begin in early 2026, with input from Health and Transport ministries ensuring safety standards and patient care regulations.
Tata Motors Delivers 148 New Electric Buses to BMTC, Strengthens Bengaluru’s Green Transport Network
Tata Motors has begun delivering 148 new Starbus EVs to BMTC, adding to its 921 electric buses already in service. Operated under a 12-year contract by TML Smart City Mobility, the buses were flagged off by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The low-floor, 35-seater EVs feature advanced safety tech and aim to expand reliable, green transit across Bengaluru. Tata's earlier fleet has logged over six crore km, showing strong performance and supporting the city’s push toward sustainable public transport.
Ashok Leyland Partners with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to Ease Commercial Vehicle Financing
Ashok Leyland has partnered with Tamil Nadu Grama Bank to offer commercial vehicle loans with flexible repayment options. Signed on July 15, 2025, the MoU enables loan access through 676 bank branches across Tamil Nadu, targeting small buyers in rural and semi-urban areas. The partnership aims to boost Ashok Leyland’s market reach and support local transport businesses. Both parties believe the tie-up will ease vehicle financing and promote business growth among small transport operators in the region.
ZF Unveils Advanced Smart Chassis Sensor with 3D Acceleration and Real-Time Monitoring
ZF has launched a next-gen Smart Chassis Sensor with 3D acceleration detection, enabling real-time chassis health checks, damage alerts, and overload detection. Integrated into suspension ball joints, it supports active noise cancellation, steer-by-wire systems, and load monitoring. It also warns drivers about loose wheel nuts and improves ride comfort and safety. Compact and durable, this sensor is already in use on the Cadillac Celestiq, setting a new standard for smart, connected vehicle technologies in modern and electric vehicles.
Indian Logistics Sector Shows Strong Growth in June 2025, Driven by Farm Activity and EV Adoption
India’s logistics sector saw strong growth in June 2025, driven by pre-Kharif farming activity and rising electric vehicle use. Truck rentals rose month-on-month on key routes like Kolkata-Guwahati (2.4%), Mumbai-Chennai (1.9%), and Delhi-Hyderabad (1.6%), with notable year-on-year gains. FastTag usage, construction vehicles, and electric 3-wheelers also showed positive trends. Fuel vehicle sales increased, and commercial tractors gained momentum. With ongoing farm operations and infrastructure work, the sector is expected to maintain this growth into July.
Ashok Leyland Set to Begin Electric Bus Production in Lucknow, Plans Major Expansion in UP
Ashok Leyland’s EV bus plant in Lucknow will start production within two months, boosting UP’s green mobility efforts. Hinduja Group plans major renewable energy projects in Jhansi (600 MW) and Mirzapur (1,000 MW), and seeks land for further expansion. The company announced a 1:1 bonus share issue, effective July 17, with trading from July 18. It also declared a ₹4.25 final dividend, totaling ₹1,248 crore, after a strong Q4 profit of ₹1,246 crore, up 38.4% YoY.
NueGo Trains Over 3,000 Drivers and 400 Hosts for Electric Bus Operations
NueGo, India’s leading intercity electric bus brand, has trained over 3,000 coach captains and 400 hosts through a week-long EV-focused program. The training includes 11 modules and is conducted across depots in Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Staff undergo mandatory refresher training every three months. With over 300 electric buses in operation, NueGo ensures safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. Backed by Eversource Capital, the initiative supports India’s growing electric mobility sector with a skilled, EV-ready workforce.
Tata Motors Sets Up New CSR Arm – Tata Motors Foundation
Tata Motors has launched the Tata Motors Foundation, a not-for-profit CSR arm registered on July 17, 2025, with ₹10 lakh paid-up capital. Tata Motors holds 45% ownership, with other group entities owning the rest. As a Section 8 company, it will focus on education, healthcare, environment, and community welfare, reinvesting all funds into social initiatives. The move formalizes Tata Motors’ CSR efforts, reflecting its long-term commitment to meaningful social impact without profit-making intent.
Youdha Launches EPOD Electric Passenger Three-Wheeler, Targets ₹1,000 Cr Revenue by 2030
Youdha, in partnership with Lohia Auto, has launched its first electric passenger three-wheeler, the EPOD, in the L5 category. Powered by a 6 kW motor and 11.8 kWh LFP battery, it offers a 227 km certified range. Made at the Kashipur plant with a 1,00,000-unit annual capacity, the initial rollout covers UP, Bihar, and Assam. The company targets ₹1,000 crore revenue by 2030, with future plans for cargo variants and nationwide expansion in the commercial EV space.
Henkel Launches India’s First Mid-Haul Re-Powered Electric Truck for Greener Logistics
Henkel has launched India’s first mid-haul re-powered electric trucks for logistics, starting with pilot routes from Chennai to Pune and Pune to Halol. Each truck offers an 8-ton payload and 250 km range per charge, reducing 1,212 kg of GHG emissions per round trip. The move supports Henkel’s net-zero goal by 2045. This innovative shift to retrofitted EV trucks demonstrates Henkel’s commitment to greener transport and efficient emissions reduction in India’s commercial logistics sector.
TAFE’s JFarm and ICRISAT Launch New Agri-Research Hub in Hyderabad
TAFE has partnered with ICRISAT to launch the JFarm Adaptive Agriculture Research & Extension Centre in Hyderabad. The centre will promote sustainable farming, mechanisation, and farm entrepreneurship. It focuses on soil and water conservation, gender equality, and training through the F2F Digital Custom Hiring model. By combining TAFE’s mechanisation expertise with ICRISAT’s research, the initiative aims to empower farmers, reduce costs, and share innovations across India and the Global South, supporting the vision of inclusive and developed agriculture.
ICAR Celebrates 97 Years: Focus on Agri Innovation and Farmer Welfare
ICAR celebrated its 97th Foundation Day with a strong focus on innovation, food security, and farmer welfare. Key announcements included the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan with 500 research areas, a toll-free helpline for fake seed/fertilizer complaints, and major awards to scientists. India’s food grain and milk production have seen significant growth, highlighting ICAR’s pivotal role. The event underlined the importance of practical agricultural research, farmer safety, and collaborative efforts to address ongoing farming challenges.
Swaraj Engines Shares Jump 12.5% After Strong Q1 Results
Swaraj Engines reported a strong Q1 FY2025, with 16% growth in both profit and revenue. Net profit rose to ₹50 crore and revenue hit ₹484 crore. The company achieved record engine sales of 49,040 units, pushing its stock to a 52-week high of ₹4,688. Shares are up 59% in 2025, outperforming the market. With stable margins and rising demand, Swaraj Engines is well-positioned for continued growth and investor confidence in the coming quarters.
The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, with a ₹24,000 crore annual budget, will merge 36 schemes to benefit 1.7 crore farmers across 100 districts. Launching in October 2025, it focuses on irrigation, crop diversification, market access, and climate-resilient farming. Training begins in August, with support from 11 ministries. The scheme aims to transform low-performing areas into high-productivity zones and boost self-reliance in pulses and horticulture, marking a major shift toward sustainable and modern Indian agriculture.
Good News for Farmers: Tractors May Soon Become Cheaper as Government Plans GST Reduction
The central government may cut GST on tractors and farm equipment from 12% to 5%, offering farmers savings of ₹35,000–₹49,000 per tractor. This move aims to boost farm mechanization, lower costs, and improve productivity. It’s part of the 2025-26 budget and rural development plan. Tractor manufacturers may also benefit through increased sales. The government is also considering GST cuts on essential goods, providing broader economic relief. If implemented, this proposal could significantly strengthen India’s agriculture and rural economy.
That wraps up this week’s key developments across India’s commercial vehicle, electric mobility, and agriculture sectors. From government support for EV ambulances and GST cuts on tractors to rising logistics momentum and major clean energy announcements, the shift toward a greener and more efficient future is clearly accelerating.
Stay tuned with CMV360 for more updates, expert insights, and in-depth coverage that keeps you ahead in the world of mobility and farming.