Royal Enfield To Launch Electric And Hybrid Motorcycles In 2025-26

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Royal Enfield, globally renowned for its cruiser and ADV bikes, is foraying into a completely unknown territory with the launch of electric and hybrid bikes

Royal Enfield is the first one among the mainstream two-wheeler brands in the Indian market to start work on electric and hybrid motorcycles. While the brand showcased two electric motorcycles namely C6 and S6 under the Flying Flea badging, it is also planning to roll out a 250cc hybrid bike. In fact, the Chennai-based auto manufacturer is also readying an all-electric version of the Himalayan, which has been tentatively titled as HIM-E. In this piece, we will talk about the upcoming Royal Enfield electric and hybrid motorcycles in 2025-26.

1. Flying Flea C6

The Flying Flea C6 debuted at EICMA 2024 in Milan, Italy in concept form. Fast forward to 2025, it has been showcased in multiple cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. The brand’s first electric motorcycle has also been captured on the lens in Ladakh undergoing cold-weather testing. Sources reveal that production-ready C6 will break cover at the EICMA 2025 later this year, before eventually going on sale in Q1 2026 in India.

Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 flaunts a neo-retro look while based on the L platform. It has been spotted riding on alloy wheels with road-spec tyres. The company has extensively used aluminium in the electric bike to make it a lightweight model. The Flying Flea C6 boasts of a forged aluminium Girder fork as front suspension, reminiscent of the original Flying Flea in the 1940s.

2. Flying Flea S6

The S6 is the second Royal Enfield electric motorcycle which was showcased alongside the C6 at the EICMA 2024. It too has been spied testing in Ladakh, albeit with spoke wheels shod with off-road tyres. The S6 will be a Scrambler model and hence get several such elements in the form of front fender, handlebar and instrument cluster. It will also be sitting on the L platform identical to the C6.

Though technical specs are not in public domain yet, Royal Enfield has made it official that the Flying Flea S6 will be offered with a fixed battery pack with fast charging capabilities. The range and performance are kept under the wraps, but we expect the all-electric motorcycle to perform like a 350cc ICE-powered bike with a range of 150-200 km on a single charge.

3. Royal Enfield 250cc Hybrid Motorcycle

Reportedly, Royal Enfield is working on a 250cc hybrid motorcycle which will return a mileage of 50+ kmpl. The company is developing a new 250cc platform which has been codenamed as V. It is also in talks with the China-based CFMoto, which develops midsize engines globally, to source the 250cc engine with hybrid tech for the upcoming motorcycle. The 250cc engine will be designed to meet the ongoing BS6 Phase II emission standards and the upcoming CAFE norms, which kick in 2027.

Royal Enfield 250cc hybrid motorcycle will be the brand’s entry-level model with prices starting around Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Presently, the Hunter 350 is RE’s most affordable bike in India with a sticker price of Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The 250cc hybrid motorcycle could be launched by the end of 2026.

4. Royal Enfield E-Himalayan

Pic Source: xplorearth.shimla

Royal Enfield Himalayan Electric, also known as the HIM-E, is touted as the most powerful electric motorcycle from the brand. Reportedly, it will be powered by a 14 kWh battery pack with power output exceeding 100 bhp. The Himalayan Electric was recently spotted in a production-ready form in Ladakh. Though exact launch timeline is not revealed yet, we can expect it to debut somewhere around mid 2026.

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5 Upcoming Mahindra Premium SUVs You Should Wait For!

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Here we have explained about the 5 possible upcoming Mahindra premium SUVs that are expected to launch within the next 2 years in India

Mahindra’s XUV700 facelift has been undergoing regular test runs ahead of its possible debut in early 2026. The SUV is set to receive cosmetic revisions including reshaped bumpers, updated light clusters and newly designed alloy wheels. The flush type door handles will be carried forward as some cosmetic details will look familiar.

Consumers can expect changes to the rear profile along with the introduction of new paint shades. On the inside, the 2026 Mahindra XUV700 will more likely see noticeable upgrades despite retaining its current dimensions. Mahindra is expected to introduce new upholstery materials, refreshed trims and a new cabin theme to spice things up.

The biggest talking point will be a redesigned dashboard featuring a triple-screen layout as a large touchscreen, a fully-digital instrument console and a front passenger side display will be available. On the mechanical front, the familiar 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines are expected to continue largely unchanged.

Also Read: 3 New Mahindra Compact SUVs Spotted Testing Already – Key Info

Image Source: TamilMotors360

The transmission options will continue to be a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter AT. We do expect plenty of modern features to trickle down from the XEV 9e and BE 6. Talking about those born electric duo, it is apparent that their initial reception has been more than positive as their sales numbers are soaring.

Hopping on the hybrid trend in the future, the homegrown manufacturer could bring in hybridised versions of the XEV 9e and BE 6 but no confirmation has been made yet. Mahindra is in the advanced stages of testing the XUV.e8 too – the battery-powered spin on the XUV700 that debuted as a concept earlier.

Also Read: 5 Upcoming New 7 Seater SUVs In India – Mahindra To Tata

Image Source: Saahil Kapoor

To likely launch as the XEV 7e next year, the premium three-row SUV will stick closely to the proportions and silhouette of its ICE counterpart but will distinguish itself with EV-specific touches like a blanked-off grille and unique lighting signatures. On the features side, it is expected to draw heavily from the brand’s dedicated born-electric lineup.

The production-spec Mahindra BE Rall-E could enter the market in the near future as well, based on test mules spotted in India. It is essentially a more rugged and off-road-focused electric iteration of the BE 6 and will likely share its 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery options with it.

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New Sub-4-Meter SUVs Launching In India In Next 2 Years

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The compact SUV segment is expected to see the launch of multiple new models from Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata Motors in the coming years

The sub-4-meter SUV segment is one of the most competitive car categories in the Indian automotive market. With a multitude of players in this segment, customers get a wide variety of products to choose from. The demand for compact SUVs is expected to grow in the coming years, and banking on this trend, car manufacturers will diversify their portfolio. In line with this, let’s look at the new sub-4-meter SUVs launching in India in the next 2 years.

1. Hyundai – New-Gen Venue, Bayon & Inster EV

Hyundai is set to launch the second-generation Venue in India, and it is expected to debut on October 24. Internally codenamed QU2i, the compact SUV will feature comprehensive changes inside and out. It will get a slew of new feature additions such as Level 2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree parking camera and more. The new Venue will continue to be powered by the familiar 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre tGDi petrol and 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engines.

Source: anurag choudhary/youtube

The Bayon is also on the cards for the domestic market. It is expected to be launched sometime next year, i.e. 2026. Reportedly, the Bayon SUV will get a new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, and the familiar 1.0-litre tGDi engine could also be a part of the package. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic.

The Korean carmaker will likely debut a new compact electric SUV by the end of 2026. Internally codenamed HE1i, the Tata Punch EV rival will be based on the Inster EV sold in the international markets. It could get two battery pack options, i.e. 42 kWh and 49 kWh, with a maximum claimed range of up to 355 kilometres on a single charge.

Also Read: New Hyundai Venue Launch Just Around The Corner – All Key Info

2. Kia – Syros & Next-Gen Sonet

The Syros EV is expected to debut by the end of this year or early 2026. The all-electric Syros is expected to feature revised bumpers, new aero-efficient alloy wheels and some EV-specific branding inside and out. While the battery pack details are under wraps, the EV is likely to come with a claimed range of around 400 kilometres on a single charge.

Kia EV2 Concept

The new-gen Sonet is also under development and is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2027. While the details of the new model are scarce at the moment, it will likely feature a new exterior design and updated interiors, along with new feature additions. Reportedly, Kia is also working on the Sonet EV, however, nothing can be confirmed as of now.

3. Tata Motors – Next-Gen Nexon

Internally codenamed ‘Garud’, Tata is working on the new-generation model of the Nexon SUV. As per the media reports, the upcoming compact SUV will continue to be underpinned by the familiar X1 platform, albeit with major structural changes. The sub-4-meter SUV will likely get a completely new design, in line with the latest crop of Tata cars.

2025 tata nexon1

Similarly, the interiors will also undergo a major overhaul, along with new feature additions. Talking about the powertrain, the current lot of petrol, CNG and diesel engine options will likely continue to be a part of the package with the next-gen Nexon.

Also Read: Tata To Launch New Electric SUV To Rival Creta EV & Upcoming e Vitara

4. Mahindra – Vision S & Vision X

Mahindra & Mahindra recently showcased the Vision S and Vision X concepts, which are based on the NU_IQ platform. Both concepts will measure less than 4 metres long, thereby positioned in the compact SUV segment. The Vision S will be a part of the Scorpio nameplate, and it is expected to go on sale sometime in 2027. The SUV will be powered by petrol and diesel engines, with front-wheel-drive configurations as standard. It could also get all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option.

Vision X, on the other hand, could be the next-generation XUV3XO, or it could be positioned alongside the XUV3XO as a more premium offering. We expect the Vision X concept to be launched in both ICE and EV versions, bearing the XUV and XEV nameplates, respectively. However, there are just speculations and nothing can be confirmed as of now. It will be offered as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) SUV as standard, and the platform is capable of supporting all-wheel-drive (AWD).

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New Proposed GST Slab Likely to Derail the EV Adoption Growth in India

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Higher GST on EVs risks slowing adoption, raising costs, hurting investments, and derailing India’s clean mobility growth ambitions

India’s electric vehicle (EV) story has just begun to gain momentum, but a fresh recommendation by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Goods and Services Tax (GST) could deal a serious blow to the sector. The proposal suggests increasing GST on EVs priced above ₹20 lakh from the current 5% to as high as 28%. If implemented, this move could derail the government’s ambitious EV adoption roadmap and discourage both customers and manufacturers at a critical growth stage.

The Proposed GST Changes

At present, all EVs—irrespective of their price—attract a uniform GST rate of 5%. The GoM has now recommended a tiered structure:

• EVs priced between ₹20 lakh and ₹40 lakh: GST to rise from 5% to 18%.

• EVs priced above ₹40 lakh: GST to jump from 5% to 28%.

This effectively means a direct cost escalation of up to 22–23% for buyers. For instance, a ₹25 lakh EV could become costlier by over ₹5 lakh, while a premium EV costing ₹40 lakh may see a price increase of ₹8–10 lakh.

The Models That Will Be Impacted

Some of the most awaited mainstream EVs fall in the ₹20–40 lakh bracket. These include:

• Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e – the new-age SUVs positioned as global products from India.

• Tata Harrier EV and Hyundai Creta EV – two mass-market SUVs expected to be major volume drivers.

• Kia Carens Clavis EV – a family-centric MPV that could have opened up new customer segments.

• MG ZS EV – one of the earliest urban EVs to gain traction, alongside the sportier MG Cyberster.

In the premium segment, Tesla Model Y, BYD’s complete lineup (Seal, Atto 3, e6, Sealion), and all luxury EVs from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Volvo will get substantially costlier. As per a recent report, Tesla’s India entry price is currently at ₹60–68 lakh under the 5% GST rate. If the 28% slab is applied, the same car could cross ₹75–85 lakh, putting it out of reach for a large share of early adopters.

Why This Matters Now

India’s EV adoption is already facing multiple headwinds. Even without higher GST, customers are cautious due to:

• Huge resale value losses: EVs tend to depreciate faster than petrol or diesel cars.

• Battery replacement fears: High replacement costs create long-term ownership anxiety.

• Inadequate charging network: Public chargers are still limited, especially outside metro cities.

• Trust deficit in new technology: Many buyers remain hesitant to shift from tried-and-tested internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

Adding a sharp GST hike at this stage could intensify these barriers, slowing adoption further instead of accelerating it.

Impact on Industry and Investments

Several automakers have invested billions into localising EV production in India. Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, Kia, and MG are betting big on the ₹20–40 lakh EV segment as a sweet spot for the Indian middle class and upper-middle class. A sudden GST increase could disrupt their business models and delay breakeven timelines.

New entrants like VinFast and Tesla, who are planning large-scale investments and manufacturing bases in India, will also be discouraged. If their products become 20–25% more expensive overnight, market penetration will be extremely difficult.

For consumers, the difference is stark. An EV priced at ₹30 lakh today will suddenly cost close to ₹36–37 lakh under the 18% slab. For luxury EVs above ₹40 lakh, the GST jump to 28% could mean price hikes of ₹10–15 lakh. Such steep increases risk undoing years of government incentives aimed at making EVs more attractive.

The Bigger Picture

India has committed to ambitious climate goals, including a strong EV push to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Yet, policies like this could send a conflicting signal. Instead of incentivising clean mobility, the proposed GST slabs risk making EVs elitist products—accessible only to a handful.

At a time when global automakers are racing to electrify, India’s EV ecosystem needs price parity and buyer confidence, not new hurdles. If affordability is compromised, the dream of mass EV adoption by 2030 could remain just that—a dream.

Conclusion

Pic Source: Sreekumar Pappully

The GST hike on EVs above ₹20 lakh may look like a revenue-driven move, but its long-term cost could be far higher—stalling adoption, discouraging investments, and hurting India’s clean mobility mission. Policymakers must weigh the immediate fiscal gains against the broader economic and environmental losses. For India to truly lead in EVs, affordability and accessibility should remain at the core of policy decisions.

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2 Popular Tata Compact SUVs To Get BIG Updates – ICE & EV

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The Tata Nexon and Punch are expected to get big upgrades in both ICE and electric guises in the near future and here we have explained them

Over the next few years, Tata Motors has lined up an aggressive product strategy that will see 30 new passenger vehicles make their way to showrooms. The roadmap extends well into the decade and includes all-new models as well as generational updates to existing nameplates. The company is equally focused on strengthening its electric portfolio too.

Seven of the planned launches will introduce new nameplates across different segments and price ranges. The lineup will feature the return of the Sierra, the Avinya electric range, and a compact SUV speculated to be called Scarlet. Here, the spotlight is on the already popular sub-four-metre models that are in the pipeline.

Tata is reportedly advancing work on the third generation Nexon, known internally by its codename Garud. The new model is expected to sit on a heavily reworked version of the X1 platform – a move that should bring notable gains in ride comfort and handling over the current SUV we presume. Beyond platform improvements, the next-gen Nexon will more likely undergo a full-scale makeover inside and out.

Also Read: New Tata Winger Plus Launched In India, Priced At Rs. 20.60 Lakh

The SUV is expected to adopt a more striking design language on the outside while the cabin could see a clear step up in quality, layout and equipment. A more luring feature list with updated tech is also on the cards. It could gain features like Level 2 ADAS while the infotainment and instrument console could get big upgrades as well. The domestic market launch could still be a couple of years away.

Tata seems to be pushing forward with the refreshed Punch lineup as heavily camouflaged test mules have been spotted on several occasions in recent months. They suggest that a facelift is underway bringing cosmetic revisions and an upgraded equipment package to keep the micro SUV pumping more volumes in the affordable market.

Also Read: 6 Upcoming Tata & Mahindra SUVs To Drool About In India

Punch EV

A large part of the updates on the Punch facelift is expected to be derived from the Punch EV – potentially adding a higher level of equipment and newer technologies to the petrol range. Market launch could happen before the year wraps up while a refreshed iteration of the Punch EV itself, currently among the country’s best-selling electric cars, is said to be planned for 2026.

Besides these four offerings, Tata may as well bring in a new compact SUV in the form of Scarlet. Reports indicate that it could be heavily inspired by the forthcoming Sierra as boxy proportions and tall pillars enabling a spacious cabin are likely. It could be positioned to compete squarely with Kia Syros and others in the compact SUV space.

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3 New Mahindra Compact SUVs Spotted Testing Already – Key Info

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Here we have listed the 3 upcoming compact SUVs from Mahindra that have already been caught on camera testing on public roads

Mahindra & Mahindra is gearing up for a busy year ahead with a string of SUV launches planned. The lineup will include all-new models, updated versions of existing favourites and a handful of electric derivatives. Both ICE and EV portfolios are set for action as multiple test mules have already been caught on Indian roads in recent weeks.

We’ve picked out three upcoming compact Mahindra SUVs that are deep into testing:

1. 3-Door Mahindra Thar Facelift:

The Mahindra Thar three-door has been on test several times in recent months. The updates seem to borrow cues from the Thar Roxx – hinting at revisions to the bumpers, grille design, lighting elements and even the alloy wheel pattern. Mahindra is said to be working on a refreshed cabin which will mimic features found in its five-door sibling.

Also Read: 6 Upcoming Tata & Mahindra SUVs To Drool About In India

Image Source: TeamBHP

As for the performance, a 1.5L diesel, a 2.0L petrol and a 2.2L diesel engine will continue. The transmission duties will be handled by a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic unit.

2. Mahindra XUV 3XO EV:

Image Source: PowerStroke

To be positioned below the XUV400 in Mahindra’s EV lineup, the upcoming SUV will serve as the brand’s new entry-level electric offering. A driving range of around 450 km is being speculated which should make it a practical choice for everyday as well as long distance use. While the design and cabin layout will stay closely aligned with the ICE version, Mahindra is expected to introduce subtle changes inside and outside to give it a distinct EV character.

Also Read: Top 6 Upcoming Hybrid SUVs In 2025-26 – Maruti To Mahindra

3. New Compact SUV:

At the Freedom_NU event in Mumbai, Mahindra pulled the wraps off four fresh concepts, hinting at its next wave of SUVs. Among them, the Vision S stood out – a compact SUV that borrows styling inspiration from the Scorpio N. Test prototypes of the model have already been spotted, and if all goes to plan, it could be heading to showrooms in India as early as next year.

However, Mahindra has confirmed that the NU_IQ platform based models will only go on sale from 2027 so we will have to wait and see what really pans out. The sub-four-metre SUV could be equipped with the same powertrain options seen in the XUV 3XO.

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Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV Teased Ahead Of Launch Next Week

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Maruti Suzuki Escudo will go on sale on September 3 and it will likely be powered by a 1.5L mild hybrid and 1.5L strong hybrid petrol engines

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to introduce a brand new midsize SUV on September 3, 2025 in India and it has been teased for the first time. The five-seater will be positioned below the Grand Vitara and above the Brezza in the brand’s local portfolio and it will be retailed through the regular Arena dealerships to differentiate itself from its bigger sibling.

The SUV could be dubbed the Escudo and we have already showed you multiple spy images of the model after exclusively revealing its existence a few months ago. The teaser clearly shows the presence of Boomerang-styled 3D LED tail lamps and turn indicators enabling a sleek stance but the tailgate will be large in size. It is similar to what we have seen on the test mules.

The tail lamps could lead on to a horizontal light bar while an integrated spoiler and a high-mounted stop lamp as well as a shark fin antenna will be available. Maruti Suzuki will equip the Escudo with the familiar powertrains lifted from the Grand Vitara as the 1.5L mild hybrid and 1.5L strong hybrid petrol units will be offered.

Also Read: Upcoming Maruti Suzuki SUVs In 2025-27 – EV, Hybrid, ICE Models

The chances of a CNG iteration cannot be ruled out either. We already know that the Maruti Suzuki Escudo will have a spacious interior and boot and its overall length could be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara. It will appeal to buyers looking for a practical midsize SUV in a relatively affordable price point as it could cost around Rs. 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Suzuki is preparing the Escudo to step into one of the most competitive SUV segments in India where it will square off against established names such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mahindra Scorpio N, Toyota Hyryder and Honda Elevate. Spy shots of test prototypes suggest its design influences from both the e Vitara and the Grand Vitara.

Also Read: Upcoming Maruti Suzuki e Vitara – Launch, Price, Range, Features & More

On the equipment front, the Escudo is expected to be generously loaded. A nine-inch touchscreen will serve as the centrepiece of the cabin with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard safety kit will include six airbags while convenience features such as a wireless phone charger and a semi-digital instrument cluster.

It will also get a flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic climate control and selectable drive modes will also likely be part of the package. The Escudo could also appeal to compact SUV buyers looking to purchase the top-end variants as it could fall on the same price bracket.

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