EV News Wrap-Up : 12–18 October 2026

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 EV News Wrap-Up: 12–18 October 2026


This week news wrap up - 

  • Volvo EX90 launched at ₹1.26 crore, with a 625 km WLTP range and 22-minute fast charging.
  • A new budget family e-scooter: the e-Sprinto G1 arrived from ₹89,999, with up to 130 km claimed range.
  • Big Diwali discounts on Tata EVs: up to ₹3.35 lakh off the Curvv EV and ₹2.75 lakh off the Harrier EV.
  • Renault Duster hybrid launched on17 October, as a self-charging hybrid, not a full EV.
  • Globally: Tesla showed a new Roadster with thrusters, with production planned for 2028.

Launched this week in India

Volvo EX90: the flagship electric SUV is here

Volvo launched the EX90 on 12 October at ₹1.26 crore (ex-showroom), in a single six-seat version. It has a 106 kWh battery, two motors with all-wheel drive, 456 hp and a WLTP range of 625 km. Its 800-volt system supports DC charging up to 350 kW, taking it from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes. Bookings before 31 December include an 11 kW home charger, a three-year service package and an assured buyback.

My take: a 350 kW-capable car is still waiting for chargers that fast in most Indian cities. The real story is the 800-volt tech arriving in India, which will trickle down to cheaper cars over time.

The Volvo ES90 electric sedan was also scheduled for 12 October, at an expected ₹1–1.2 crore. I couldn't find a confirmed launch price yet, so I'll update this next week.

e-Sprinto G1: a family e-scooter under ₹1 lakh

The e-Sprinto G1 launched on 13 October in three battery sizes:

Battery

Claimed range

Price (ex-showroom Delhi)

2.0 kWh

80 km

₹89,999

2.5 kWh

100 km

₹94,999

3.0 kWh

130 km

₹99,999

It has a 50 km/h top speed in Sport mode, a 150 kg carrying capacity and an IP67-rated battery. Deliveries start on 1 January 2027.

My take: a 50 km/h top speed makes this a city-only scooter, but at this price it's a sensible second vehicle for short family trips.

Coming soon

  • Renault Duster hybrid (17 October, today): a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a small 1.4 kWh battery, making 160 PS combined. It's a self-charging hybrid, so there's no plug. Bookings are open at ₹21,000, and the price will be revealed at launch.
  • VinFast VF3: the small city EV was expected around 18–19 October, but I couldn't confirm a launch date this week. Some reports now point to a later launch. Expect an 18.64 kWh battery and about 210 km of claimed range.
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: due on 4 November.

My take: if the VF3 slips to next year, the festive season's small-EV battle stays between the Tata Tiago EV and the MG Comet.

Diwali deals: Tata EV offers this month

Tata Motors has rolled out large festive benefits on its EVs. These are maximum figures that combine bonuses with exchange or scrappage offers:

Model

Maximum benefit

Curvv EV (most variants)

Up to ₹3.35 lakh

Harrier EV

Up to ₹2.75 lakh

Punch EV (outgoing long-range)

Up to ₹1.45 lakh

Tiago EV (outgoing long-range)

Up to ₹1.45 lakh

Nexon EV

Up to ₹45,000

Exchange and scrappage benefits usually can't be combined, and the Punch EV and Tiago EV offers apply to outgoing stock only. Confirm the exact amount with your dealer.

My take: discounts this big on the Curvv EV and Harrier EV show how competitive the ₹15–25 lakh EV segment has become, which is good news for buyers. For comparison, my e Vitara's festive offer is a free charger with installation, not a cash discount.

Around the world

  • Tesla's new Roadster: Tesla unveiled a Roadster fitted with thrusters, with production planned for 2028. Fans loved it; rival CEOs questioned how a "flying" car would get certified.
  • Tesla FSD in Europe: Slovakia became the ninth EU country to back the Dutch approval of Tesla's Full Self-Driving system.
  • Leapmotor: the Chinese brand hit record exports in September, and its B03 is set to reach the UK in early 2027.
  • Rivian: US approval came through for all-wheel-drive long-range electric vans with a 129 kWh battery.

My take: Chinese EV makers keep expanding fast in Europe and beyond. Expect that price pressure to reach India too, through brands like BYD and VinFast.

Your turn

Would a ₹3 lakh discount on the Curvv EV tempt you this Diwali, or are you waiting for a new launch? Tell me in the comments.

The EV News Wrap-Up goes up every week. Tap Follow this blog so you don't miss the next one, and subscribe to eVSafar.in on YouTube for the video version.

Cleaner Roads — Brighter Tomorrows.

Prices, dates and offers are as reported by the sources below at the time of writing, and can change. Please confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.

Sources

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