Global Automakers Pivot as Electric Vehicle Demand Declines

Global carmakers are slowing down the transition to all-electric lineups as consumer demand shifts. Major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz have recently scaled back production targets or delayed electrification timelines, citing a slower-than-expected adoption curve, reported Moneycontrol. Hurdles like high vehicle prices, inadequate charging infrastructure, and the end of government subsidies in key markets like Germany are behind this slowdown.

The financial toll has been significant, with companies like Ford reporting multi-billion dollar losses in their EV divisions. To mitigate risks, manufacturers are adopting a flexible strategy, refocusing on hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) models to meet current consumer preferences. 

Chinese Manufacturers Widen Dominance in Global EV Battery Market to Over 70%

Chinese companies have further solidified their position on the global electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, now commanding more than 70% of the worldwide market share, reported Nikkei Asia. According to recent industry data, leaders like CATL and BYD have expanded their footprint at the expense of South Korean and Japanese rivals. CATL alone maintains its position as the world’s largest battery maker, while BYD has surged ahead by leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain, supplying batteries not only for its own vehicles but also to external global automakers.

This widening gap is attributed to China’s massive scale of production, lower manufacturing costs, and early secured access to critical raw materials like lithium and graphite. While the US and the EU have introduced subsidies and trade barriers to encourage domestic production, Chinese firms are investing in overseas factories in regions like Hungary and Morocco. As Chinese companies continue to innovate with cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technologies, traditional giants like LG Energy Solution and Panasonic face increasing pressure to remain cost-competitive in an accelerating global market.

Mahindra and HPCL Partner to Deploy EV Charging Network Across 24,400 Indian Fuel Stations

In a major boost to India’s electric vehicle infrastructure, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to establish a massive charging network. The collaboration aims to leverage HPCL’s vast retail footprint of over 24,400 fuel stations nationwide to install high-speed EV chargers, addressing range anxiety for both passenger and commercial vehicle owners, reported Electrive.

Under the agreement, HPCL will provide the physical locations and power supply, while Mahindra will offer technical insights and integrate the charging stations into its digital platforms. This partnership is strategically timed as Mahindra prepares to launch its new ‘Born Electric’ SUV range. By converting traditional petrol pumps into multi-energy hubs, the initiative supports India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Industry experts suggest this nationwide rollout will be critical in transitioning toward sustainable mobility, ensuring charging access on major highways and remote locations alike.

India Added 547 MWh Energy Storage Capacity in 2025, rising by 26%

India’s battery energy storage sector achieved a significant milestone in 2025, adding 547 MWh of capacity — a 26% year-over-year increase from 433 MWh in 2024. According to Mercom India Research’s latest report, the country’s cumulative installed battery storage capacity has now crossed the 1 GWh mark, reaching 1,082 MWh as of December 2025. This growth was primarily driven by solar-plus-storage projects, which accounted for 54% of the total, followed by round-the-clock solar-wind hybrid projects and standalone systems.

The surge is attributed to robust government policy support and the increasing need for grid stability as renewable energy penetration rises. Regionally, Bihar led the installations with a 24% share, followed by Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The sector is entering an inflection point with over 20 GW of projects recently tendered. However, long-term success will depend on addressing regulatory hurdles, such as the 18% GST on standalone battery systems, and ensuring storage economics align with grid requirements.

India’s Data Centre Capacity Set to Quadruple by 2030, Reaching 5 GW

India’s data centre capacity is projected to grow fourfold by 2030. According to a report by CareEdge Ratings, the capacity is expected to surge from approximately 1.2 GW in 2023 to 5 GW by the end of the decade. This rapid expansion is being fueled by the digital-first shift, the rapid rollout of 5G, and the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across Indian industries.

The report highlights that the surge in data consumption and localized data storage requirements are acting as primary catalysts. Major hubs like Mumbai and Chennai are expected to lead this growth due to their sub-sea cable connectivity. However, the expansion will require a massive investment of nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore. To sustain this momentum, the industry must address challenges such as high power costs and the need for sustainable, green energy solutions to power these energy-intensive facilities.