The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was nothing short of a revelation for the automotive industry. Bringing together cutting-edge mobility solutions, forward-thinking startups, and established automotive giants, the event underscored India’s growing role as a global hub for innovation in mobility. Divergent Insights had the distinct opportunity to attend this prestigious event, with our Group Managing Director Rajiv kokane leading the way.
What did we find? New Energy Vehicles making waves, luxury brands evolving with the adoption of sustainability, and startups challenging the status quo with groundbreaking concepts. This post unpacks the key takeaways and insights we gathered at the Expo—and what they signal for the future of the automotive industry.
The Rise of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs)
The Bharat Mobility Expo delivered a clear message—New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are the future. Several manufacturers took center stage to display their advancements in NEV technology, driven by sustainability and high performance.
Key Highlights:
- JSW MG Motor India highlighted its impressive EV ecosystem with “Drive.Future,” unveiling MG Cyberster, India’s first electric vehicle with scissor doors, alongside the luxury-centric MG Select channel.
- Skoda Auto India showcased its Vision 7S concept, a futuristic seven-seater electric SUV, with a driving range of over 600 kilometers, demonstrating its ambition for sustainable local innovation.
- Startups like Vayve Mobility and Gensol Electric Vehicles unveiled solar-powered and compact EVs, like Eva and EZIO, designed for urban mobility, emphasizing efficiency and accessibility.
Our Insight: There’s a paradigm shift from traditional internal combustion engines to NEVs in India, driven by the dual forces of regulatory mandates and consumer demand for sustainable options. Companies combining technology with accessibility are poised to capture significant market share.
The Push Toward Electrification in the Luxury Sector
Luxury carmakers dominated the narrative, balancing high performance with eco-consciousness.
Key Innovations:
- Mercedes-Benz India introduced its “Arena of Desire” with vehicles like the Maybach EQS 680 Night Series—a luxury BEV that delivers both cutting-edge design and sustainability.
- BMW India unveiled the all-electric BMW X1 Long Wheelbase, emphasizing India’s increasing role in the global EV manufacturing conversation by making it locally.
Our Insight: Luxury brands are no longer restricting innovation to aesthetics or speed. Instead, they are reengineering luxury to meet the environmental expectations of the modern consumer. This shift redefines what “premium” means in the mobility market.
Startups Stealing the Spotlight
New voices in mobility made a compelling case for the disruptive power of startups. Companies like Vayve Mobility presented Eva, a solar-electric city car, and Gensol wowed delegates with compact, affordable electric vehicles like EZIBOT.
Why Do These Matter?
- Affordability meets sustainability. These startups address the cost-conscious Indian market.
- Localized innovation. From solar charging to battery-swapping platforms, these startups solve uniquely Indian challenges.
Our Insight: The rise of startups signals a democratization of technology in the mobility space. Collaborations between legacy OEMs and agile startups will drive innovation forward.
Pioneering Sustainability in Two-Wheelers
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo wasn’t just for cars—two-wheelers, too, stole the show with innovations in CNG, flex-fuel, and battery-operated bikes.
Winners in the Race:
- Hero MotoCorp debuted its HF Deluxe ethanol-fueled motorbike, showcasing an affordable ethanol solution for the masses.
- Honda’s Activa e: presented an electric scooter with swappable battery tech to tackle range anxiety in urban commutes.
Our Insight: India’s two-wheeler market is leading the sustainability charge with alternative fuel tech, from CNG to ethanol. These energy-efficient solutions cater to India’s distinct commuting patterns.
Data-Driven Success Factors for the Mobility Industry
At Divergent Insights, we transform events like the Bharat Mobility Expo into actionable strategies for our partners. Here’s what this year’s event taught us:
- Localization is Non-Negotiable : Brands such as Škoda with their Kylaq SUV and Vayve with their solar-powered Eva demonstrated that tailoring products to India’s diverse consumer needs is critical. High localization levels not only reduce costs but also attract environmentally conscious buyers.
- Ecosystem Design is the Future : JSW MG Motor’s EV Ecosystem Zone showcased a holistic approach to e-mobility with battery reuse programs, knowledge-sharing platforms like EVPEDIA, and charging infrastructure. Ecosystem thinking builds consumer confidence and accelerates adoption.
- Collaboration is Key : Collaborative models between established leaders like BMW and smaller startups tackling last-mile mobility solutions created many “aha” moments during the Expo. Partnerships compress timelines and diversify innovative solutions in mobility.
- Innovation in Affordability : From BMW’s localized manufacturing initiatives to cost-saving designs by new players like Gensol, affordability—when coupled with innovation—remains a winning formula for India’s mobility landscape.
What Does This Mean for the Automotive Business?
Attending Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 has confirmed one of Divergent Insights’ long-term beliefs—mobility innovation isn’t a vertical racer; it’s a collaborative marathon. Whether you’re a heritage automaker or a disruptive startup, the key to sustainable growth lies in harnessing regional expertise and integrating eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Want to discover how Divergent Insights can help you harness these learnings for your strategic objectives? Contact us today. Together, we’ll shape the future of mobility.
