China’s Hellobike, Ant, and CATL Team Up to Reboot Urban Mobility with Robotaxis

In a bold stride toward redefining urban transportation, China's Hellobike has teamed up with Ant Group and CATL to launch a dedicated robotaxi venture. With an investment of over 3 billion yuan (approximately $417 million), this collaboration aims to go beyond autonomous vehicles, laying the foundation for a green, intelligent, and deeply integrated mobility ecosystem.

Founded in 2016 by Han Mei, Jiang Wei, Li Kaizhu, and Yang Lei, Hellobike—officially Hello TransTech—has rapidly evolved from a modest bike-sharing startup into a shared mobility powerhouse. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company initially caught attention with its focus on accessible and scalable bike services. Its acquisition by Youon Bike in 2017 didn’t slow its pace; instead, Hellobike expanded into e-bikes, carpooling, and ride-hailing—building the operational backbone that now supports its robotaxi ambitions.

So, what’s behind this high-octane trio?

• Hellobike contributes its deep operational know-how and user-facing mobility infrastructure.
• Ant Group injects cutting-edge digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and carbon credit tracking into the venture.
• CATL, the battery titan, powers the vision with its advanced energy solutions—including sodium-ion batteries and battery-swap innovation.

Their combined goal is a smart “vehicle-battery-cloud” system aimed at slashing 150,000 tons of carbon emissions annually while increasing operational efficiency by 30%. The first phase includes deploying 100,000 electric vehicles and 500 intelligent battery-swap cabinets across 20 cities, including Shanghai and Chengdu.

This isn’t just another autonomous driving experiment—it’s a blueprint for how fintech, clean energy, and shared mobility can converge to create scalable solutions for 21st-century cities. For markets like India watching from afar, the Hellobike model might offer inspiration for how homegrown mobility players and tech giants could team up to catalyze similar change.

E-Mobility Startup Vaan Moto Launches in Hyderabad

India’s premium lifestyle e-mobility start-up VAAN Moto has announced its foray into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh markets. VAAN launched two e-bike models Urbansport and Urbansport Pro at a special event held in Hi-tech City, Hyderabad. The launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it expands its footprint in India's rapidly growing EV market.

The product was globally launched at the famed EICMA motorcycle show in Italy in 2021. Last year, the company had launched its e-mobility products in Mumbai marking the beginning of its commercial launch at the national level. VAAN Moto focuses on implementing scientifically developed and environmentally sustainable products besides ensuring sustainable energy and recycling of products.

ChandraShekar Reddy IPS - IG Govt of Telangana testing Vaan e cycle

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jithu Sukumaran Nair, CEO, and Founder of VAAN Electric Moto Pvt. Ltd. said, "Hyderabad is a key market for us as we expand our operations in India. We are excited to launch our range of e-mobility solutions in two Telugu states after our major launch in Mumbai last year. We believe that the launch of our e-mobility solutions in Hyderabad will help accelerate the adoption of EVs in the city and contribute towards a cleaner, greener future."

VAAN Moto also announced the launch of police bikes exclusively designed for the police with many features. Major features of the police bikes include 3.2 inch colourful display with multi information, rear tool bags, high performance motor, In tube 14 Ah long range battery pack for 60 to 80 kms, Hydraulic disk brakes.

Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal secretary IT & Industries, Chandra Shekhar Reddy IPS, Inspector General of Police, Telangana, Dr Laggani srinivas- Adviser & Mentor VAAN MOTO, Shyam Patel - Owner Mumbai Leon Army, Tennis premier League were also presented. 

VAAN Moto has partnered with leading players in this segment, including Benelli of Italy and Kiska of KTM from Austria. While VAAN Moto designs these electric bicycles, Benelli supplies components, and Kiska helps with the branding. VAAN Moto’s e-bike models – Urbansport and Urbansport Pro (limited edition) feature a unisex compact frame, 20-inch wheels, detachable batteries, indicator lighting, etc. These bikes can operate in three modes — normal pedalling, pedal-assist mode, and throttle mode.

VAAN has dealers in Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic. The compact and powerful e-bike specifically designed for the young crowd, also has all the comfort and advantages to attract middle age groups including those who need not be cycling enthusiasts.

Milind Soman Launches Electric Cycles by Lifelong Online

Priced at an affordable range, these cycles offer sustainable transportation solutions

In a major boost to sustainability, Milind Soman, actor, producer and fitness enthusiast, launched electric cycles by Lifelong Online, a leading consumer durables brand, in Gurgaon. Combining state-of-the art design with sustainable technology, the Lifelong electric cycles are priced at a very affordable range. Targeted for urban users from metropolitan as well as Tier II & III cities, the cycles are meant to provide a cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative to petrol or diesel-guzzling transport. With an estimated 7 paise/Km travel cost and no carbon emissions, these electric cycles are one of the most cost-effective transport modes in the market today.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Bharat Kalia, CEO & Co-Founder, Lifelong Online, said, “Lifelong Online has always been at the forefront of tech innovation to help solve the daily problems faced by Indian consumers. With sustainability emerging as a chief concern, we were focused on delivering a product that can make a tangible difference to their life. The Lifelong electric cycles are the culmination of months of intensive R&D to finetune the design and functionality of the product. Throughout this, our aim was to ensure that our customers benefit from cutting-edge technology in a product that is highly functional and cost-effective. We have taken care to keep our price points extremely affordable.”

Milind Soman congratulated Lifelong Online on its latest launch, saying, “With our cities becoming congested with highly polluting vehicles, it is high time that we look for alternative solutions. As a fitness enthusiast, I look forward to any solution that can help in clearing up our highly polluted cities. Lifelong Online’s electric cycles are not only sustainable; they are also highly affordable, which ensures higher chances of consumer interest. As a leading manufacturer of consumer goods, Lifelong Online is already well known for its high-quality, cutting-edge products. With these cycles they can now make an even deeper and more sustained impact on the quality of our life.”

The electric cycles have a range of up to 25 kms range per charge. With a charge time of 4 hours, these cycles are easy to charge at home with charge time of 4-6 hours. These are available in four riding modes: Full Speed (at 25 Kms/hr), assist mode (upto 90% electric assist), cruise battery power mode and standard pedal mode. With no carbon emissions, these cycles meet the strictest criteria for sustainable commute. The cycles come in alloy frame, anti-skid pedals, and dual discs for stability and control along with Hi-tensile steel frame, and Dual disc brakes and front suspension. With 0% carbon emission makes it the smartest commute choice for you.

About Lifelong Online

Lifelong Online is one of India’s leading direct to consumer brands for consumer durable products. Inspired by consumers, our products are developed keeping our insights of the modern Indian consumer’s lifestyle at the core of the design. As we reimagine everyday living, our products strongly resonate with our consumers, establishing our strong presence across multiple categories, starting from Home & Kitchen, Lifestyle, Fitness, Healthcare, and extending to IoT Devices. 

At Lifelong Online, we run the complete D2C flywheel, with a technology backbone that secures customer feedback across multiple touchpoints, demonstrating effective marketing and communication campaigns, managing a diverse multi-country factory base across, a pan-India customer service network, and robust capabilities of e-commerce fulfilment at multiple locations across India. This allows us to continuously innovate and improve customer experience and grow into all categories present in our customers' homes. Our deep integration with Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart, and other modern trade outlets has ensured that Lifelong Online delivers on its promise to be accessible, available, and affordable for all its customers. Lifelong Online was founded by Atul Raheja, Varun Grover, and Bharat Kalia in 2015.

Hero Motors and Yamaha Motor Co. Announce JV to Create an E-cycle Drive Unit Manufacturing Company

Leading automotive component manufacturer Hero Motors and Yamaha Motor Co. (Japan) today announced they have entered into an agreement to create a global E-Cycle Drive Unit company with robust product portfolio. The Boards of Directors of both companies have approved the transaction under which a manufacturing unit will be setup in India to manufacture E-Cycle drive motors for the global markets. The joint venture is the next step in the strategic alliance forged between Hero and Yamaha in September 2019 to work together in the E-Cycle product segment.

“We are pleased to announce this new joint venture for E-Cycle drive unit in partnership with the leading global drive unit manufacturer, Yamaha”, stated Pankaj Munjal, Chairman & Managing Director at Hero Motors Company (HMC) Group.

“Our combined strengths – Hero’s expertise in value-focused manufacturing and Yamaha’s technical expertise, global reach and access to future technology – are a potent recipe for success,” he continued. “HMC envisions India to be a global manufacturing hub for E-Cycles and the drive systems. The astounding growth of HMC’s international arm Hero International in this year has pushed up the Group’s revenue forecast from e-bicycles at just above ₹1500 Crore for FY23. This is primarily driven by HMC’s investments in EU brands, distribution, R&D and acquisitions. The EU E-bicycle market is growing by 25% CAGR, probably the fastest across consumer product categories, and Hero is now well-poised to acquire a major chunk of this with key elements of the value chain in place – R&D, Manufacturing, Brands, Distribution and After-Sales Service. This joint venture is a major component of our ambition to be the first fully integrated player globally in the E-Cycles segment and adds strongly to our initiatives like expansion to Europe through Hero International and setting up of world-class industrial park in, Hi-Tech Cycle Valley, Punjab.” adds Mr. Munjal.

The joint venture will setup the manufacturing facility in Hero E-Cycle Valley, Punjab and expects to start production of the first model by November 2022. It will have a capacity of 1 million drive units in the future. In addition to the Hero and Yamaha branded E-Cycles, the joint venture will use the OEM networks of Hero and Yamaha for the sale of drive units in global markets.

About Hero Motors

Hero Motors is part of the HMC Group (www.hmcworld.co.in), a diversified conglomerate with interests in automotive components, e-mobility, cycles, real estate, and premium retail. The HMC Group has a $1.2bn asset base and employs over 7,500 people across the globe within cycle giant Hero Cycles, auto parts manufacturing companies ZF Hero Chassis Systems Pvt. Ltd and Munjal Kiriu Industries Pvt. Ltd., hospitality arm Munjal Hospitality, and luxury home décor products company Oma Living.

HMC’s bicycles arm has a manufacturing capacity of 6 million bicycles per year and a network of plants located in Punjab's Ludhiana, UP's Ghaziabad, and Bihar's Bihta. It also has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka as well as a Design Centre in the UK. It also owns UK-based Insync, Germany-based HNF, and Firefox Bikes in India. The group has recently expanded its manufacturing operations with the setup of world-class industrial park in, Hi-Tech Cycle Valley, Punjab that will add 4 million units capacity, including 0.5 million units of E-Cycles.

About Yamaha Motor Co.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is a world-leading producer of motorcycles, marine products, power products, industrial robots, and electrically power-assisted bicycle, etc. The company’s diverse business and wide variety of products are built around its proprietary technologies focused on small engines, chassis & hull, electronic control and robotics. Yamaha pioneered the E-Cycle center drive in 1993 and has been continuously refining their industry-leading technology ever since.

Hero Lectro Launches F6i, A New Game Changing Smart E-cycle for India’s Passionate Young Cyclists

• The new product is aimed at cyclists from the emerging new community who like bicycle bikes for entertainment , fun and adventure.
• F6i available in fashionable and bright colors . It was a much awaited product as it was showcased at the Auto Expo - The Motor Show 2020. 
• This high-end e-cycle comes with long-range battery for great ride and comes with a Bluetooth device as well as a USB charging port and a detachable battery to enable smart connectivity. 

Leading E Cycles brand Hero Lectro today unveiled a game-changing new addition to its growing portfolio of E cycles in India, with the launch of F6i, a new generation dynamic and smart product targeted at the growing community of recreation bicyclists in the country.

A hi-end futuristic product, F6i comes with cutting edge design and technology innovation and promises to redefine the experience of cycling, particularly in the post COVID world when cycling is emerging as a preferred choice for fitness and recreation purposes as well as for commuting.

The bike is equipped with an agile frame and a detachable battery that allows unhindered commute for up to 60 km in one go. The availability of vibrant trendy colours and swanky design is set to appeal to the growing young breed of bicycle lovers.

The product had grabbed a lot of eyeballs and created significant buzz at the Auto Expo: The Motor Show 2020, held in January where the latest engineering and technology marvels in commuting was displayed.

“F6i is a vibrant and glorious new addition to our ever-growing portfolio of Electric Cycles and is aimed at satiating the growing demand for premium E-Cycles in the Indian Market. It has been one of the most highly anticipated products ever since it made its debut at the Auto Expo earlier this year. We have introduced it at a critical time when the demand for hi-end biking categories has skyrocketed in recent months. F6i is a trailblazing product targeted at consumers who are raring to up their fun quotient along with having the latest in terms of technology,” said Mr. Aditya Munjal, CEO, Hero Lectro (A Division of Hero Cycles Ltd).

An increasing consciousness about the environment and health has given an impetus to the culture of cycling in recent years. Covid-19 has further augmented the trend and enabled E cycles to emerge as viable alternatives to fossil-fuel run motorized vehicles for short and medium distance travel. Biking is also growing as a popular recreational sport with the emergence of vibrant biking communities led by active and aggressive bicycle mayors in different cities. India’s ‘Cycle4Change’ campaign has in recent months also helped create a growing consensus towards the need for greater infrastructural support to cyclists.

Coming at this critical yet defining juncture in time, Hero Lectro’s new product is expected to create a niche for itself in the Indian market. The E-cycle comes with smart features including an iSmart App with BlueTooth connectivity and a USB port for charging. Powered by Lithium batteries and a rear hub motor, the 7-speed geared bike makes riding on rough and tricky terrains highly adaptable and smooth. While Kenda K Shield technology augments the life and quality of tyres, the Dual Disc Brakes make riding safer on tough terrains.

So, it is time to ‘Turn on the Fun’ with F6i, a definitive step towards new generation E Mobility.

About Hero Lectro 

Hero Lectro, the E cycle brand of Hero Cycles, has the widest e bicycles portfolio in India’s organized market, spanning 9 variants including products with and without gears. Keeping the different user profiles in mind, Hero Lectro provides solutions for both commuting and recreation and has introduced innovative design along with smart features in its E-Cycles. Riding a Hero Lectro is pretty much like riding a bike except there is no bulk, no unearthly fuel costs, and no carbon emissions.