In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) saw a relative cooling off period after the meteoric growth experienced in 2023. The Energy & Power...

The post APAC: What We Learned from 2024 and What It Means for 2025 appeared first on Cleantech Group.

The classic rickshaw, or tuk-tuk, could get a serious reinvention thanks to Hyundai. Last week, the car manufacturer announced a partnership with TVS Motor Company in India and unveiled concept versions of its new three-wheeler and micro four-wheelers. These vehicles preview models aimed at tackling India’s huge last-mile mobility market. They haven’t been confirmed for production yet, but could hit the streets in the future.

Perhaps the most interesting of the new EVs is the aptly named Electric Three-Wheeler Concept. It has a familiar footprint to classic rickshaws but adopts a retro-modern design, making it look unlike anything else on the market. According to Hyundai, the height of the body is adjustable, meaning that not even monsoons and flooded roads would be able to hold it back.

Read: Hyundai Creta Electric Debuts With 294-Mile Range

The front end of the concept includes a diagonal windshield, small LED headlights, and a configurable screen that can be customized to display different messages. It comes standard with larger wheels than a typical rickshaw, includes a towing hook, and promises a comfortable seating position for the driver. The three-wheeler also rocks a small cluster and a phone holder.

Intriguing features don’t stop there. Hyundai is investigating the use of a heat-reducing black paint for the roof. It’s also working on water-resistant materials to cover interior surfaces, ensuring the electric tuk-tuk would be comfortable in all conditions.

Hyundai’s four-door, four-wheeled concept maintains many of the same features as its smaller sibling but adds an extra front seat. The brand is looking to build the three-wheeler in partnership with TVS in India, while the four-wheeler is still under review but could be focused on global markets if approved. No technical details about the powertrains of the two vehicles have been announced.

“Hyundai Motor is a customer-centric brand, and caring for people in India is our first mission,” executive vice president and head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, SangYup Lee, said. “This commitment has driven us to explore designing micro-mobility solutions tailored to India’s unique environment, reimagining the iconic three-wheeler to enhance mobility experiences through thoughtful design.”

Tata’s presence at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo was highlighted by the debuts of the new Sierra SUV, and the sleek Avinya Concept X, but the stand included another interesting product. The Tata Ace Pro is a micro LCV designed for last-mile delivery applications, offering a choice between electric and bi-fuel powertrain options.

The cab-over styling of the new Tata Ace Pro might ring a bell to LCV enthusiasts – if there is such a niche group among us. The new model appears to be a heavily updated version of the Tata Ace Zip and Magic Iris that debuted in 2010. The Ace Zip truck was a four-wheeler alternative to Indian tricycles, but most of us remember it for its weird proportions, even more evident in the Magic Iris passenger van.

More: Citroen’s Bizarro Two-Headed Van Explained

The new Ace Pro shares the cabin structure, greenhouse, and doors with its predecessor, but the face has been redesigned. A pair of round halogen headlights with body-colored garnish are connected through a black trim piece, while the bumper houses a small intake and round indicators. The little truck rides on 12-inch steelies, and has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1,800 mm (70.9 inches).

Inside, the dashboard looks familiar, but the layout is slightly less spartan than before. A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen is mounted on top of the center console, joined by a small digital instrument cluster. The center console is also home to a few buttons and a circular knob for the gearbox. The Tata EV’s equipment also includes a few basic ADAS.

Despite the notable visual similarities with the Ace Zip, Tata claims that the Ace Pro EV rides on a new and “unique” modular architecture. A single electric motor generates 104 Nm (76.7 lb-ft) of torque, allowing a maximum payload of 750 kg (1,653 pounds). Furthermore, the 14.4 kWh battery pack is good for over 155 km (96 miles) of range between charges, with the help of regenerative braking.

For those after a micro LCV that can cover longer distances, Tata has also introduced the Ace Pro Bi-Fuel version. This one is fitted with a mid-mounted 694cc two-cylinder engine that can run on both CNG and gasoline, offering a combined range of 280 km (174 miles) between refueling stops. The output of the combustion engine is limited to 26 hp and 51 Nm (38 lb-ft) of torque. Still, it represents a healthy increase over the 11 hp from the 611 cc gasoline engine of the Tata Ace Zip.

Tata has yet to announce the market launch date and pricing of the Ace Pro EV and Ace Pro Bi-Fuel but is already accepting applications of interest in India.

Tata Motors isn’t exactly the first name that comes to mind when you think of premium vehicles, but the Avinya X concept, unveiled at Auto Expo 2025 in India, might just change that perception. This modern crossover isn’t just a design exercise, as it’s a preview of Tata’s upcoming premium Avinya lineup.

Think of it as Tata’s take on the Range Rover Velar in more ways than one. All Avinya series models will be built on Jaguar Land Rover’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, thanks to Tata’s ownership of JLR, though the deal involves a royalty fee. Signed in 2023, the agreement includes key components like electrical architecture, drive units, battery packs, and manufacturing expertise, forming the backbone of Tata’s electric push.

Crafting a premium electric SUV that stands out in a sea of sameness is no small challenge, and while Tata’s design team has delivered a modern and minimalist look, it’s not without familiar influences. The Avinya X concept ditches the traditional grille entirely, opting for a broad, body-colored panel. Above this, a slim LED light bar spans the width of the fascia. That said, many readers will notice more than a passing resemblance to the electric Lancia Ypsilon.

Read: Tata’s Budget-Friendly Curvv Coupe SUV Debuts With EV And ICE Options

The top half of the Avinya X concept is finished in gloss black, including the hood, roof, and pillars. Key standouts of the side profile include the black and silver wheels, black side skirts, and hidden door handles for the second row. Thick C-pillars, a long rear overhang, and a tapered rear window are also reminiscent of the sleek Velar.

The concept’s cabin is quite minimal but still manages to look quite nice. A large infotainment screen similar to those used by recent JLR models is featured, as is a slim digital instrument cluster. The concept also has brightly colored ambient lighting and plenty of soft-touch leather.

The production version of the Avinya X will include advanced features like vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-vehicle capabilities. Tata’s upcoming electric SUV is also expected to deliver a range of well over 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge.

Tata’s ICE Sierra Makes a Comeback

Also unveiled alongside the Avinya at Auto Expo 2025 was the new combustion-powered Sierra concept. While Tata is already developing an electric version of the Sierra, the fossil-fueled variant brings its own rugged and distinctive design.

As reported by Autocar India, the new SUV will likely be offered with a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder delivering 170 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) and a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder with 170 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm). Like the Avinya, the Sierra has a compelling design with a boxy shape, short overhangs, and LED lights at the front and rear. Sales of the ICE model should start in the second half of this year.

Tata Sierra ICE Concept

Hyundai has unveiled a new EV in India, based on one of its most popular SUVs in the region. The Creta Electric adds a zero-emission powertrain option to the SUV’s lineup, with mild visual tweaks distinguishing it from the ICE-powered versions.

The Hyundai Creta Electric features a redesigned nose with a split-grille design. The grille is fully blocked with a pixelated pattern, while the lower bumper intake has active aero flaps. The rear bumper also features a pixelated pattern above the aluminum-style skid plate, alongside more discreet plastic cladding.

More: New Kia Syros Packs Big Features Into A Tiny SUV Package

The profile is carried over from the ICE-powered Creta, although the EV rides on a new set of 17-inch wheels with an aero-optimized design. It is also available in the pictured Ocean Blue metallic shade.

Hyundai didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain, which is most likely a single electric motor powering the front axle. It does say though that the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is completed in 7.9 seconds, making the EV faster than the ICE-powered Creta N Line.

The Creta Electric will be offered with two battery options, with a capacity of 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh. The range figures are 390 km (242 miles) and 473 km (294 miles) respectively, measured under to the local ARAI protocols.

As reported by Autocar India, the battery can charge from 10-80 percent in 58 minutes using a DC charger, while a 10-100 percent charge takes 4 hours in a standard 11 kW AC wallbox. The SUV has a small frunk where owners can store the charging cables and other small items. As for the charging port, it is located behind the Hyundai emblem on the front bumper.

Inside, the Creta Electric gains a new steering wheel with a gear selector that appears to be sourced from the Ioniq 5. A knob on the center tunnel gives access to three driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport. The EV also benefits from new graphics for the digital cockpit that comprises dual 10.25-inch displays. Furthermore, there is a plug under the rear bench that can power any kind of electronic devices through the V2L function.

The Hyundai Creta Electric will compete with EV-dedicated rivals including the Suzuki eVitara, Mahindra BE 6, and Tata Curvv EV.

The electric SUV will be formally unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Show in India on January 17. At the moment it is not clear if Hyundai plans on offering it to other markets as well. The current second-generation Hyundai Creta was introduced in 2019, and received a mid-lifecycle update in India in 2024.

Is the EV boom over? Not according to respected industry analysts, who say sales of electric vehicle are set to grow by 30 percent in 2025 even as various automakers are watering down their electrification plans, claiming that demand is too weak.

Experts at S&P Global Mobility predict that sales of battery-powered electric vehicles will hit 15.1 million units next year, taking their market share to 16.7 percent of global car sales. Although the final figures aren’t yet in for 2024, estimates put sales at 11.6 million BEVs, giving them a 13.2 percent market share.

India Will Grow, But The US Depends On Trump’s Policy

Growth will vary dramatically from region to region, the study says, and will be influenced by many factors including government policy, tariffs and incentives, plus of course the availability of a suitable charging infrastructure.

Related: Global EV Sales Shatter Records In November Thanks To China’s Unstoppable Growth

A look at the table below highlights just how different EV demand is in different parts of the world. Electric cars are expected to account for just 7.5 percent of total sales in India, for instance, though the 117 percent year-on-year change, means they’re gaining ground fast.

In the US, EV sales are projected to grow by 36 percent to 11.2 percent of the market, though much of the success depends on what incoming White House resident Donald Trump and his team has planned for EV tax credits and tariffs on cars built outside the US.

Predicted 2025 EV sales by region

China Is On Fire

China has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to buying EVs, which are expected to grab almost 30 percent of the country’s car market. But because that share is already huge, the rate of growth isn’t as rapid as in other regions: it’ll climb 20 percent versus 2024. Even so, EVs in China are expected to outsell ICE vehicles for the first time in 2025, beating the government’s target of electric vehicles to account for 50 percent of new car sales by 2035.

However, even though analysts predict that this trend will continue well into the future and claim that “China’s EV juggernaut is unstoppable”, an oversupply of models, stiff competition and price wars will result in the demise of many local brands.

More: Porsche To Shut 30% Of Its Dealerships In China After Sales Tumble

Moreover, European, Japanese and US automakers, who a few years ago used to dominate the world’s biggest car market, are already facing a steep decline in their sales as buyers turn to domestic brands. In 2020, foreign cars accounted for 64 percent of new car sales, while in 2024 their share has plunged to just 37 percent.

Europe Will Expand Despite Germany’s Troubles

We’ve heard about dismal EV sales in Germany during this year and how the removal of state subsidies has impacted demand for electric cars. Alongside the aforementioned decline in China, they have resulted in the likes of the VW Group facing a serious turmoil, with huge job cuts and even the closing of factories being proposed by the management and the workers’ union threatening with massive strikes if those plans go forward.

But the study still anticipates EV sales in western and central Europe will grow by 43 percent, taking their market share to more than 20 percent, despite France and Spain being set to slash, or at least dial down, subsidies in 2025.

Update 12/16: Continuing its teaser campaign, Kia has published more revealing videos of the Kia Syros and confirmed that the global debut will take place in India on December 19.

Kia is ready to unveil a new small SUV offering, called the Syros. The model will make its global debut in India on December 19, featuring minivan-like proportions, a well-appointed equipment list, and what the company describes as an “innovative” seating arrangement.

The Syros forms a key part of Kia’s “Kia 2.0 Strategy” for India, which aims to meet the specific demands of local buyers while maintaining global appeal. Set to bridge the gap between the Sonet and the Seltos in the brand’s lineup, the Syros is poised to play a crucial role in Kia’s continued expansion in the region.

More: 2026 Kia Sportage Brings Sharper Looks, Swaps DCT For 8-Speed Auto

The name “Syros” follows Kia’s established pattern of using “S”-starting names for its SUVs, such as the Sonet, Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, and Sorento. While the company hasn’t revealed the exact inspiration behind the name, Syros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, close to the more famous Mykonos.

From the teasers, the Syros presents a boxy silhouette reminiscent of a smaller Kia Carnival minivan, with a flat roofline and a nearly vertical tailgate. The profile features a prominent B-pillar, echoing design elements seen in models like the Hyundai Casper and Inster. Other design highlights include the LED headlights mounted on the edges of the bumper, and the L-shaped taillights flanking the rear windshield.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, noted that the new model incorporates a “progressive SUV design language that doesn’t follow the conventional SUV design anymore”. The CEO also promised it will offer “segment-first features, exceptional performance, and unparalleled comfort”, focused on the needs of Indian buyers.

As reported by Autocar India, Kia also revealed that the Syros will feature a “lounge-like” interior, with “futuristic features and an innovative seating layout”. The vehicle’s equipment list is expected to include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, powered and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, up to six airbags, and a range of advanced safety features.

At launch, the Kia Syros will be offered with two non-electrified powertrains – a turbo 1.0-liter gasoline and a 1.5-liter diesel – with a fully electric version rumored to join the lineup in future. Power will be transmitted to the front axle via a six-speed manual or a an automatic (six-speed torque converter or seven-speed dual-clutch).

The market launch of the Kia Syros in India is expected in early 2025. The fact that Kia published teasers of the SUV in its worldwide channels suggests it could also eventually be offered in other markets.