Welcome to another weekly Latest Auto News India May 2026 roundup of the most important updates in the Indian automotive sector. From aggressive
Welcome to another weekly Latest Auto News India May 2026 roundup of the most important updates in the Indian automotive sector. From aggressive shifts in fuel blending to major vehicle launches and infrastructure upgrades for gig workers, the market is moving fast. Let’s dive straight into the latest updates you need to know.
Table of Contents
The Future of Fuel: E25 Ethanol and Alternative Tech
While E20 (80% petrol, 20% ethanol) has become the new standard for modern vehicles, the government is already pushing for higher blends.
- ARAI E25 Testing: The Petroleum Ministry has directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to heavily test E25 (25% ethanol blending). The goal is to determine how older cars and bikes handle the blend and measure the expected 5% to 6% drop in mileage and power. There are also ongoing discussions at the national level about pushing toward E85 and eventually E100 fuels.
- 100% Ethanol Prototype: Showcasing what is possible, American students recently developed a single-seater prototype car that runs entirely on 100% ethanol. It achieves an impressive 91 km per liter, though it tops out at 37 km/h.
- Japan’s Methane Breakthrough: In a massive step for synthetic fuels, researchers in Japan successfully powered a Stirling engine using a unique process: using solar power to extract hydrogen from heated water, and then mixing it with atmospheric carbon dioxide to create synthetic methane.
Public Transport Revolution: VinFast EV Taxis and Commercial Bans
The taxi and ride-hailing sector is seeing massive disruption. Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast is entering the Indian market as a direct competitor to Uber and Ola with its new Green Smart Mobility (Green SM) service.
- Rolling out initially in the Delhi NCR region, the service operates entirely on EV cars.
- They are offering a highly competitive flat rate of just ₹8 per kilometer.
- Taking a “partner” approach rather than a traditional driver model, VinFast is offering drivers up to ₹40,000 in salary, alongside life insurance, health insurance, and performance incentives.
Commercial ICE Ban in Haryana: To strictly control rising pollution levels, the Haryana government has announced a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles operating as commercial cabs or autos. Public service vehicles in the state must now run on either CNG or pure electricity.
Curious about their passenger cars? Check out our detailed VinFast VF6 Pros and Cons review to see if their new SUV is worth buying.
Major Car Launches and Market Updates
Honda City Facelift & ZR-V Launch Honda lovers have a lot to be excited about. The highly anticipated Honda City facelift has arrived with major cosmetic changes, including new LED DRLs and an updated front bumper. Features now include wireless charging, ADAS, and front ventilated seats.
- It comes with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 HP and 145 Nm of torque.
- The e:HEV strong hybrid version pushes 126 HP and 253 Nm of torque, boasting a massive 27.26 km/l mileage.
Honda is also importing the premium ZR-V as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) from Japan. This strong hybrid features a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a dual-motor setup. It generates 180 HP, hits a top speed of 172 km/h, does 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds, and delivers 22.79 km/l.
Tata Tiago Facelift Tata has refreshed the exterior designs for both the ICE and EV variants of the Tiago, giving them a much more attractive front and rear profile. The interiors and battery packs remain identical to the outgoing models, with the EV retaining the 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh options (yielding up to 293 km of range). The ICE variants will continue to offer 1.2L petrol and CNG options.
Other Four-Wheeler News:
- Maruti Suzuki Price Hike: Effective June 1, Maruti Suzuki has increased car prices by up to ₹30,000 across its lineup.
- Mini Cooper JCW Track Edition: Limited to just 30 units in India, this track-focused edition features unique decals and a 2.0L turbo petrol engine (204 bhp) capable of 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. It is priced at ₹58.90 Lakh (ex-showroom).
- Nissan Terrano Returns: Slated for a July 2026 debut, Nissan is bringing back the Terrano nameplate based on the Renault Duster platform, featuring 1.0L and 1.3L turbo petrol engines, alongside a 1.8L strong hybrid option.
Two-Wheeler Spotlight: Bajaj Pulsar N160
Bajaj has rolled out a premium new variant for the popular N160. The standout feature is the addition of highly premium golden Up-Side Down (USD) forks. The bike also gets a new single-seat setup, an assist/slipper clutch, and LED projector headlamps. Powered by the reliable 164.8cc single-cylinder engine producing 15.8 Bhp, this variant is priced at ₹1.23 Lakh (ex-showroom).
Infrastructure & Worker Welfare
- Barrier-Free VIP Fastag: As the nation moves toward a barrier-free toll system, a new Fastag category is being introduced specifically for defense personnel, police, MLAs, and MPs to seamlessly process their zero-cost toll exemptions.
- Gig Worker Rest Vans: In a fantastic move for worker welfare, Amazon has begun setting up portable, air-conditioned rest vans for delivery personnel (open to Amazon, Zomato, and Swiggy workers). Equipped with AC and mobile charging stations, 100 of these vans are currently deployed across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, with plans to expand to 250 vans by the end of 2026.
FAQs
What is E25 fuel, and will it affect my car’s mileage?
E25 fuel is a blend of 75% petrol and 25% ethanol. While it is more environmentally friendly, early testing by the ARAI suggests that using E25 in older, non-compatible ICE vehicles could result in a slight mileage and power drop of around 5% to 6%.
What is the price and range of the new TVS iQube 4.7 kWh?
The newly introduced TVS iQube with the 4.7 kWh battery pack is priced at ₹1.37 Lakh (ex-showroom). It offers an impressive claimed range of 175 km IDC, which translates to about 120-125 km in real-world riding conditions.
Does the Tata Curvv EV have a 45 kWh battery option?
No, Tata has officially discontinued the smaller 45 kWh battery pack for the Curvv EV. The vehicle now comes standard with the larger 55 kWh LFP battery, delivering a claimed range of 502 km.
How does the Suzuki Hydrogen ICE Swift work?
Unlike fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that convert hydrogen into electricity, the Suzuki Swift Hydrogen ICE prototype burns hydrogen directly in an Internal Combustion Engine—just like a traditional car burns petrol—but emits only water vapor instead of harmful carbon gases.
Is VinFast Green SM launching in India?
Yes, VinFast is introducing its Green Smart Mobility (Green SM) EV taxi service in India, starting with the Delhi NCR region. They are offering highly competitive rates and hiring drivers as partners with salaries up to ₹40,000, directly competing with Ola and Uber.
What are the new features of the Honda City Facelift?
The latest Honda City facelift brings major cosmetic updates, including new LED DRLs and redesigned front bumpers. Inside, it features modern tech upgrades like wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Stay tuned to our blog for more detailed walkarounds, reviews, and the latest auto updates!
📢 For More Articles Like This:
👉 Click here to explore all articles on sankarstore.in
📲 Join our cars community:
Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only. Some details may change when companies make official announcements. Please check the brand’s official website or dealership for the latest and accurate updates.
COMMENTS