Significant Developments in India’s E-Bus Sector, Virtual Racing, and Climate Tech Funding

In India, the push towards electric buses is gaining momentum, though the actual number of registered vehicles has not kept pace with orders. As of now, only 3,066 e-buses have been registered this year, a significant gap compared to the anticipated peak of 3,611 by 2024.

This discrepancy suggests that much of the activity is occurring in the production stages, with expectations for a surge in registrations as manufacturers typically take three to twelve months to fulfill orders. A report by CareEdge projects that annual e-bus sales will exceed 17,000 units by fiscal year 2027, marking a substantial increase from only 4% of total bus sales in fiscal year 2024.

In the realm of motorsport innovation, Virtual Racing Hub (VRH) is making strides in India’s sim racing scene. Founded by Akshat Taneja and Pavitra Balakrishnan, VRH emerged from a passion for gaming and a realization of the market's need for quality racing equipment.

Today, the startup offers high-end racing simulators, catering to various audiences with entry-level setups starting at around ₹30,000 and comprehensive business solutions beginning at ₹5 lakh. Their initiatives include custom simulator setups and demo events, allowing enthusiasts to engage with simulation racing directly.

In another notable development, Prism, the parent company of OYO, has launched "Checkin," a new brand that consolidates its premium value hotel offerings, including Townhouse Hotels, Clubhouse, Sunday Hotels, Belvilla, and Palette Hotels. This move aims to enhance the hotel experience for customers seeking quality accommodations.

Climate tech startup Equilibrium recently secured $3 million in seed funding from notable investors including Kalaari Capital, Peak XV Partners, and Avaana Capital. The company focuses on integrating carbon science and community-driven initiatives to deliver verifiable carbon removals while fostering resilience in India's food systems. Their portfolio includes projects in agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, mangrove restoration, and biochar, and the funds will help expand their initiatives across nine states, involving over 150,000 smallholder farmers and potentially generating more than 20 million tonnes of carbon removal.

Additionally, NatWest Group has broadened its footprint in India with a new office in Bengaluru's Bagmane Constellation Business Park, aiming to invest in the country's deep technology and talent landscape. Meanwhile, L&T Elevator has marked its presence on the BSE SME platform, becoming the 624th company to list. The firm specializes in elevator solutions, and its equity shares were issued at ₹78 each, closing with a total issue size of ₹39.37 crore on September 16, 2025.