Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) presented the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 in India to discuss the future of smart mobility [1].
The event serves as a critical junction for industry leaders to align on India's Mobility 2030 roadmap. By focusing on battery localisation and electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the summit addresses the infrastructure needs required to transition the nation's transport sector away from traditional fuels.
During the summit, V V Muralikrishna and Vipul K Maheshwari emerged as key speakers who outlined the multi-energy mobility vision for HPCL [3]. The discussions centered on the integration of smart mobility and the strategic importance of localizing battery production to reduce dependency on imports [5].
Beyond policy and infrastructure, the event recognized automotive excellence through a series of awards. The Skoda Octavia RS won the Performance Car of the Year award [1]. Additionally, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe took home the Luxury Performance Car of the Year award [2].
The 2026 summit emphasized that the shift toward EVs is not merely about vehicle replacement but involves a complete overhaul of the energy ecosystem [4]. The focus on battery localisation is intended to lower costs and increase the accessibility of green technology across different market segments in India [5].
Industry participants used the platform to examine how smart mobility can reduce urban congestion and improve safety. The roadmap for 2030 aims to integrate these technologies into a cohesive national strategy that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability [4].
“The Skoda Octavia RS won the Performance Car of the Year award.”
The focus on battery localisation indicates that India is moving from simply adopting foreign EV technology to building a domestic supply chain. By integrating HPCL's energy vision with the Mobility 2030 roadmap, the country is attempting to secure energy independence and lower the cost of electric transit for the general public.
