Mahindra XUV300 Electric To Offer 375km Range On Single Charge

Mahindra Electric had showcased the eXUV300 compact electric SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new model is expected to be launched in the end of 2021 or early 2022. It will be positioned against the best-selling Tata Nexon EV. Ahead of the launch, new details about the XUV300 electric have hit the web-world.

A new media report claims that the Mahindra XUV300 Electric will have a range of 375km on single charge. The new model will come in two variants with standard variant offering a range of around 200km. The long range variant will have a range of 375km, which is superior to its direct rival Tata Nexon EV. For people not in the know, the Nexon EV is claimed to offer a certified range of 312km on a single charge.

The Mahindra eXUV300 is yet to be tested by ARAI for the official figures; however, Mahindra Electric is confident with its numbers. The XUV300 Electric is built on the MESMA 350 (Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture 350). The in-house developed 350-volt powertrain supports a wide range of electric motors ranging from 60 kW to 280 kW output, dual motor setups and batteries up to 80 kWh capacities. Mahindra could also introduce a performance oriented variant of the electric car.

The new Mahindra eXUV300 will share the overall profile with the regular XUV300; however, it will receive significant changes in form of new closed-off grille, special LED headlights with blue graphics, new bumpers and others. The interior will have new larger pop-out style touchscreen infotainment system, new seat upholstery, wireless charger, new steering, etc.

It is also expected to be the first made-in-India electric SUV to be imported to the European and other global markets. In India, the eXUV300 EV is expected to be priced around Rs 15 to Rs 18 lakh.

Chinese £3,200 budget electric car takes on Tesla

 A budget electric vehicle (EV) selling in China for $4,500 (£3,200) is now outselling Tesla's more upmarket cars.

The compact car is proving a big hit for state-owned SAIC Motor, China's top automaker.

The Hong Guang Mini EV is being built as part of a joint venture with US car giant General Motors (GM).

Last month sales of the budget electric car in China were around double those of Tesla, which was questioned this month over safety issues there.

While the $4,500 Hong Guang Mini is the most popular model, there is an upgraded one with air conditioning for just over $5,000. The cars are being marketed as "the people's commuting tool".

The joint venture partnership, SAIC-GM-Wuling, is known as Wuling locally.

Car experts have said that while it clearly lags well behind Tesla when it comes to its battery, range and performance, its convenience and low price have made it one of China's bestselling "new-energy" vehicles.

Having launched last year, the basic model has a top speed of 100km/h (62mph) and can accommodate four people at a squeeze.

"China's government is serious about pollution reduction and becoming the global lead in adopting and promoting innovation of electric vehicles," Shaun Rein, managing director of the China Market Research Group, told the BBC.

"We remain very bullish on the adoption of budget EVs like the Hong Guang Mini to higher end ones like NIO and Tesla."

To promote EVs, the Chinese government offers license plates for free and they are guaranteed. In many cities, it can take months, if not years, to get a license plate for a petrol engine through various auction systems.

Taking on Tesla

The Hong Guang Mini EV saw sales of 112,000 for the second half of 2020, ranking second behind Tesla's Model 3 which are made in its Shanghai factory.

Earlier this month five Chinese regulators summoned Tesla over quality and safety issues at its plant. China is Tesla's largest market after the US.

For January, Hong Guang Mini sales outstripped Tesla almost two-to-one. It is now believed to be the second-best-selling electric model worldwide behind the Model 3.

The tiny, all-electric EV sold 25,778 models in China in January according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). This compares to 13,843 for the Tesla Model 3.

But high-end electric vehicles have still been performing well with Tesla more than doubling its sales volume in China last year.

The Model 3 sells for about $39,000 (£27,000) in China factoring in price cuts due to its local production.

The Hong Guang Mini EV could make an appearance outside China, as Wuling has said it plans to export the EV overseas.

"China has so many makers of small and cheap electric vehicles, however most of them are low-quality and low-speed products that do not appeal to a wide market, said Sam Fiorani, at Auto Forecast Solutions.

"The Hong Guang Mini is the first time a major company has stepped up with a simple EV that targets buyers looking for a real car."

Reports have linked Wuling to a Latvian automaker who could sell a version of the car in Europe. However, the price is likely to be twice as high due to European environmental requirements. 

Hyundai will replace battery systems in $900M EV recall

 Hyundai will replace battery systems in 82,000 electric vehicles globally due to fire risks -- a costly $900 million recall that lays bare the thorny issue of how car and battery makers split the bill when problems arise.

The recall is one of the first mass battery pack replacements conducted by a major automaker.

"It's very significant for both Hyundai and LG as we are in the early stages of the electric vehicle era. How Hyundai handles this will set a precedent not just in South Korea but also for other countries," said Lee Hang-koo, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.

The recall mostly concerns the Kona EV, Hyundai's biggest-selling electric car which was first recalled late last year for a software upgrade after a spate of fires. One of the recalled Kona EVs caught fire in January, however, and South Korean authorities launched a probe into whether the first recall had been adequate.

LG Energy Solution, a division of LG Chem which manufactures the batteries, was quick to deflect criticism.

It said in a statement that Hyundai misapplied LG's suggestions for fast-charging logic in the battery management system, adding the battery cell should not be seen as the direct cause of the fire risks.

South Korea's transport ministry said in a statement that some defects had been found in some battery cells produced at LG Energy's China factory. Hyundai did not comment on the cause of the fires.

Analysts said they had been told by Hyundai that an agreement on how to split the costs may be worked out next week. Even so, they thought it might take longer given that reputational stakes were high and the two firms appeared to be at odds over the cause of the fires.

Hyundai declined to comment on LG Energy's statement or provide details on when it will work out costs, saying only it will first wait for the results of the transport ministry's probe.

The recall applies to nearly 76,000 Kona EVs built between 2018 and 2020, including about 25,000 sold in South Korea. Some Ioniq EV models and Elec City buses are also included in the recall.

The estimated 1 trillion won ($900 million) in cost includes 38.9 billion won that was spent on the first recall.

There have been some 15 cases of fires involving the Kona EV -- 11 in South Korea, two in Canada and one each in Finland and Austria.

Kona and Ioniq owners are advised to limit battery charging to 90 percent of capacity until the battery has been replaced, Hyundai said.

Amazon India and Mahindra Electric announce electric vehicle partnership

 Amazon India and Mahindra Electric have entered a partnership on Tuesday (February 23) for the deployment of electric three-wheelers for last-mile delivery. Amazon has purchased at least a hundred Treo Zor cargo vehicles from Mahindra Electric and is set to acquire several more for its fleet of last-mile delivery vehicles.

The e-commerce giant had announced last year that by 2025 its delivery fleet would include 10,000 electric vehicles. Amazon has made a global commitment to acquire 100,000 electric vehicles for its delivery fleet by 2030.

“We continue to work with several OEMs to build a fleet of ‘Made in India’ electric vehicles that ensure sustainable and safe deliveries of customer orders, and this partnership with Mahindra Electric is a testament of our commitment,” Akhil Saxena, VP, Customer Fulfilment Operations, APAC at Amazon. Amazon has deployed the Mahindra Treo Zor in seven cities so far, including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore and Lucknow.

“We are happy that this made-in-India electric cargo will contribute towards Amazon’s delivery partner fleet transformation towards EV’s in the country. The success of our Treo range of three-wheelers has proved that electric vehicles in the last mile segment are a win-win solution for our customers as well as the larger society”, said Mahesh Babu, MD and CEO of Mahindra Electric.

Launched in October 2020, the Treo Zor has a 56 percent market share in the electric three-wheeler market, as per data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.           

Why 2021 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for electric vehicles

 Brace yourself for an emissions-free future.

No more internal combustion engines. No more polluting trucks and cars. Only 100% electric vehicles will be shown and sold in dealerships.

Automakers are shaking up and electrifying their lineups, teasing motorists with images of upcoming gasless vehicles. The U.S. automotive industry will look a lot different by 2025 than it does today.

Online car shopping site Edmunds predicts 2021 will be a "pivotal year" for electric vehicles, with U.S. sales rising to 2.5% versus 1.9% last year. Consumers will also see a deluge of new models entering the market in the next 11 months: 30 EVs from 21 brands, up from 17 models in 2020, according to Edmunds.

Stephanie Brinley, an industry expert at IHS Markit, said a larger selection of EVs at affordable prices will help change Americans' attitudes on emissions-free vehicles. Automakers, though, will have to work hard to highlight why EVs are the smarter choice, she added.

"Cost is still a factor and range anxiety will be partly addressed by education," Brinley told ABC News. "There's no reason a consumer can't adjust to an electric vehicle."

Which automakers are charging up their portfolios and betting big on battery technology?

The British company owned by India's Tata Motors has become the latest manufacturer to commit to an electric future.

Jaguar, the storied sports car maker known for its seductive designs, will become an "all-electric luxury brand" by 2025 to "realize its unique potential," the marque announced Feb. 15. Future Jaguar models will be built "exclusively on a pure electric architecture," the company noted.

Jaguar currently manufacturers one EV: The I-PACE. Global sales of the stylish, futuristic-looking SUV totaled 7,807 units in 2020.

The first all-electric Land Rover model will come in 2024 followed by five "pure electric variants" in the next five years, the company said. Moreover, JLR expects nearly 60% of Land Rovers sold by 2030 will be equipped with zero tailpipe powertrains.

The company has set another ambitious goal: Zero net carbon emissions in its supply chain, products and operations by 2039.

Bentley Motors

The formidable, mighty W12 and V8 engines that power Bentley's pricey sedans, grand tourers and SUVs will soon become part of automotive legend.

The ultra luxury automaker announced in November that its first electric vehicle will debut in 2025. Then, by 2030, every conveyance assembled at its Crewe, U.K., factory will be battery electric.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley's CEO, acknowledged the company's bold move, calling it a "profound change in the industry."

"It's really a transformation of business," he told reporters. "There is demand for a Bentley EV."

Bentley's EXP 100 GT concept car could provide additional clues about the company's plans. The svelte, radically-looking grand tourer incorporates sustainable materials and comes programmed with autonomous electric driving technology. The battery-electric powertrain propels the EXP 100 GT from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, according to Bentley.

More EVs

Automakers worldwide are busy readying their EV models for motorists. German luxury automaker Audi recently introduced its 2022 e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, two high-performance electric cars that pack 522 horsepower and 637 hp respectively.

Volkswagen's new compact ID.4 promises to be a serious challenger to the top-selling Tesla Model 3. All-electric automaker Rivian has been testing its $67,500 R1T truck in Arizona's desert; the truck can get 300+ miles of range on a full charge.

The slew of EVs hitting the market could upend the industry, IHS Markit's Brinley noted.

"Consumers' willingness to consider EVs will change as products get better," she added.

Ahmedabad-based electric vehicle startup Matter targets $1B turnover by 2025

EV startup Matter plans to launch its lithium-ion batteries, followed by its electric motorbike this year.

Bullish on the growth of electric vehicles (EV) market in India, EV and energy storage technology startup Matter expects to clock a turnover of $1 billion (over Rs 7,250 crore) by 2025, according to a top company official. 

The Ahmedabad-based company, which has so far invested $3 million (over Rs 20 crore), will be launching its lithium-ion batteries for solar and renewable management by April 2021, which will be followed by its first electric motorcycle closer to Diwali this year.

Explaining the rationale, he said with India wanting to become a $5 trillion economy and its commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the country has no option but to switch to EVs, eco-friendly newer energies and energy solutions. 

On why the sector has not been able to grow in the past, Lalbhai said, "Electric (vehicles) fundamentally in India have either been overpriced products or under-delivering products. There has never been a true value for money fit."

 Stating that customers understand internal combustion engine vehicle and its value proposition, he further said, "But in electrics, there are some companies which are 100 percent more expensive than the comparable internal combustion, some who are 20 percent cheaper, but they don't really deliver". 

He said inferior quality Chinese product kits are brought in and assembled in India, and then and sold at much cheaper prices. Sign up for our exclusive newsletters. Subscribe to check out our popular newsletters. Dropdown 

However, he noted, that's changing with new players coming in and focusing on developing their own products in India, investing in R&D, and attempting to offer the right value proposition in EVs. 

Matter has been focusing on developing an electric motor that would have a performance similar to the internal combustion vehicles, he added. 

When asked about the company's own ambitions, Lalbhai said, "By 2022-2023, we would like to do close to 50,000 vehicles and including battery and vehicle, we would like to do about $100 million (about Rs 700 crore) in terms of topline and by 2025-26 (target) is a billion dollars combined revenue from vehicles and batteries."

 In order to achieve this target, Matter has lined up its product launch and market expansion plans in place, he said.

In the battery segment, the company is focusing more on grid-level solutions such as 400 kilowatt to a megawatt level lithium-ion batteries for solar and renewable management in large-scale projects on a pure B2B business basis.

 "And EVs as a product, the motorcycle coming out in November 2021 - that's going to be our B2C side of the business," he said, adding, as far as EV products are concerned, the company's primary focus is going to be high-performance motorcycles. 

Elaborating on the company's product plans for the short to medium term, he said, "We would have two motorcycles in the market and from the battery side, we are working on a few speciality applications and then there would be a lot of UPS inverter-driven business also in that segment there." 

In the EV segment, he said the first product will not have a detachable battery but from the second product onwards, the battery packs will be relatively smaller, more or less the size of a tiffin, which can be taken out for charging.

Bullish on the growth of electric vehicles (EV) market in India, EV and energy storage technology startup Matter expects to clock a turnover of $1 billion (over Rs 7,250 crore) by 2025, according to a top company official. The Ahmedabad-based company, which has so far invested $3 million (over Rs 20 crore), will be launching its lithium-ion batteries for solar and renewable management by April 2021, which will be followed by its first electric motorcycle closer to Diwali this year.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2021/02/ahmedabad-ev-startup-matter-indian-electric-vehicle-market

Bullish on the growth of electric vehicles (EV) market in India, EV and energy storage technology startup Matter expects to clock a turnover of $1 billion (over Rs 7,250 crore) by 2025, according to a top company official. The Ahmedabad-based company, which has so far invested $3 million (over Rs 20 crore), will be launching its lithium-ion batteries for solar and renewable management by April 2021, which will be followed by its first electric motorcycle closer to Diwali this year. "2021 is the year of the electric...The industry as a whole would be much larger in five years time than even the best of estimates. We are expecting the same thing that happened with 4G, the rate of adoption of 4G exploded above everyone's expectations, and that is what we are expecting with EVs as well," Matter Founder and CEO Mohal Lalbhai told PTI.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2021/02/ahmedabad-ev-startup-matter-indian-electric-vehicle-market

Bullish on the growth of electric vehicles (EV) market in India, EV and energy storage technology startup Matter expects to clock a turnover of $1 billion (over Rs 7,250 crore) by 2025, according to a top company official. The Ahmedabad-based company, which has so far invested $3 million (over Rs 20 crore), will be launching its lithium-ion batteries for solar and renewable management by April 2021, which will be followed by its first electric motorcycle closer to Diwali this year. "2021 is the year of the electric...The industry as a whole would be much larger in five years time than even the best of estimates. We are expecting the same thing that happened with 4G, the rate of adoption of 4G exploded above everyone's expectations, and that is what we are expecting with EVs as well," Matter Founder and CEO Mohal Lalbhai told PTI.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2021/02/ahmedabad-ev-startup-matter-indian-electric-vehicle-market

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2021/02/ahmedabad-ev-startup-matter-indian-electric-vehicle-market

Jaguar car brand to be all-electric by 2025

 

Jaguar Land Rover's Jaguar brand will be all-electric by 2025, the carmaker has said.

The company will launch electric models of its entire Jaguar and Land Rover line-up by 2030, it added.

The firm said it would keep all three of its three British plants open as part of its new strategy.

But it has dropped plans to build an electric version of its XJ saloon at the Castle Bromwich plant, meaning the site will eventually stop making cars.

Chief executive Thierry Bolloré said the plant would focus instead on "non-production" activities in the long term, without giving details.

The company plans to spend about £2.5bn a year on new technology for its cars.

This is a big move for Jaguar Land Rover, but the reality is it has little choice.

Like other manufacturers, it is under pressure to reduce the CO2 emissions from its fleet, as new regulations come into force in Europe and elsewhere. At the same time, sales of diesels - which generally produce less CO2 than petrol engines - have been plummeting.

And in the longer term, the UK government wants to outlaw the sale of all wholly petrol and diesel cars from 2030. Governments in other countries are moving in the same general direction.

The problem is, electric cars cost more to design and build than conventional models, meaning it is currently hard to make a profit from them. Bigger manufacturers can throw money at the problem now, and hope to benefit from economies of scale later.

JLR is a smaller company and can't do that - so instead it will re-emphasise Jaguar's credentials as a luxury brand when it goes all-electric.

That might make sense from a marketing point of view, but making the sums add up looks like a steep challenge.

It will also invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Fuel cells provide electric power, without producing tailpipe emissions - water is the only by-product.

However, in order for them to be truly environmentally friendly, the hydrogen itself needs to be produced using renewable sources.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the announcement was "a huge step for British car manufacturing".

Carmakers are under pressure to meet stringent carbon emission demands in Europe and China, as well as customer demand for high-performance electric cars with a luxury or performance feel.

The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.

Luxury car brand Bentley Motors, owned by Germany's Volkswagen, said in November its range will be fully electric by 2030, and last month General Motors said it aimed to have a zero tailpipe emission line-up by 2035.

Tesla takes another step towards cheaper EV, may bring it to Indian market

 Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have already indicated that a cheaper electric vehicle from the American car company could help it tighten its hold in the world of personal electric mobility. While Tesla already has a massive share - and lead - in the global EV space, its planned $25,000 EV could well propel the company to newer heights. A recent report now states that Tesla's new R&D facility which would be tasked to design the new product could be completed this year itself.

According to a report in Electrek, Tesla's R&D facility in Shanghai is scheduled to be completed in 2021 and that this will be epicenter for the design element of its most-affordable EV yet. Currently, the Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla one can buy and is also slated to be the first product in India once the company comes calling.

A cheaper Tesla could make the product more viable in emerging markets like India where the EV sector is witnessing a gradual growth. Until and unless local production takes place, EVs aren't likely to be for the masses but nonetheless, a more affordable Tesla could well take the brand to more customers.

Musk had confirmed plans of a Tesla under $25,000 during Battery Day in 2020. "Tesla will make a compelling $25,000 electric vehicle that is also fully autonomous," he had said, adding then that it would take around three years for the product to hit markets. It has also been hinted that the car could have a range of over 320 kilometres. 

Reports suggest that the more affordable Tesla could be exclusively made in China, a country from where Tesla is already exporting Model 3 and Model Y units to European markets.

And if Model 3's example, and success is anything to go buy, Tesla may be on the right track to have an EV which is even more affordable. Model 3 is a popular offering from the company which has helped it emerge from being a pricey brand to a company that makes cars for the masses. According to a report in EV Sales BlogSpot, 365,240 units of Model 3 were sold in 2020 and the car has a 12% market share in the global EV segment. The car, in fact, sold more than the combined sales figures of the next two on the list for 2020 - Wuling HongGuang Mini and Renault Zoe. 

How much can and will the EV lanscape change once an even more affordable Tesla comes around? Time will tell.

Kia’s first dedicated EV to be unveiled by March 2021

 Kia is gearing up for the global unveil of its all-new electric vehicle in the coming weeks. The model will be the first of seven dedicated EVs from Kia that are slated to debut by 2027. Confirming the company’s plans in a recent media briefing, Ho Sung Song, president and CEO, Kia Corporation, said, “Our first dedicated EV, codenamed ‘CV’, will be revealed in the first quarter of this year.”  

New Kia EV: design

A new Kia logo was recently revealed, with a revamp of Kia’s brand strategy. Song confirmed that the CV “will be the first global model with Kia’s new logo” and that the company will “adapt the new logo across (all) the products, latest by first quarter of next year.”

Moreover, the senior vice president and head of Kia Design Centre, Karim Habib, said that the automaker “will be starting a new design philosophy”, which will be revealed in the near future. As such, expect the new EV to sport Kia’s fresh design language. 

While more details are awaited, the design boss did confirm that the firm’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille will continue. “The ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is one of the great elements that is part of Kia's heritage, and it is part of the consistency that we would like to maintain in design. So, the ‘Tiger Nose’ will definitely remain in the future, but you will see it in very different executions,” he said.

Habib further suggested that interior space will be one of the CV’s highlights. “One of the great things about the EV architecture is that it allows for a lot more flexibility and space in the interior. So, I do think that in terms of interior design, we’ll be able to create a very new experience for our customers.”  

In the past, Kia has hinted that the upcoming EV will feature “a crossover design which blurs the boundaries between passenger and sports utility vehicles”. To that end, it is expected to be inspired by the ‘Imagine by Kia’ concept vehicle revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.   

New Kia EV: range and charging capabilities

Kia already has the e-Niro and the Soul EV in its portfolio, but the upcoming model will be the carmaker’s first battery electric vehicle to be built on the Hyundai Group’s bespoke E-GMP platform. 

The CV is said to be capable of charging in under 20 minutes using a high-speed 800V charger, and pack in a range of over 500km. Moreover, a hotted-up variant is also on the cards. “We are definitely planning to launch high-performance versions of our electric vehicles and our first dedicated model will have a high-performance version too,” said Song. 

Kia India plans

There is no official word from Kia about bringing the EV to our market. However, the company has made efforts to highlight its EV technology in the past by setting up a charging station in Andhra Pradesh and providing its range of electrified Niro vehicles to the state government.

In contrast, Hyundai, Kia’s sister brand, already offers the Kona Electric (at Rs 23.76-23.95 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) in our market, and is working on bringing a mass-market EV to India in the coming years.   

Komaki SE High-Speed Electric Scooter Launched In India; Priced At Rs 96,000

 

Delhi-based electric two-wheeler maker Komaki has introduced a new electric scooter in the market. The new offering is called the Komaki SE and is priced at ₹ 96,000 (ex-showroom). The manufacturer says the new SE competes against conventional 125 cc scooters and is powered by a 3 kW BLDC electric motor with a detachable lithium-ion battery pack. The Komaki SE offers a top speed of 85 kmph with a range between 95-125 km on a single charge. The power output from the motor has not been disclosed.

In terms of design, the Komaki SE looks like a conventional electric scooter and is identical to the Okinawa iPraise, especially with the headlamp design, LED daytime running light pattern and faux air vents on either side. The offering is available in three colour options - Garnet red, Deep blue, Metallic Gold, and Jet black.

Features on the Komaki SE include a front glove box with a USB charging port. There are also riding modes. It also gets an onboard self-diagnosis system according to the company and also gets a service reminder. There's also a coloured LED display, multimedia control switch with an inbuilt Bluetooth speaker, and remote locking with an anti-theft system. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks upfront and twin shocks at the rear, while braking duties come from disc brakes at either end. Komaki says the SE consumes 1.5 units of charge for a full battery.

The Komaki SE competes against a handful of offerings including the Okinawa iPraise+, Ampere Magnus Pro, BGauss B8, Odysse Hawk Lite, and a number of other offerings in the sub ₹ 1 lakh e-scooter segment.

TVS iQube Electric Scooter Arrives In Delhi Before Bajaj Chetak – Ather 450x Rival

 Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is only on sale in Pune and Bangalore as of now...

After almost a year of launching its first electric scooter iQube in Bengaluru, TVS has launched iQube in Delhi. The electric scooter is priced cheaper in Delhi at Rs 1.08 lakh, as compared to Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. Customers can book their iQube online for Rs 5k. Cheaper pricing in Delhi is likely due to concessions for electric vehicles announced by Delhi government such as waiver of registration charges and road tax. Delhi is among the most polluted cities and the government is doing everything it can to promote use of electric vehicles. 

TVS iQube design and features 

TVS iQube features a trendy design, as is evident in dual tone front fascia, crystal-clear LED headlamp, rectangular turn indicators, body coloured rear view mirrors, sculpted side panels, contrast stitching on the seat, and all LED tail lamps. The entire body panelling has smooth curves, which makes it quite pleasing to the eyes. In terms of convenience, iQube offers ample storage space under the seat. A helmet can easily fit inside with room to spare for other things. A USB charging port with lights is also located in the under seat storage compartment.

TVS iQube has been equipped with SmartXonnect intuitive connectivity platform powered by integrated Bluetooth. When paired with TVS iQube app, users can access a range of features such as navigation assist, remote charge status, geofencing, and incoming call alerts. Users can also see a range of stats about their rides and scooter such as top speed, total distance, average speed, battery status, etc. 

TVS iQube powertrain 

Powering TVS iQube is a 4.4kW hub-mounted motor, connected to a 3 Li-ion battery pack. The battery is wrapped in high strength aluminium, making it resistant to dust and water. Battery warranty is for 3 years / 50k km. Talking about range, iQube can travel 75 km in eco mode. Range will be less when Power Mode is engaged. iQube has top speed of 78 kmph and it can reach 0 to 40 kmph in 4.2 seconds. 

TVS iQube competes with other premium electric scooters such as Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak. Ather has been launched in Delhi, but deliveries are yet to start. Bookings for Ather in Delhi are now open via online payment. Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in Delhi in coming months. 

In the future, iQube will also take on upcoming Suzuki Burgman Street Electric. As of now, iQube trails behind 450X and Chetak in terms of sale volumes. Things could improve in the future, as iQube is made available in more cities. Ather and Bajaj are also working to expand operational base for their electric scooters. So, competition is likely to intensify in this segment in the coming years.

After almost a year of launching its first electric scooter iQube in Bengaluru, TVS has launched iQube in Delhi. The electric scooter is priced cheaper in Delhi at Rs 1.08 lakh, as compared to Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. Customers can book their iQube online for Rs 5k. Cheaper pricing in Delhi is likely due to concessions for electric vehicles announced by Delhi government such as waiver of registration charges and road tax. Delhi is among the most polluted cities and the government is doing everything it can to promote use of electric vehicles.

Copyright (C) 'RUSH LANE' Read more at... https://www.rushlane.com/tvs-iqube-electric-scooter-delhi-launch-price-12392814.html .

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Electric bikes we would like to see launching in India soon

 Two-wheelers and three-wheelers are currently ruling the Indian EV space, as they are most affordable, compared to electric cars. In the two-wheeler market, electric scooters have been able to penetrate to some extent, thanks to the startups and some big names like Bajaj Auto, Hero Electric and TVS entered the domain. However, the motorcycle segment is still ruled by conventional fuel-powered models.

The Indian electric two-wheeler market is expected to cross 20 lakh units by 2025. While the zero-emission scooters will certainly a major role in that growth story, there are some electric motorcycles as well, which have the potential to play key parts.

With the roadblocks such as high upfront costs, government incentives linked to component localisation, import dependency for EV batteries and inadequate charging infrastructure being addressed by various government moves, and several automakers showing interest to enter the segment, we can expect e-2W space to witness some exciting electric motorcycle launches in India in near future. As it appears, there are a host of new models waiting to be introduced to the Indian market in 2021 and ahead, including fully-faired to naked, long-range to high-speed.

Here are five electric bikes we would like to see being launched in the domestic market in near future.

Hero Electric AE-47

Presently, Hero Electric is the largest player in the electric two-wheeler segment of India. The EV manufacturer’s first electric bike is the AE-47, which was displayed at the Auto Expo 2020. Expect the production model of the bike to be launched later this year. Powered by a lightweight portable 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 4 kW motor combination, it is capable of running 85 km in Power mode and 160 km in Eco mode. The bike is capable of accelerating 0-60 kmph in 9 seconds with a top speed of 85 kmph. The Hero Electric AE-47 gets a fully digital instrument cluster, cruise control, keyless access, petal disk brakes, reverse assist, etc. It could be priced at around Rs1.20 lakh.

Husqvarna E-Pilen

Pierer Mobility, the parent group of KTM and Husqvarna has already confirmed that Husqvarna is working on an electric bike that will be dubbed as E-Pilen. The e-bike could come as a similar model to Husqvarna Vitpilen that is already available in India. However, instead of an ICE, there will be an electric motor on board. Expect the bike to come with 4 kW and 10 kW electric motor options. With the bike already under development, its market launch is expected in 2022. If launched in India, this one could be priced at around Rs2-3 lakhs.

Hero MotoCorp e.US

Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world is quietly working on an electric bike, christened as Hero e-US. Being developed with inputs from the company’s German R&D centre, Hero Tech Center Germany GmbH, the e-US stands for Electric Ultra Sport. Clearly, it will be a high-performance premium model, in line with the two-wheeler major’s ambition to enter the EV space and sell upmarket motorcycles. We might see the model in reality in 2022.

Jawa electric bike

Jawa is reportedly working on an electric bike that would be launched in India by the end of 2022. While there is no test mule of this model spotted yet, expect it to be built from scratch. The motorcycle manufacturer could repurpose the Jawa 42 platform to use for this e-bike. It could come with the typical retro look clubbed with some exciting modern features and offer a range of around 200 km on a single charge.

EeVe Tesoro

EeVe showcased the Tesoro electric bike at the Auto Expo 2020 and now planning to launch it in 2021. The electric motorcycle will have a range of more than 100 km on a single charge and a top speed of around 100 kmph. The bike will come with DC fast charging function. As it was showcased at the Auto Expo last year, the EeVe Tesoro will come with an LED lighting package, GPS-enabled digital instrument cluster, geo-fencing, anti-theft technology among other features. Expect the e-bike to be priced at around Rs1.20 lakh upon launch

Earth Energy EV Introduces 3 Electric Two-Wheelers In India, Prices Start At Rs 92,000

 Mumbai-based Earth Energy EV has forayed into the electric two-wheeler segment with three new offerings. The start-up has launched the Glyde+ electric scooter, and two electric motorcycles - Evolve R and the Evolve X - all of which, the company says have been completely developed in India. The new range is 96 per cent localised that was made possible by tying up with Indian OEMs and domestic auto part manufacturers, according to the company. Prices for Earth Energy's range starts from ₹ 92,000 for the Glyde+, going up to ₹ 1.30 lakh for the Evolve R and ₹ 1.42 lakh for the Evolve X (all prices, on-road Mumbai).

Commenting on the Launch, Rushi S., CEO & Founder, Earth Energy EV says, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first range of electric two-Wheelers. The EV industry in India is emerging on account of various factors such as the growing awareness toward the environment, increasing petrol prices, and stringent emission norms, etc. We feel that the consumption of electric vehicles will go up now than ever."

With respect to power, the Earth Energy Glyde+ uses a 2.4 kW electric motor that develops 26 Nm of peak torque and offers a top speed of 60 kmph. The scooter is said to be inspired by eagles in terms of design. The company claims a range of 100 km on a single charge and the model uses a 52 Ah lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 40 minutes using a fast charger, while the standard time is 2.5 hours.

The Earth Energy Evolve Z uses a 5.2 kW electric motor with 56 Nm of peak torque and a top speed of 95 kmph. The electric motorcycle uses a 96 Ah lithium-ion battery with a range of 100 km and 15 degrees of grade-ability. Like the Glyde+, the fast charge time stands at 40 minutes and a full charge will take 2.5 hours.

Lastly, the Earth Energy Evolve R is the flagship offering from the brand and has been designed as a muscular street-fighter. The model is powered by a 12.5 kW electric motor with 54 Nm and a top speed of 110 kmph. The electric bike has a range of 100 km on a single charge and uses a 115 Ah lithium-ion battery. The charging time remains the same as other models.

All three vehicles get an LCD display that is connected using a smartphone app. The connected technology brings a number of features including navigation status, call and messages alert, trip history, and more. The app also allows a third-party usage model for food delivery agents. Riders can map the entire order on the display screen itself. The digital display also provides information like the state of charge of the battery, real-time range, turnabout time, and more. The e-models will be offered in three colours - Marshal grey, Jet black, and white.

Other features common to the Earth Energy EVs include an automatic headlamp, while the app will digitally clone the user's vehicle and diagnose any issue with up to 270 parameters. The users can also book the maintenance services using the app.

While Earth Energy has not disclosed its investments, the company has said that it has established a 7,000 sq.ft. R&D centre in Vasai, outside of Mumbai. The company has the capacity to build about 12,000 two-wheelers per year and is also producing lithium-ion battery packs in-house. All buyers of the Earth Energy EVs will get free charging for the first year, and the company will also set-up a charging station at the user's home. The brand plans to open 45 dealerships in its first year of operations, while the electric vehicles will be available online as well for purchase. The start-up has also announced plans to introduce an electric LCV in the country that will arrive by the second quarter of 2021.

Cheap microcars may go extinct as Japan pushes in electric vehicles

 Japan’s kei cars, known for their affordability and small engines, face a potentially existential threat as the country leans on automakers to go electric as part of its net-zero emissions goal.

Kei means “light" in Japanese, and the category makes up about a third of new domestic automobile sales. They’re a popular means of transportation outside of major cities, used by farmers and families that need multiple vehicles to get around. Cheap to buy and own, keis are mainly manufactured for the home market, with engines limited by law to 660 cubic centimeters (40 cubic inches).

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged last year to decarbonize Japan by 2050, with plans to ban the sale of new gasoline-only vehicles by the mid-2030s. That’s created a dilemma for Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and other makers of compact cars, with the added cost of technology making them less affordable for buyers. Electrification can add 1 million to 2 million yen ($9,600-$19,200) to the price tag of a kei, potentially doubling its price, according to Tokyo Tokai Research.

“Affordability and convenience are the lifeblood of compact cars," said Hitoshi Horii, the head of the Japan Mini Vehicles Association. “These cars are important mobility that work as infrastructure and

Kei cars are common in rural areas, where public transport systems are sparse. They’re well suited for Japan’s narrow roads, of which 85% are only wide enough for two kei cars to pass. That figure was cited by Akio Toyoda, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and Toyota Motor Corp.’s chief executive, in December.

“The kei is Japan’s national car," Toyoda said. Daihatsu Motor Co., Toyota’s unit that makes keis, hasn’t shifted toward electrification as much and achieving carbon neutral with the current energy mix is crucial, he said. “People maybe able to live in cities without keis, but once you’re in a rural region, these cars are a necessity."

Decades of economic stagnation in Japan has spurred consumers to opt for kei cars. About 1.7 million units were sold last year in total, suppressed by the pandemic, while sales have been steady in the past years, according to the Japan Mini Vehicles Association.

With the pandemic weighing on the economy, and Japan’s unemployment rate ticking back up to almost 3%, consumer sentiment is falling. A price hike on kei cars would likely put the heaviest burden on people with lower incomes, especially the elderly and women, many of whom work part time and earn less than men on average. Some 40% of kei drivers are 60 or older, and the employment rate of women in the same age group who own keis is double compared with those who don’t, according to the association.

“Kei cars would be meaningless if their prices go up," said Nozomi Hiramatsu, who started her own farm in northeastern Japan four years ago. “The car and its tax are cheap. A kei fits my lifestyle."

Price increases, in the form of higher taxes, have faced push-back in the past. When the government began to discuss a tax hike for keis in the early-2010s, Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp., said it was “picking on the weak," according to reporting by the Nikkei newspaper. Japan eventually raised the tax for newly sold keis in 2015.

Toyota and Honda could use their hybrid technology for keis, but they bear the risk of being culled in case battery prices go down, according to Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at Carnorama. Prices for electric-vehicle battery packs fell 15% from 2019 to 2020, whereas plug-in hybrid packs only fell 5%, according to BloombergNEF. Hybrid pack prices didn’t change significantly.

The worst scenario for Japanese kei makers is that affordable electric cars from China will enter the market and lure kei customers, Miyao said. SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co.’s four-seater hatchback Mini EV has become a best-seller in China and is one of the cheapest on the market, costing less than $5,000.

“The keis are likely to feel maximum impact from the government’s target of ending sales of gasoline cars by 2035," Miyao said. “They will be swallowed by the wave of electrification sooner or later."

Ola Electric Scooter Spied Testing In India For The First Time Ahead Of Launch

 

Ola Electric is all set to enter the Indian electric two-wheeler market. The company announced the acquisition of Netherland-based Etergo BV in mid-2020 and will soon be introducing their first electric scooter in India.

Ahead of its launch, the new electric scooter from Ola has been spied testing in the country for the first time. The spy pics revealed by Autocar India showcases the Ola electric scooter undergoing testing under complete camouflage. However, based on the silhouette, the scooter seems to be similar to the Etergo AppScooter.

The spy pics even showcase the test mule featuring the same headlamp set up and even the unique single-side telescopic forks at the front. The international-specs Etergo AppScooter comes with a host of features, along with a strong performing electric powertrain, with a claimed maximum range of 240km on a single charge.

However, Ola Electric could make a few changes and updates to the Etergo electric scooter, making it more suitable for Indian riding conditions. The company could also use slightly different parts as well, which could help the brand price the electric scooter at a more affordable price tag compared to its competitors.

Talking about rivals, the Ola electric scooter once introduced in the Indian market is said to take on the likes of the Bajaj Chetak electric, TVS iQube and the Ather 450X. It will take on a few conventional petrol-powered scooters in the same price range as well.

While Ola Electric is yet to unveil the details of the upcoming India-spec electric scooter, the Etergo AppScooter is said to be powered by three removable lithium-ion battery modules, each with 1.15kWh capacity. Each of the uniquely designed modules is said to offer 80km of range on a single charge. The electric scooter is also claimed to sprint from 0 - 45km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The Etergo AppScooter is also said to offer a host of other features including a 7-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, 50-litres of under-seat storage space, LED headlamps and many more.

Recently, Ola Electric signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up its manufacturing facility with an investment of R 2,400 crore. Once operational, the facility is said to become the world's largest scooter manufacturing factory with an annual production capacity of 2 million units. The new facility will also bring in job opportunities for 10,000 people in India.

  Thoughts On The Ola Electric Scooter Spied Testing Ola Electric seems to be going all out with its first electric scooter for the Indian market. The company is looking at both domestic and export markets for its e-scooter while making India the global hub for EVs.