Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 200 Shares109 Views

    in Bike

    Ather Electric Scooter New Price Of Rs 1.07 L In Gujarat Is Its Lowest In India

    Ather Electric Scooter – AhmedabadThanks to the Central FAME II policy and state EV policy, prices of all EVs in Gujarat are set to be the cheapest in the country
    With the Gujarat government rolling out its new EV policy, all electric vehicle (EV) brands are set to enjoy the benefits of it. These benefits will in turn be extended in the form of reduced prices of EVs across the state. For instance, Ather has slashed prices of its electric scooters after implementing the benefits of the Gujarat EV policy.
    Ather 450X, 450 Plus prices slashed
    Price of its model range starts at Rs 1.07 lakh (ex-showroom) for 450 Plus. This is the lowest price tag of Ather e-scooter in India. Prior to this, price of the electric scooter was pegged at 1.25 lakh which means a deduction of Rs 18,000. Last month, prices of 450 Plus stood at 1.40 lakh, however, after implementation of FAME II policy, these prices were slashed by Rs. 14,500. All prices are ex-showroom.
    On the other hand, the brand‘s premium e-scooter 450X is now priced at about Rs 1.27 lakh after a subsidy of Rs 17,000 which is in addition to the revised FAME II policy. After applying the nationwide FAME II policy, price of Ather 450X was reduced to Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom). Prior to all this, 450X was priced around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom) varying slightly as per location.
    Gujarat EV Policy benefits
    Other EV brands are also set to reduce prices of their models soon after applying the subsidy from Gujarat EV policy. This subsidy will be in addition to benefits availed under FAME II policy.
    Ather electric scooters now cheapest in Gujarat
    The Gujarat government recently announced that it will offer double the amount of subsidy in comparison to other states which will be applicable on a per kW basis. However, a cap has been set for all EVs. Two-wheelers can avail a subsidy of up to Rs 20,000 whereas three-wheelers get allowances up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
    For four-wheelers, subsidy has been limited to Rs 2 lakh per EV. All these subsidies are in addition to the benefits offered in the FAME II scheme. Over the next four years, the government in Gujarat aims to increase the number of EVs in state up to 2,00,000 lakh units. In other incentives, EVs registered in Gujarat will not be required to pay a registration fee.
    450X, 450 Plus Specs
    Both Ather 450X and 450 Plus share the same styling and features such as full-LED lighting, an apron-mounted headlight and a 4.2-inch touchscreen instrument cluster enabled with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated 4G LTE SIM connectivity, music & call controls, onboard navigation and digital document storage.
    In addition, both models also get reverse mode. The e-scooters share the same hardware configurations comprising telescopic forks at front, a mono-shock at rear and disc brakes on both wheels. More

  • 125 Shares199 Views

    in Bike

    Suzuki Burgman Electric Scooter Patent Leak – New Details Revealed

    Suzuki Burgman Electric ScooterUpon its launch, the new electric scooter from Suzuki is likely to rival the likes of TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450X
    Though Suzuki’s new electric scooter based on Burgman has been on test in India for a while now, the company has not yet officially confirmed anything in this regard. A leaked image of a patent filed by the Japanese auto giant in the country revealing the design of its upcoming e-scooter almost confirms its plans.
    As revealed by the patent, design of the upcoming electric scooter is very similar to the conventional Suzuki Burgman Street 125. It adopts the same Maxi body style as its petrol-powered sibling with a front-heavy fairing, a large windscreen and a rear tyre hugger.
    Unique Internal Mechanics
    Interestingly, test mules of the battery-powered Burgman Street were spotted on a couple of occasions. While its shape and silhouette are very similar to conventional scooters, the patents reveal very unique internal mechanics. Conventional electric scooters in this segment usually feature an electric motor and swingarm as a combined unit or take another approach of mounting the motor on the hub of the rear wheel.
    In doing so, it frees up space within the chassis to create more room for luggage or larger batteries. However, in this case, the patents reveal a unique design where a drivetrain is located in the under-seat area connected to the motor via a chain drive setup.
    Suzuki Burgman Electric Patent Sketch
    Rest of the electric scooter’s electronics are mounted on top of the motor along with a speed controller, transformer and battery. While surely it is slightly unconventional, it does provide some other benefits as well.
    The patent describes that the new layout aids air cooling through inlet ducts, outlets and fans mounted within the body. However, their detailed functions and effects on the working of the electric motor have not been explained yet. More details regarding this approach are likely to surface in the near future.
    Other Details
    While most of its aesthetics are likely to be carried forward from Burgman Street, there are expected to be some variations in specs. For instance, the front suspension units will feature telescopic forks, however, dual shock absorbers will be installed at rear to carry the extra weight of the lithium-ion battery packs. Alloy wheels will also be carried forward from the regular IC engine-powered model.
    As far as features are concerned, Suzuki is expected to offer standard features such as LED headlamp, an LED taillight, a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth as well as smartphone connectivity in the upcoming e-scooter. A few months ago, the Japanese brand also released the latest version of Suzuki Connect which now offers features such as Whatsapp alerts, SMS and CALL alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, charging status, riding status, etc. There are no details on powertrain specs as of now. More

  • 100 Shares159 Views

    in Motor News

    Winning Radwood: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    Radwood is a car show for those who are so nostalgic for the ’80s and ’90s, they have parachute pants and Reebok Pumps in their closets. Open to cars and trucks built from 1980 through 1999, the show celebrates see-through headrests, graphic equalizers, crown air fresheners, and teal paint. It continues to grow in popularity and locations. So if you haven’t been to one yet, a Radwood might be coming to you.Like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Radwood has various awards and a best-in-show trophy. Since Window Shopping is all about competition, the crew went in search of cars under $30,000 that could win at Radwood. To judge our picks, we invited Radwood co-founder and automotive writer Bradley Brownell, who shows little mercy.Up first this week is Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman. Riding high on his recent win, Huffman selects the jewel in the crown of the Eagle lineup, the Premier sedan. Engineered in France, designed in Italy, and assembled in Canada, the boxy sedan apparently inspired the Chrysler Corporation’s LH sedans of the ’90s (or so Huffman claims), but it also shared its V-6 with the DeLorean.Contributor Jonathon Ramsey—who lets us know repeatedly that he spent the ’80s in Columbus, Indiana, roller-skating and going to Dairy Queen—finds a Chevy Celebrity wagon. This car once ruled America’s roads but is now rarer than a Ferrari. Like the Eagle, Ramsey’s Chevy is priced well under budget despite its excellent condition.Deputy testing director K.C. Colwell comes in with a body-kitted 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 that, in typical Colwell fashion, nearly blows the budget. And host and deputy editor Tony Quiroga selects the pseudo-gullwing Toyota Sera from the early ’90s, a car that Toyota (perhaps wisely) never imported. In the end, Brownell makes some surprising picks. Will the Celebrity wagon finally get the laurels it has always deserved? Or will the pricey Alfa take the trophy? Watch to see whose car has the radness to win Radwood.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • 113 Shares189 Views

    in Bike

    Honda Electric Scooter Could Launch With Battery Swapping Tech

    Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eHonda recently patented PCX electric scooter in India while the Benly e was spotted on test by ARAI near Pune
    With auto companies gradually shifting towards cleaner power sources, it is evident that newer technologies for electric vehicles will show up in the coming future. While major two-wheeler brands have already started showcasing their future electric mobility, Honda is yet to openly share its plans for electric mobility in India.
    The Japanese auto giant is developing a new portable and swappable battery system called Mobile Power Pack for its future small-sized electric mobility such as electric two or three-wheelers. This is basically a capacitor that stores electricity for use as a power source. Honda is currently working on a home charger for this platform.
    Testing Battery Swapping Platform In India
    Reportedly, Honda is testing this swappable battery platform in India on electric tricycle taxis or rickshaws. The company, however, has released no fixed plans to launch battery-powered electric three-wheelers in India as yet and is most likely testing this platform for future electric scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer had earlier revealed that it was serious about developing electric mobility solutions for two-wheelers which includes three new models by 2024.
    These include a 50cc-equivalent electric moped while the other two include an e-scooter and e-motorcycle both aimed at the 125cc performance region. While the models do seem modest in terms of performance, they should be a good starting point for the company especially for a budget-centric mass market like India. Urban, utilitarian two-wheelers are likely to generate more sales volumes than high-performance models for the company.
    Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
    Chargers for swappable batteries
    Since output figures won’t be huge in these entry-level models, instead of opting for massive battery packs, Honda could use its swappable Mobile Power Pack system that is already installed on its PCX Electric e-scooter.
    The company intends to expand this platform by installing more battery-swapping stations. Recent patents also reveal that Honda is working on a home charger that could juice up one battery pack at a time. While chargers at swapping stations could accommodate two battery packs simultaneously.
    It is already known that Honda has also entered into a global association with KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha to co-develop another swappable battery platform. By the time this platform gets fully developed and becomes functional, its own Mobile Power Pack system will develop over time and become more universal. These developments are extremely favourable for markets such as India.
    A 125cc equivalent e-scooter and e-motorcycle will give Honda the perfect start to its prospective EV lineup in India. This will lend Honda muscle to compete against local EV manufacturers such as Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and Revolt RV400 and RV300. More

  • 113 Shares99 Views

    in Motor News

    2022 GMC Terrain Refreshed, Adds $35,195 AT4 Off-Road Model

    GMC has updated the Terrain compact crossover with a new look and a few newly available features.An off-road-oriented AT4 trim level joins the lineup.The sole engine choice is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, as the previously optional turbo 2.0-liter inline-four is gone.UPDATE 6/25/21: GMC has released pricing for the 2022 Terrain. The base SLE model starts at $29,095. This represents a $2900 increase over last year’s SL base model, which has been discontinued. The SLT costs $33,095 and the Denali starts at $37,795, both $700 less than last year’s model. The new off-road-oriented Terrain AT4, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, starts at $35,195. GMC says that the AT4 and Denali models won’t go on sale until this fall.The 2022 GMC Terrain gains a new look, new features, and a new rugged-looking trim level called AT4. But notably, the more powerful upgrade engine option won’t be offered after disappearing for the 2021 model year. A turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with 170 horsepower remains the only engine option, with the previous turbo 2.0-liter four last offered in 2020 not set to return along with this refresh.

    All 2022 Terrains look a bit different, with reshaped headlights and taillights and a different front fascia. The wheel designs are new, too, and there are four new color options. The off-road-focused AT4 designation seen on other GMC models joins the Terrain lineup for the first time; it’s essentially an appearance package with a front skid plate and Goodyear Sport Terrain tires.

    Terrain Denali
    GMC

    GMC also says the interior has different upholstery and trim pieces, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are now standard. There’s a new head-up display that’s optional on certain trim levels and standard on the top-dog Denali.Prices for the 2022 Terrain start at $29,095 for a front-wheel-drive SLE and range up to $37,795 for a front-wheel-drive Denali. All-wheel drive is a $1600 option on most trim levels but comes standard on the AT4.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This story was originally published March 23, 2021.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • 150 Shares119 Views

    in Bike

    Yamaha Electric Scooter For Indian Market – Eyes On New EV Policy

    2022 Yamaha Electric ScooterRising fuel prices, coupled with increased FAME-II subsidy can boost EV sales
    After revealing Fascino 125 FI Hybrid earlier this month, Yamaha Motor has indicated towards the possible launch of an electric scooter in the Indian market. If that plan becomes a reality, Yamaha will join the list of mainstream two wheeler manufacturers who have dedicated all-electric products.
    As of now, Bajaj and TVS are the only established auto manufacturers to launch electric two wheelers. Majority of the electric two wheeler segment is still dominated by startups and tech companies.
    Yamaha evaluating India’s EV policy
    Yamaha has stated that an electric scooter for the Indian market is definitely on the cards. However, a lot will depend on India’s EV policy. Yamaha expects the EV policy to have special schemes that will facilitate faster adoption of EV technology. The policy should also have dedicated provisions that will encourage rapid development of EV infrastructure.
    According to Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, India Yamaha Motor, the company is already working on developing an all-new electric two wheeler platform. This will be utilized in India as well as several other global markets. Yamaha already sells the EC-05 electric scooter in Taiwan. It has been developed in collaboration with Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc.
    Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter Production Spec Patent Leaks
    In the EV segment, things like pricing and range are quite important. In addition to these, Yamaha said that its major concern is about EV infrastructure. The company feels that developing infrastructure is a much greater challenge, as compared to other bottlenecks.
    There’s an urgent need to augment battery production, build charging stations and develop battery swapping hubs. Until these are readily available, most EV users will face challenges on the road. Yamaha said that once the EV roadmap is clearly defined in the country, it will think about launching an all-new electric scooter in India.
    Fascino 125 FI Hybrid
    With hybrid version of Fascino, Yamaha is on track to enter the EV space in India. Along with Fascino, RayZR Hybrid will also be launched soon. These scooters are equipped with a mild-hybrid technology in the form of a new Smart Motor Generator (SMG) system. What it does is add some extra power at the time when the scooter starts to move forward from stop position.
    SMG ensures smooth acceleration at start, providing better control to the rider. The power boost is stopped automatically after specific pre-set criteria are met. With the SMG system in place, the engine’s fuel efficiency has improved by around 16%. Fascino Hybrid will be using the same engine as earlier, a 125 cc unit that makes 8.2 bhp / 9.7 Nm. With SMG, torque output will increase to 10.3 Nm, whenever needed. More

  • 113 Shares189 Views

    in Motor News

    Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon Xtreme Recon Package Goes Sasquatch Hunting

    Jeep’s Xtreme Recon package adds 35-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 4.56:1 final-drive gears, and a 1.5-inch lift to the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.The package will be available later in the year and directly targets the Ford Bronco equipped with the Sasquatch package.When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon can now be optioned with 4.88:1 final-drives.The paint hasn’t fully cured on the first Ford Broncos to roll off the production line, and Jeep has already answered the call of the Sasquatch, not by whacking two pieces of wood together, but with hardware to compete with the ‘Squanch’s Rubicon-threatening big off-road tires, short axle ratios, and uprated suspension.

    When the Extreme Recon package hits the order sheet later this year, it will be reserved for four-door Wrangler Rubicons and the monstrous Rubicon 392. To compete with the Bronco’s Sasquatch package, the Xtreme Recon adds 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 dirt shredders mounted on beadlock-capable wheels and 4.56:1 gearing for the axles. A 1.5-inch suspension lift with retuned dampers will support the Wrangler Rubicon, while the 392 makes do with its standard 2.0-inch lift.

    Stellantis

    While the Bronco’s most extreme option has been pushed back until 2022, Jeep is already tooting its own horn with big off-road numbers to render the Sasquatch’s metrics time at the top short-lived. In the world of wheelin’, it’s all about the angles, and a Wrangler Rubicon fitted with the Xtreme Recon package increases all of them. The approach angle is now 47.4 degrees to the Bronco’s 43.2; the break-over measures 26.7 degrees, barely nudging the Ford’s 26.3; the departure angle is up to 40.7 degrees to the Sasquatch’s 37.0; and when it comes to wading through a pond, the Recon’s 33.6 inches bests the Bronco by a measly 0.1 inch. Naturally, the ground clearance swells and is now 12.9 inches, towering over the Bronco’s 11.5. The Rubicon 392 doesn’t fare as well, but its 470 horsepower should make up for its shortcomings. The quest for King of the Trail doesn’t end there. For those who prefer to row their own gears, Rubicons equipped with the six-speed manual transmission can be optioned with 4:88.1 gearing that enables a crawl ratio of 100:1. Broncos equipped with the seven-speed manual creep around with just a 94.8:1 ratio. The four-door Wrangler Rubicon starts at $44,295, about $30,000 less than the Rubicon 392. Pricing for the Xtreme Recon package should be revealed during the Chicago auto show in July.
    This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io More

  • 163 Shares109 Views

    in Bike

    Ola Electric Scooter Launch Nears – CEO Asks For Suggestion On Colour Options

    Ola Electric ScooterOla Electric is also planning to set up a Hypercharging Network that involves installing one lakh charging points across 400 cities in India.
    Ola Electric, the EV manufacturing arm of Ola Cabs, is expected to officially launch its highly anticipated electric scooter in a few weeks. Ahead of its launch, company CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, has teased the upcoming e-scooter on his Twitter handle revealing crucial details about the two-wheeler.
    This is the second time that production-spec of the upcoming ola electric scooter has been teased on social media. Earlier in March this year, first images of the scooter went viral on social media. Ola announced its intention to manufacture its own line of electric vehicles by creating a separate arm for EV development last year.
    Ola E-Scooter Launch
    In the tweet, Aggarwal, asks social media users to suggest some colour options for the Ola scooter out of which black has already been adopted as shown in the teaser image. As already mentioned previously, this scooter will be based on Etergo Appscooter.
    Last year in May 2020, the ride-hailing giant had acquired Amsterdam-based electric scooter company Etergo BV for an undisclosed amount. The first bunch of scooters is likely to be brought to India as full imports from Netherlands.
    Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola.
    The next bunch of scooters will be manufactured at Ola’s upcoming facility currently under construction in Tamil Nadu. The company had earlier announced a Rs 2,400 crore investment for this manufacturing plant. This facility will be capable of producing 2 million electric two-wheelers per annum and would generate around 10,000 jobs.
    It is also slated to become the largest two-wheelers manufacturing plant in the world. Operations are expected to commence in the coming few months and the plant will comply with Industry 4.0 norms.
    E-Scooter Design & Specs
    Coming to the Ola e-scooter, the scooter looks very similar to Etergo Appscooter. on which it is based. From the looks of it, the e-scooter will come with telescopic front forks. The most attractive highlight is its compact size and its quirky-looking twin-beam LED headlight with an LED DRL strip around the main cluster. Its riding dynamics look simple although the rider sits high up with loads of ground clearance on offer.
    Although no specifications are revealed as of now, the e-scooter is likely to borrow most of its features from its Dutch twin. These could include alloy wheels, digital instrument console, cloud connectivity, removable Lithium-ion battery, a spacious underseat storage and more. If its specs mirror Appscooter, it is likely to offer a class-leading range on a single charge. More