Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 138 Shares149 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Tata Punch EV Reach Dealerships – Interior Similar To Nexon EV

    Tata Punch EV Reach DealershipsAs opposed to ICE Punch, Tata Punch EV has an overhauled interior that shares most components with pricier Nexon EVWithin Tata Motors’ SUV lineup, Punch is the smallest offering and has created a special segment of its own below Nexon sub 4m SUV. With 5 Star crash safety rating from GNCAP, rugged looks and a well-packaged features list, Punch soon became popular in India. Now, Tata is launching an electric version of Punch to expand its EV portfolio.Tata Punch EV Reach DealershipsIf Nexon is the highest-selling vehicle (of any segment) in India, Punch is 3rd highest-selling vehicle with 13,787 units sold in December 2023. In comparison, Tiago and Tigor garner much lower sales numbers. Electrifying Punch would unlock a new horizon of expanding the brand’s reach to target demographic.Considering growing SUV craze in India, Punch EV could very well be India’s best-selling EV upon launch too, sidelining Tiago EV. The potential that Punch EV packs is very high and pricing is likely to play a big role in establishing this effect. The company has revealed exterior design elements of Punch EV ahead of launch.For the first time, Punch EV interiors have been spotted of units that have been arriving at Tata’s EV-specific dealerships. There is a massive departure in interiors from what the company is offering with ICE model. The overall look and feel of Punch EV is a big leap in terms of aesthetics, appeal and technology.Punch EV new 10.2-inch instrument screenWe say this because there are a lot of parts sharing with its bigger and more expensive brother, Nexon EV, which was recently launched. The Punch EV spotted at dealership seems to be top-spec Empowered+ trim and hence it gets the same 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster that Tata offers with Nexon, Nexon EV, Harrier and Safari.Interior overhaulOther than that, Punch EV should get the same 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with Arcade.ev app suite from Tata. Punch EV gets Tata’s new 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo similar to Nexon EV. There should be a new centre console with touch and toggle design HVAC controls as well.These are a major uplift when compared to the interiors of Punch ICE with a small 7-inch head unit and other shared parts with Tiago and Tigor. Punch EV gets rear disc brakes too, something that Harrier doesn’t get as standard even today. Tata is offering standard Punch EV and Punch EV LR (Long Range) with battery choices and an electrifying performance.Punch EVEven the sunroof is optional and not standard, which is much appreciated. Other choices include either a 3.3 kW AC charger or the faster 7.2 kW AC charger. The car sits on a dedicated Acti.ev electric vehicle platform that allows for a front trunk as well, which is the first on any Tata EV before. Charging port is in the front too, which is so much convenient than side ports.Image – Chotharamparmar More

  • 150 Shares99 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Maruti To Launch Entry-Level EV In 3 Years – Tiago EV Rival

    Suzuki eWX ConceptUnlike some OEMs that have initially relied on ICE to EV conversions, Maruti will start its EV journey with a born-electric platformAlthough late in the EV game, Maruti Suzuki had mega plans for this segment. More than 10,000 crore investment has been earmarked for localization of EVs. The first product will be eVX compact electric SUV, expected to be launched in late 2024. Later in 2026-2027, Maruti will target the entry-level EV space, currently dominated by Tata Tiago EV.Maruti small EV detailsA few years back, Maruti was working on an ICE to EV conversion project in the form of Wagon R EV. That project was scrapped due to cost and technical aspects. Maruti is now developing a born-electric EV architecture (codenamed K-EV) that will be used for its compact electric vehicles.Suzuki eWX ConceptIt is different from the eVX that will spawn the Creta EV rivalling compact EV. Both these platforms will be used to develop multiple new EVs. Having two platforms will help add more variety and fulfil cost, efficiency and performance requirements.Similar to the strategy followed by Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki will also focus on achieving a high level of localization. Suzuki has tie-ups with Denso and Toshiba for manufacturing battery packs. For the upcoming eVX, Suzuki will be sourcing the blade cells from BYD. However, the battery supplier for K-EV small EV could be a different entity.Suzuki eWX ConceptMaruti targeting half a million EV sales by FY31Maruti has plans to ramp up its EV operations at a fast pace. By the end of this decade, Maruti is looking to add at least 6 new electric cars. By FY2031, Maruti EV sales will comprise around 15% of its overall sales. That’s around half a million units per annum. Maruti’s EV portfolio will have a wide range of options including hatchbacks, SUVs and MPVs. All EVs will be born electric and there won’t be any ICE to EV conversions.To achieve a high level of localization, Suzuki has committed an investment of more than Rs 10,000 crore. The funds will be used for localization of cells as well as for production. Maruti EVs will compete with Tata EVs across both pricing and features.As of now, Tata dominates with a market share of more than 70%. Entry-level Tiago EV is a key contributor, averaging sales of around 1,000 to 1,500 units per month. Tata will also launch Punch EV, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the company’s EV sales.EV prices to match ICE-car prices in coming yearsAs of now, electric vehicles are sold at a premium. In the case of ICE Tiago and its EV version, the price difference is around 35%. Such price gaps are expected to reduce in future, as production volumes increase and battery prices fall. It will allow a faster transition from ICE to EVs. It will still be a long journey, as EV share in overall PV sales in 2023 was just around 2 percent.Source More

  • 113 Shares119 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Punch EV Off-Roading Capabilities, Dual-Display Revealed – Launch Soon

    Tata Punch EV off-roading teaserTo be positioned above the Tiago EV, Tata Punch.ev will rival the likes of Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EVTata’s early foray into the EV segment with products like Nexon EV has turned out to be a spectacular success. The company currently commands more than 70% market share in EV space. With new products like Punch EV and upcoming Harrier EV, Safari EV and Curvv EV, Tata will be looking to maintain its dominance.Punch.ev off-roading capabilities revealedA recent Instagram post uploaded by Tata reveals the off-roading capabilities of Punch.ev. The mind generally perceives electric cars as relatively fragile in comparison to their ICE counterparts. However, as revealed in the video, Punch.ev is seen conquering a wide variety of extreme off-road tracks. Punch.ev easily drives across the uneven track test, articulation test and mud and gravel dirt track. Punch EV also aces the water crossing test, dispelling any doubts that people may have about the safety of electric cars.[embedded content]Unlike other Tata electric cars like Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV that are largely ICE to EV conversion projects, Punch EV is based on an entirely new pure EV architecture named ‘acti.ev’. Many of the off-roading capabilities that Punch EV has could be made possible with this new EV platform. Acti.ev is designed with focus on performance, technology, modularity and space efficiency.It uses an orthogonal, high density battery pack for optimal space utilization and performance. The battery pack cells have been tested in compliance with advanced global standards. The acti.ev platform can support various body styles, offering a range of 300 to 600 km. All three propulsion options, FWD, RWD and AWD, can be accommodated. The platform supports up to 150 kW fast charging. Users will be able to add around 100 km in just 10 minutes.Tata Punch EV interiors – Dual screen setupPunch EV will be available in Standard and Long Range versions. But the exact range is yet to be revealed. As Punch has a pure EV architecture, its range could be higher than its siblings and rival offerings.Punch EV new interior details revealedPunch EV’s equipment list has several components borrowed from Nexon EV. For example, dual 10.25-inch displays will be available with the Empowered+ variant. The Empowered variant will have a single 10.25-inch infotainment and a 7-inch digital instrument console.The dashboard has been refreshed and there’s a new touch sensitive AC control panel. Just like Nexon EV, Punch EV also gets the new 2-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo. Other details revealed include new dual-tone upholstery. It is likely that Punch EV will have more interior theme options based on the variant.Tata Punch EV interiors – new themePunch.ev is expected to be launched by the end of this month. Initial offer price could be around Rs 12 lakh. In comparison, Citroen eC3 starts at Rs 11.61 lakh. It will be interesting to see how Hyundai responds with the Exter EV that is scheduled for launch later this year. More

  • 150 Shares189 Views

    in Bike

    2W Retail Sales December 2023 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Ola, Ather

    Suzuki Gixxer SF2W reported a 27.56% YoY and 9.45% growth in CY2023 with sales boosted by new model launches and increased sales of electric scootersFederation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has released sales data for December 2023 wherein YoY sales growth was seen across all segments to a total of 19,90,915 units. The 2W segment was particularly noteworthy with a 27.56 percent YoY growth to 14,49,693 units in December 2023, up from 11,36,465 units sold in December 2022.2W Retail Sales December 2023It was, however, a MoM decline of 35.49 percent when compared to 22,47,366 units sold during the festive month of November 2023. Taking into account sales during the calendar year 2023, 2W sales were up 9.45 percent to 1,70,61,112 units from 1,55,88,352 units sold during the January-December 2022 period.Hero MotoCorp, the leading two-wheeler maker, topped sales charts once again in December 2023 to command a market share of 31.98 percent. Sales in the past month stood at 4,63,593 units, up from 3,30,666 units sold in December 2022. It was, however, a significant MoM decline over 8,02,234 units sold in November 2023.At No. 2 was Honda with 3,44,139 units sold in the past month, up from 2,94,477 units sold in December 2022. This was a volume growth of 49,662 units to command a 23.74 percent market share. New model launches in the past year have stood it in good stead with the Honda Activa H-Smart and Shine 100 finding much demand in the country along with Honda SP160 and Dio 125 which also went on sale last year.2W Retail Sales December 2023TVS Motor sales grew to 2,32,695 units in December 2023, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 1,76,605 units sold in December 2022. TVS currently commands a 16.05 percent market share and is planning to launch the new TVS Apache RR 200, a new faired bike in 2024.Hero steals the show like clockworkPosting significant YoY sales growth was also Bajaj Auto Limited with 1,82,030 units sold in December 2023. This was up from 1,26,157 units sold in December 2022. The newest addition to the company lineup is the 2024 Chetak electric scooter. It is being offered in two variants of Premium and Urbane and priced at Rs 1.35 lakh and Rs 1.15 lakh respectively, ex-sh.An upswing in retail sales was also reported by Suzuki Motorcycle India, retail sales grew to 66,262 units in December 2023 from 53,214 units sold in December 2022. Models such as the Burgman Street 125, Gixxer 155 and the 250 series played a major role in boosting company sales.Royal Enfield sales dipped to 55,103 units in December 2023 from 56,557 units sold in December 2022. The company currently commands a 3.80 percent market share, down from 4.98 percent held in December 2022. Retail sales surged for India Yamaha Motors to 48,192 units in December 2023 from 39,965 units sold in December 2022.Electric 2W Retail Sales December 2023In the electric two-wheeler segment, it was Ola Electric that marked outstanding growth to 30,263 units in December 2023, up from 17,372 units sold in December 2022. Ola Electric sales grew to 30,263 units in the past month from 17,372 units sold in December 2022 to command a 2.09 percent market share. It was the Ola S1 X+ that contributed highly to these sales.In December 2023, as a part of the ‘December to Remember’ program, Ola Electric introduced reduced pricing of the Ola S1 X+ by Rs 20,000. The original price of Rs 1,09,999 has now been reduced to Rs 89,999 (ex-showroom). Ather Energy, another electric two-wheeler maker has, however, posted lower YoY sales. Sales dipped to 6,493 units in the past month from 7,695 units sold in December 2022, bringing down market share to 0.45 percent from 0.68 percent YoY.Piaggio sales improved to 2,984 units from 2,764 units YoY while Greaves Electric has seen a significant surge in sales to 2,975 units in December 2023 from just 171 units sold in December 2022. Classic Legends also posted lower sales to 2,481 units last month from 2,720 units sold in December 2022 while there were other electric two wheeler makers who have seen sales dip to 12,483 units in the past month from 28,102 units sold in December 2022. More

  • 150 Shares169 Views

    in Bike

    Hero Mavrick 440 New Teaser Reveals Headlight Design – More Spy Shots

    Hero Mavrick 440 new teaserUpon launch, Hero Mavrick 440 will rival Royal Enfield bikes like Classic 350 and Hunter 350 as well as Triumph Speed 400In partnership with Harley-Davidson, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp is making its entry in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. Hero will start its journey in this space with Mavrick 440, which is scheduled to debut on 23rd January. Ahead of the launch, a recently spotted test mule has revealed finer details about the bike.Hero Mavrick 440 – Key featuresMavrick 440 will be sharing the new 440cc platform, as seen with Harley X440. However, Mavrick has a completely different profile. While X440 has a quirky persona, Hero Mavrick is easily relatable to a classic roadster. But with features like tank shrouds, it appears that Hero too is looking to introduce some level of design innovation. It remains to be seen if this approach will help attract enthusiasts.Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsSome of the key highlights of Mavrick 440 include all-LED lighting, round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, chunky fuel tank, wide handlebar, single-piece seat and standard grab rail. While Harley X440 has USD forks at front, this particular test mule of Mavrick 440 is equipped with conventional telescopic forks. The exhaust is also different, although the positioning is the same for both bikes.Mavrick gets new alloy wheels in comparison to that of X440. But it is worth mentioning that the bike would look a lot better with wire spoke wheels. It is possible that this feature could be offered as an option. X440 already has the option of spoke and cast wheels. Spy shots are credited to Rj Biker Jpr, who has also managed to capture the exhaust note of new Hero Mavrick 440.Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsTo keep costs down, Hero Mavrick could borrow the circular 3.5-inch TFT display from X440. It displays a range of information such as gear indicator, speedometer, side stand alert, ABS alert and low fuel indication. Onboard X440, users can also connect their smartphone via Bluetooth to access calls, text, music and turn-by-turn navigation.Hero Mavrick 440 new teaserHero Mavrick 440 – Specs, performanceBraking setup for Mavrick could include 320 mm front and 240 mm rear disk brakes. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. At rear, the bike has twin shocks, similar to the ones in use with X440. Powering Hero Mavrick will be the 440cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. It churns out 27 bhp of peak power and 38 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.[embedded content]Hero Mavrick 440 – Any worries for Royal Enfield?To make it an irresistible deal, Hero could offer the Mavrick 440 at around Rs 2 lakh. Although Hero has capabilities to launch Mavrick at an affordable price point, it is unlikely to have any major impact on Royal Enfield sales. Mavrick will create its own customer base, instead of eroding the market share of popular RE bikes such as Classic 350 and Hunter 350. Something similar is expected with other rivals such as Triumph Speed 400.Mavrick 440 is a new journey for Hero MotoCorp. The 440cc platform will spawn multiple new bikes in the future. It includes Xpulse 440 and Xtreme 440, which can help strengthen Hero’s presence in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. More

  • 188 Shares169 Views

    in Bike

    Svitch CSR 762 Launched In India At Rs. 1.9 Lakh – Tork, Oben, Revolt Rival

    Svitch CSR 762 LaunchedIn limited electric motorcycle space, Svitch CSR 762 launched in India, takes on the likes of e-motorcycles from Tork, Revolt and othersWith Indian 2W EVs gaining popularity, more manufacturers are looking to invest in this segment. This is also a call for startup brands to carve a pie for themselves. Latest entrant is Svitch CSR 762, which is an electric motorcycle, rather than an electric scooter. Launched at Rs. 1,89,999 (ex-sh), CSR 762 intends to cash in the rising e-motorcycle segment.Svitch CSR 762 Launched In India At Rs. 1.9 LakhSvitch MotoCorp Pvt Ltd is among the known electric bicycle manufacturers in India. The electric mobility startup invests heavily in electric motorcycles segment with its maiden product e-motorcycle, CSR 762. The motorcycle looks futuristic and something that came out of a Cyberpunk-themed movie or video game.This electric mobility startup intends to redefine e-motorcycles by imparting their vision of the future today, with CSR 762. Launched at Rs. 1,89,999 (ex-sh), Svitch CSR 762 combine multiple innovations with a futuristic design. A combination that is expected to influence target demographic to “Svitch” to electric mobility than ICE.The design has a lot of cuts and creases along with sharp and chiseled character lines. Overall appeal is quite boxy, yet sophisticated. The quadrilateral headlight gets integrated LED bulbs and DRL elements. This is a hybrid fairing design too like Ultraviolette products that has a covered body, but a street-bike-like headlight unit.Svitch CSR 762 Removable BatteriesThe company has innovated a 40L luggage space where a conventional fuel tank would have been. This is due to two smaller removable battery packs that doesn’t intrude into this space. Other appreciable elements include a cavity on the fuel tank (boot lid, in this case) to keep a smartphone to act as a second screen for navigation and other paraphernalia.Apart from the two removable battery packs mentioned, users can also carry two extra battery packs to double the claimed range. Because these are removable, Svitch CSR 762 gets an air-cooling setup and not liquid-cooling. There are three colour options with Svitch – Scarlette Red, Molten Mercury (Silver) and Black Diamond.Specs, numbers and featuresComponentry includes a tubular skeleton frame construction that is holding RSU telescopic front forks, mono-shock rear setup suspension setup, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 11/80 front and 140/70 rear tyres, 300mm front and 280mm rear disc brake with combi braking, a mid-mounted motor with 56 Nm without reduction, 3 kW (4 bhp) nominal power and 10 kW (13.4 bhp) peak power. Kerb weight is 155 kg.Svitch CSR 762 Instrument screenThe motor is connected to rear wheels via chain drive. Svitch claims 120 km/h top speed, 190 km range from a single charge and doesn’t mention the battery capacity. One look at company’s official brochure (currently live on website) reveals 3.6 kWh total capacity. However, the brochure mentioned top speed as 110 km/h and maximum range as 160 km, which are different from numbers on press material.Also, Svitch CSR 762 is advertised to get a 5-inch TFT display. But the pictures on brochure reveal a negative LCD unit. Other features include up to five riding modes. More

  • 150 Shares99 Views

    in Bike

    Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy Shots – More Details, Exhaust Note Captured

    Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsUpon launch, Hero Mavrick 440 will rival Royal Enfield bikes like Classic 350 and Hunter 350 as well as Triumph Speed 400In partnership with Harley-Davidson, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp is making its entry in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. Hero will start its journey in this space with Mavrick 440, which is scheduled to debut on 23rd January. Ahead of the launch, a recently spotted test mule has revealed finer details about the bike.Hero Mavrick 440 – Key featuresMavrick 440 will be sharing the new 440cc platform, as seen with Harley X440. However, Mavrick has a completely different profile. While X440 has a quirky persona, Hero Mavrick is easily relatable to a classic roadster. But with features like tank shrouds, it appears that Hero too is looking to introduce some level of design innovation. It remains to be seen if this approach will help attract enthusiasts.Hero Mavrick 440 New Spy ShotsSome of the key highlights of Mavrick 440 include all-LED lighting, round headlamp and rear-view mirrors, chunky fuel tank, wide handlebar, single-piece seat and standard grab rail. While Harley X440 has USD forks at front, this particular test mule of Mavrick 440 is equipped with conventional telescopic forks. The exhaust is also different, although the positioning is the same for both bikes.Mavrick gets new alloy wheels in comparison to that of X440. But it is worth mentioning that the bike would look a lot better with wire spoke wheels. It is possible that this feature could be offered as an option. X440 already has the option of spoke and cast wheels. Spy shots are credited to Rj Biker Jpr, who has also managed to capture the exhaust note of new Hero Mavrick 440.[embedded content]To keep costs down, Hero Mavrick could borrow the circular 3.5-inch TFT display from X440. It displays a range of information such as gear indicator, speedometer, side stand alert, ABS alert and low fuel indication. Onboard X440, users can also connect their smartphone via Bluetooth to access calls, text, music and turn-by-turn navigation.Hero Mavrick 440 – Specs, performanceBraking setup for Mavrick could include 320 mm front and 240 mm rear disk brakes. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. At rear, the bike has twin shocks, similar to the ones in use with X440. Powering Hero Mavrick will be the 440cc, single cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. It churns out 27 bhp of peak power and 38 Nm of max torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.Hero Mavrick 440 – Any worries for Royal Enfield?To make it an irresistible deal, Hero could offer the Mavrick 440 at around Rs 2 lakh. Although Hero has capabilities to launch Mavrick at an affordable price point, it is unlikely to have any major impact on Royal Enfield sales. Mavrick will create its own customer base, instead of eroding the market share of popular RE bikes such as Classic 350 and Hunter 350. Something similar is expected with other rivals such as Triumph Speed 400.Mavrick 440 is a new journey for Hero MotoCorp. The 440cc platform will spawn multiple new bikes in the future. It includes Xpulse 440 and Xtreme 440, which can help strengthen Hero’s presence in the sub-500cc motorcycle segment. More

  • 150 Shares159 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger Reserve – Fatal Accident Reported

    Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger ReserveThe accident claimed the lives of four individuals, including two forest rangers, while a woman warden remains missingA tragic incident marred the testing phase of an electric vehicle by Bangalore-based startup Pravaig Dynamics, resulting in a high-speed crash within Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The vehicle involved was undergoing a trial run when the devastating crash occurred.Speeding inside a Tiger reserve – Consequences of the AccidentIn an official statement released by Pravaig Dynamics, the company expressed deep sorrow and confirmed its collaboration with investigative authorities to provide comprehensive details regarding the unfortunate event. The incident has been caught on video.STORY | Trial EV accident: EV company deeply saddened; driver says was forced to speed, overloadFour people, including two forest rangers, died after their trial EV met with an accident in Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve on Monday evening. The accident was recorded in the… pic.twitter.com/7xObtnfVFZ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 10, 2024The driver of the vehicle, Ashbin Biju, a BE Mechanical Engineer, has provided a separate statement shedding light on the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash. Biju clarified that he was not under the influence of any substances nor fatigued during the trial. The first phase of the test, sanctioned by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand, proceeded without incident in the morning. However, complications arose during the subsequent demonstration in the afternoon.According to Biju’s account, forest officials insisted on overloading the vehicle, accommodating nine individuals—exceeding the recommended seating capacity of eight, including the driver. Despite his reservations, he alleged pressure from the officials to accelerate the vehicle beyond planned parameters.Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger ReserveDriver’s Account: Details UnfoldBiju recounted, “I refused to comply 2-3 times and did not accelerate the speed beyond 30-40 (kmph).” However, yielding to persistent insistence, he briefly increased the acceleration, causing the electric vehicle to unexpectedly surge to a speed of 70 kmph due to its inherent rapid acceleration. The unstable terrain, with loose mud and hazardous rocks, led to a tire burst, resulting in the loss of control and a collision with a tree and embankment wall.Pravaig Electric CarAccidentTragically, individuals positioned in the rear of the vehicle, including forest personnel, were thrown off during the crash and suffered fatal injuries. Those in the front seats, who had their seat belts on, survived the impact.Pravaig Electric CarAccidentPravaig Dynamics Official StatementPravaig Dynamics, in their official response, conveyed their profound distress regarding the incident, clarifying that the vehicle was undergoing an authorized trial run in collaboration with the Forest Department of Uttarakhand. The company started receiving reports of the accident and attributed it to a tire burst. They assured cooperation with investigative agencies and their distributors to furnish additional pertinent information.Pravaig Dynamics Official StatementThe accident within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve has sparked widespread concern, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and raising questions about safety protocols during vehicle trials within protected environments. More