Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 175 Shares24 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Renault Duster EV In The Works — Electric 4×4 SUV Could Arrive Post 2027

    Renault DusterRenault is preparing to electrify one of its most popular SUVs, the Duster, as part of a broader transition towards sustainable mobility. While the Duster has long been known for its rugged, affordable appeal, the upcoming electric version aims to retain that very essence — including a potential go-anywhere 4×4 capability — in its next chapter.
    Renault Duster EV In The Works
    Globally, the Duster is sold under the Dacia brand, but in India, the model will continue to wear the Renault badge. New report from, Autocar reveals that the Duster EV could debut internationally after 2027 and reach India following that timeline, depending on market demand and infrastructure readiness.
    The electric Duster will be built on the CMF-BEV platform, an EV-focused derivative of the CMF-B architecture already underpinning the ICE-powered Duster. This platform, developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, supports everything from compact city cars to midsize SUVs and will form the basis for Renault’s affordable EV push in the coming years.
    One major highlight is that the CMF-BEV platform has now been confirmed to support a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. This means Renault can offer a 4×4 variant of the Duster EV, keeping true to its adventurous, outdoorsy DNA while meeting the performance expectations of Indian SUV buyers.
    To Coexist With ICE Duster Beyond 2030
    In global markets, the Duster EV will likely compete with rivals such as the Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 and Toyota’s upcoming compact Land Cruiser EV. If launched in India, it will take on potential future electric off-roaders in a segment that is still emerging.
    Until the all-electric Duster arrives, the current third-generation Duster — launched globally at the end of 2024 — will continue to evolve. Later this year, Renault is expected to introduce a new range-topping hybrid 4×4 version of the Duster, which uses an electrified rear axle for all-wheel-drive capabilities. This hybrid variant could be a logical step for India too, given our growing acceptance of strong-hybrid technologies as a transition to full-electric vehicles. India launch of the new Duster is expected by early 2026.
    The ICE-powered Duster is likely to continue beyond the end of this decade, with the electric version offered alongside it — similar to how Renault plans to position the Clio and the upcoming electric Renault 5 in Europe. This dual-approach allows the brand to maintain affordability while gradually shifting towards zero-emission mobility.
    Production Synergies Likely to Keep Costs Competitive
    In line with Renault’s strategy, the Duster EV will use common parts, manufacturing lines, and supplier networks to keep costs under control, helping it stay true to the Duster’s reputation for value. Renault has not confirmed whether the Duster EV will be manufactured in the same Indian facility as its ICE siblings, but the brand’s past practice of sharing production lines strongly suggests that a localised approach is likely.
    While there is no official launch date yet, the Duster EV represents Renault’s ambition to offer rugged, affordable electric SUVs tailored for Indian conditions — and to keep the Duster legacy alive well into the electrified future. More

  • 163 Shares27 Views

    in Bike

    RE Himalayan Cross-Spoke Wheels Price Hiked – From Rs 12k To Rs 41k

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Gets Tubeless TyresSince the Himalayan 450 is widely used for long-distance touring, a reliable tubeless tyre solution greatly enhances the overall experience
    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the preferred bikes for highway cruising and off-road adventures. The bike has a powerful Sherpa 450 engine, robust suspension setup and is available at an accessible price point. However, since Himalayan 450 was originally launched with tube-type tyres, dealing with punctures was a major hassle. Especially when exploring remote areas.
    As a solution, Royal Enfield improved overall experience by introducing cross-spoke wheels for Himalayan 450. These were launched as an accessory for existing buyers and an option for new buyers in September 2024. Royal Enfield has now increased the price of these cross-spoke wheels for existing customers. Let’s check out the details and the new pricing.
    Himalayan Cross-Spoke Wheels Price Hiked
    For existing Himalayan users, the cross-spoke wheels were earlier available at Rs 12,424. This seemed a reasonable amount, especially for folks who frequently used their Himalayan for long-distance touring. Sold as genuine Royal Enfield accessories, the cross-spoke wheels are also considered more reliable in comparison to aftermarket tube to tubeless conversions. The latter does not come with a written warranty of any sort.
    It is reasonable to expect some change in prices of components with time. But in case of Himalayan’s cross-spoke wheels, the price has been increased by a massive Rs 28,221. This is applicable for existing Himalayan 450 users. Now priced at Rs 40,645, the cross-spoke wheels for the Himalayan account for nearly 15% of the bike’s price.
    Royal Enfield Himalayan Older 21-Inch Front Tube-type Setup
    This applies to the base variant ‘Kaza Brown’, which is available at a starting price of Rs 2.96 lakh (Ex-sh). Such a huge price hike for an accessory is quite surprising. It is also possible that these cross-spoke wheels are being positioned as a premium upgrade.
    Rs 11,000 pricing still applicable for new buyers
    While existing Himalayan 450 users will have to pay a hefty price, new buyers can still get the cross-spoke wheel upgrade at the earlier price of Rs 11,000. New buyers can do this by choosing Royal Enfield’s Make It Yours (MIY) configuration platform.
    As of now, the price of the cross-spoke wheels (90/90-21 at front and 140/80 R 17 rear) is listed at Rs 11,000. It is not certain if this more accessible pricing will be retained on the MIY platform. However, to sustain sales, the cross-spoke wheels may continue to be available at affordable rates exclusively for new buyers.
    Himalayan 450 is currently the 6th bestselling Royal Enfield bike in India. In May 2025, sales were at 1,489 units, contributing 1.96% to the brand’s overall sales. In the 350cc-450cc best selling motorcycles list, Himalayan 450 was ranked 8th in May. It was ahead of KTM 390 Adventure, one of its primary rivals. More

  • 138 Shares25 Views

    in Bike

    Ather Confirms BaaS Prices – EVs Up To 40% More Affordable

    Ather 450 RangeThe BaaS option is ideal for those who can’t afford the full upfront cost but can comfortably manage monthly subscription payments
    One of India’s leading electric two-wheeler brands, Ather Energy is working on a multi-pronged strategy to boost market share. Part of that plan includes the launch of a new affordable electric scooter. Ather has also confirmed that it will be introducing BaaS (Battery as a Service) option soon. Let’s check out the details and understand how it will benefit consumers.
    Ather Confirms BaaS Prices
    Ather Energy Chief Business Officer, Ravneet Phokela, has confirmed that the brand is working to introduce BaaS as an option. Based on internal studies, it was noted that consumer preferences were broadly divided into two categories. One group preferred the benefits that come with the traditional full ownership, whereas the other group found it challenging to bear the initial cost of acquisition. For this latter group, a subscription-based BaaS program may be more suitable.
    Although a timeline for introduction of BaaS has not been provided, it could be announced in a week’s time, according to a recent report. Finer details of Ather’s BaaS program have also not been revealed. It is possible that Ather can charge a monthly subscription fees or require users to pay a specific amount based on per kilometre usage. Such monthly / daily costs will be easily manageable in comparison to paying the full price of the vehicle.
    Another major benefit for consumers will be the significant reduction in upfront costs. With Ather’s BaaS program, the cost of the EV will be reduced by 30-40 percent. The brand will also benefit, as it can target a larger segment of buyers. Ather is currently ranked 4th in the list of bestselling electric two-wheelers in India. With the BaaS program, Ather will be aiming to boost sales and increase market share.
    Ather Rizta
    Early BaaS providers to benefit
    While there are more than a dozen two-wheeler brands, the BaaS option is offered by only a few. Major player offering BaaS is Honda Activa e, but it does not reduce upfront ownership costs. Hero MotoCorp will be introducing BaaS options with its upcoming Vida VX2 electric scooter, scheduled for launch today, 1st July. Ather will be the next in the list of brands to offer the BaaS option.
    Ather new affordable scooter, network expansion
    To boost sales, Ather is also working on a new affordable ‘EL’ platform. This new EL platform, along with some concept vehicles built on the new platform, will be unveiled at the company’s 2025 Community Day. It is scheduled to be held in August. These new affordable Ather scooters can help generate larger sales volumes.
    Pricing is expected to be under Rs 1 lakh, allowing improved competencies against rival offerings from brands like TVS, Bajaj and Ola Electric. Ather is also working to increase its sales and service network. The brand has set a target of 750 stores by the end of this year. As of now, Ather operates around 350 stores.
    Ather New Affordable Electric Scooter Headlight Design
    Ather will be targeting new cities in North India and also increase its footprint across metro cities. Another focus area is to launch the next-generation of fast chargers. These will allow faster charging, as compared to the current rate of 1.5 km/minute. At its 2025 Community Day, Ather will also unveil its upgraded software stack – Ather Stack 7.0. More

  • 125 Shares26 Views

    in Bike

    Bajaj Sales Breakup May 2025 – Pulsar, Chetak, Dominar, Platina

    2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS160One of India’s leading 2W and 3W manufacturers, Bajaj Auto, has closed the sales account for the month of May 2025 on a positive note, where YoY and MoM sales analysis are concerned. There are a lot of developments from Bajaj’s stable in the past months with new launches expected in the coming months which will boost sales further.
    The company sold a total of 1,82,746 units in May 2025, which registered a 1.86% YoY growth as opposed to 1,79,413 units sold in May 2024, yielding a 3,333 units volume growth YoY. When compared to the 1,79,676 units sold in April 2025, there was a 1.70% MoM growth, yielding a 3,070 units volume growth MoM.
    Bajaj Sales Breakup May 2025
    Breaking down these numbers further, we get the best-seller Pulsar lineup at 1,22,151 units that contributes to 66.84% of Bajaj’s total sales. When compared to the 1,28,480 units sold in May 2024, Pulsar saw a 4.93% YoY decline with 6,329 units lost in volume YoY. Next in line was the Platina at 27,919 units and a 7.67% YoY decline.
    Bajaj Sales Breakup May 2025
    The first vehicle to register a positive growth for Bajaj was Chetak electric scooter at 3rd position with . With 25,540 units, Bajaj almost doubled its sales YoY with a 95.83% YoY growth, as opposed to the 13,042 units sold last year. This resulted in a 12,498 units gain in volume YoY, which was highest in this list.
    Bajaj’s CT lineup sales stood at 3,608 units with a 31% YoY decline. In 5th place, we have Avenger lineup with 1,672 units sold last month and registered a 10.73% YoY growth. Freedom 125 CNG and Bajaj’s flagship Dominar sales stood at 1,037 and 819 units respectively, without any positive growth to register.
    Displacement-wise Sales Breakup
    Breaking down the numbers further with respect to their displacement, we can see that Bajaj’s 125cc Pulsars are the company’s highest contributors with 78,988 units sold and commanded 43.22% of the company’s total sales with a positive growth of 6.64% YoY when compared to 74,072 units sold in May 2024.
    Bajaj Sales Breakup May 2025
    In the 75cc-110cc space, we have CT and Platina lineups with 3,608 and 27,919 units respectively. We have Pulsars at 78,988 units and Freedom at 1,037 units in the 111cc-125cc segment. In 126cc-150cc space, we can see that Pulsar sales stood at 15,937 units, almost halving in numbers YoY with 45.77% YoY decline when compared to the 29,386 units sold last year with a volume decline of 13,499 units.
    Bajaj’s 151cc-200cc segment is where there is positive growth again as Avenger 160 sold 1,277 units with 11.63% YoY growth and 160cc Pulsars sold 22,372 units with 24.88% YoY growth. In the 201cc-250cc space, only Avenger 220 registered positive growth of 7.92% YoY with 395 units.
    Dominar 250 and Pulsar 250 registered 7.80% and 38.45% YoY decline as they sold 402 and 4,355 units respectively. Pulsar NS400Z with 499 units outsold Dominar 400 with 417 units, with Pulsar NS400Z registering 1,459.38% YoY growth.
    Also read – Bajaj Avenger 220 Street to launch again More

  • 138 Shares36 Views

    in Bike

    Aprilia SR 175 Scooter Reach Showrooms – Cluster From RS 457

    Aprilia SR 175 Scooter Reach ShowroomsPremium Italian scooter and motorcycle manufacturer, Aprilia, has been on the verge of expanding its SR sporty scooter lineup. In that regard, the company will soon launch SR 175, which gets the biggest displacement among any other mainstream scooters in India. Ahead of launch, units have started to arrive at showrooms. Let’s take a look at what’s new.
    Aprilia SR 175 Scooter
    Ahead of a formal launch, Aprilia SR 175 scooter has been reaching showrooms. This is a sporty scooter and is positioned on 14-inch wheels on both ends, similar to SR 160. There is a good probability that this Aprilia SR 175 could be a spiritual replacement of SR 160, which is currently on sale in India.
    Aprilia SR 175
    In the video by SKELISM, we can see that the Aprilia SR 175 looks more or less like a SR 160, with colour combinations inspired by other Aprilia vehicles like RS 457 and Tuono 457. It gets the same styling, body panels, LED headlights, LED tail lights, handlebar cowl, stepped seat, rear grab rail and floorboard as SR 160.
    There is a possibility that Aprilia has carried over the mainframe and subframe along with mechanical components like brakes and suspension. The host confirmed that Aprilia SR 175 is rolling on 12-section tyres at both ends wrapped on large 14-inch alloy wheels, similar to SR 160 that is currently on sale.
    Aprilia SR 175
    What’s new is a fully digital colour TFT instrument cluster that looks like it is shared with RS 457 and Tuono 457. This is a major step-up for Aprilia SR 175, when compared to the LCD unit with Red backlight on current SR 160 and SXR 160 models. This cluster has dedicated software and UI for SR 175 and might supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app, through which users can get a host of information on this cluster.
    A New Heart
    When compared to the SR 160 on sale, Aprilia SR 175 gets a new beating heart with a larger displacement. SKELISM revealed that Aprilia SR 175 gets a new 175cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine with two O2 sensors and is rated at 9.5 kW (12.7 bhp) of peak power at 7,200 RPM and 14.4 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 RPM.
    Aprilia SR 175
    Where pricing is concerned, Aprilia SR 175 might be priced around the same bracket as SR 160. So, it could be around Rs 1.35 lakh (Ex-sh). Launch is speculated to happen some time in early July 2025 and it will take on rivals like Yamaha Aerox 155 and upcoming Hero Xoom 160, who’s delivery is set to start in the coming months.
    [embedded content] More

  • 200 Shares34 Views

    in Bike

    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales May 2025 – Apache, Pulsar, MT15, R15, Xpulse, KTM, Hornet, Avenger

    New Yamaha MT15 – Patna BikesIn May 2025, India’s 150–200cc motorcycle segment recorded total sales of 1,54,536 units, witnessing a decline of 10.14% compared to 1,71,981 units in May 2024. Leading the segment was the TVS Apache series with sales of 49,099 units, registering a healthy growth of 29.53% over 37,906 units last year. Bajaj Pulsar came in second, though its sales dropped by 19.01% to 38,309 units from 47,301 units in the same period last year. Honda Unicorn showed positive momentum with sales of 28,616 units, up 15.67% from 24,740 units a year ago.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales May 2025 – YoY Comparison
    Yamaha FZ registered sales of 12,979 units, down 9.61% compared to 14,359 units last May. Yamaha’s MT 15 faced a significant slump of 51.86%, selling 7,034 units against 14,612 units, while the R15 dropped by 42.53% to 5,997 units from 10,435 units. Honda SP 160 saw sales of 3,294 units, sharply down by 66.86% over last year’s 9,939 units.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales May 2025 – YoY Comparison
    Hero’s Xpulse 200 clocked 2,407 units, falling 29.89% from 3,433 units. KTM’s 200cc lineup managed 2,071 units, down 21.70% from 2,645 units in May 2024, while the Bajaj Avenger posted a positive growth of 11.63%, selling 1,277 units compared to 1,144 units last year. Honda Hornet 2.0 fell 49.18% to 1,273 units against 2,505 units.
    Suzuki Gixxer sales stood at 914 units, declining 21.75% over 1,168 units last year, while Hero Xtreme 160R/200 managed 623 units, down 49.27% from 1,228 units. Honda CB200X improved to 586 units, a 14.45% increase from 512 units last year. Meanwhile, Kawasaki’s W175 registered marginal growth of 5.56%, with sales at 57 units compared to 54 units in May 2024.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales May 2025 – MoM Comparison
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales May 2025 – MoM Comparison
    In month-on-month terms, India’s 150–200cc motorcycle segment posted a positive performance in May 2025, with total sales of 1,54,536 units, up 3.70% compared to 1,49,016 units sold in April 2025. TVS Apache series led the charts with 49,099 units, growing by 7.6% over 45,633 units sold the previous month. Bajaj Pulsar came in second but registered a marginal decline of 3.98% to 38,309 units from 39,898 units in April. Honda Unicorn showed a healthy 9.99% growth, selling 28,616 units against 26,017 units a month earlier.
    Yamaha FZ saw a slight dip of 3.73%, at 12,979 units compared to 13,482 units in April. Yamaha’s MT 15 was largely stable, inching up 0.13% to 7,034 units. In contrast, the Yamaha R15 showed a robust jump of 22.19%, selling 5,997 units versus 4,908 units in April. Honda SP160 slipped 6.92%, with 3,294 units sold compared to 3,539 previously. Hero XPulse 200 delivered one of the strongest gains this month, up 65.43% to 2,407 units from 1,455 units. KTM 200 grew moderately by 4.65% to 2,071 units. Bajaj Avenger also posted solid growth of 27.32%, reaching 1,277 units from 1,003 in April.
    Honda Hornet 2.0 registered an impressive 147.18% month-on-month growth, jumping to 1,273 units from just 515 units a month earlier. Meanwhile, Suzuki Gixxer fell 7.77%, with 914 units against 991 units previously. Hero Xtreme 160R/200 faced a sharp drop of 65.83%, down to 623 units from 1,823 units in April. Honda CB200X managed steady gains of 4.64%, selling 586 units against 560 units, while Kawasaki’s W175 fell 69.68% to 57 units from 188 units in April. More

  • 175 Shares40 Views

    in Bike

    Honda 2W Sales Breakup May 2025 – Activa, Shine, Unicorn, Dio, Livo, CB350, Hornet

    Honda ActivaHonda Motorcycle & Scooter India has reported its domestic sales figures for May 2025, with total sales standing at 4,17,250 units, marking a decline of 7.4% compared to 4,50,589 units sold in May 2024. Among individual models, the popular Honda Activa continued to lead the charts with 1,90,713 units sold, though this was down 11.85% from 2,16,352 units a year ago.
    Honda 2W Sales Breakup May 2025
    Shine 125 and SP125 combined witnessed strong growth, recording sales of 1,48,288 units, a 16.85% rise from 1,26,907 units last May. Unicorn performed well too, selling 28,616 units against 24,740 units last year, up by 15.67%.
    Honda 2W Sales Breakup May 2025
    Honda Dio posted sales of 26,220 units, declining by 9.71% compared to 29,041 units in May 2024. Shine 100 saw a sharper drop of 54.92% with sales of 9,983 units versus 22,147 units last year. Livo also fell by 50.89%, selling 3,829 units compared to 7,796. SP160 registered 3,294 units, down 66.86% from 9,939 units.
    In the premium segment, CB350 rose sharply to 2,410 units, up 83.97% from 1,310 units last year, while H’ness 350 dropped 34.91% to 1,281 units from 1,968. Hornet 2.0 also declined, selling 1,273 units versus 2,505 units, down by 49.18%. Honda’s newly introduced QC1 registered 676 units with no sales last year as a comparison.
    CB200X saw a moderate gain of 14.45%, selling 586 units compared to 512. CBR 650 added 31 units in May 2025, while CB 300 dropped sharply to 25 units from 296, a fall of 91.55%. Honda’s XL750 reported 19 units sold, down from 41 units, while CB 1000 added 6 units with no sales last year.
    Interestingly, there were zero domestic sales reported for the Activa e, Dream, and GL 1800 in May 2025. Last year, the Dream sold 7,027 units and the GL 1800 sold 8 units in May. Overall, despite some models showing growth, the negative performance of popular commuter scooters and motorcycles led to a year-on-year contraction of 7.4% for Honda’s domestic two-wheeler business in India. More

  • 163 Shares33 Views

    in Electric Cars

    Tata Harrier EV AWD Price Range Rs 28.99 L To Rs 30.23 L

    Tata Harrier EV LaunchTata Motors, India’s largest four-wheeler EV manufacturer, has officially announced the prices of its highly anticipated Harrier.ev Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) / AWD variants, expanding the electric SUV’s lineup. The QWD variants, featuring India’s first breakthrough dual-motor technology, start at Rs 28.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and promise a superlative blend of off-road capability, performance, and advanced technology.
    Quad Wheel Drive Harrier.ev: Prices and Variants Detailed
    Bookings for the Harrier.ev open on 2nd July 2025, with introductory prices for the entire lineup starting at Rs 21.49 lakh for the base Adventure 65 persona, going up to Rs 30.23 lakh for the top-end Empowered AWD ST 75FC. ACFC denotes variants equipped with an AC fast charger as an optional accessory.
    Tata Harrier EV Prices and variants – ST denotes Stealth Edition, while ACFC refers to the AC Fast Charger. Credit – Motor Arena India.
    A quick look at the key prices revealed shows:
    – Adventure 65: Rs 21.49 lakh– Fearless+ 65: Rs 23.99 lakh– Empowered 75: Rs 27.49 lakh– Empowered AWD 75: Rs 28.99 lakh– Empowered AWD ST 75FC (top variant): Rs 30.23 lakh
    The Harrier.ev QWD takes pride in being India’s safest all-wheel drive electric SUV, boasting a flawless 5-star Bharat NCAP rating with a perfect score of 32/32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection. Its dual-motor setup delivers an impressive 158 PS (116 kW) at the front axle and 238 PS (175 kW) at the rear, combining to produce 504 Nm of torque. Thanks to this configuration, the Harrier.ev QWD can sprint from 0–100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, with features like Boost Mode, 6 Terrain Modes, and Off-Road Assist Mode to further enhance its capabilities.
    India’s Safest All-Wheel Drive Electric SUV
    Unveiling the prices of the complete Harrier.ev line-up, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Harrier.ev with its industry first innovations is truly a breakthrough product. It is undoubtedly the best SUV from India yet, which has redefined benchmarks for homegrown SUVs, evoking a strong positive response from our customers.”
    “Offering unmatchable price parity with ICE powered vehicles, the Harrier.ev not only deletes traditional hurdles to EV adoption with its superior MIDC range of 627 km (P1+P2), fast-charging speed adding 250 km of range in 15 min, lifetime warranty on the battery pack for a carefree ownership experience and best in class assured safety with 5-star Bharat NCAP, but, it goes way beyond – by delivering superlative performance and far better capability when compared to high SUVs in the market today.”
    The Harrier.ev QWD variants reaffirm Tata Motors’ push for homegrown electric SUVs, setting a new benchmark for capability, technology, and performance in the Indian market. More