More stories

  • in

    Ola S1 Air Test Mule Spotted With Hub Motor – Deliveries Nearing

    Ola S1 Air – Hub motorDespite cost cuttings, Ola S1 Air could prove to be a better VFM than its immediate rivalsFor a long time, Ola Electric has been one of the highest selling 2W EV manufacturers in India. In the recent past, Ola has firmly secured the top position with little room for rivals. The company has launched its most affordable electric scooter S1 Air in India for a starting price of Rs. 84,999 (ex-sh).Sure, it is not Rs. 79,999 promised during unveiling. But it makes sense given the revised FAME II scheme with less subsidies. Deliveries are supposed to start from this month. Recent test mules might be testing some final touches ahead of deliveries. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Prajwal Shetty (@_naanu_unknownu_) for sharing the latest spy shots. Let’s take a look.Ola S1 Air Test Mule SpottedS1 Air has potential to become one of the most value for money offering in the segment. Especially with 4 kWh model. We say this because, for not a lot of cost cuttings, Ola S1 Air will still provide a lot of staple features from its top-spec S1 Pro.Cost cuttings are in the form of less paint on its body panels which creates a dual-tone look, conventional front and rear suspension, a hub motor that negates the need for power transmission from motor to wheels and more.Ola S1 Air spotted testingS1 and S1 Pro get full body paint and single-sided suspension components at both ends. S1 Air buyers will get to choose between a 2 kWh, a 3kWh and a 4 kWh battery spec. Speaking of batteries, these are not the same banana-shaped ones seen with S1 and S1 Pro. This liberates a lot of practicality in terms of an almost flat floorboard. Biggest perk with Ola S1 Air is that it retains the 7” touchscreen display. Albeit, with fewer features.Bigger battery option is dope!As seen in spy shots, Ola S1 Air test mule has a hub motor at the rear along with a drum brake. Even the front lacks disc brakes. LED headlights and tail lights are the same as other S1 offerings. Because of this hub motor and different batteries, Ola S1 Air 4 kWh model doesn’t match its range with the S1 Pro 4 kWh model.Speaking of range, S1 Air 2 kWh model has 85 km range, 3 kWh model gets 125 km and 4 kWh model gets 165 km. Top speed is 85 km/h with all three variants from a 4.5 kW motor (6 bhp). In terms of rivals, Ola S1 Air will primarily rival upcoming Ather 450S which could pack a larger 3.9 kWh battery.2023 Ola S1 Electric Scooter LineupAther Energy has revealed prices for 450S and it costs Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh). It claims a 115 km range and it lacks a touchscreen. Ola S1 Air on the other hand offers 165 km of range and retains the touchscreen and still costs Rs. 85K for 2 kWh model, Rs. 1 lakh for 3 kWh model and 1.10 lakh for 4 kWh model. More

  • in

    Is Ather 450S Packing 3.9 kWh Battery To Rival Ola S1 Air?

    Ather 450S new LCD screen hinting at 3.9 kWh batteryNow that FAME II Scheme gives lesser subsidy, affordable variants of existing electric scooters are getting launchedAther Energy is strapped in for a slightly bumpy ride. This bumpiness in its ride is due to the new FAME II subsidy revisions that have wreaked havoc on e-scooter manufacturers. Sales have been dwindling since with electric 2W space witnessing 66% MoM decline in sales.Among the top-selling e-scooters, Ather Energy saw 78% drop in sales MoM and 10.65% decline YoY. Ola is leading the segment with a slew of variations on offer. To counter it, Ather 450S will soon emerge and might accommodate a 3.9 kWh battery as well for Rs. 1.3 lakh (ex-sh).Ather 450S new LCD screen LayoutIs Ather 450S Packing 3.9 kWh Battery?You must be wondering how a more affordable 450S gets a larger battery than the 3.7 kWh unit on 450X and 450X Pro Pack. But that seems to be the case here as Ather Energy’s newest teaser features the number “3.9” in its odometer and even in the short video, which is likely to denote its battery size.With range anxiety becoming the primary negative of EVs, people often choose the one with a bigger battery. It will have enough headroom for unplanned events and takes less charge cycles when compared to the one with a smaller battery. Ola understood this perfectly and currently claims the highest range among rivals.Ather 450S new LCD screen graphicsOla currently sells S1 range in three trims. Base S1 Air, mid S1 and top-spec S1 Pro. Ather 450S will go head-to-head with S1 Air. So, a larger battery makes a lot of sense with 450S as S1 Air is on offer with a choice of 2 kWh, 3 kWh and even a 4 kWh battery with 165 km claimed range.No more touch screen with 450SThis new battery is highly likely to make its way on the more expensive 450X and 450X Pro pack as well. Ather has already revealed pricing for 450S which is Rs. 1,29,999 (ex-sh) and Ola S1 Air with 4 kWh battery costs Rs. 1,09,999 (ex-sh) and deliveries will begin from around this month. Also, for this price and battery spec, Ola is still offering a 7” touchscreen.Cost-cutting with Ather 450S is via its new LCD display. The 7” touchscreen with 450X range will not make it to the 450S. Instead, it will feature an LCD unit, as seen in the new teaser. Speedo, range, ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity info and other functionalities can be seen with this new screen.Top speed is likely to be 90 km/h as with 450X range and IDC range is 115 km. If this really is a 3.9 kWh battery, range seems to be lower than the 165 km range of Ola S1 Air 4 kWh. More info will be revealed in the coming days. More

  • in

    MY2023 Honda Dio Twin Digital Instrument Cluster – Launch

    MY2023 Honda Dio LaunchedOnly the new top-spec H-Smart, DLX trims on MY2023 Honda Dio gets this new blue-backlit instrument screen with smart keyThere are quite of few teasers on Honda’s Indian social media handles hinting a radical new product. There was an engine sound in the background too, hinting a bigger motorcycle engine. Honda’s marketing team had put a space between the two V in revv word, hinting a new product starting with the name V.Company teased a new instrument cluster with a side stand cut-off feature with a picture of a cruiser motorcycle. With such anticipation fuelling discussions, Honda has revealed the product. And it is an updated Dio scooter for MY2023.MY2023 Honda Dio Digital Upgrade: It’s All About the ScreensHonda’s newest Dio gets a ton of new features and some of them were on offer with Activa. That said, the new instrument cluster is of primary importance. There are two digital LCD displays with MY2023 Honda Dio. In contrast, MY2023 Activa doesn’t even get one.Only the Activa 125 gets the smaller LCD screen, shared with MY2023 Dio. There is a new rectangular display that packs Blue backlighting. It looks bigger than Hornet 2.0’s instrument cluster. The Dio Scooter Screen is one where Speed, Tacho, and Side-Stand Indicator meet their Blue-Backlit destiny.MY2023 Honda Dio FeaturesThere is a separate cluster on top of this new display that shows telltale signs like engine service, battery and smart key indicator. There is a three-step ECO indicator too, and all of these could have fit into the new display easily. Below this new display, the same old square-ish positive LCD screen remains as is. Reminds me of TVS Ntorq XT’s tacky execution.This square screen shows time, odometer, and fuel level along with distance to empty, average mileage and real-time fuel efficiency. Again, all of these could have easily fit in the new blue-backlit display that MY2023 Honda Dio is packing. To make this instrument area a lot cleaner. We could see this new instrument screen with other Honda scooters as well.Screen Wars: MY2023 Honda Dio Scooter FeaturesHonda is not offering side stand cutoff as a standard feature even with its new top-spec H-Smart trim. It is optional across the trim levels. Only top-spec H-Smart gets Activa’s new smart key which supports keyless entry along with alloy wheels, a smart switch, battery indicator, and smart key indicator.MY2023 Honda Dio SpecsBoth H-Smart and DLX get LED headlights and this new instrument screen. All trims feature an external fuel filler lid, a front pocket, a silent starter and the likes. Engine is the same across all trims which is a 110cc generating 7.75 bhp of power and 9.03 Nm of torque.There is no disc brake option with MY2023 Honda Dio yet. Front gets a 12” tyre and rear gets 10” one. Pricing starts from Rs. 68,625 (ex-sh, Delhi) for base model. If one craves all the bells and whistles we mentioned in this post, they have to shell out Rs. 77,712 (ex-sh, Delhi) for the top-spec H-Smart trim. More

  • in

    Triumph Scrambler 250, Roadster 250 Names on Official Website

    Image for reference onlyDevelopment of a new 250cc platform – Triumph Scrambler 250 and Roadster 250 names on official websiteSince the launch of Speed 400 at a disruptive price of Rs. 2.23 lakh (ex-sh, introductory), Triumph-Bajaj duo has created quite a buzz in Indian motorcycling world. Speed 400 comes close to Royal Enfield Classic 350 pricing while offering a lot more tech, power, torque and just more of everything.But Hunter 350 Retro still starts at Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-sh) price point. It is currently Rs. 83,000 less expensive than Speed 400. But what if Triumph is developing a new product to target this price point as well? Say hello to Triumph Roadster 250 and Scrambler 250.Triumph’s Tiny Titans: The 250cc Wonder DuoThe British brand’s official website has revealed possible names of two of its new motorcycles. Automotive enthusiast Abhishek shared with us a screenshot/snippet from Triumph’s official website. In the image, we can see Triumph Trident, the company’s most affordable three-cylinder motorcycle and Scrambler 400 which is set to launch later this year.And lo and behold, listed below is Triumph Roadster 250 and Triumph Scrambler 250. These motorcycles pique ones interest, and indicate the company is working on a 250cc motorcycle platform. We can also see Roadster 400, which is highly likely to be Speed 400. The info can be found in the ‘choose model’ option in Triumph’s official contact form.Triumph Scrambler 250 and Roadster 250What to Expect from Triumph Scrambler 250 and Roadster 250 – A Blend of Style and AgilityNew 250cc engine is highly likely to be a single-cylinder unit that will generate slightly less power and torque than its bigger brother Speed 400. About 30 bhp of power and 25 Nm of torque is most probable. Triumph Roadster 250 could take the name Speed 250 and Scrambler 250 should remain as is.Styling and componentry will be similar to their respective bigger siblings. Just like its bigger sibling, we can expect a DOHC setup along with 4 valves per cylinder and liquid-cooling setup. Slipper clutch and ride-by-wire could be in the mix as well. A 6-speed gearbox is highly probable too and we can expect it to weigh around 160 kg.Offering the same chassis, body panels and other hardware makes a lot of sense to keep the costs in check. Equipment like 43 mm USD telescopic front forks could make way to RSU telescopic units. LED lighting all around, 140-section rear tyre, and a semi-digital instrument cluster can be on offer with Triumph Scrambler 250 and Roadster 250.A price point of around 1.7 lakh could be logical which will keep Royal Enfield’s less expensive models in check along with Honda CB350 and Jawa motorcycles. Triumph hasn’t revealed a launch timeline. But 2024 could be when these motorcycles will see the light of day. More

  • in

    New BMW Electric Scooter Launched – 90 KM Range, USD 7.6k (Rs 6.3 Lakh)

    New BMW Electric Scooter – CE 02With its quirky, futuristic design format, BMW CE 02 is an instant draw for the young at heartAs part of its strategy to expand its electric portfolio, BMW has unveiled the CE 02 electric scooter. It is available at a starting price of USD 7,599 (~ INR 6.28 lakh). The Highline variant has additional features and is priced at USD 8,474 (~ INR 7 lakh).BMW CE 02 is a welcome addition, as it is more accessible than the CE 04 electric scooter. The latter starts at USD 12,195 (~ INR 10.07 lakh). With its compact, lightweight profile, CE 02 also seems a better fit for city streets.New BMW Electric Scooter – CE 02BMW CE 02 styling and featuresIt’s easy to see that BMW CE 02 electric scooter is designed to be an attention seeker. It’s an art in motion, with a unique identity that doesn’t seem to follow any rules. It’s not particularly beautiful, but difficult to ignore owing to its youthful exuberance and rebellious nature. Moreover, users have a wide range of customization options and accessories to choose from.BMW has ensured that users can stay connected while riding their CE 02 electric scooter. It comes with a 3.5-inch micro TFT screen that displays a range of information. It is mounted on a single bracket, creating a floating effect. Users can pair their smartphones with BMW Motorrad Connected app and BMW Backend Connectivity to access a range of features. There are dedicated switches on the left handle to access the connectivity functions.New BMW Electric Scooter – CE 02Key highlights of BMW CE 02 electric scooter include LED headlight, USD front forks, single piece flat seat, raised handlebar and sporty rear-view mirrors. Riding stance seems fairly comfortable, although it may take some time to master this eccentric electric machine.New BMW Electric Scooter – CE 02BMW CE 02 utilizes a double loop steel frame with adjustable rear shock absorber. It has 14-inch wheels at both ends, ensuring a tall street presence. The scooter has disc brakes and comes with ABS on the front wheel. There’s a single-sided swingarm, with a belt-drive powering the rear wheel.BMW CE 02 rangeDepending on their travel needs, users can choose either a single or dual battery pack option with CE 02 electric scooter. The lithium-ion battery packs are of 2 kWh capacity each. With one battery, the scooter weighs 119 kg and offers a range of 45 km. Top speed is limited to 45 kmph. The single-battery version won’t require a license in many European countries. In India, no-license electric scooters need to have their top speed limited to 25 kmph.New BMW Electric Scooter – CE 02CE 02 dual-battery pack version weighs 132 kg and has a range of 90 km. It generates 15 hp and has a top speed of 95 kmph. Charging for both versions can be done with a 0.9 kW standard charger. Users can also opt for a 1.5 kW fast-charger. Charging time for the dual-battery pack version is 5 hours 12 minutes with the standard charger and 3 hours 30 minutes with the fast charger. The single-battery version can be charged in 3 hours 2 minutes with the standard charger.BMW CE 02 has ride modes of Surf and Flow. Users choosing the Highline trim get an additional Flash riding mode. The Highline package also includes other exclusive features such as Highline colour scheme, backend connectivity, external quick charger, heated grips and highly integrated SP Connect smartphone holder. More

  • in

    TVS e2W Launch On August 23, 2023 – Could be Creon e-scooter

    TVS Creon electric scooter test muleIn its concept form showcased in 2018, TVS Creon featured a battery good enough for 80 km of range and 0-60 km/h in 5.1 secondsTVS is one of the largest 2W and 3W manufacturing companies in the world. The company is continuously evolving its portfolio to include BEVs as well. TVS has invested close to Rs. 1,000 Crore on its EV portfolio in 2021 and we are seeing its results in the form of iQube, the second-highest-selling electric scooter in India.The company seems to be expanding its electric scooter envelope to include another. TVS is sending out official invites. There are easter eggs in this invite that suggest a possibility of it’s newest launch being an EV. Is it Creon, though? That’s hard to say. But, a possibility exists.The Electric Marvel That Will Blow Your Socks Off – TVS Creon or?We say launch and not debut because that’s what the invite says. Speaking of, this invite has a white tower-like element in one teaser and stacked four-cube event in another teaser. These might be the scooter’s LED DRL signatures. We’ve seen TVS’ distinct LED signatures in Ronin, Ntorq and Raider as well. After this tower-like element, it reads “Thrill has a date”.Below that, TVS mentions “Mark your calendar to witness an electric-fying launch that will defy the status quo in mobility”.TVS Creon launch teaser #1We hope it is TVS Creon launch as it was quite a stunner. TVS first showcased Creon electric scooter concept five years ago in 2018. It featured a wild design with a maxi-scooter body style. It looked futuristic and European in its appearance. If TVS is launching Creon, then how has no one spotted a test mule?TVS somehow has the capability of launching a product with no buzz during testing phase. Raider 125 launch is a stellar example of this. But, there was a test mule that we reported in August 2022 and it looked like it was the production-spec model of Creon concept.Is Creon name finalised?The camouflage hid details well. That said, TVS has played the game of names before, and Creon might be just one of the possibilities. Retron and Zeppelin names are registered as well. A possibility of TVS’ first electric motorcycle is possible too.TVS Creon launch teaser #2Creon concept in 2018 boasted a battery capable of 80 km of range and 0-60 km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds. Those numbers might get updated to meet the standards set by current crop of electric scooters. More

  • in

    Triumph Speed 400 And 7 Other Motorcycles In Similar Price Range

    Triumph Speed 400 PriceIn this space of premium single-cylinder machines within Rs. 2.2 – 2.4 lakh (ex-sh), legacy brands like Yamaha and Suzuki are surprisingly absentTriumph Speed 400 is launched in India for an introductory price of Rs. 2.23 lakh (ex-sh). The pricing strategy has created quite a stir in the Indian motorcycle segment. The motorcycle has garnered 10,000 bookings in 10 days and introductory pricing is not valid anymore. The price now stands at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh). At this price range, it clashes with a lot of motorcycles across various brands.But all fingers point towards Royal Enfield’s lion’s share in the 350cc space. So, what are the options (irrespective of body styles) for a prospective buyer that is considering a Triumph Speed 400 at Rs. 2.2 to 2.4 lakh (ex-sh, Delhi)? Let’s take a look.1. Royal Enfield Meteor 350 – Up to Rs. 2.25 lakhImage – Being TechnozzRoyal Enfield has a slew of 350cc motorcycles and Meteor 350 is their flagship. It has the same J-series 349cc SOHC, 2V, air-cooled engine as others that makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm and weighs 191 kg. A tripper screen with top-trims with Bluetooth and navigation along with Royal Enfield’s legacy badging are its biggest strengths.2. Bajaj Dominar 400 – Rs. 2.29 lakhImage – Shahrukh AkhtarThis is the original VFM motorcycle that redefined performance on a budget. Despite its unmatched performance, equipment, features and engineering prowess, Bajaj Dominar didn’t create enough dent in Royal Enfield’s armour. It has a KTM-sourced 373cc DOHC, 4V, liquid-cooled engine making 39.42 bhp and 35 Nm of torque and weighs a hefty 193 kg.3. Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 – Up to Rs. 2.28 lakhRE Himalayan New ColoursThere is a Scram 411, Himalayan’s platform partner that surprisingly costs less than Meteor 350. Both 411s have a SOHC, 2V, air-cooled 411cc engine with 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm and weighs 199 kg. It is the only off-roader in this comparo. If that is your jam and you want one with comparable performance as Speed 400, the upcoming Himalayan 450cc would be worth the wait.4. Honda CB300F – Up to Rs. 2.29 lakhHonda CB300FThis is one of the less spoken-about Honda motorcycles. It has a lot of good bits like a 293.52cc SOHC, 2V, oil-cooled engine with 24.13 bhp and 25.6 Nm. It weighs just 153 kg, which is the lightest in this list. If an easy-to-use lightweight bike is your jam, this is it, within the Rs. 2.2 – 2.4 lakh (ex-sh) budget.5. Benelli Imperiale 400 – Rs. 2.35 lakhBenelli Imperiale 400If being old-school and packing the biggest motorcycle (literally) is your preference, then Benelli Imperiale 400 makes a lot of sense. There is a 374cc SOHC, air-cooled, 4V engine that generates 20.7 bhp of power and 29 Nm of torque. Weight is the highest at 205 kg.6. KTM 250 Duke – Rs. 2.38 lakhYes. KTM 250 Duke costs more than Dominar 400 owing to its componentry, hardware and KTM brand value. It packs a 248cc DOHC, 4V, liquid-cooled engine generating 29.6 bhp and 24 Nm of torque. It weighs slightly less than Triumph Speed 400 at 170 kg.7. Harley-Davidson X440 – Up to Rs. 2.69 lakhNew Harley Davidson X440Even though Harley-Davidson X440 starts from Rs. 2.29 lakh (ex-sh), pricing goes till 2.69 lakh (ex-sh) for top-spec S trim. It packs the highest engine displacement in this comparo at 440cc. This is a DOHC engine with a 2V head and oil-cooling generating 27 bhp and 38 Nm. It weighs a lot more than Speed 400 at 190.5 kg.Triumph Speed 400 – Rs. 2.33 lakhTriumph Speed 400Coming to the bike of the hour, Triumph Speed 400 is by far the most bang for the buck. It packs a 398cc DOHC, 4V, liquid-cooled engine with 39.5 bhp of power and 37.5 Nm of torque. It even packs a slipper clutch and ride-by-wire as well. Most of the hardware and features are best-in-segment and it weighs 176 kg. Will it be the new go-to bike in the segment? Only time will tell. More

  • in

    Triumph 400 Phenomenal Success with 10,000 Bookings in Just 10 Days

    Triumph Speed 400 LaunchDelivery of the new Triumph Speed 400 motorcycle will start within a month – Scrambler 400 will be launched by Oct 2023Triumph Motorcycles has witnessed an incredible response from Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. They have reached an unprecedented milestone of 10,000 bookings within just 10 days of the global reveal. The highly anticipated Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 models, showcased in London on June 27, 2023, have generated an overwhelming demand in the Indian market. Their online booking platform has been flooded with eager customers looking to secure their spot for these exceptional bikes.Triumph Speed 400, priced at Rs. 2.33 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi), was officially launched in India on July 5, accompanied by a special inaugural price of Rs. 2.23 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi) for the first 10,000 customers.The Excitement BuildsThis attractive offer further fueled the enthusiasm among motorcycle enthusiasts, resulting in the swift accumulation of bookings. The Scrambler 400, set to hit the showrooms in October, will have its price announced closer to the launch date.Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto Ltd, expressed his excitement over the tremendous response received following the launch of Triumph Motorcycles. He acknowledged that achieving 10,000 pre-orders within such a short span of time is unprecedented and a testament to the trust that riders have placed in both Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles. Sharma reiterated their commitment to delivering exceptional motorcycles that captivate riders with their performance, design, and technology.Booking Details and ProcessTo secure a booking, customers can visit the official online platform, and make a payment of Rs. 2000. This small initial deposit allows customers to reserve their spot and reduce the waiting period for their desired motorcycle. As production ramps up to meet the overwhelming demand, Triumph Motorcycles plans to invite customers from the booking list to complete their payments once the bikes arrive at dealerships. Those fortunate enough to be within the first 10,000 customers taking delivery of the Speed400 will be eligible for the special inaugural price.The remarkable achievement of Triumph Motorcycles, amassing 10,000 bookings within a mere 10 days, underscores the brand’s popularity and the Indian market’s enthusiasm for high-performance bikes. With the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 models set to make their way to showrooms in the coming months, the anticipation continues to build.Triumph Motorcycles and Bajaj Auto are committed to delivering exceptional motorcycles that meet and exceed the expectations of riders, combining performance, design, and technology. The future looks bright for Triumph Motorcycles in India, with a growing community of passionate riders eagerly awaiting the arrival of their dream bikes. More