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      Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle Testing Starts – 2025 Launch Plan

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      OEMs with cult following such as Royal Enfield face the big question regarding their acceptability in electric formatRoyal Enfield Conti GT 865 – Image for illustration purpose.Disruptive technologies have always been a challenge for established brands and something similar is happening in automotive space. EV tech is decades old, but it’s only now that it is gaining momentum and going mainstream.Most profound changes can be seen in two-wheeler segment that has witnessed multiple new EV brands launched over the last few years. Bestsellers in this space are startups and tech companies, which presents significant challenges for established OEMs like Royal Enfield.Royal Enfield electric bikeIn view of the inevitable shift to an EV ecosystem and related challenges, Royal Enfield has started testing its EV prototypes. These tests are being conducted at various locations across the globe. Investments have been made for creating dedicated infrastructure, as needed for testing electric two-wheelers. Royal Enfield has also been hiring relevant people for its technology centres located in India and UK.While it has stepped-up focus on developing its electric bikes, the first Royal Enfield electric motorcycle won’t be launched before 2025. That’s because the company wants to come up with a differentiated product offering. The brand is all about the joy of motorcycling and it has consistently delivered with a wide range of options in 350cc to 650cc segment. Royal Enfield naturally wants to achieve similar results when it comes to its EV range.Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle. File photo.Working with partners and suppliers, Royal Enfield has the wherewithal to quickly launch an electric bike. However, that’s not the primary goal for the company. Royal Enfield is working to first understand what exactly are the requirements of buyers in EV space. It will allow the company to develop well-rounded products, just like its current range of petrol-powered motorcycles. Royal Enfield will develop multiple EV platforms to ensure a diversified portfolio of electric bikes.Although there’s limited info, expect the first of Royal Enfield electric bikes to have capabilities similar to that of a 250-300cc ICE bike. It will be suitable for city commutes. Electric cruisers and ADVs could be launched at a later date. However, if there’s any major breakthrough in battery technology in next two years, a longer-range product can also be considered.2k crore investmentWhile not much may be visible on the surface, the fact is that Royal Enfield is working proactively to develop its EV range. Evidence to that can be seen in PLI scheme application, wherein both Royal Enfield and its parent company Eicher Motors have indicated investments worth Rs 2,000 crore. These investments will be spread over a period of five years. Preference for PLI scheme shows that Royal Enfield is getting ready to play the numbers game in electric two-wheeler segment.While it is getting ready for EV space, Royal Enfield will continue to focus on ICE-based motorcycles. Some of the most awaited Royal Enfield bikes include Himalayan 450 and Super Meteor 650. A 650cc scrambler is also under development. More

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      2023 Auto Expo Participants And Not – Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia

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      Auto Expo 2023 could be a lot smaller considering manufacturer participation looks alarmingly reducedShah Rukh Khan with the new 2020 Hyundai Creta at Delhi Auto Expo.Auto Expo, a biennial event is one that has for years been indulgent, filled with chutzpah, and indulgent of big names. Where automobiles dare, it’s the biggest showcase in the country. However, things are starting to look different. Scheduled for January 2023, the next Auto Expo already looks like its missing participants.  After the initial media days, Auto Expo is filled with activities, games, engagements, and showstoppers on two-wheels, and four. This to cater to the footfalls expected during the week. And as such, having a larger-than-life manufacturer presence is crucial to drawing in crowds.Auto Expo 2023 DatesFebruary 2022 was a miss owing to Covid-19 pandemic. The buildup to today’s problem isn’t one that cropped up overnight. Initially, Auto Expo was held at Pragati Maidan, in Delhi. This meant more footfalls. However, early in the last decade, the venue was shifted to India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.A newer structure that decidedly offers more parking space for visitors. Efforts have been made to run special bus services through the duration of the expo, as well as promo events to encourage Delhiites to use the Metro and visit.2023 Auto Expo Participants List – Not finalThe event was shifted to February at about the same time to reduce the chances of an event hidden within a fog, and to avoid the nail-biting chills. Increased traffic snarls owing to visitors was also listed as a reason. Well, this year, the event has again been preponed to January. Dates are 13-18 Jan 2023. Last time the Auto Expo was held in January, it was 2012.Two wheelers at Auto Expo 2023For those familiar with Auto Expo, there’s always the allure of a large two-wheeler display. Well, it now seems like not anymore. As strange as it sounds, Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, and Royal Enfield are set to give the great auto extravaganza a miss. And since Hero won’t show up, neither will Harley Davidson. As a visitor, this already sounds like a big disappointment that will dampen enthusiasm.There is always a possibility that many newer electric two-wheeler companies attend but chances are slim. Paying for a stall at the Auto Expo is an expensive affair for manufacturers. In addition is the cost of logistics. And no, this isn’t part of a budget allowance that smaller electric 2W companies have. One can however still expect a large showing of independent e2W sellers with 1-2 scooter/bikes on display in the open stall halls.Cars at Auto Expo 2023As it stands, car manufacturers will show up in greater strength. But no, not all names we’re familiar with will participate. The big 3 in luxury, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi will skip. And so will Skoda, Volkswagen, Renault, Nissan, and Mahindra. Yes, Mahindra will not be present at the 2023 Auto Expo.Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors and Toyota will show up. So will Lexus. There’s MG too. And folks will get a glimpse into BYD. CV manufacturers expected at the show are Ashok Leyland, Eicher, JBM, and Isuzu. SIAM and CII could be working with manufacturers over the next few weeks in attempting to coax them into participating at Auto Expo 2023.  More

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      Gogoro Electric Scooters Planned For India Launch – Via Hero MotoCorp ?

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      Along with e-scooters, Gogoro brand will strive to set up battery-swapping stations across major cities, followed by tier-2 citiesGogoro Electric ScooterWe recently witnessed the launch of Hero MotoCorp’s Vida V1 series of electric scooters. The news surrounding that event mentioned a Taiwanese brand named Gogoro very often. This brand is likely to be providing Hero MotoCorp battery swapping tech that we now see on Vida V1.Gogoro brand also mentions that it will accelerate battery swapping infra in India. It will be made available to Vida products as well. Gogoro is yet to launch its products in India. We have seen Viva name trademarked by the brand as well. Recently, Gogoro announced that they will enter India on November 3rd. It is not yet known if there is a launch event or just a formal session to reveal further info. We’d bank on the latter.Gogoro Electric Scooters For IndiaOn that day, Gogoro is set to reveal its vision for smart energy, urban transportation, de-carbonisation of India’s urban mobility and last-mile sector. Since the company is mentioning the last-mile sector, a B2B product is highly likely. This maps out with the Viva name trademarked in October 2019 in India.Viva by Gogoro brand is a small and inexpensive electric scooter that is perfect for B2B applications. With a 3 kW (likely peak power) hub-mounted electric motor, it can traverse 85 km when ridden at a constant 30 km/h speed. Since it has a hub motor, it boasts 85 Nm of torque at the motor which will not be translated to real-world performance.Gogoro Electric ScooterIt gets a colourful and minimalistic body coupled with conventional cycle parts. The front design reminds me of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic picture. Just me? Okay. If Gogoro is launching it in India, we can expect a price tag of around Rs. 75K to 80K. It rivals Hero Electric’s Nyx HX and Okinawa Dual 100.Ola S1 Pro Rivaling Scooter?As seen with our 2W EV retail sales for September 2022, Ola Electric is currently the one to beat. The Indian company is expanding its portfolio aggressively and is even foraying into 4W EVs. Sticking with 2W EVs, Ola recently launched S1 Air which costs a hair under Rs. 80K.Gogoro brand is likely to come up with its S1 in India to rival Ola’s S1 Pro. When launched, it will bear a different name, though. This is a B2C product for the mainstream PV segment. It is quite a stunner to look at and incorporates a minimalist design. It is a cohesive design that comes together nicely to form one futuristic product.Gogoro Electric ScooterS1 by Gogoro gets all the features that one would want in a modern electric scooter. That being said, it is not lagging behind in terms of mechanicals as well (electricals in this case). It gets a 7.2 kW motor that is mid-mounted on an aluminium monocoque chassis. It is capable of 27 Nm of peak torque. Range is 150 km at a steady speed of 30 km/h.Parallelly, Gogoro brand will strive to set up battery-swapping stations across major cities, followed by tier-2 cities. These battery-swapping stations are highly likely to be shared with Hero MotoCorp’s Vida electric scooters. It is not yet known as to what the Taiwanese company has on the table for India. Whatever it is, will unravel on November 3rd. More

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      New RE Scrambler 650cc Spied In India For The First Time

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      RE Scrambler 650cc will be powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine that generates 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and slipper clutchRoyal Enfield 650cc Scrambler Spied In IndiaWe recently compiled a list of all the upcoming Royal Enfield motorcycles. There were 8 in total including a slew of motorcycles based on 350cc, 450cc and 650cc platforms. These include Bullet 350, Scram 450, Himalayan 450, Continental GT-R 650, Continental GT 650 Facelift, Super Meteor 650, Shotgun 650 and lastly, Scrambler 650.Please note that these names are widely referred to by the automotive fraternity and are not finalised by Royal Enfield. Out of all the 8 upcoming motorcycles mentioned above, Scrambler 650 was the only one that was not yet papped in India. That is now changed as we finally got to see one under testing on our soil as well.RE Scrambler 650cc Spied In IndiaWith immense popularity revolving around Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform, there is always scope to expand. This potent 650cc platform is so popular that it is single-handedly heavy-lifting the 500cc+ segment for a long time now. Right now, this platform is found only on Interceptor 650, a cruiser and Continental GT 650, a cafe racer.Royal Enfield is expanding its 650cc portfolio to include multiple new body styles. At the same time, bettering its existing 650cc vehicles as well. Even though the test mule spotted in India is starkly similar to the one found testing abroad, there are differences evident upon closer inspection.Royal Enfield 650cc Scrambler Spied In IndiaThe round side body panel found in test mules abroad, is discarded in the test mule found in India. This is replaced with a more conventional side body panel that we see in Continental GT 650. Another major difference is the seat. Newer test mule spotted in India gets a visually different seat cover and seat shape as well.Specs & FeaturesEngine will be the same unit found on Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. However, Royal Enfield will tweak it to give a slightly different character to suit its Scrambler avatar. It is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine that generates 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. Coupled with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, this platform has smooth power delivery.Dual exhausts are given a miss in favour of a single unit. This requires a different exhaust header to reroute gases. Weight will definitely go down as one of its exhausts is removed. It gets round headlights, tail lights and blinkers. At first glance, tail lights seem to be taken from Meteor 350 and turn indicators from Hunter 350. Braking hardware is likely to be borrowed from existing 650 twins.Tyres are of block pattern owing to scrambler avatar. The main difference in cycle parts for RE Scrambler 650cc seems to be its USD forks at front and wheel sizes. It still retains wire-spoke wheels and the front one looks slightly larger than the rear wheel. Launch timeline is not yet revealed. But the test mule looks mostly production ready.Image Source More

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      KTM RC8C Makes Global Debut – Production Limited To 200 Units

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      This limited edition KTM RC8C comes off as a tempting proposition for corner carving at one’s favourite trackKTM RC8C Gen 2KTM is synonymous with offering explosive performance with the least possible amount of weight. It has been that way ever since I could remember the brand. Its ethos holds true in India as well and its explosive 390 platform is a testament to that. Not just that, India was also blessed with 790 Duke as well for a brief period.The Austrian brand has extensive pedigree in motorsport as well. Recently, KTM even launched MotoGP Edition of its RC series of motorcycles in India. This was a cosmetic change and draws inspiration from KTM’s MotoGP bike. KTM has been making headlines again. This time, not for something that pretends to be a track bike. Instead, it is a track bike. Let’s take a look.Limited Edition KTM RC8C RevealedRight off the bat, RC8C is the real deal. It is so track-focused that it is not even road-legal. The Austrian brand seems to have thrown everything at this limited edition KTM RC8C to make it one of the most ferocious animals on the track. An animal so exquisite, KTM has decided to limit its production to just 200 units.One look at this machine, it is immediately evident that it certainly looks the part. With massive aerodynamic winglets, it looks even meaner. These winglets are designed to enhance the downforce at front, which adds a front-end feel and communication with the rider. A central air intake takes care of engine cooling.KTM RC8C Gen 2This is the second-gen RC8C and KTM has made it lighter and more powerful. With a rise of 7 bhp, RC8C now makes 135 bhp at 11,000 RPM and 98 Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM. This was possible for KTM with a combination of factors. These include Titanium connecting rods, a higher compression ratio, two-ring pistons, an increase in fuel pump pressure and lastly, a physically larger throttle body.Taming this power is a strong suite of electronic packages in the form of adjustable functions for traction control, engine mapping and engine braking as well. This limited edition KTM RC8C comes with an onboard data logger and lap timer. Handlebar controls are derived from the RC16 MotoGP race bike by KTM. Also on offer is an up-and-down quick shifter.Specs & FeaturesBuilt by Kramer Motorcycles, RC8C gets quickly replaceable body parts that are prone to crash damage. KTM RC8C gets delicious cycle parts in the form of WP Apex Pro front forks and rear mono-shock. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta master cylinder along with twin discs at the front.Pirelli Diablo racing slicks are on offer and along with it, an auxiliary panel oil cooler. When looked at as a whole, this limited edition KTM RC8C comes off as a tempting proposition for corner carving at one’s favourite track. Tying it all together beautifully, we have the fact that this track machine only weighs 142 kg (dry). This last point makes it more of a scalpel while its rivals might feel like an axe. More

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      Yamaha Sales Breakup Sep 2022 – R15, MT15, FZ, Fascino, RayZR

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      Yamaha Domestic sales stood at 56,939 units and exports stood at 25,185 units with YoY growth and a drop in sales MoM in both areasYamaha MT15When Yamaha’s domestic and exports are analysed, we see good growth YoY. The same can’t be said when we look at its sales MoM. Kicking things off with FZ, which is Yamaha’s highest-selling motorcycle lineup in India. It sold 20,453 units in September 2022 over just 4,550 units sold in the same time last year.With a volume gain of 15,903 units, FZ registered an astonishing 349% YoY growth and 5.05% growth MoM with a volume gain of 984 units over 19,469 units sold the month before. FZ commands a 35.92% share in its total domestic sales. Next, we have Fascino with 10,348 units sold in India and saw a drop of 27.35% YoY and 13.09% growth MoM.Fascino has 18.17% domestic market share. Despite premium pricing, R15 sold 9,550 units and fell in the red completely with a drop of 19.01% YoY and a drop of 2.49% MoM. Yamaha’s sporty scooter, Ray ZR also follows R15’s path and falls in the red completely. Ray ZR sales almost halved YoY with 8,143 units sold in September 2022 over 16,121 units sold previous year.Yamaha Sales Breakup Sep 2022MT15 managed to sell 8,102 units and registered 222.28% YoY growth over 2,514 units sold last year. MoM sales dropped by 14.51%. Lastly, we have FZ25 which only sold 343 units last month and saw a 78.04% YoY drop and a 46.82% drop MoM.Yamaha Sales Breakup September 2022 – YoYYamaha’s exports fare slightly better YoY when compared to domestic sales. FZ leads the exports just like it did with domestic sales. With 10,103 units shipped, FZ witnessed 52.40% YoY growth and a 24.86% drop MoM. FZ constitutes 39.76% of total Yamaha exports which used to be 48.05% in August 2022.Crux managed to ship 3,408 units, which saw an 88.91% YoY growth with 1,604 units gained in volume YoY. Even in MoM analysis, Crux shows positive growth of 59.25% and gained 1,268 units in volume. Ray ZR and YD125 shipped 3,349 units and 3,300 units respectively and registered a positive growth of 20.82% and 120% YoY and lost 22.99% and 15.38% MoM.Exports Dropped MoMSZ used to be on offer here in India. Now, it is only shipped to global markets. Yamaha shipped 1,912 SZs in September 2022 over 1,368 units shipped last year and saw 39.77% YoY growth with volume growth of 544 units. With 1,816 units shipped in August 2022, SZ saw 5.29% MoM growth. FZ25 fell into the red in both YoY and MoM analysis.Yamaha Sales Breakup September 2022 – MoMR15 and Saluto shipped 1,074 units and 600 units respectively. While R15 registered 103.41% YoY growth and a drop of 41.05% MoM, Saluto fell completely into the red with a 39.76% drop YoY and a 32.13% MoM drop. MT15 shows very interesting results. With just 1 unit shipped in September 2021 and 232 units shipped last month, MT15 saw 23,100% YoY growth and with 80 units shipped in August 2022, Mt15 saw 190% MoM growth.Fascino only shipped 1 unit this month as opposed to 390 units the month before, registering a 99.74% MoM drop. Saluto RX and Alpha shipped zero units. Total Domestic sales stood at 56,939 units and exports stood at 25,185 units with YoY growth and a drop in sales MoM in both areas. More

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      Mahindra Electric Scooter Spied Testing – Next To Ather 450X

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      While it couldn’t gain traction in ICE two-wheeler segment, the EV space presents entirely new possibilities for MahindraMahindra Electric Scooter SpiedA lot has been happening in electric two-wheeler segment, characterized by new product launches, booming sales and plethora of brands to choose from. Recently, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp marked its entry in this space with Vida electric scooter. Next on the list could be Mahindra that could start its innings with Peugeot Kisbee electric scooter.In international markets such as Europe, Peugeot Kisbee is a 50cc petrol powered scooter. Peugeot offers various other 50cc scooters in Europe such as Django, Tweet, Speedfight and Streetzone. In India, both the ICE version and electric version of Kisbee have been spotted on road tests. Peugeot could be working on a strategy similar to Suzuki that is expected to launch an electric scooter based on its popular Burgman Street 125cc scooter.Mahindra Electric Scooter SpiedCurrently, Peugeot does not sell an EV version of Kisbee in international markets. In EV space, Peugeot only has E-Ludix electric scooter. ICE-based Kisbee is powered by a 49.9 cc motor that generates 3.53 hp of peak power at 7,700 rpm and 3.2 Nm of max torque at 7,300 rpm. In Indian context, both petrol powered Kisbee and Kisbee electric scooter will have a unique value proposition.Peugeot Kisbee electric scooter was seen alongside Bounce Infinity E1 and Ather 450X. This is part of a benchmarking exercise. It is likely that Kisbee electric scooter is being assessed against one of the most affordable and one of the premium electric scooters in the country.Mahindra Electric Scooter SpiedIn terms of performance, Mahindra Electric Scooter Spied Kisbee EV is likely to have capabilities similar to Bounce Infinity E1. As Peugeot Kisbee is likely to be positioned as a premium offering, it could have hi-tech features similar to that of Ather 450X.As Peugeot already has E-Ludix in international markets, some of its features and hardware could be used for Kisbee electric scooter. E-Ludix has a 1.6 kWh, 48V lithium-ion removable battery pack. Range is 42 km and top speed is 45 kmph. The scooter has tubular steel chassis, mounted on a telescopic front fork and hydraulic rear shock absorber. Both ends have 14-inch wheels. The scooter is offered with front disc and rear drum brakes.Mahindra-Peugeot connectIt is to note that Mahindra had acquired a controlling 51% stake in Peugeot Motorcycles in January 2015. The deal was valued at 28 million Euros. As part of that engagement, Peugeot was working on some concepts based on Mahindra Mojo 300’s engines. These were showcased at 2019 EICMA. It is likely that further progress on these projects was halted due to the pandemic.Mahindra Scooter Spied testing with Ather 450XWith fuel prices at an all-time high, both ICE-based Kisbee and its EV version could get the customers’ attention. If Mahindra can arrive at a competitive price point, there’s likely to be significant demand for both ICE-based Kisbee and its EV version. These could be sold via existing Mojo dealerships or entirely new outlets could be opened.Image Source More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales Sep 2022 – Classic, Hunter, Meteor, CB350

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      350cc motorcycles sales stood at 72,438 units and gained 181.76% YoY over 25,709 units sold in September 2021Image – Auto Moto Show350cc space is largely crowded with modern-retro and classic motorcycles in India. Not that it is a bad thing. Classic bikes are to die for. There is one brand that absolutely dominates this space. That brand is Royal Enfield and out of the 7 on this list, 5 are from Royal Enfield stables.The most surprising development in 350cc space in September 2022 is the short-lived popularity of Meteor 350. When August 2022 sales were analysed, Hunter was neck-and-neck with Classic with just 796 units short to claim the top spot. Last month, Classic 350 clawed back precious market share and pulled far ahead of Hunter with an astounding 10,453 units lead.350cc Motorcycles Sales September 2022Funny how two almost identical motorcycles split opinion, huh? That’s due to the fettling and fine-tuning that Royal Enfield has done to change the characteristics of practically similar bikes. Classic 350 takes the throne with 27,571 units sold last month and doubled its sales YoY over the same time period last year. Volume growth stood at 13,820 units YoY and 8,578 units MoM.Classic 350 had 38.06% of the 350cc segment last month, up from 30.64% a month before. With 17,118 units sold, Hunter 350 witnessed a drop in sales of 5.93% MoM over 18,197 units sold in August 2022 with volume loss standing at 1,079 units. Hunter’s market share dropped to 23.63% from 29.36% a month before.350cc Motorcycles Sales September 2022In 3rd place we have Meteor 350 which managed to appeal to 10,840 buyers last month over 6,184 buyers in the same time a year ago. Meteor 350 registered 75.29% YoY with a volume gain of 4,656 units YoY. After Meteor, we have the OG Bullet which stands tall even in 2022. With a new generation on the horizon, Royal Enfield will breathe new life into the aging Bullet 350. Test mules are spotted multiple times and a launch is imminent. With 8,755 sold, Bullet has stood the test of time and proven its mettle.It registered 315% YoY growth over 2,107 units sold in September 2021 and 14.93% MoM growth over 7,618 units sold in August 2022. Volume gain stood at 6,648 units YoY and 1,137 units MoM. Even today, Bullet commands a 12.09% market share, which is slightly down from 12.29% a month before.Honda CB350 Shows Positive GrowthLast Royal Enfield product on this list is Electra 350 which managed to push out 4,174 units. It registered 521.13% YoY growth and a mere 1.71% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 3,502 units YoY and 70 units MoM. Honda CB 350 managed to sell 3,980 units and registered 32.89% YoY growth and 7.16% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 985 units YoY and 266 units MoM.Classic Legends (Jawa & Yezdi) set off as arch-rival for Royal Enfield, but have not managed to pull off sales close to the latter’s magnitude. With 2,813 units sold, the company registered 17.21% YoY growth and a 10.95% drop in sales MoM. In total, 350cc motorcycles segment sold 72,438 units and gained 181.76% YoY over 25,709 units sold in September 2021 and 16.86% MoM over 61,988 units sold in August 2022. Volume gain stood at 46,729 units YoY and 10,450 units MoM. More