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    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales May 2021

    Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterTVS iQube is currently priced at Rs 1.01 lakh whereas prices for Bajaj Chetak start from Rs 1.4 lakhs onward (all prices ex-showroom)
    Despite the emergence of multiple options, especially in the two-wheeler space, the electric mobility segment is still at a nascent stage in the Indian market. This has mainly got to do with lack of charging infrastructure and high initial cost of electric vehicles in the country. These barriers will hopefully be overcome in the coming few years.
    While there are many newcomers in the auto industry, the EV space depends heavily on the established auto houses for customers to flock in sizable numbers. As of now, there are only two such offerings in the two-wheeler segment which are offered by mainstream manufacturers- TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak.
    Chetak, iQube Sales
    Sales volume of both these models has been fluctuating despite both of them carrying well-established brand names. Bajaj sold only 31 units of Chetak in May this year while TVS wasn’t able to sell a single unit of iQube during the same period. Last month, these figures stood at 508 units and 307 units respectively for Chetak and iQube, thus registering negative MoM growths of 93.90 percent and 100.00 percent.
    iQube had a better start to the year with a monthly sales volume of 211 units, 203 units, and 355 units in the first three months of 2021 respectively. In comparison, Chetak has a slow beginning, with 30 units, 150 units and 90 units sold during the same period.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales May 2021
    It must also be kept in mind that bookings of Chetak were suspended for a brief period during the early part of this year which may have led to its low sales numbers. Hence, during the first three months, sales of iQube remained higher than its immediate rival from Bajaj.
    A total of 809 units of Chetak have been sold by Bajaj until now this year whereas iQube has registered a sales volume of 1,776 units this year which is cumulatively greater than 267 units for the first six months.
    With improved electric mobility space, these figures are expected to see a gradual increase in the coming future. Further, modified FAME II norms have increased subsidies on offer for electric two-wheeler consumers which may boost sales in this space.
    iQube, Chetak Specs
    iQube is powered by a 2.25kWh battery pack that feeds energy to a 4.4kW hub-mounted BLDC motor. This powertrain is good enough to return a claimed range of 75km with a top speed claimed of 40kmph in Eco mode and 78kmph in Sport mode. This setup delivers a torque out of 140 Nm.
    On the other hand, Chetak features a 3kWh IP67 rated lithium-ion battery pack paired with an electric motor which returns a peak output of 4kW and 16 Nm. It provides a single-charge range of 95km and 85km on Eco and Sport modes respectively. More

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    Revolt Electric Motorcycle New Price Rs 91k – Bookings Open From Tomorrow

    File photoRevolt has claimed to increase production in order to cater to unprecedented demand
    Last month Revolt stopped accepting bookings for its electric motorcycles- RV300 and RV400 due to heavy pending orders. The company came out and said that it had to do so because of excessive demand. The electric bikemaker has now resumed accepting fresh orders for both RV300 and RV400 from June 18th, 12 PM onwards.
    Currently, Revolt conducts its business in India across six cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad but plans to expand to 35 cities in the near future. A media release from the company states that the brand will be re-opening only after confirming delivery dates for all existing orders in hand.
    Less Waiting Period
    To this effect, Revolt has decided to bring forward delivery dates for the bookings made by customers prior to this. These bookings were earlier slated to be honoured in the latter part of the current year. Prices have been reduced to INR 90,799/-, ex-showroom in Delhi. Price reduction is thanks to amendment in the FAME II policy.
    In addition, the company claims to have increased its production capacity, therefore, clearing pending deliveries faster. This should put an end to long waiting periods one was earlier subjected to with Revolt electric bikes and shorten the gap between booking date and delivery.
    Revolt Electric Motorcycle
    New Name
    Revolt has a completely contactless online booking system and interested consumers can register their bookings by visiting the official company website and clicking on the “Notify Me” tab. Another major development took place when the company decided to be renamed as RattanIndia-Revolt now. The former is one of the principal investors in Revolt Motors and hence the name addition.
    Commenting on the announcement, Mr Rajiv Rattan, Chairman, Revolt and RattanIndia Enterprises said, “We’ve been witnessing a delightful response for Revolt bikes. We are happy to see Revolt is growing rapidly and we look forward to expanding the electric eco-system in the country. With a huge demand for electric motorcycles in the market, we are confident that Revolt will fulfil the rapid shift towards EV mobility with an ecosystem which is environment friendly and sustainable in the country.”
    RV400, RV300: Specs & Features
    Coming to specifications, RV400 is driven by a 3kW (Mid Drive) motor which derives its energy from a 72V, 3.24kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack and returns a torque output of 54 Nm. This powertrain offers an ARAI-certified range of 156km per charge and a top speed limited to 85 kmph.
    The electric motorcycle also benefits from the MyRevolt App, which offers connectivity features such as bike locator/Geo-fencing, complete bike diagnostics, battery status, historical data on your rides and kilometres travelled as well. It also gets the option of locating the nearest Revolt Switch Station to swap the bike’s battery within 60 seconds.
    On the other hand, RV300 is propelled by a smaller 1.5KW Hub Motor which is paired with a 60-volt, 2.7 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering a range of 180km on a single charge. Both bikes come with USD forks up front and a fully adjustable mono-shock at rear. Additionally, both models feature three riding modes – Eco, Normal and Sport each suiting to the riding style and needs of the rider. More

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    Top 10 Two Wheelers May 2021 – Splendor, Pulsar, Apache, Activa, Classic 350

    Image – Patna BikesAs anticipated, all top ten two wheelers have negative MoM growth in May
    Total sales of top ten two wheelers in May was 2,71,522 units. MoM growth is down by -59.93%, as compared to 6,77,609 units sold in April. Although the numbers are discouraging, there are hopes that the worst may be over for the auto sector.
    It’s true that possibilities of Covid third wave exist. But with vaccinations and improved health infrastructure, the situation may not be as bad as last year and on-going second wave. The only thing that may still be a concern in the coming months is negative consumer sentiments.
    Splendor leads
    Hero Splendor is the top selling two wheeler in May with sales of 1,00,435 units. MoM sales have close to halved, as compared to 1,93,508 units sold in April. Percentage share in sales is at 36.99%.
    At number two is HF Deluxe with sales of 42,118 units in May. MoM growth is down by -40.92%, as compared to 71,294 units sold in April. Share in sales is 15.51%. It’s evident that the combo of Splendor and HF Deluxe command more than 50% share in sales of the top ten two wheelers.
    Top 10 Two Wheelers May 2021
    Hero MotoCorp had recently launched a new variant of HF Deluxe called HF100. Priced at just under Rs 50k, it is the most affordable motorcycle from the company. HF100 will have improved competencies against rivals like Bajaj CT100.
    Bajaj Pulsar is at number three with 39,625 units sold in May. MoM numbers are down by -40.49%, as compared to 66,586 units sold in April. Share in sales is at 14.59%. To provide more options to customers, Bajaj will soon introduce multiple 250cc Pulsar models. It could include a naked, semi-faired and a fully-faired motorcycle.
    At number four is TVS Apace with sales of 19,885 units in May. MoM de-growth is at -32.50%, as compared to 29,458 units sold in April. Share in sales is at 7.32%.

    Top 10 2Wheelers
    May-21
    Apr-21
    Growth % MoM

    Hero Splendor
    1,00,435
    1,93,508
    -48.10

    Hero HF Deluxe
    42,118
    71,294
    -40.92

    Bajaj Pulsar
    39,625
    66,586
    -40.49

    TVS Apache
    19,885
    29,458
    -32.50

    Honda Activa
    17,006
    1,09,678
    -84.49

    Honda CB Shine
    14,666
    79,416
    -81.53

    Bajaj Platina
    11,164
    35,467
    -68.52

    Suzuki Access
    9,706
    53,285
    -81.78

    Royal Enfield Classic 350
    9,239
    23,298
    -60.34

    Bajaj CT100
    7,678
    15,619
    -50.84

    Total
    2,71,522
    6,77,609
    -59.93

    Activa has max MoM de-growth
    Among the top ten, Honda Activa has the highest MoM loss in percentage terms. Sales are down -84.49%, from 1,09,678 units in April to 17,006 units in May. Share in sales is at 6.26%.
    Activa, along with other Honda two wheelers, are expected to get Bluetooth connectivity via RoadSync platform. Honda had filed a trademark application for ‘RoadSync’ name in India, which has been approved. It increases the likelihood that the feature could soon be introduced for select Honda models.
    Other two wheelers in top ten include Honda CB Shine (14,666 units), Bajaj Platina (11,164), Suzuki Access (9,706), Royal Enfield Classic 350 (9,239), and Bajaj CT (7,678). CB Shine and Access have lost more than 80% of their MoM sales in May. More

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    Okinawa Electric Scooter Prices Reduced By Up To Rs 17,800

    Okinawa Electric ScootersOkinawa is extending full subsidy benefits of 15000 / KWH to its customers following recent amendments in FAME II Policy
    Okinawa Autotech, the makers of the iPraise+, Praise Pro and Ridge+ have reduced the prices of their entire electric two wheeler lineup. The new pricing is in effect from 11th June 2021 and follows the recent amendments made by Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises to the Fame II policy. These latest revision will allow EV makers to compete on a common platform with their ICE counterparts.
    These changes include a subsidy offered to the electric two wheeler makers with demand incentive increased to Rs 15,000 per kWh from an earlier Rs 10,000 per kWh. The Government has also announced that the cap on incentives for electric two wheelers will be at 40 percent of the cost of the vehicle.
    New Okinawa Pricing
    Okinawa has reduced prices of its electric scooter range by Rs.7,200 to Rs.17,800 with effect from 1st June 2021. Following this price reduction, the Okinawa iPraise+ which was earlier priced at Rs.1,17,600 is now Rs.17,892 lower at Rs.99,708. Praise Pro has seen a price reduction of Rs.7,947 from an earlier pricing of Rs.84,795 to Rs.76,848 while the Ridge+ pricing is lowered by Rs.7,209 from Rs.69,000 to Rs.61,791.
    Okinawa Autotech, the first Indian company to get a FAME II subsidy from the Government of India has sold 90,000 units as of May 21 and is positioned in a No.2 spot behind Hero Electric in the electric two wheeler market.

    Okinawa
    Old Price
    New Price
    Diff

    iPraise+
    117,600
    99,708
    17,892

    Praise Pro
    84,795
    76,848
    7,947

    Ridge+
    69,000
    61,791
    7,209

    Okinawa Eco Pro
    Its iPraise+ is its best-selling model which has noted a threefold increase in demand over the past few months. It comes in with IOT enabled Mobile App called ‘Okinawa Eco Pro’ which allows the user to track the scooter, get directions and add emergency contact numbers in the effect of any disaster.
    Okinawa is very bullish about its performance in the year ahead. Despite the fact that the country is being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, the company recorded revenues to the extent of Rs 155 crores in FY2021 and targets a 300 percent YoY growth to Rs 465 crores in FY22.
    The company is also investing Rs 150 crores into a new facility in Rajasthan, close to its existing plant. The company also has a widespread network of 300+ dealerships in the country targeting buyers in Metros and in the Tier II and Tier III and in rural areas.
    The dealerships are located in Delhi, Bangalore, Noida, Jharkhand and Assam with plans to expand other Indian states. More recently, Okinawa has also entered into partnerships with financial institutions and e-commerce companies like Edelweiss, Credr, Zest Money, Welectric, and Beep Cart with plans to enhance its product portfolio and on-ground footprint. More

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    HOP Electric Scooters Launch Price Rs 65k Onwards – Up To 125 KM Range

    HOP LEO electric scooterBy end of this fiscal, HOP Electric’s portfolio will have a total of five vehicles
    Named HOP Lyf and HOP Leo, the two new electric scooters are available at a starting price of Rs 65,500 and Rs 72,500, respectively. Interested customers can pre-book a test drive by registering on the company’s website. Lyf and Leo will be targeted primarily at younger audiences who are more aware about the importance of sustainable mobility.
    HOP Lyf and Leo – design and features
    Both electric scooters have trendy design and are offered in attractive colour options. Of the two, Lyf appears to be relatively sharper. It comes with a V-shaped front apron with extensions. Another unique feature of Lyf is that it has been equipped with back support. This will ensure comfortable rides for the pillion.
    HOP LEO electric scooter
    Talking about Leo, the scooter has bold and stylish looks. The front apron is quite different from that of Lyf. Features that are common in both scooters include LED headlight, sporty rear view mirrors, fully digital display, mobile charging port, and front storage space. Both scooters have comfortable ergonomics for rider as well as pillion.
    HOP Lyf and Leo – engine and specs
    The motor used on HOP Lyf can generate 2000w of max power. Top speed is 50 kmph. Range is 125 km when a dual lithium-ion battery pack is used. The scooter will be offered in three variants, Lyf Basic, Lyf, and Lyf Extended.
    HOP LYF electric scooter
    Leo has a similar variant line – Leo Basic, Leo, and Leo Extended. Leo has a higher capacity motor that can generate 2500w of peak power. It has a top speed of 60 kmph. Range is 125 km when used with dual lithium-ion battery pack. Both scooters offer three ride modes of Eco, City and Sport.
    HOP LYF electric scooter
    Other key features include reverse gear, park assist, side stand sensors, dual-disk brakes, remote key, anti-theft wheel lock and anti-theft alarm. Customers will also have the option to choose internet and GPS connectivity, which will be offered as accessories.
    One of the USPs of HOP Lyf and Leo is that both electric scooters significantly reduce running costs. The average works out at 20 paisa per kilometre. For a 50 km daily commute, the cost will be just Rs 10.
    HOP LYF electric scooter Specs
    Battery swapping infrastructure
    To eliminate range anxiety, HOP Electric is working to develop a vast network of battery swapping stations. This setup will complement the company’s unique ownership model, where customers don’t have to pay the price of the battery.
    Anytime they need, users can simply swap their drained battery for a fully recharged unit at the nearest battery swapping station. They will be charged for usage of battery and not the total cost of the battery. HOP is also working to launch its e-bike OXO 100. It will have a top speed of 100 kmph and can travel 100 km on a single charge. More

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    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Price Reduced – Rs 40k Cheaper Than Bajaj Chetak

    Image – RaviA cheaper iQube can become a more attractive option in comparison to rival Bajaj Chetak
    As per amendments introduced in FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India), the subsidy available has been increased to Rs 15,000 per kWh. Earlier, the subsidy available was Rs 10,000 per kWh.
    The new subsidy rates will be applicable for all EVs and hybrids excluding only buses. Additionally, the government has increased the incentive level to 40% of the cost of vehicle. Earlier, this was fixed at 20%.
    TVS iQube revised prices
    With the changes in FAME-II subsidy scheme, iQube’s on-road price is now Rs 11,250 less than earlier. iQube is currently offered in Delhi and Bengaluru. In Delhi, the effective on-road price is down to 1.01 lakh.
    In comparison, customers in Bengaluru will have to pay Rs 1.10 lakh. Cost is lower in Delhi, as the state government provides additional subsidies to EVs. Promoting use of EVs is an integral part of the overall plan to reduce pollution in the national capital region.
    TVS iQube Electric scooter
    With significant reduction in price, iQube can be in an advantageous position as compared to rival Bajaj Chetak. At the time of its launch, Chetak was offered at an attractive introductory price of Rs 1 lakh. However, with subsequent price revisions, Chetak has become quite expensive. Chetak Urbane and Premium variants are available at Rs 1.43 lakh and Rs 1.45 lakh, respectively.
    Chetak currently cannot benefit from increased subsidy, as it is yet to get approval under FAME-II scheme. It will have to continue with its existing prices. Due to this, Chetak prices are now at par with that of Ather 450X.
    Ather was the first electric two-wheeler manufacturer to announce reduction in prices on account of increased subsidy. In Bengaluru, Ather 450 Plus and 450X are now priced at Rs 1,25,490 and Rs 1,44,500, respectively.
    TVS iQube expansion plans
    The hike in subsidy couldn’t have come at a better time for iQube. That’s because TVS is currently working to introduce iQube in 20 new cities. With prices reduced, it could become easier for the company to attract customers. The new cities that will be covered include Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
    However, things won’t be easy for iQube, as Bajaj is also working to launch Chetak in new cities. Bajaj has plans to cover around 30 new cities by end of this fiscal. Ather is already ahead in the game, as it has launched its scooter in more than a dozen cities. More locations will be covered in the coming months. More

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    2021 BMW S1000R India Launch Price Rs 17.90 L To Rs 22.5 L Ex-Sh

    2021 BMW S1000RThe new BMW S 1000 R gets a new 999cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motor paired to a brand new six-speed gearbox
    BMW Motorrad has launched the new 2021 S1000R in India at a price of Rs. 17.5 lakh for the standard variant. PRO variant is priced at Rs 19.75 lakh while top of the line PRO M Sport variant costs Rs 22.5 lakh. All prices are ex-sh. The latest iteration of the naked streetfighter made its global debut in Europe back in November last year.
    This is the first major update since the litre-class naked made its debut back in 2014. It continues to be based on the supersport S1000RR which means the two bikes will share the same internals including the frame, hardware and powertrain. The naked street racer also borrows a few styling cues from its fully-faired supersport sibling.
    2021 BMW S1000R
    Updated Styling
    Speaking of its design, the 2021 S1000R gets a slightly updated styling with redesigned elements such as a new LED headlamp cluster with LED DRLs which is reminiscent of the unit seen on F900R. It also gets a new LED taillight and new LED turn indicators. Other redesigned components including a muscular fuel tank, radiator shrouds, and belly pan make the latest iteration of the flagship naked much more aggressive to look at.
    The new S1000R also gets new side body panels, a mass-forward stance and an up-swept exhaust that lend a bit of sharpness to the overall design. Like most litre-class naked streetfighters, the rear section of the bike mimics its supersport fully-faired sibling.
    2021 BMW S1000R
    As mentioned earlier, it borrows the frame and chassis from S1000RR which is narrower than the outgoing model making it look sleeker and sportier. It is also lighter than the older frame and is said to offer an improved balance of rigidity and flexibility.
    Features on offer
    Being a flagship, it is bound to be rich on the features front. It comes equipped with a 6.5-inch TFT instrument panel with a Bluetooth smartphone interface. The motorcycle also gets a comprehensive electronics package that includes multiple riding models- Rain, Road, and Dynamic; wheelie control, cornering ABS, traction control system, a 6-axis sensor box for precisely determining the pitch rate and engine braking control.
    More performance to play with
    2021 S1000R comes powered with the same Euro-5/BS6 compliant 999cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder motor found in the fully-faired S1000RR. Although in the naked version, it is detuned to produce a slightly less output of 165 hp at 11,000rpm and 115 Nm of peak torque at 9,250rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. This power plant is 5kg lighter than the one in the previous model thus making the new S1000R 6.5kg lighter than its predecessor, tipping weighing scales at 199kg.
    This adds to mid and top-end performance which is complemented by a flatter torque curve which is now accessible as low as 3,000rpm. The new S1000R will be directly pitted against the likes of Ducati Streetfighter V4, Triumph Street Triple R and Kawasaki Z900. More

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    Honda Activa, Hornet, CB Shine, X Blade Recall Over Faulty Reflector

    Image – Takuli’s Talk
    Honda has announced a nationwide recall concerning the replacement of potentially faulty reflex reflector
    The recall covers multiple Honda motorcycles and scooters including CB300R and H’ness CB350 that are sold through the company’s BigWing dealerships. Other impacted models include Hornet 2.0, X-Blade, CB Shine, Activa 5G and 6G and Activa 125.
    Only units manufactured during the period from November 2019 to January 2021 are part of this recall program. Customers who had got their reflector replaced during this period are also eligible for the recall.
    A minor issue
    Honda has stated that the faulty part is unlikely to create any major problem. It’s primarily an incorrect positioning of the reflex reflectors, which may be causing inadequate light reflection. The overall loss of light reflection may not be significant enough to cause any major challenges when driving in night conditions.
    The recall is being carried out as a precautionary measure. The inventory at dealerships is also being scanned to identify any faulty reflectors. These too will be recalled. Such measures are in line with the company’s commitment towards quality and to consistently improve its products and services.
    Honda Hornet
    How to check eligibility
    Customers can check eligibility for this recall via Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) and Honda BigWing website. The faulty part number is 33741KPL902. Customers just need to enter the 17-digit unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) / Frame No. to know if their vehicle is covered under the recall program. The VIN can be found on multiple documents such as vehicle registration card, insurance certificate and sales / service invoices.
    If eligible, customers need to contact their respective HMSI or BigWing dealer to book a service appointment. Provided that there are no Covid related restrictions in the area, a service date will be provided as per the convenience of the customer.
    On their part, Honda dealerships have also started contacting owners of affected vehicles via SMS, call and e-mail. This recall is being provided free of cost. Even for vehicles whose warranty period is over will be covered in this recall program.
    Honda CB350 recall
    In addition to reflex reflector recall, Honda already has an on-going voluntary recall program for CB350 units manufactured during 25th November 2020 to 12th December 2020. It was found that the material used in counter shaft of 4th gear of the transmission is of a different grade. This may lead to issues over prolonged use of the motorcycle.
    However, no cases of failure have been reported till now. This recall too is being carried out as a precautionary measure. It is free and applies to all affected vehicles irrespective of warranty status. More