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Maruti eVitara Electric SUV Although mechanically same as the European version, India-spec eVitara is expected to get some cosmetic variations and unique colour options A few weeks back, Suzuki had unveiled its first mass-market electric car, the eVitara, in Milan, Italy. In addition to the Indian market, eVitara will be introduced across multiple global locations […] More
Mahindra BE 6 Spied Beside Curvv EV Mahindra BE 6 appeals to young audiences and buyers craving a taste of the future, but Tata Curvv EV might appeal to mature buyers With the launch of BE 6 and XEV 9e, Mahindra has been a trending topic in the automotive industry. The company has stirred many […] More
New Tata Harrier EV Spy Shots While Safari EV test mules have not made recent appearance, we hope Tata Motors launch it alongside Harrier EV sometime in 2025 Tata Motors is one of India’s leading car manufacturers and makers of India’s highest-selling SUVs. The company is gearing up to launch an electric version of their […] More
Mahindra XEV 9e Reach Showrooms With a 79 kWh battery pack option, Mahindra XEV 9e promises up to 656 km (ARAI) range on a single charge and 500+ km real-world range With the launch of BE 6 (originally intended to be called BE 6e) and XEV 9e, Mahindra has rewritten the Indian automotive history. This […] More
Windsor overtakes Nexon to become No 1 selling EV With several automakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Toyota and Honda all are planning EV launches by 2025, the segment is set to get even more competitive The electric car market in India is ruled by many factors. Added impetus given in view of favorable government policies […] More
eVitara Vs Urban Cruiser EVWhile most rivals come equipped with a single-motor FWD layout, Suzuki eVitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser EV offer a dual-motor 4WD option
With electric vehicles getting more and more mainstream, OEMs are lining their offerings to cater for the growing demand. While Suzuki and Toyota are more into the ‘Hybrid vehicle’ school of thought, both companies are jointly launching global electric SUVs. Suzuki’s version is called eVitara. Toyota’s version of this vehicle debuted yesterday, called Urban Cruiser EV.
Both the eVitara and Urban Cruiser EV are essentially the same vehicle with unique design elements. Design differences between these vehicles are more evident on the outside, while interiors are more-or-less identical. Let’s see a detailed image comparison between eVitara and Urban Cruiser EV.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Above, Suzuki eVitara Below
eVitara Vs Urban Cruiser EV
Both vehicles feature a similar silhouette as they are the same vehicles under their skin. Speaking of Skin, Suzuki is going for a contemporary appeal with a more rugged and muscular approach. We can see larger headlights, more muscular bumper with a bull-bar effect, and a more pronounced closed-off grill on eVitara.
Urban Cruiser EV, on the other hand, has a more sleek and minimalistic design appeal. The headlights are a lot sleeker, with a C-shaped insignia. The front bumper has functional air channels to smoothen airflow. Only eVitara gets fog lights, though. These vehicles have wheel sizes up to 19 inches and feature unique aero covers.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Above, Suzuki eVitara Below
At the sides, both vehicles get similar ORVMs, body cladding and charging ports in left front quarter panel and rear door handle in C Pillars. At the rear, things are almost identical. Tail lights are connected, but LEDs inside them are not. They both feature a similar roof spoiler, rear unpainted bumper, shark-fin antenna and others.
Identical Interiors
On the inside, both eVitara and Urban Cruiser EV from Suzuki and Toyota, are almost identical. The only differences we can see are the change in brand logo and the colour theme. Suzuki has gone for a dual-tone Black and Brown theme, while Toyota has executed a slightly sportier-looking all-black theme.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Above, Suzuki eVitara Below
Features-wise, both get the new tw0-spoke steering wheel, vertical AC vents, floating centre console, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch HUD, automatic climate control, electronic parking brake, auto-dimming IRVM, 360-degree camera, powered driver seat, rear sliding and reclining seat, among others. Urban Cruiser EV looks like it gets extra tweeters.
Under the bonnet, both Suzuki eVitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser get the same battery options and are powered by the same powertrains. Battery options are 49 kWh or 61 kWh. 2WD variants get a single motor with up to 172 bhp and 189 Nm performance. Larger pack offers a dual-motor 4WD option with a total system output of 181 bhp and 300 Nm. More
Tata Tiago EV Midnight PlumWhere rivals are concerned, Tiago EV lock horns with MG Comet EV, which is a smaller vehicle with 3 doors for limited practicality
The spiritual successor of Indica, Tata Tiago, was among the most revolutionary mass-market offerings from the brand. This hatchback also has a fully-electric variant as well, which is called Tiago EV. At the fag end of 2024, Tata Motors has updated Tiago EV.
While there are no additions to this electric hatchback, Tata Motors has removed the Midnight Plum colour from Tiago EV’s palette. Tiago EV is India’s most affordable 5-door electric car and the prices start from Rs 7.99 lakh (Ex-sh) for base XE Medium Range model and go till Rs 11.49 lakh (Ex-sh) for XZ+ Tech Lux Long Range model.
Tata Tiago EV Updated
One of India’s most popular electric cars, Tata Tiago EV, used to offer as many as five distinct shades. These include Pristine White, Midnight Plum, Teal Blue, Daytona Grey and Tropical Mist. Of these five colours, Tata Motors has removed Midnight Plum shade from the palette, leaving only four options.
Midnight Plum colour option is discontinued with immediate effect and dealerships have been notified about the same. Dealerships are advised to communicate with booked customers and offer other colour options. Other than the discontinuation of Midnight Plum colour, Tiago EV is the same vehicle as before.
2024 Tata Tiago EV Added Features
It is based on ICE Tiago hatchback with an electric powertrain. Design-wise, Tiago EV gets a unique closed-off front grill for design distinction. This lends a unique fascia for Tiago EV, which is immediately recognisable. Projector headlights, LED DRLs, stylised steel wheels and piano black inserts in door handle are notable exterior elements.
On the inside, Tata Motors offers plush leatherette seat upholstery in a light shade for an airy feel. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with a multitude of switches for music and cruise control, a 7-inch infotainment screen by Harman with up to 8 speakers, 45W front USB charger, speed dependant volume, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are among the main highlights.
Same Powertrains
Other features include fully automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, electric ORVMs with auto fold, auto-dimming IRVM, auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, rear washer and wiper among others.
2024 Tata Tiago EV
Updated Tiago EV comes equipped with the same battery options as before – 19.2 kWh pack with Medium Range and 24 kWh pack with Long Range models. Promised range is up to 315 km on a single charge and Tiago EV also gets an optional 7.2 kW AC charger option for fast charging at home. Max power for Tiago EV is 74 bhp and max torque is 114 Nm.
Also read – Tata Motors to increase prices from January 1st, 2025
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2026 BYD Dolphin DebutsIn the Chinese market, the facelifted 2026 BYD Dolphin EV is expected to be introduced in mid or late 2025
BYD has multiple bestselling models, one of which is the Dolphin EV. The electric hatchback was originally launched in 2021. It is now scheduled to get its first major update next year. Some details about the facelifted model have been revealed via images and data posted on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
2026 BYD Dolphin Debuts – What’s new?
As compared to the outgoing model, the 2026 BYD Dolphin utilizes a more minimalistic design approach for the exteriors. BYD has focused on reducing clutter at the front, opting for a simpler closed-off grille and smaller bumper intakes. The fog lamp housing is also smaller and far less conspicuous in comparison to the boomerang-shaped units seen with the current model.
2026 BYD Dolphin – New vs Old
Headlights have also been updated to better align with the theme used for BYD’s Ocean series cars. Side profile of the 2026 BYD Dolphin EV is largely the same as the current model. However, there’s a new design for the alloy wheels. Based on the variant, users can choose from 16-inch or 17-inch wheels.
At the rear, the design transitions from sporty vibes to a more elegant and understated look. It has been achieved with changes to the taillight and bumper. Information posted on MIIT website also reveals the dimensions of 2026 BYD Dolphin. The facelifted model is 155 mm longer than the current model sold in China.
2026 BYD Dolphin
It can add a few inches of legroom, although details of the interiors are not available at this point of time. 2026 BYD Dolphin is 4,280 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. In comparison to the global-spec model launched in 2023, the 2026 BYD Dolphin is 10 mm shorter.
New powertrain
Existing BYD Dolphin EV is offered with two powertrain options. Base variant generates 94 hp, whereas top-variants produce 210 hp. Both these powertrain options will be retained for the 2026 BYD Dolphin. However, the new model will be getting an additional mid-spec powertrain that makes 174 hp.
2026 BYD Dolphin
Talking about battery packs, the facelifted 2025 BYD Dolphin EV will be using BYD Blade LFP units. It is not known if there will be a change in battery configuration. The current model has battery pack options of 44.93 kWh and 60.48 kWh. With the smaller capacity battery pack, CLTC range is 420 km. The larger unit allows a range of 520 km. Considering that the new 2026 BYD Dolphin will be getting some new features and equipment, it could see a hike in prices.
In China, the existing BYD Dolphin is available in the price range of ¥99,800 – ¥129,800 (Rs 11.66 lakh to Rs 15.16 lakh). In India, BYD portfolio includes the BYD eMAX 7, Atto 3 and BYD Seal sedan. There are plans to introduce more models in the coming years including the Dolphin EV. Some information about BYD’s plans for India are expected to be shared at the upcoming 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo.
2026 BYD Dolphin More
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
While the general perception is that battery life spans fall short of claims, the new study suggests the opposite might be true
For EV buyers, battery maintenance and potential replacement is a major worry. To fix that, EV manufacturers are heavily focused on developing advanced battery packs that can last longer. However, a new study reveals that such efforts may not actually be needed since battery packs can last much longer in real-world scenarios.
EV batteries can have 40% longer lifespan
In a new study conducted by scientists at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center, it has been found that EV battery packs could have a longer lifespan. The study points to a flaw in existing battery testing methodologies that fail to replicate real-world scenarios. The results of the study seem counterintuitive, as general perception is that real-world scenarios will reduce battery life. But the study claims that the opposite might actually be true.
The primary issue pointed out in the study is that battery testing is done based on constant discharge and recharge cycles. However, this may not be the case in a real-world driving scenario. That’s why battery life cycles determined in a laboratory environment may not indicate the real lifespan of EV battery packs. Real-life driving can have various variations instead of a constant discharge and recharge cycle.
For Example, both short trips and long-distance touring may be involved. There are stops at the traffic signals and EVs spend significant time in the parking area. Things like regenerative braking and acceleration also impact battery lifespan. Charging behaviour also varies, with some users choosing daily charging whereas others might only charge once or twice a week. All these factors are not accounted for when testing EV battery packs in a laboratory environment.
EV battery testing with real-world scenarios
To get a more realistic estimate of EV battery lifespan, four distinct discharge profiles were created based on driving data. These were then used to test 92 commercially produced lithium-ion battery packs. The tests were conducted for a period of more than two years. The findings of the study were quite surprising and counter intuitive. For example, it was found that sharp, short acceleration can actually reduce battery degradation. Similarly, regenerative braking was found to improve the life of EV battery packs.
However, factors like extreme heat and cold conditions can also impact battery lifespan. In this study, the temperature was set at a constant 35° Celsius. It is likely that more robust studies will be needed to get a more realistic view of EV battery lifespan.
Findings of this study could encourage more people to shift to EVs. The data gathered can also help OEMs to improve their battery management software. It can help optimize battery lifespan in real-world driving conditions. Battery warranty could be extended, which will ensure greater peace of mind for EV buyers.
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