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      Maruti WagonR Electric Car To Be Sold As Rebadged Toyota Hyryder ?

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      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
      Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
      The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
      Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
      However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
      Exterior Design
      Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
      Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
      Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
      If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
      Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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      Hyundai to slash internal combustion model range by half, report says – Roadshow

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      Hyundai is serious about going electric.
      Hyundai

      Just about every carmaker on Earth is investing vast amounts of resources into the development of electric vehicles, and Hyundai is no different. Hyundai is going a step further, though, according to a report published Thursday by Reuters. By that, I mean it will slash the number of internal combustion models that it offers.That’s right, the Korean automaker is planning on cutting 50% of its current internal combustion models to free up resources to develop battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles. According to multiple Reuters sources close to the company, this decision was rumored to have been made back in March by top Hyundai executives.

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      Hyundai and sister brand Kia’s EV ambitions have been making headlines lately with the stellar-looking Ioniq 5 and EV6 models, and the company has said that there are more models on their way.Several other automakers have pledged that their current generations of internal combustion powertrains would be their last. These have included Volkswagen and Mercedes’ parent company Daimler. Other companies, like Porsche, have committed to finding ways to make internal combustion engines as ecologically friendly as EVs, with considerable resources being spent on the development of “eFuel.”We reached out to Hyundai representatives for comment but didn’t hear back in time for publication.
      2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5: The future of electric crossovers

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      Here's every electric vehicle on sale in the US for 2021 and their range – Roadshow

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      There could be a vehicle plug in your not-too-distant future.
      Ford

      It’s slowly but surely getting easier to plug in to electric motoring. Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on US roads, along with the charging stations needed to keep ’em juiced up. A few brands seem to dominate the news cycle when it comes to new EVs, but there are actually well over a dozen fully electric models on sale in the US today.That in mind, here’s a list of every electric vehicle on sale in the US and how far each will go on a single charge, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Editors’ note: This list only includes vehicles that have been certified by the EPA. More EVs might be in the news, but they will not be added to this compilation until they’re officially about to go on sale in the US.

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      Audi E-Tron

      222 miles

      Audi

      On the surface, Audi’s first purpose-built battery electric road car hasn’t changed much since its 2019 debut, with only minor tweaks and a few revisions to its options. Yet a combination of software and hardware updates have helped the electric SUV squeeze a few extra miles out of its 95 kilowatt-hour battery, climbing to an EPA estimated maximum range of 222 miles. Somewhat sweetening the pot, the E-Tron’s starting price (including destination) has also dropped to $66,995 for the base Premium model.

      Read more.

      Chris Paukert/Roadshow

      The E-Tron has been joined by a new Sportback variant. The underpinnings, powertrain and tech are all the same as the aforementioned electric SUV, but the E-Tron Sportback features a slightly lower roofline and a windswept and silhouette — coupe-like, if you squint. You’d think that the more aerodynamic profile would net more range, but the Sportback’s sportier tuning only returns about 218 miles per charge. It’s pricier, too, starting at $70,195.

      Read our 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback preview.

      BMW

      BMW’s i3 has always been a little weird looking and expensive at $45,445, but it does offer a few things nothing else in the class can match. The biggest of these is its carbon-fiber chassis, which increases stiffness, reduces weight and looks great on a spec sheet. The i3 is definitely meant to be a city car with a relatively short range — up to 153 miles. But it’s easy to park and a nice place to spend time, so we can’t fault it too much.

      Read more.

      Steven Ewing/Roadshow

      The Bolt EV was the mainstream car industry’s first real, practical answer to Tesla’s electric juggernauts. It’s an affordable little hatchback that doesn’t stick out like the i3 and today, it packs plenty of all-electric range at 259 miles — a nice increase over its initial 236-mile range. With a starting price of just $36,620, the Bolt has positioned itself as the perfect alternative to Tesla’s impossible-to-spec $35,000 Model 3.

      Read our 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV review.

      Chevrolet Bolt EUV

      247 miles

      Steven Ewing/Roadshow

      The Bolt EUV tucks the Bolt EV’s battery pack and electric car platform beneath a slightly taller and longer body. The increased weight and aerodynamic profile cost the electric utility vehicle a bit of range, dropping to a still-decent 247 miles, according to the EPA. Other reasons you may want to consider the larger EUV include its increased capacity for cargo and second-row passengers and to get your hands on — or rather, hands off — GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance tech. The bigger Bolt strikes this summer starting at $38,495. 

      Read more.

      Nick Miotke/Roadshow

      Ford’s Mach-E may be a Mustang in name alone, but it’s an EV through and through. This electric SUV is offered in a variety of configurations, from the single-motor “Select” spec starting at $43,995 to the Premium AWD Extended range model at $54,400. At its best, the rear-driven California Route 1 Edition cruises for up to 305 miles with a full charge.Later this year, high-performance Mach-E GT and GT Performance models will join the lineup, boasting up to 634 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 sprint in just 3.5 seconds. We’ll update when the EPA gets its hands on them. Until then, here’s what Ford is offering:Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD: 211 milesFord Mustang Mach-E AWD Extended: 270 milesFord Mustang Mach-E RWD: 230 milesFord Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended: 300 milesFord Mustang Mach-E RWD California Route 1: 305 miles

      Read our 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E preview.

      Hyundai

      Hyundai is getting way more into the EV game, but the car that started it out for them was the Ioniq Electric, and you can still get it. It’s basic in almost every sense of the word, but its range has gotten a nice increase since its debut to 170 miles. This bad boy lists for just a hair over $30,000, and that makes it a decent deal. 

      Read our 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric review.

      Hyundai

      The Kona Electric is one of the most exciting new EVs you can buy right now. It has excellent range, weird-but-fun styling, tons of standard equipment and all the other killer Hyundai stuff (including a great warranty). The Kona EV is a lot quicker and more fun to drive than you’d expect, while its range of 258 miles puts it among the upper-echelon of modern battery-electrics. With a price tag starting at $36,990, you’re getting a lot for your money. 

      Read our 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric review.

      Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

      Jaguar was one of the last companies we’d have expected to release a purely electric SUV. But it did, and the decision ended up working in its favor. The I-Pace looks like nothing else, drives like a Jag and offers a real alternative to the Tesla Model X. The I-Pace is a practical beast: Having been designed from the ground up to be an EV, it has plenty of space for people and things and a substantial range of 234 miles.

      Read our 2020 Jaguar I-PACE review.

      Kandi K27

      59 miles

      Kandi

      No, we’re not joking. This newcomer has the distinction of being the least expensive new electric car you can buy today: The K27 costs a no-haggle, no-nonsense $19,999. And that’s before the $7,500 federal tax credit, which brings the cost down to $12,499. That’s cheap for any new car, but that price also only gets you a ridiculously short range of just 59 miles per charge and an… unorthodox aesthetic.

      Kia

      Kia’s Niro EV is Kia’s best effort yet at making a fully battery-electric SUV that offers good range for not a lot of money (239 miles, $38,500 to start), and it surprised us when we drove it for the first time. It’s more fun than its looks or specs would suggest, and it’s packed with a deep roster of standard features that make modern Kias so hard to beat for value.

      Read more.

      Mini Cooper SE

      110 miles

      Mini

      You may not remember this, but Mini was actually an early pioneer of modern EVs. Back in 2009, the automaker underwent a large-scale test of electric Mini E hatchbacks, building hundreds and leasing them to hand-picked consumers and utility companies. It gave up on the tech after a couple years, and it’s taken until now for the brand to offer a BEV for sale. The 2021 Mini Cooper SE Electric promises to be one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Priced from $29,900 plus delivery, when you factor in the full federal tax credit and potential state and local incentives, you could own one for well under $20,000. There’s a catch, of course: limited range. The Mini Electric is only estimated at 110 miles of range, about as short an e-leash as you’ll find today. It’s not a compliance car sold only in California-emissions markets — Mini says the SE is a 50-state model.

      Read our 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric review.

      Jon Wong/Roadshow

      Ah yes, the granddaddy of all affordable electric cars. There is a reason that the Leaf is the world’s bestselling EV by a factor of a zillion. And if you’ve spent time in one recently, you’ll know it’s easy to see why. The Leaf is a simple, well-built and affordable electric car that offers reasonable range — 149 miles — but still feels like the future.The Leaf Plus is Nissan’s answer to cars like the Tesla Model 3, the Kona Electric and the Bolt. It has the Leaf line’s best range yet at 226 miles, and while it’s not as cheap as the standard Leaf, it offers more for your money. More what? Power and torque mostly. Some of its tech is a little old, but that means it’s well-proved at this point.

      Read more.

      Polestar

      The second plug-in model from the fledgling Polestar brand is also its first to run completely on battery power. The Polestar 2 fastback — a sort of tall, liftback sedan chimera — hits the ground running with impressive interior appointments and gorgeous Scandinavian style. The Polestar 2 boasts a range of 233 miles per charge. We think that’s more than enough range for daily driving and then some, but the 2’s starting price of $61,200 puts it in the unenviable position of being cross-shopped with the much longer-ranging variants of the Tesla Model S and Y.

      Read our 2021 Polestar Polestar 2 review.

      Chris Paukert/Roadshow

      Porsche’s first battery-electric car arrives to take on the Tesla Model S. It initially went on sale in Turbo and Turbo S forms, packing 670 and 750 horsepower, respectively. The Turbo starts at $150,900 while the more powerful S comes in at $185,000. This year sees the addition of a new rear-drive Taycan base model, starting at $81,250. The EPA-estimated ranges have also been revised, improving across the board for 4S and Turbo models. That lines up somewhat with our independent testing, where we found the Turbo’s previous EPA numbers to be a bit conservative.Porsche Taycan Performance: 200 milesPorsche Taycan Performance Battery Plus: 225 milesPorsche Taycan 4S Performance: 199 milesPorsche Taycan 4S Performance Battery Plus: 227 milesPorsche Taycan Turbo: 212 milesPorsche Taycan Turbo S: 201 miles

      Read our 2021 Porsche Taycan review.

      Tesla Model 3

      353 miles

      Tesla

      This is the EV to which all other midpriced electric vehicles have to answer. The Model 3 is just that good. It’s comfortable, fun to drive, has tons of cargo space and one of the best ranges in its class. For 2021, Tesla simplified the Model 3 lineup, dropping from six configurations to three optimized specs:Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus: 263 milesTesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: 353 milesTesla Model 3 Performance AWD: 315 miles

      Read more.

      Tesla Model S

      412 miles

      Tesla

      The Model S has been around in more or less the same form since 2012. It’s gotten several updates to its hardware, styling and performance — and is still the reigning champ of all-electric range. It’s also $79,990 before adding things like different wheels, paint or Tesla’s dubiously named Full Self-Driving feature, which feels like a lot for one of the oldest vehicles here.Like the smaller Model 3, its lineup has been revised for 2021. However in this case, it ditched its Standard Range model to make room for the new top-spec Plaid and Plaid Plus, which Tesla promises will be “the quickest production cars ever.” Tesla also estimates that these super sedans will boast 390 miles and “over 520 miles” of range, respectively. Unfortunately, the EPA hasn’t yet confirmed those claims, and the Plaid pair don’t go on sale until the fall. We’ll update when they do. For now, here’s the new breakdown:

      Read more.

      Tesla Model X

      371 miles

      Tesla

      The Tesla Model X is like the Model S in that it’s fast and expensive, but it’s also bigger, roomier and has the craziest doors to be found on a production car this side of the Lamborghini Aventador. Thanks to a similar update to the Model S, the X Standard Range is no more, but improvements to the Long Range Plus mode increase max range to 371 miles on a single charge. That’s not bad for something so big. There will also be a Model X Plaid — but not Plaid Plus — in the fall 2021. Until then, here’s how the Model X line shakes out:

      Read more.

      Tesla Model Y

      326 miles

      Tesla

      Think of the Tesla Model Y as the larger, frumpier version of the Model 3: Smaller than the Model X, the Y still offers seating for seven (somehow) and the same powerful electric powertrain. According to the EPA, it’ll do an impressive 326 miles on a full charge in Long Range Spec. The Performance model offers better performance (of course), but at the cost of a few miles range versus last year. And, like the rest of Tesla’s lineup, the Standard Range model is no more.

      Read more.

      Tim Stevens/Roadshow

      The XC40 Recharge’s $20,000 premium over the combustion-powered XC40 is a hard pill to swallow, but if you look past the sticker, the price is somewhat justified. For starters, the $54,985 EV’s 486 pound-feet of performance are a class beyond the standard T5 powertrain’s 258 torques, as are its all-new Android Automotive cabin tech and luxurious interior appointments. We just wish its range was equally impressive: The 208 miles it offers is a touch low for this class and price range.

      Read our 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 eAWD Pure Electric preview.

      Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

      Taking the place of the humble E-Golf is Volkswagen’s first dedicated electric vehicle in the US, the 2021 VW ID 4. The first deliveries of its electric SUV should begin later this year. The performance is fine and the styling is unobtrusive, but its promise of utility, capacity and up to 250 miles of range make the ID 4 a fairly practical choice for families looking to go electric. The Tesla Model Y offers more range and better driving dynamics, but starting at $41,190 before incentives, the VW is more budget-friendly.

      Read our 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 review.

      Every EV available in 2021

      Make/Model/Trim

      Best Range

      MSRP

      Audi e-tron

      222

      $66,995

      Audi e-tron Sportback

      218

      $70,195

      BMW i3

      153

      $45,445

      Chevrolet Bolt EV

      259

      $36,620

      Chevrolet Bolt EUV

      247

      $38,495

      Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1

      305

      $51,500

      Hyundai Ioniq Electric

      170

      $34,250

      Hyundai Kona Electric

      258

      $38,565

      Jaguar I-Pace

      234

      $71,000

      Kandi K27

      59

      $19,999

      Kia Niro Electric

      239

      $40,265

      Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door

      110

      $30,750

      Nissan Leaf S Plus

      226

      $39,220

      Polestar 2

      233

      $61,200

      Porsche Taycan 4S Performance Battery Plus

      227

      $110,720

      Tesla Model 3 Long Range

      353

      $48,490

      Tesla Model S Long Range

      412

      $79,990

      Tesla Model X Long Range

      371

      $89,990

      Tesla Model Y Long Range

      326

      $51,490

      Volvo XC40 AWD BEV

      208

      $55,085

      Volkswagen ID 4

      250

      $41,190

      A few truly charming electric cars have disappeared from the list this year and will be missed, but overall the list is longer than ever. That means more choices running a wider gamut of ranges, prices and body styles. That’s good news for electric car enthusiasts, early adopters and regular drivers looking for flexible and reliable transportation. And there will be more to come even by the end of 2021 — from the newly announced Ford F-150 Lightning to budget-friendly offerings like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and more. We’ll be updating the list as more models are certified by the EPA, so check back often.For a list of just our favorite electric vehicles, check out our best electric cars for 2021 roundup. There’s also our list of the best kids electric cars for 2021, because it’s never too early to cultivate a love of cars — electric or otherwise. More

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      Tata Motors Bags Rs 44 Crore Contract For 300 New Electric Cars

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      Tata Nexon EV. Image for reference.Tata Motors is also expected to launch a mild facelift version of Tigor EV soon
      When it comes to fully electric vehicles in the passenger vehicle segment, there are only a handful of options. The choices get further streamlined if you are looking for an EV that has been locally manufactured. Tata Motors with two offerings in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon EV enjoys the status of the highest EV seller in the country.
      Unsurprisingly, the homegrown automaker has been able to bag such a large order from Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). Under this order, Tata Motors will supply 300 units of electric cars with a warranty of three years to CESL.
      More Details
      The total cost of this contract is worth Rs 44 crore and is a part of the Scaling up Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project which is being financed by the Asian Development Bank line of credit to CESL. The letter of award forwarded by CESL to Tata Motors states that these 300 four-wheeler electric cars will have a length of less than 4 metres and a single-charge range equal to or more than 250km.
      While both Nexon EV and Tigor fulfil the size criteria, the sedan falls slightly short in terms of its range at 213km. It is also to be noted that Tata is working on launching an updated Tigor very soon. This facelifted Tigor Electric could come with a larger battery pack, which will result in increased range.
      Tata Tigor electric facelift spied
      The said tender will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will consist of procurement of 300 vehicles with a three-year warranty at a base price of Rs 14.33 lakh per unit, exclusive of GST. The second phase will involve inland transportation including loading, unloading, transfer to a designated location, transit insurance, and other costs liable to delivery of vehicles. This phase will incur a cost of Rs 21,000 per unit.
      Commenting on this development, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors is committed to supporting the Government’s vision of actively embracing e-mobility and we are delighted to partner with CESL once again. Purposeful collaboration amongst stakeholders is key to accelerate the mass adoption of environmentally-friendly solutions.”
      Nexon EV Specs
      Nexon EV is powered by a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which is paired with a 30.2kWh lithium-ion and a liquid-cooled battery pack. This powertrain combination returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque.
      The battery pack comes with IP67 certification and the company claims a single-charge range of 312km. The car is bundled with a 3.3kW charger which could charge 20-100 percent in eight hours. It is also provided with a 25kW fast charger which could rejuvenate the battery in just 60 minutes. More

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      Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup Debuts – Range Up To 482 Kms

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      Ford F-150 Lightning ElectricUpon its launch by mid-2022, Ford F-150 Lightning will be directly pitted against GMC Hummer EV Pickup and Tesla Cyber Truck
      Ford has officially revealed its upcoming F-series electric pickup truck called F-150 Lightning ahead of its launch next year. Before this, the upcoming electric pickup was also spotted in its full production-spec model in a separate event attended by the US President, Joe Biden when he visited the automaker’s Rouge-based facility in Dearborn.
      US President Takes It For A Spin
      While giving a speech at the manufacturing plant, a brand new Ford F-150 Lightning prototype wrapped in silver paint sans any camouflage was spotted in the background. In all likelihood, this prototype was placed purposefully so that the carmaker is able to generate enough excitement ahead of its official unveiling.’
      Ford F-150 Lightning Electric
      If that wasn’t enough to create a buzz, the President took a spin on one of the prototypes at the end of the event, this one though was wrapped under covers. Biden is well known for his love for automobiles and he couldn’t help but get his hands on the steering wheel of the upcoming electric F-150.
      Exterior Design
      Coming to its exterior design, F-150 Lightning appears to have the same body as the standard F-150. However, it sports notable differences to distinguish itself from its IC engine-powered sibling.
      Ford F-150 Lightning Electric
      For starters, the electric pickup truck gets a completely redesigned front end with distinctive LED headlights and an LED light bar stretching across the width of the fascia. The face is dominated by a faux grille wrapped in gloss black with a prominent Blue Oval badge carved in the centre.
      Ford F-150 Lightning Electric
      Other notable highlights such as the front bumper, raked windshield and squarish ORVMs wear a familiar look to the standard F-150. The freshly designed six-spoke alloy wheels are another attractive highlight. The images going around in social media appear to be of a crew cab version with a twin layout cabin which means it is expected to get a luggage bed measuring less than 1,676mm in length.
      Specs and Range
      New Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup will be available in two battery options – both powered by lithium ion. The entry level gets a range of 230 miles / 370 kms while the other one gets 300 miles / 482 kms range. Depending on the variant, the charger will be different. The entry level will get 11.3 kW single charger while top variants with larger batter get 19.2 kW dual charger.
      Ford F-150 Lightning Electric
      Thanks to the dual charger, via fast charging, owners will be able to charge the F-150 Lightning from 15% to 80% in under 45 minutes. Via home charger, full charging of the battery is achieved in upto 19 hours. Ford has also equipped the F-150 Lightning with a system that in case of a power outage, you can use the car’s battery to power your house.
      Price of the new F-150 Lightning starts from $39,974 MSRP (Rs 29.25 lakh) and goes all the way to $90,000 (Rs 65.87 lakh). Bookings are now open. You can register your interest via Ford website with a deposit of $100. Deliveries expected to start by mid 2022. More

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      Lexus promises its first battery-electric vehicle by 2022 – Roadshow

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      Pretty soon, we’ll be getting our first Lexus EV.
      Lexus

      Toyota and Lexus have been criticized for being late to the battery-electric vehicle game, while other companies have been pouring billions of dollars into their development. Instead, Toyota and Lexus have chosen to focus their efforts on hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.It would seem, though, that the criticism didn’t go unnoticed: Lexus announced on Wednesday that it expects to debut its first BEV in 2022. Of course, that’s not all that far off, and it’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

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      This new Lexus EV will be a brand-new model, as opposed to an electric version of an RX or LS. Beyond that, we know it’ll likely have steer-by-wire technology as well as Lexus’ Direct4 torque distribution system.Lexus plans to introduce at least 10 BEVs, plug-in hybrids and non-plug-in hybrids to market by 2025, according to its grand Lexus Electrified plan as first outlined back in 2019.

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      China approves national EV battery swap standards, report says – Roadshow

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      While the idea of swappable EV batteries was both common and appealing a decade or more ago, it has since fallen out of fashion as EV range has steadily increased. Or, at least that’s been the case in the US. However, things are different in China, and to show just how different, the country has just approved the first official swappable EV battery standard and safety guidelines, which are set to go into effect on Nov. 1, CNEVPost reported Monday.Why is China so interested in making EV battery swaps a thing? Well, according to a statement made by Xin Guobin, vice minister of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, there are a few reasons, but the biggest are reduced cost to vehicle buyers, cheaper charging by charging during off-peak hours and customers being able to choose the size of battery they need on a given day.

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      Companies like NIO and BAIC have advanced the new battery swap standard, but it’s Geely that seems to be sprinting ahead, based on a recent YouTube video showing off its 1-minute automated battery swapping station.Will China’s adoption of these new standards have a meaningful impact on the way the American EV market looks at swappable battery technology? Our guess is no, especially given the number of EVs on our roads already with nonswappable batteries and the cost of building out an infrastructure of stations to handle the swaps, but it’s still a cool idea.

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