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      Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Price Reduced To Under Rs 30k Per Month

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      Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Price Reduced
      Tata Nexon EV subscription plan dips even further as against the Rs.41,900 / 36 month tenure offered at the time of launch

      The Tata Nexon EV, launched in January 2020 has noted decent sales to the extent of 2,000 units in 10 months of launch. As per data released by Tata Motors, Nexon EV sales currently stand at 2,200 units+; with 1,000 units being sold in the last three months of September to November.
      Tata Motors EV Subscription Plans
      Initially offered with a subscription plan of Rs.41,900 for a 36 month tenure, the plan price dipped to Rs.34,900 per month in September 2020. Now the company has announced a further reduction in the plan to Rs.29,500 per month as a part of a limited period offer. These prices are for Delhi/NCR. The 24 month period subscription plan is at Rs.31,600 pm while the 12 month plan is at Rs.34,500 pm.
      The rates of subscription vary city-wise. In Bangalore and Hyderabad, the 36, 24 and 12 month plans are at Rs.34,700 pm, Rs.37,200 and Rs.40,400 pm respectively. Rates in Mumbai and Pune are at Rs.36,700, Rs.33,700 and Rs.31,400 respectively.
      Customers can select from the 36,24 or 12 month plans according to their convenience. These rates are for 1,500 kms per month. Prices thereon increase by Rs.1,600 per month for 2,000 kms and by another Rs.1,600 for 2,500 kms per month. The reduced subscription price is a limited period offer.
      Tata Nexon EV Subscription Plans / Prices in cities it is on sale
      Benefits of Tata Motors EV Subscription Plan
      Purchasing the Tata Nexon EV via monthly subscription plans gives the buyer certain advantages over the outright ownership of the vehicle. The rental fees include a comprehensive insurance cover, 24×7 road side assistance along with free maintenance with periodical servicing and door step delivery.
      On completion of the selected tenure, the user is given the option to extend or return the vehicle. Customers can also exit the subscription plan at any time by giving 1 month notice and by paying pre-termination charges. Each Nexon EV subscriber is also given an EV charger installed at their homes or offices as per their convenience.
      Specs
      Tata Nexon EV is powered by a 30.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery driving an electric motor that offers output of 127 hp and 245 Nm. It comes in with two driving modes of Drive and Sport and as per ARAI rating, the battery offers a max range of over 312 kms on a single charge.
      The battery gets fast charging capability of upto 80 percent via a DC fast charger in a matter of 60 minutes and via a standard AC charger upto 100 percent in 8-9 hours. For those customers who do not wish to buy Nexon EV via subscription plan; price of the Nexon EV starts from Rs 13.99 lakhs, ex-sh. More

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      Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Debuts – Claims 1,600 Kms On Full Charge

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      Aptera Solar EV
      The new EV from Aptera is designed to harvest enough sunlight to travel over 11,000 miles (17,700 kms) per year

      US-based electric vehicle startup Aptera Motors has unveiled a prototype of its solar energy powered electric vehicle (sEV). The highlight of this three-wheeled electric vehicle is that the company claims that it doesn’t require any external charging for most of its use.
      At a time when EVs and EV-related technologies are still at a nascent stage in the world with manufacturers looking to refine their powertrain and charging technology every day, this solar electric vehicle could prove to be a stepping stone for next-generation EVs. The company claims that the super-efficient and lightweight electric vehicle could offer up to 1000 miles (1600 km) on a full charge which is way above what Tesla offers now.
      Powertrain Specs
      The three-wheeled electric vehicle can hold up to two adults and is offered with options of battery packs ranging from 25.0 kWh to 100.0 kWh. Another critical highlight that it is super light and with the heaviest battery pack it tips the weighing scale under 1000 kg. It is also providing an impressive energy efficiency of 10 miles per kWh which is definitely more than the current generation EVs.
      Coming to its design, it looks like an airplane’s fuselage without its wings providing a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.13. It is designed to consume 100 Watts of energy for every mile. Buyers also get the option of choosing a 100 kW front-wheel-drive system or 150 kW all-wheel-drive powertrain. The former can generate a peak power of 134 bhp and the latter can kick 201 bhp.

      Performance
      It also claims for a decently quick performance. The company claims the liquid-cooled electric motor can push the electric vehicle from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds in front-wheel powertrain and 3.5 seconds in all-wheel powertrain with a top speed of 110 mph (177 kmph).
      Aptera also offers a number of options for placing solar cells on the EV. Consumers could choose to place the solar cell panels on the roof, hood or back of the EV. These solar cells could add up to 40 miles per day in most regions of the world.

      Aptera was launched way back in 2006 and first unveiled the idea of a super-efficient three-wheeled vehicle in 2008. Back then Tesla was still working on its first EV prototype Roadster. However, it was too early for development of EVs and the startup failed. Its co-founders Steve Fambro, Chris Anthony, and Michael Johnson went on to create Flux Power, a firm that supplies batteries to electrify forklifts.
      Price
      Aptera EV will be offered in three exterior paint schemes- Sol (white), Noir (black) and Luna (silver). The company has started accepting bookings for the electric vehicle at a deposit of $100 and expects to start delivering them in 2021. It has been made available at a starting price of $25,900 which roughly translates to INR 19.10 lakh depending on the battery pack option. More

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      Ola Electric Four Wheeler Planned For Launch After Rs 1 Lakh E-Scooter

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      Mahindra Atom Quadricycle on Test. Image – Ashutosh
      Ola Electric will launch its first electric scooter which will be manufactured at Amsterdam-based Etergo BV’s manufacturing facility

      While Ola Electric is gearing up to launch its first electric scooter which is most likely to happen in January 2021, the company has now hinted at its intention of expanding its electric vehicles (EVs) portfolio. When Ola announced its plan to build its own electric scooter it took everyone by surprise.
      While the step of manufacturing and retailing electric scooter for a brand that has no expertise in their production as of now is challenging itself, Ola Electric has given an indication that it doesn’t intend to stay limited to just e-scooters. This might include the development of a ‘small city four-wheeler’.
      In a recent interaction with Economic Times about Ola Electric’s future plans, Bhavish Aggarwal, company’s Founder and Chairman, was quoted saying, “Our ambition is to be the leader in electric mobility for the small vehicles and small city four-wheelers”. This indicates that Ola Electric will look to expand its presence in other segments of electric vehicles.
      Electric Quadricycle
      Electric powertrains, especially in two-wheelers, have made their penetration into the automotive market primarily due to their technical simplicity. However, there is a lot to be done in the passenger vehicle segment.
      Mahindra Atom electric spied
      Developing an electric quadricycle is easier and less complicated, in comparison to developing an electric passenger car. From development to getting nods from govt authorities – the task is simpler in the case of e-qudricycle development.
      In all probability, what Aggarwal meant by ‘small city four-wheelers’ was an electric quadricycle. It perfectly makes sense since Ola Electric would like to extend its electric powertrain technology to other products as well to recover the cost. This electric four wheeler would most likely help in last mile connectivity – a domain Ola is well versed with.
      Why an e-4 wheeler makes sense for Ola?
      Launching an electric quadricycle also makes sense because it might help expand Ola’s original line of business which shared mobility solutions. Quadricycles are cheap and effective means of shared mobility and deemed as a more comfortable means of transportation than conventional rickshaws.
      Once launched, this new electric 4 wheeler from Ola could be a potential rival to the upcoming Bajaj Qute electric, Mahindra Atom electric, and similar examples from the likes of Tata Motors, TVS, etc.
      As mentioned earlier, Ola’s electric scooter is expected to be launched in a month’s time. The first batch of e-scooters will be built in a facility in Netherlands and will be sold in Europe as well as India. For reference, earlier this year, Ola announced the acquisition of Amsterdam-based Etergo BV for an undisclosed amount.
      The company claims that the e-scooter will be competitively priced under Rs 1 lakh. Ola Electric is currently in search of a suitable location for it to build its own manufacturing facility with the largest two-wheeler production capacity in India.
      SOURCE More

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      Pravaig Electric Car Debuts – Made In India, Claims 5 Star Safety

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      Pravaig Electric Car
      Pravaig Extinction will be exclusively offered on lease and chauffeur service will also be part of the lease agreement if required

      Even as the Indian electric car segment is currently ruled by EVs such as the Hyundai Kona, MG eZS, and Tata Nexon, there would soon be a rival in the form of the new Pravaig Extinction electric sedan. This new electric car from Bengaluru based Pravaig Dynamics has now been officially unveiled in India ahead of official launch, which is only slated for sometime late next year.
      Pravaig Dynamics has estimated sales at around 250 units per annum with the new Extinction to be initially sold in Delhi and Bengaluru with markets to be extended to Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad later. The company is slated to offer the new Extinction as an exclusive lease model and will even provide chauffeur services if the customer so requires. Hence, no prices have been announced as on date.

      Pravaig Extinction design and dimensions
      The Pravaig Extinction sedan will boast of a low couple style design with special focus on aerodynamics. It will be presented as a four door model with a swooping roof, LED projector headlamps connected by an LED. It will get a similar arrangement at the rear with LED tail lamps with an LED connecting bar.
      Pravaig electric car will get a minimalistic side profile, distinctive shoulder line, blacked out alloy wheels and a ‘Pravaig’ logo prominently positioned in the middle of the tail lamps. Dimensions would stand at 4,820mm length, 1,934mm width and 1,448mm height with 3,038 mm long wheelbase.

      The interiors will be in a lounge like arrangement, much in the same way as is seen on the Volvo XC90 Excellence Lounge. This would give passengers extended leg room and relaxed posture. The company has also stated that the new Extinction could come in with recline of left rear passenger seat at around 165 degrees.
      Apart from its well designed interiors, customers will also be able to incorporate their own designs while liaisoning with a tie up with architects and fashion and interior design professionals, so as to get a bespoke interior set up. For example, for the music system, they have tied up with France based Devialet audio technology company.

      Pravaig also plans features such as autonomous driving technologies while this has yet to get Government of India approvals, swappable battery pack, HEPA air filters and a total of 8 air bags. Regenerative braking and smartphone connectivity could also be a part of its features.
      Battery and Range
      Pravaig Extinction electric sedan will be powered by a 96 kWh battery pack offering max power of 150 kW or 200 hp with an electric range of 504 km and a top speed of 196 km/h. Acceleration from 0 top 100 km/h could be achieved in 5.4 seconds and fast charging upto 80 percent charge in 30 minutes. Pravaig aims to rival Tesla in terms of battery performance, and offer Mercedes S-Class like luxury.

      Speaking about safety, Pravaig claims that safety has been their top priority, and that the car offers 5 Star Safety. But it is not clear if the car is actually crash tested by any other body or it is an internal claim of 5 star safety. The full debut presentation can be watched on YouTube.
      Pravaig Dynamics targets corporate customers like fleet operators and hotels with the new Extinction and hence this sedan will not be seen in any showroom for purchase by private buyers and will be exclusively on lease. The company will itself reach out to potential customers and will even offer chauffeur service with the car if the customer so desires.
      Interiors of the cars were not revealed. The car still seems to be far away from production. If the production variant can manage to achieve all the above claimed figures, that is a matter of discussion for another day. For now, the company has started accepting interests from buyers at their website – defy.city More

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      Tata Electric Bus First Batch Delivered To BEST In Mumbai

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      Tata Electric Bus
      Tata Motors begins delivery of Gross Cost Contract (GCC) electric bus service to BEST

      Today Tata Motors delivered 26 electric buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). This starts the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) electric bus service to BEST. Part of the larger order of 340 electric buses from BEST under GoI’s FAME II initiative, the remainder of the order will be delivered in a phased manner as per schedule. This is the largest order from a metro city for Gross Cost Contract under FAME II initiative.
      The 25-seater Tata Ultra Urban 9/9 electric AC buses were flagged off at an event at Nariman Point, Mumbai. Tata Motors is charged with building, deploying, maintaining and operating end to end charging infra, and buses across Backbay, Worli, Malvani and Shivaji Nagar bus depots.
      Uddhav Thackeray flagging off the event
      One Tata initiative
      Tata Power is charged with maintaining upstream and downstream electrical facilities including supplies. and is responsible for bus charging facility. Tata Auto Components charged with collaborations, design, development, sourcing and supply of select components to Tata Motors.
      Girish Wagh, President, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said, Tata Motors is delighted to have delivered the first 26 of the 340 electric buses for the city of Mumbai. The buses have been specially designed keeping the comfort and convenience of Mumbaikars including a “lift mechanism” for differently abled travellers. Tata Motors’ global standards of manufacturing processes and vehicle development centres have helped in innovating and leading the electric mobility solutions from the front. We will continue to play a proactive role in the government’s electrification drive.”
      25-seater Tata Ultra Urban 9/9 electric AC buses delivered to BEST
      Tata Ultra Urban AC electric buses
      The 25-seater Tata Ultra Urban AC electric buses optimise driver and passenger comfort, and is an environmentally-friendly mass mobility solution for Bombay. Lift Mechanism extends an automated ramp for easy ingress and egress of specially abled passengers. Seats are ergonomic, and interiors spacious. Passenger utility conveniences include charging ports, WiFi hotspot, and wide entry and exit passages.
      Systems in use include Intelligent Transport System (ITS), telematics system, regenerative braking system, amongst other inclusions for efficient and smooth operations. The buses have been tested in Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Assam and Maharashtra for its performance prowess in diverse terrains.
      Under FAME I initiative, Tata Motors supplied 215 electric buses in 5 cities across India. Collectively, the buses have clocked more than 4 million kilometres. This has helped acquire timely and necessary data and stats that the company can glean important insights from to further innovate and upgrade the electric bus product portfolio.
      Tata Motors has received orders from several state transport units (STUs) in FAME phase II. The order book includes 60 buses from AJL, 100 buses from Jaipur City Transport Services Limited and 300 buses by BEST in Mumbai. Tata Motors has also delivered 25 hybrid buses to MMRDA. More

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      Tata Nexon Electric Maintains No 1 Position – Sales Cross 2,200 Units

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      Image – Kajal
      Tata Nexon EV sales have a great showing in Sept-Nov 2020, to take total sales till date to 2.2k units.

      Tata Nexon EV sales have surpassed the 2,000 sales milestone. Of this, a 1000 units were sold in a matter of 3 months. In over 10 months since launch, Nexon EV sales accounted for 2,200 units as of November 2020 in the personal mobility front.
      In August 2020, Tata Motors rolled out its 1000th Nexon EV. The following 1000 units were retailed in the following 3 months (Sept-Nov 2020). Tata Motors says the car has a ‘compelling value-proposition’. For now, Nexon EV is the best-selling electric car in India. At present, Tata Motors leads the EV segment with 74 percent market share.
      Shailesh Chandra, President – Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “This is a moment of great pride for us and those working with us in our journey to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India. The Tata Nexon EV, since launch, has captured the imagination of the entire nation and has consistently led the way for the electric vehicle segment. Offering thrilling performance, connected drive experience with zero emissions and at an attractive pricing, the Nexon EV has found widespread acceptance among its customers.”
      Benefits of buying an EV
      Increase in demand for EVs is attributed to increased awareness, improved and available charging infra, government incentives, better customer understanding of EVs, and lower operating cost. Government support comes from registration benefits and road tax. Tata Motors hopes EVs are soon most desirable and a mainstream choice for vehicle users.
      Image – Prakash
      Tata Motors’ e-mobility ecosystem, Tata uniEVerse is curated to speed up EV adoption in India. This is achieved by leveraging strengths and experience of other Tata Group companies to foster a sustainable EV environment. The scope of Tata uniEVerse gives customers access to a suite of e-mobility offerings. this includes icharging solutions, innovative retail experiences and easy financing options.
      Advent of EVs in India
      Back in September 2020, the government’s EV procuring arm, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) placed an order for 150 units of Tata Nexon EV and 100 units of Hyundai Kona EV. A shift in policy and outlook in recent years has seen EESL back the use of electric cars for the use of govt officials.
      EV adoption is now a multi prong strategy that’s been furthered through public transport needs as well as personal mobility. In the public service front, the focus lies on use of electric buses. Last mile connectivity bigwigs are engaged in building e-rickshaws.
      Electric scooters have taken the lead where it comes to personal mobility solutions. In the electric passenger car segment, choices for now are less than limited with the choice limited to Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV, Mahindra eVerito and Tata Nexon and Tigor EV. While clubbed together as a handful of EVs available, the vehicles are vastly different when it comes to segment classification, and thereby budget. More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric Recalled In India – Over Battery Fire Issues Reported Globally

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      File Photo.
      Hyundai Kona competes with other electric crossovers such as MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV in India

      While electric vehicles (EVs) have already established a wide footprint in many international markets, Indian consumers are still warming up to the idea of vehicles running on batteries and electric motors. However, since its technology is relatively new to the automotive world, we often get to see many defects come across with regards to EVs.
      Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Tuesday stated that they will be recalling 456 units of its electric crossover Kona. The company added that the selected models have been manufactured between 1 April 2020 and 31 October 2020.
      Cause of recall
      The South Korean automaker added that it initiated a recall to inspect the problem with its high-voltage battery system in its electric crossover. This is in line with cases of Kona Electric catching fire recently. As many as 13 such incidents have been reported in overseas countries including one each in Canada and Austria. It is being speculated that the high voltage battery system in Kona might be the reason behind this fire.
      Hyundai has assured its customers that all defects will be checked and resolved free of cost. It further added that all Kona Electric owners will be notified about this in a phased manner after which customers can bring their cars to their nearest authorized Hyundai Electric vehicle dealers.
      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      Other Cases of recall
      The safety recall has been deemed as a proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles. Similar cases of recall might be issued in other countries where the electric UV is retailed.
      This is not the first time that Kona Electric has been issued a recall. Earlier this year, the brand had issued a recall in regards to software updates and battery replacements. This recall involved Kona electric crossover manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020.
      Batteries used in Kona Electric are made by LG Chem Ltd. LG said that it has conducted a joint experiment with Hyundai to recreate fire but it did not. Therefore, the fire could not be attributed to faulty battery cells and so the exact cause of fire is yet to be known.
      Kona EV in India
      Hyundai launched its first EV offering in India in April 2019 at a price of Rs 23.7 lakh (ex-showroom). The electrified crossover UV is powered by a 39.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor which results in an output of 135 Bhp and 395 Nm of peak torque.
      It has an ARAI certified single-charge driving range of up to 452 km. Using a simple home AC charger, it takes around 6-10 hours for batteries to get fully charged. On using a DC fast charger it takes around 57 minutes for the battery to juice from 0 to 80 percent. More