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      Toyota will debut 2 new EVs for the US this year – Roadshow

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      One of the new EVs will probably be a compact crossover.
      Toyota
      Toyota is making a push for electrification, aiming for 40% of its new vehicle sales to be electrified by 2025 (and 70% by 2030). To help achieve that goal Toyota is finally jumping into the mainstream electric car game in the US, announcing today that it will debut two new fully electric vehicles this year.This news comes a few months after Toyota teased a new electric compact SUV being built as part of a joint venture with Subaru. That model was slated to launch in Europe first, but it seems likely that it will be one of the two models that we’ll get in the US this year. The crossover is said to be totally new, and it will use Toyota’s dedicated e-TNGA platform for EVs. Beyond that we don’t know much, but e-TNGA allows for a variety of battery packs and motor configurations, so expect all-wheel drive at least as an option.

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      We don’t know anything about what the second EV could be, but it’s probably a safe bet that it will have a sedan or hatchback body style to better compete against existing electric cars like the Hyundai Ioniq and Chevrolet Bolt. It should ride on the e-TNGA platform as well.The existing RAV4 Prime will be joined by another plug-in-hybrid model.
      Craig Cole/Roadshow
      Toyota also says it will reveal a new plug-in-hybrid model this year as well, but gives no details as to what that will be. Our best guess is a PHEV version of the Sienna minivan, Venza crossover or Highlander SUV, any of which would gain a Prime moniker to align with the Prius and RAV4 plug-in models.No reveal timeline was given for any of the three new vehicles, but given that Toyota says they will all “debut in the US market this year,” we could see the first unveil happen as soon as later this month. Expect each of the new Toyotas to go on sale by the end of the year as a 2022 model.

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      Tata Nexon Electric Owner Files Complaint In Transport Dept Over Low Range

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      Image for reference. Credit – Hemank.
      Tata Motors has been issued with a show cause notice by the Delhi Transport Department following a complaint filed by a Delhi resident

      The complaint states that the Tata Nexon Electric failed to perform as per standard. The vehicle owner, a resident of Najafgarh, purchased the Tata Nexon EV XZ+ variant and noted that while the company claimed a range of 312 km per charge, his vehicle was not offering more than 200 kms. This was despite the fact that he complied with every advice issued by the dealer.
      The Nexon EV was purchased from an authorized company dealership in Safarjung Enclave. It was registered on 3rd Dec 2020 and it was immediately noted to fail in meeting the required range as indicated. Though the owner stringently followed all directions, there was no improvement in the range and nowhere close to 312 kms per charge.
      Complaint Filed, Show Cause Notice Issued
      A complaint was filed by the owner of the Tata Nexon EV with Delhi Transport Department and a notice has been sent to the automaker. Tata Motors has been instructed to depute a representative to attend the office of the said department on 5th Feb 2021 at 12 noon.
      The notice also adds that the Delhi Government could consider removing the subsidy offered under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2020, on the Tata Nexon EV, if it is proved that this contention is proved to be true.
      File Photo. Credit – AutoTown
      Under this Policy, a purchase incentive of Rs.10,000 per kWh battery capacity is offered on the purchase of an electric 4 wheeler with a cap of Rs.1.50 lakhs. Also, the owners of the first 1000 electric cars registered in Delhi, following the issuance of the policy, would be eligible for the incentive. The Nexon EV is an approved vehicle under these conditions of the EV policy.
      Tata Motors, on their part, have taken cognizance of the show cause notice and are taking measures to address the concerns of the owner. The range of 312 kms per charge is based on certification received from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
      ARAI is an apex body to test and certify vehicles under various standard test conditions prior to the vehicles going on sale. Tests conducted by ARAI are under special and ideal conditions and hence range are always on the higher side as compared to real world conditions.
      As is also seen in the case of conventional vehicles, electric vehicle range is also derived depending on certain factors. These include use of air conditioning, individual style of driving and real world conditions present at the time the vehicle is being driven. The range is also achieved according to familiarity with the new technology and customers report a marked improvement by around 10 percent in a time frame of 4-6 weeks once they are familiar with the vehicle.
      Tata Nexon EV Sales
      Tata Nexon EV is the best-selling electric SUV in India and most affordable car in its segment currently commanding a market share of 63.2 percent. Launched on 28th Jan 2020, sales have touched the 3,000 unit mark in the past one year while its affordable price tag allows it compete efficiently with its rivals such as the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.
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      Kia updates EV strategy, first purpose-built electric to debut next month – Roadshow

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      This South Korean automaker is hard at work on a broad range of electrified vehicles.
      Kia
      On Tuesday, South Korean automaker Kia announced important updates to its “Plan S” business strategy. The news was part of its 2021 CEO investor day, which was hosted digitally.This is shaping up to be a big year for the company. It already introduced a new logo and slogan and it’s announced that a range of electrified vehicles is in the works, with 11 new models including seven dedicated EVs scheduled to hit the market by 2026. Today, we get a few more numbers.

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      By 2030, Kia wants its latest crop of eco-friendly vehicles to account for 40% of global sales, or deliveries of around 1.6 million units. This includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure-electric vehicles. It also wants to increase its dedicated EV sales to 880,000 by the same year, becoming the world leader in the process.Seven of the fresh models Kia is launching will ride atop the new Electric-Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP for short. The remainder will be based on existing architectures. E-GMP aims to set new benchmarks in driving range, interior space and performance, though GM *with its new Ultium battery system) and Tesla aren’t standing still. Vehicles based on this platform will also support over-the-air updates and feature-on-demand services. The first purpose-built EV that’s leading the charge in Kia’s product offensive is codenamed “CV” and will feature Level 2 highway driving assist. More details about this enigmatic electric vehicle will be released next month.Kia is also aiming to expand its purpose-built vehicle offerings, PBVs for short, which ride atop specialized skateboard-style platforms. These are models designed to meet the needs of specific global markets, a strategy that should help it sell more vehicles by appealing to as many drivers as possible. Kia wants PBVs to rack up annual sales of 1 million units by 2030.On the mobility services front, Kia will expand its existing car-sharing and car-usership offerings in countries like Spain and Russia. The automaker will also launch EV-based subscription and car-sharing services for businesses. Operating profit margin was something else announced at Kia’s investor day. The company expects this figure to rise to 5.4% in 2021 and grow to 7.9% in 2025. Delivering this increase, Kia aims to grow its sales to 3.8 million units in 2025, with eco-friendly vehicles accounting for around 22% of those deliveries. A better product mix and more profitable EVs should add to the company’s bottom line.

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      New Tesla Electric Car Testing To Start This Year – Could Be Named Model 2

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      Tesla Model 2 render. Credit – JULIEN JODRY/TWITTER
      This compact electric car is likely to be positioned as an entry-level product from Tesla and will be based on the same platform as Model 3

      Tesla has reached a point in its business endeavours that it could very well project itself as a mass manufacturing mainstream automaker in the future. While its Model 3 sedan is currently the most popular electric car worldwide, its latest offering- Model Y, is set to overhaul the former to become even more popular.
      This could be further established by the company developing an affordable electric car worth $25,000 (equivalent to INR 18.22 lakh). Latest reports surfaced on the internet suggest that Tesla might soon commence testing trials for the upcoming compact car which has been labeled as a ‘Future Product’ in its Q4 FY 2020 Update Letter.
      Tesla Compact EV
      The company, however, has not yet officially confirmed the development of the said vehicle. As per a report published in a Chinese media outlet, Tesla is expected to begin road tests for this upcoming EV in the coming months, most probably in the latter half of this year in China. The report further mentions that this car could make an appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show later this year.
      Specifications about this upcoming compact EV are still in the dark and are expected to be revealed in months to come. However, it has been revealed that it will be designed by locally hired talent in China. This would allow the EV giant to develop this model in a budget.
      2021 Tesla Model S
      In all likelihood, Tesla would target the working class as the primary consumer base for this product hence it requires to be cost-effective. The EV is expected to offer modest performance and a range of about 350-450 km on a single charge.
      Design-wise, this EV is likely to be positioned as a compact hatchback which is based on the platform as Model 3. This should provide the upcoming EV with ample space inside the cabin. Furthermore, reports mention that the car could be produced at Gigafactory in Shanghai although exact details as to the exact area where its assembly line will be set up are still unknown.
      Tesla In India
      This development comes in the backdrop of Tesla looking to expand its global footprints by setting foot in emerging markets like India. Last month, the company officially announced that it would enter the Indian market with its headquarter set up in Bangalore.
      While its manufacturing facility could be established in either of the two major ports of Kandla and Mundra in the state of Gujarat. The first product in India will be the Model 3 electric sedan which is expected to be followed by the launch of Model Y electric crossover. In 2020, Telsa manufactured and delivered about 5 lakh electric cars globally.
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      2021 MG ZS Electric Launch Price Rs 21 L – Range Increased By 66 Kms

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      2021 MG ZS EV
      MG Motor India has announced the launch of updated ZS EV today – with a minor price hike

      With an unprecedented rise in fuel prices and the growing electric vehicle space in India, manufacturers have found the need to update their EVs in order to pitch them as compelling offerings to customers. In line with this, MG Motor has launched updated electric crossover today.
      First launched in India about a year back, in the early parts of 2020, it was the second offering from MG in India after Hector. The new ZS EV is similar to look at and comes with no design updates, but features a host of new features, including raised ground clearance.
      2021 MG ZS EV price and variants
      Older MG ZS EV was offered same two trims of Excite and Exclusive at Rs 20.88 lakh and Rs 23.58 lakh (ex-showroom). New prices are at Rs 20.99 lakh and Rs 24.18 lakh – making it more expensive by up to Rs 60k.
      Current Powertrain Specs
      ZS EV is the only EV offering front the Chinese-owned British brand in India. Older ZS EV was equipped with a 44.5 kWh battery pack which is paired to an electric motor capable of churning out 143 bhp and a peak torque of 353 Nm.
      2021 MG ZS EV updates
      The new ZS EV 2021 Model is offered with the same specs, but the battery is new, which MG calls HT (Hi-Tech) Battery. Thanks to this new battery pack, range has increased by 66 kms. MG claims a single-charge range of 419 kms on the new ZS EV, while the older one claimed 353 kms.
      The electric crossover is offered in FWD configuration and a single-speed automatic gearbox. The battery can be juiced up from 0 to 80 percent in just 40 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast charger and in 6-8 hours via a 7.4 kW AC home charger.
      Feature Updates
      In terms of features, it comes with the same set of top notch features which were already on offer. This includes 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MG’s i-Smart connected tech. The updated ZS EV will carry forward features such as a 360-degree camera, navigation system and a digital instrument cluster.
      2021 MG ZS EV cities
      One of the biggest update on offer is the increased ground clearance. MG ZS EV ground clearance has now been increased to 177mm. This makes the car even more capable on bad roads. Tyre aspect ratio is 215/55 wrapped around 17 inch alloys. In addition to this, MG has now launched the car in 31 cities of India.
      ZS EV currently does not have a direct rival in India, however, it competes with other electric crossovers including Hyundai Kona Electric and Tata Nexon EV. Other than this, MG is also expected to launch a petrol-powered version of ZS sometime later this year.
      2021 MG ZS EV More

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      Triton EV Plans To Launch Electric Car In India This Year – To Rival Tesla

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      Triton Electric Car Sketch
      With growing interest in electric cars in India, a number of products have been launched in recent times

      After Tata Nexon EV, Tigor EV, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS EV, world’s leading EV manufacturer Tesla has also set up its office in India. We are also witnessing a number of startups in this space, who are currently working on their respective prototypes.
      Triton-EV N4
      The newest entrant is American company Triton-EV that has announced plans to launch its first product in the Indian market. Named N4, the electric sedan will be rivalling Tesla Model 3 in the Indian market. However, N4 will be a lot cheaper at a starting price of Rs 35 lakh.
      In comparison, Tesla Model 3 is expected to be launched in India at around Rs 50 lakh. Pre-bookings for Triton-EV N4 sedan are currently open at the company’s website.
      From a visual perspective, Triton-EV N4 looks futuristic with its aerodynamic, fluid design. Some of the key features include sleek headlamps with DRLs, blacked-out grille with Triton logo, sporty red accents on the front bumper, sculpted bonnet, edgy rear tail lamps and stylish rear bumper. However, the car’s design is currently in development phase. So, production variant could be different from what we can see right now.
      Triton Electric Car Sketch
      On the inside, N4 will pack in a fully digital instrument console that seamlessly connects to the wide touchscreen infotainment system. The sedan will offer all the luxuries and comforts that one can expect from a premium electric car.
      Other key features include a panoramic sunroof that will have integrated solar panel. The power generated from the solar panel can be used for on-board systems and for charging the battery.
      Triton-EV N4 powertrain
      Customers will have the option to choose a 75Kwh or 100 Kwh battery pack, with range of 523 km and 696 km, respectively. The car will support fast charging, allowing zero to 80% charge in around one hour.
      Triton Electric Car Sketch
      Triton-EV N4 will be produced in USA and there will be a total of four variants on offer. A high-performance GT edition will also be launched, which will be limited to just 100 units.
      For the Indian market, the company is looking to collaborate with Bharat Electronics Ltd. If the deal goes through, the two companies can work together to develop electronic systems and batteries for N4 and other EVs planned for the Indian market.
      It is to note that Triton EV is a subsidiary of New Jersey based Triton Solar, a leading player in solar panels, battery technology and portable lighting. The company caters to renewable energy requirements of both households and enterprises. More

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      Check out the Rivian R1T in action at the Rebelle Rally – Roadshow

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      A few months ago, I drove the yet-to-be-released Rivian R1T electric pickup truck in the Rebelle Rally, an absolutely grueling, seven-day off-road adventure. The Rebelle is not won with speed, but rather with navigational accuracy, smart time management and excellent teamwork. It’s a race I know quite well.When my teammate Rebecca Donaghe and I had the idea to use Rivian’s new truck, we had no idea how it would go. We didn’t know how long the batteries would last, how long the truck would take to charge or even how we were going to charge it out in the middle of nowhere. We didn’t know what the all-wheel-drive system could handle or if it could climb up rocky hills without locking differentials or solid axles. The whole thing was a giant experiment.In the end, Rebecca and I ended up in sixth place in the 4×4 class, but we are hoping to return in 2021 and reclaim our place on the top of the podium, which we earned in 2018 in the 4×4 class in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and again in the crossover class in 2019 in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. You can read my full review of the Rivian R1T here with all the juicy details about our range and how we charged the truck. But to really get a feel for the rally, check out the video above. The R1T is available this June, with the Rivian R1S SUV following in August. 
      Here’s the Rivian R1T electric pickup truck in action off-road
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