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    Tata Nexon Electric Joins Kerala Motor Vehicle Department

    Tata Motors also bagged order of 150 Nexon EVs from EESL earlier this month
    The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) of Kerala had placed an order of 65 units of the Nexon EV earlier this year. Now we can confirm that the deliveries of the Nexon EVs have commenced from Tata Motors’ end.

    The photos show Nexon Electric SUVs in white colour, in the top end XZ+ trim.These EVs will be part of the ‘Safe Kerala’ project (launched in order to ensure better enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Act) and will be used for law enforcement duties in the coastal state.
    The electric SUVs in the photo come along with heavy MVD branding. The MVD logo can be seen on the side and even on the bonnet. Additionally, some more livery can be seen on the side of the car.

    It isn’t clear if these EVs got any additional equipment over the standard Nexon EV. Most MVD vehicles get a dedicated radio, strobes, cameras and radar speed sensors and it is highly likely that these units would have also got the same. However, it is difficult to figure out any additional details on the equipment list from the photos alone.
    Tata Nexon EV EESL Order
    The procurement of EVs for various government offices is being led by the ESSL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd) which is a department under the Ministry of Power. In the early days, Tata and Mahindra were leading the EV bids and almost had a duopoly.
    However, with more electric vehicles coming in, even vehicles like Hyundai Kona EV are getting additional orders from the ESSL. The procured vehicles for the MVD will be maintained by the ESSL which will also be installing electric charging stations at all offices where these Nexon EVs will be stationed.

    The Nexon EV is one of the most cost effective full-sized electric vehicle on sale in India. It is sold in 3 different trim levels and has its pricing starting at INR 13.99 lakhs. All variants draw power from a 30.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack.
    Total power output of the EV stands at 129 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque, which it extracts out of its electric motor. ARAI claimed drive range stands at 312 km on a single charge and if driven judiciously, real-life customers also have managed to get a drive of 250+ kms on single charge.
    Competition of the Nexon EV are currently limited, which just include the ZS EV from MG Motors and Kona EV from Hyundai. However, going ahead in the future, Nexon EV might face considerable challenge from upcoming competitors. Speaking of sales, Nexon EV is the best selling EV currently, with over 60% market share this fiscal year. More

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    The new EVs we're most excited about – Roadshow

    Audi/Ford/Nissan/Rivian
    More and more electric cars are coming. Today, there may only be a baker’s dozen on sale, but over the next few years, the choices will grow tremendously. It’s a big switch from the traditional internal-combustion engine, but honestly, we’re excited for some great new cars that happen to run on battery power.To prove it, in this list, each of our editors picks the electric car they’re most excited about and explains why. We left it open to EVs already announced but awaiting launch, EVs we know only slivers of info about and some that are already sale today that await new variants. Be sure to let us know what EVs get you excited in the comments, too.

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    Volkswagen
    Volkswagen ID BuzzYes, in spite of a slew of sexy and high-power electric performance cars on the horizon, the EV launch I’m most excited about really is a minivan. But not just any minivan, I’m amped for the production version of the Volkswagen ID Buzz, the battery-powered revival of the brand’s legendary Type 2 Microbus.Due in 2022, VW’s electric Bus revival will hopefully get a better name, but even if it doesn’t, this charismatic-looking thing promises to provide guilt-free performance, flexible seating configurations and more utility than most SUVs.The ID Buzz is slated to be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, riding atop VW’s MEB platform. Packing available all-wheel drive, gobs of tech, plenty of range (well over 300 miles) and wrapped in nostalgia-soaked looks, VW’s ID Buzz doesn’t just look like a winner, it has the potential to create a new vehicle category all by its lonesome.– Chris Paukert
    Ford
    Ford Mustang Mach-EThe upcoming electric vehicle I’m anticipating most is the Mustang Mach-E. Yeah, I get it, this is pretty low-hanging fruit, but hear me out. Not only is this vehicle a fashion-forward SUV, it has available all-wheel drive, should offer potent performance and is far more versatile than any vehicle that Ford’s ever put the Mustang name on before. It has the potential to be a truly groundbreaking new product and transform this hallowed nameplate in the 21st Century.As Tesla’s proven, there is a market for upscale, feature-rich EVs, something mainstream automakers have taken nearly a decade to figure out. Instead of building another boring hatchback with kidney bean-like proportions and utterly forgettable features, designers and engineers in Dearborn decided to do something different, to build an aspirational electric car. Like various Tesla models, the Mach-E is intended to show that battery-powered vehicles can be sporty, fun and interesting. One look at the specs sheet and it sure looks like they’ve succeeded. Another reason I’m excited about the Mach-E launch is because I want to see how the Mustang community reacts to such an “imposter.” Diehard fans were quick to decry this EV when it was unveiled late last year, and I’m sure their disdain has only grown during COVID-19 quarantine. Keep a bowl of popcorn handy, because once this thing starts showing up at dealerships and your local cars and coffee, there will be some heated discussions and likely a few epic tantrums.– Craig Cole
    Tim Stevens/Roadshow
    Polestar 2From a pure aesthetics standpoint, it’s hard for me to not be drawn in by the look of the Polestar 2. It’s handsome and simple, and while I wish it had more of a proper hatch on the back, inside and out it has the clean vibe that I’ve come to love about modern Volvos. It’s one of the few EVs that genuinely makes me look twice, and that’s doubly so thanks to the interior. It’s like slotting into a cool, relaxing cabin.Beyond aesthetics, that interior also is the first on the road to feature Android Automotive, which takes many of the concepts of Android Auto and effectively expands that to control the entire car’s interface. No more need to pair your phone, it’s Android all the way — maybe a little concerning if you’re not into Google, which I appreciate, but if you are, it’s amazing to just sign in to the car and have everything already there.But most importantly, this is just a great car. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a day in one and it’s quick, fun, comfortable, smooth and, of course, quiet. 275 miles of range is plenty for me. My only concern? The price. $60,000 is a little rich for my blood right now. Not to say that it’s not worth it, of course.– Tim Stevens
    Hyundai
    Hyundai Ioniq 6The Hyundai Prophecy EV concept has the look. Now, the Korean automaker has me hyped after announcing the Prophecy will indeed enter production as part of its spun-off Ioniq sub-brand. This sexy design will become the Ioniq 6, scheduled for launch in 2022. Crappy name, great-looking car.I’m basing my excitement on the hopes Hyundai designers find a way to keep the lovely bodywork just as stunning for production, but if recent Hyundai designs are any indicator, I think they’ll be successful. There’s just something refreshing about the Prophecy’s looks. Perhaps it’s the utter shunning of jagged angles and angry, slanted headlights. The Prophecy looks friendly, curvy and sort of like a 993-generation Porsche 911. It just looks good. I don’t know squat about the powertrain other than it will be totally electric. That was the only major criteria for this list.What’s even cooler, if Hyundai manages it, is that the Ioniq 6 should have suicide doors. This is actually a sedan, and the concept sports some killer doors that reveal a plaid-laden cockpit. If Hyundai wants its upcoming Ioniq division to snap some necks, I think the 6 is going to accomplish the mission with ease. Just don’t screw it up, please.– Sean Szymkowski
    Rivian
    Rivian R1TThe Rivian R1T is the first truck to get the full-EV treatment. What’s even better, the thing looks to be more than just a grocery getter with a bed. The biggest 180-kilowatt-hour battery is allegedly good for 400 miles of range and it boasts some fairly impressive off-road numbers.Ground clearance is a remarkable 14 and a half inches while approach and departure angles are 34.8 degrees and 30.5 degrees, respectively. Further, it can ford 42.7 inches of water. For those keeping score, those numbers beat the dirt-slaying Ford F-150 Raptor and its challenger the Ram 1500 TRX.While it still remains to be seen how the R1T will perform in the real world, its range should be enough for day trips into the wild. The design is pretty boss, too, with some cool pass-through storage behind the rear seats and a spare tire that hides neatly in the bed. It won’t go on sale until 2021 due to a coronavirus shutdown, but the company assures me it’s working to bring the R1T to consumers as soon as possible.– Emme Hall
    Andrew Krok/Roadshow
    Mercedes-Benz G-ClassI love the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. Like, really love it. So when news broke that an electric version of the G would be coming within the next few years I got extremely excited. All the best parts of the G-Class without the horrible gas mileage? Sign me up.Sure, part of the G’s appeal is the burbly V8 and side-exit exhaust, but I think the SUV’s character will lend itself really well to EV power. A large battery pack should be a benefit to the G’s center of gravity too, thus making it a little less tippy in corners. While I don’t know any powertrain details yet, the electric G is sure to be as immensely good off-road as the normal one, and it will probably be the quickest version, as well. And if going electric can allow the G to continue on for decades to come, we should all be grateful.– Daniel Golson
    Steven Ewing/Roadshow
    Porsche MacanThe Porsche Macan is an outstanding midsize SUV. Porsche has already proven its EV prowess with the Taycan. It stands to reason, then, that a combination of the two should be pretty freakin’ righteous.While there’s still a whole lot I don’t know about the forthcoming Macan EV, I do know that it’s already in the works, and that it should arrive within the next year or two as part of the Macan’s generational overhaul.Moving the Macan to an electrified platform will be quite interesting for the segment as a whole. Will there be notable holdouts who continue to cater to gas-guzzling buyers, or will Porsche become a pioneer and set the course that everyone else follows? It’ll be an interesting few years to come.– Andrew Krok
    Rivian
    Rivian R1SThe R1S brings back the undeniably cool aesthetics of the Range Rover Classic with a modern twist and that’s a good thing. It’s also a reasonable size and the interior (at least on the prototype) is sensible and looks hard-wearing. That sensible thing is a big part of the attraction to Rivian, at least for me. There’s not much in the way of kooky concept stuff going on. It’s all practical and I could easily imagine living with one on a day-to-day basis.The R1S (and its R1T sibling) are exciting from an engineering standpoint. The way that Rivian has designed the battery pack and its enclosure as well as its ability to tank turn, etc., make it look like a beast off-road and also well-suited for bragging in the Whole Foods parking lot.– Kyle Hyatt
    Audi
    Audi E-Tron GTThough we’ve only seen the Audi E-Tron GT in concept form, it’s supposed to go into production by the end of 2020. The four-door sedan has quite a bit in common with the Porsche Taycan, which is a good thing, packing some slick looks and good dollop of performance.With a 90-kWh battery and pair of electric motors on each axle, Audi says the GT will pack a not-shabby-at-all 590 hp, capable of getting the four-door to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. It’ll have wireless and 800-volt charging capabilities. When hooked up to the latter, it means adding 200 miles of range after just 20 minutes of charge time.And yes, I like the GT’s looks. The front end isn’t as rounded off as its Porsche counterpart with more defined lines. It’s hunkered down with a fast roofline and high beltline. The chunky taillights, meanwhile, have the Roadshow staff split. I personally think it looks all right but will reserve judgment until I see it in production form. — Jon Wong
    Volvo
    Volvo XC40 RechargeA compact SUV makes a lot of sense as an electric vehicle. It allows for better battery packaging without sacrificing passenger or cargo space. And as far as small SUVs go, the Volvo XC40 is definitely my favorite. That’s why I’m stoked about the upcoming XC40 Recharge.The XC40 Recharge will share a lot with its platform-sharing corporate sibling, the Polestar 2, and that’s no bad thing. It should be relatively quick, able to accelerate to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, and with a low center of gravity and Volvo’s already-great chassis and steering tuning, hopefully pretty nice to drive. Plus, it’ll have the same modern, high-quality interior as the standard XC40, not to mention Google’s new Android Automotive infotainment system, which is some seriously sweet tech.No, it won’t have crazy driving range — I’m guessing low-to-mid-200-mile stuff — but that’ll be plenty for most buyers. More importantly, it takes solid EV tech and puts it in a usable, stylish, premium package. I could totally see myself in one of these as a daily driver.– Steven Ewing
    Nissan
    Nissan AriyaOne look at the original Leaf tells you everything you need to know about Nissan’s EV designers: they’re insane. And they’re at it again with the upcoming Nissan Ariya. The electric SUV seamlessly blends angular and organic elements to create a look that is sure to polarize. Then again, the best designs often do. Personally, I love that there are so many weird and smart details to discover around the body. Meanwhile, the cabin is deceptively simple with a minimalist dashboard and illuminated buttons that disappear when deactivated.With optional all-wheel drive, a low center of mass due to its battery pack and 50:50 weight distribution, Nissan has a pretty good jumping off point for tuning the EV’s ride and performance. Two battery sizes will be offered — 63 and 87 kWh — with the larger good for an impressive 300 estimated miles per charge.EV shoppers will soon be spoiled for choice with a number of compact electric SUVs hitting the market in the around-$40,000 range in 2021, including the Volkswagen ID 4, Ford’s Mach E, Audi’s Q4 E-Tron and more. More choice and competition for affordable EVs can only be a good thing for consumers and for pushing electric cars into the mainstream. The Ariya will arrive to the party with very competitive range and style that certainly stands far apart from the rest of the pack when it begins production in late 2021.– Antuan Goodwin

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    Hummer Electric Massive Tyres, Alloys Revealed in New Teaser Video

    The fully electrified Hummer was earlier slated to be unveiled in May but GMC had to defer the plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic
    General Motors Company (GMC) had earlier this year shared the first teaser of electric Hummer. At the announcement of this project, GMC managed to make everyone take notice of this beast. To enter production next year, it will be offered in the form of an SUV as well as a pick-up truck.

    Now, the American auto giant has teased us with the electric pick-up truck once again with a rather peculiar functionality. The upcoming Hummer EV pick-up will be revealed in its full-form on October 20 with a special ‘Crab Mode’ function, something unheard till now.
    What’s this ‘Crab Mode’?
    This new Crab mode lets the vehicle move in a diagonal direction with the help of rear-wheel steering. This exclusive feature helps to turn all four wheels in the same direction so that the vehicle can move sideways. Apparently, this functionality enhances its already impressive off-roading credentials.
    [embedded content]
    GMC says that this particular function will increase the manoeuvrability of the vehicle. It will be interesting to see whether this one of a kind feature could come to use in parallel parking, given Hummer’s huge size. Also, as a bonus, the video also reveals the massive tyres and alloys design that will be on offer with production spec Hummer EV.
    Design
    The Hummer moniker has always been loved for its robust demeanor and enormous size. Many design elements of the IC engine Hummer will be carried forward to the Hummer EV. For instance the six slat vertical grille which gives an imposing figure to the Hummer EV. In the video, you can also see the EV with a removable roof. The interiors of the cabin haven’t been revealed yet but are expected to go a few notches higher in terms of quality of materials and features on offer.
    Performance
    Coming to its performance, the Hummer EV will be powered by the next generation 200kWh Ultium battery setup. This battery pack is expected to generate a humongous power of 1000 bhp and a mind-boggling torque of 15,592 Nm. Those are insane output figures. This heavy SUV/pick-up truck would take only 3 seconds for its 0-96 kmph sprint which easily puts it into the supercar vicinity.
    The Hummer EV pick-up truck will be revealed next month, almost a year ahead of its official launch. The SUV configuration of Hummer EV is also expected to be unveiled sometime soon. Upon its launch, Hummer EV pick-up will lock its horn against the Tesla Cybertruck which is also scheduled to be launched sometime next year. More

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    Kia's first dedicated electric car coming to US next year, plans 6 more this decade – Roadshow

    Lots of EVs on the way.
    Kia
    Kia on Tuesday revealed more information about what it calls “Plan S.” That’s Kia speak for its roadmap to a largely electric future. While we already knew a total of 11 electric cars are in the works, we now know seven of them are meant for the US. The Korean automaker teased the seven future EVs in a basic design sketch, above, but the middle vehicle is the focal point.This vehicle, codenamed “CV,” will launch next year and mark Kia’s first dedicated electric car. So far, the brand has outfitted vehicles designed with an internal combustion engine with batteries and electric motors. The Niro EV and Soul EV (we have it on good authority the latter isn’t meant for the US any longer) aren’t dedicated electric cars. A vehicle designed from the start as an EV can execute its mission far better, most of the time. That’s not to say the Niro EV and Soul EV are poor cars, but the CV should package all of the zero-emissions powertrain gear far better. Indeed, Kia mentioned its Electric Global Modular Platform will provide “best-in-class interior spaciousness” for the upcoming EVs in their respective segments.

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    We can’t really tell what form the CV will take, since we only see the front view. It could be a sedan judging by this angle, but the greenhouse looks like it’s on the taller side. Perhaps it’s a hatchback. We just don’t know yet. If we’re taking a shot in the dark, the vehicle to the CV’s left is the next Niro EV. The car to its right appears sportier with a seriously short front overhang. The brand said it plans to spread these electric cars across “several” segments, so hopefully we don’t end up with a bunch of crossovers and SUVs.The cars come from a $25 billion investment Kia made into EVs earlier this year, but don’t expect them to all show up at once. The electric cars will gradually roll out through 2027.

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    Kia to Launch 7 New Electric Cars, SUVs by 2027 – Lineup teased

    The first dedicated Kia electric vehicle codenamed CV will be launched next year in several international markets
    Kia Motors has just announced a battery electric vehicle blitzkrieg that will see the company introduce 7 new products globally by 2027. The South Korean automaker has teased its future BEV range via an image and from the looks of it, majority of them are going to be crossovers.
    Kia’s EV strategy

    The future Kia electric vehicle range will consist of products of different size and configuration to cater to a varied customer base. The company has also revealed that it will partner with several charging companies across the world.
    Since the introduction of its first electric vehicle in 2011, the Kia Ray EV, the company has sold over 100,000 EVs worldwide. With increased push for electrification, Kia is predicting that 25% of its total sales by 2029 will be accounted for by electric vehicles. In advanced markets like Korea, North America and Europe, the automaker is expecting EVs to contribute to 20% of total sales by 2025.
    Kia teases 7 new Electric Cars
    Seven new BEVs
    Of the seven new Battery Electric Vehicles teased, the first is set to be unveiled in 2021. Codenamed Kia CV, it will be the brand’s first dedicated BEV and it will be sold in several international markets. The new range of vehicles will be based on Kia’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is claimed to offer best-in-class interior space.
    When it comes to body style, the new Kia electric vehicle range seems to comprise of at least 4 crossover SUVs of various sizes, a sportcars of sorts and a pair of compact hatchbacks/fastbacks. No further details have been furnished at this stage.
    Retail model
    In addition to launching new BEVs, Kia is also preparing to introduce new sales practices aimed at offering its EV customers diversified options. A new subscription model will be introduced apart from EV battery leasing and rental schemes. The company is also looking into ‘second-life’ battery related businesses to promote circular economy.
    Kia teases 7 new Electric Cars
    A marketing push for EVs of this magnitude will also warrant strengthening of after sales service operations to suit the new-age powertrains. To this end, Kia has announced that it will significantly increase the EV service bays at its dealerships across the world in the coming years in addition to developing its own service training programs.
    Will Kia BEVs come to India?
    With electric vehicle market slowly picking up in India, Kia would certainly be interested in bringing its future BEVs to our market. The key to success will be a rapid growth in the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos and Sonet are expected to build a solid base for the brand in India. More

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    Maruti Solido, Espaco, Libertas Car Names For New SUV, MPV, Electric ?

    Maruti Suzuki has planned slew of new car launches in India by 2022-23
    Providing a glimpse of what Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio might look like in the near future, trademark names of some of the company’s upcoming cars have been leaked online. The names revealed in the trademarks journal are Espaco, Libertas and Solido.

    All the names were filed by Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) on August 13 and approved on September 14. The trademarks are applicable for Class 12 products and the description reveals that the names are to be used for “vehicle; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water”.
    Next-gen products or all-electric variants?
    It is possible that these new names could be used for all new cars and SUVs the company is planning to launch in the near future. There is a higher probability that these new names could be used for all-electric variants of Alto, Celerio and WagonR. The names come across as youthful and trendy and will go well with all-electric cars. Something like that will be really surprising, as bestselling products usually don’t go for a name change.
    Maruti Libertas
    At this stage, it would be too early to predict which new name will be used for which car. However, there’s no harm in a little guesswork. While Espaco and Libertas are entirely new names, Solido sounds similar to Solio, which is a mini MPV produced by Suzuki since 1997.
    Maruti Solido
    As Solio looks like a larger and more premium version of WagonR. It is possible that the new name Solido could be applied to the all-electric variant of WagonR. The name could also be given to the 7-seater WagonR MPV that Maruti is expected to launch in the coming months.
    Maruti Solido
    Other line of thought says that Solid could be an SUV. Considering that it has the word Solid in the name, which probably suits more to an SUV, than a hathback. Solido could be used for the Toyota-Maruti SUV, which will rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. This is expected to be launched by 2022.
    Maruti ESPACO
    Similarly, Espaco could be the name of Toyota-Maruti MPVs electric version. As the name somewhat implies that the car has to do something with ‘space’ – it more suits an MPV. We all know that Toyota and Maruti are planning to launch an MPV in 2023, which will sit above the Ertiga in company line-up. This new next gen Maruti Toyota MPV could come in electric as well, and thus the name eSpaco.
    Maruti ESPACO
    Maruti continues to dominate the Indian auto industry with close to 50% market share in passenger vehicle (PV) segment. However, it cannot stay immune to the new challenges that are coming its way. Things can change pretty fast in the auto industry, as we have seen with new products such as MG Hector, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. We have already seen Maruti Brezza’s dominance in compact SUV space cut short with new rival products. Something similar can happen in other segments as well.
    The battle to dominate EV space
    If it wants, Maruti can emerge as a major player in the all-electric segment over the next 5-10 years. The company is yet to launch a product in this space, but considering its capabilities and wide dealer network, it could easily catch up with rivals. As of now, there are primarily three fully-electric cars in the Indian market – Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and Tata Nexon EV.
    All-electric WagonR could be launched as an affordable EV with decent range for city needs. The same applies to electric versions of Alto and Celerio. With cool sounding names such as Espaco, Libertas and Solido, Maruti could be on its way to create a new breed of bestsellers in the Indian automotive space. More

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    Vanderhall teases new 4-wheel electric off-roader in the funniest way possible – Roadshow

    Watch out, world. The Vanderhall Navarro is coming.
    Vanderhall
    I love a company that can poke fun at itself, and this teaser that Vanderhall released Monday for its first four-wheeled vehicle, the Navarro, is hilarious. Touting the expansion of its manufacturing facility, the video starts by showing off a new off-road three-wheeler concept, followed by… well, I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Just watch the video real quick.
    Pretty good, right? I don’t know much about the new Navarro except that it has an electric powertrain — perhaps similar to the one in the Edison — and is made for off-roading. “The four-wheel, all-electric, off-road Vanderhall Navarro will have many groundbreaking technologies and firsts for any production powersports model,” company COO Scott Bell said in a statement.From the teased silhouette I can see a short wheelbase that should make the Navarro pretty maneuverable. The wheels are pushed all the way to the corners which means the Navarro should, in theory, be able to climb over obstacles that might challenge a larger Jeep. There looks to be plenty of room between the meaty tires and the wheel wells, possibly speaking to a long-travel suspension kit, and I dig the door cutouts. This thing also looks wired to light up the night with an LED light bar and two LED cube lights on the front. Until now, Vanderhall has only ever built zippy little runabouts for paved roads. Available with both gasoline and electric powertrains, Vanderhall products are thought of as three-wheeled motorcycles, sometimes called autocycles. The driver and passenger sit side by side, and the autocycle has two wheels up front and one wheel in the rear.It may just be a silhouette, but there are a lot of clues as to the final form of the new Vanderhall Navarro.
    Vanderhall
    Roadshow reviewed the Edison and Venice models, finding them to be a mixed bag in terms of performance. They’re fun to drive and quirky as hell, sure, but also terrifying at highway speeds for those not used to the vulnerability that comes with driving what’s essentially a toy car with little to no protection for its occupants.Vanderhall promises it’ll release more information about the Navarro on Oct. 19, and the full specs and features will be released early next year. Preorders should begin next summer with the Navarro launching shortly thereafter as a 2022 model. 

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    Tata Nexon Electric XM Base Variant With Steel Wheels – First Look

    Nexon EV’s base variant- XM is well equipped and features distinguishing elements from its ICE counterpart
    Tata Nexon is currently the most affordable electric car in India for general consumers and therefore forms 60 percent of market share in the electric vehicle (EV) segment in India. Even though the EV segment is still at a nascent stage in our market, Nexon EV has managed to garner attention as a fruitful offering with zero emissions.

    Nexon EV is offered in three variants- XM, XZ Plus and XZ Plus Luxury. Most of the videos we have seen till now, were of the top variants only. But now, thanks to a video uploaded by Narru’s Auto vlog’s, a walkaround video of the base XM trim highlights each and every detail of the base Nexon EV.
    Exterior Highlights
    Nexon EV is available in three different colours- Signature Teal Blue, Moonlight Silver and Glacier White. The car shown in the video sports the white paint scheme. The XZ Plus and top-end XZ Plus Lux trims are only provided in dual-tone colour options. Apart from single tone colours, instead of body-coloured door handles, this variant receives black door handles. It gets 16-inch steel rims with wheel covers with blue inserts as opposed to the 16-inch alloys in the higher-spec trims.
    [embedded content]
    The ORVMs too are blacked out instead of receiving body-coloured ORVMs, so are the A and B pillars. The ORVMs do come with integrated turn indicators. Black body cladding on either side is another standard visual on all trims. The base XM gets a pole-type antenna instead of a shark-fin antenna. Fog-lights are also missing from this variant. It gets a blue-coloured strip underneath the piano black grille which adds a nice contrast so that people get to know that this is an EV.
    The tri-arrow shape detailing can be seen at a lot of places including the blue-inserts on the front and rear bumpers, tail lamps and DRLs. ‘EV’ badging has been sprayed generously all over the car. The tailgate gets a piano black finish between the tail lights which also sports the ZIPTRON badging. There are no more visual differences when compared to the higher-spec trims.
    Features on offer

    In terms of equipment, it gets projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, electrically adjustable ORVMs, LED taillights, automatic climate control, start-stop button, passive keyless entry and much more. It gets a standard 2-DIN stereo system with a 4-speaker setup from HARMAN with Bluetooth connectivity and steering mounted audio controls. The base variant has been well-kitted since it targets general audiences, not fleet operators, who aspire to make a transition from an IC engine car to an EV.
    Powertrain
    Nexon EV is built on Tata Motors’ latest ZIPTRON powertrain which uses a 3-phase Permanent Magnet synchronous motor which draws its power from a 30.2KWH Lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produces a maximum of 129 PS power and 245 Nm of torque.
    The company claims a range of 312 km (ARAI) with an approximate charging time of 8.5 hours from 10 percent to 90 percent. Real world mileage claimed by owners is in the range of 170 – 250 kms. A DC fast charger takes 60 minutes to charge from 0-80 percent. The base XM variant is retailed at a price of Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). More