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      EESL to procure 250 electric cars – 150 sub 4 m and 100 above 4 m

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      After scaling back the 10,000 electric car order by 70%, EESL is now set to procure 250 electric cars
      EESL tender states ‘Procurement of 250 Electric Cars with 3-years Standard warranty and comprehensive AMC up to Eight Years – Design, Manufacture, On site Supply and Maintenance Support for Electric Cars Pan India Basis.’

      The requirement is for 100 Nos. of 4-wheeler E-Cars with more than 4M Length & range equal to or more than 300 KMs and 150 Nos. of 4-wheeler E-Cars with less than 4M Length & range equal to or more than 250 KMs.
      At the time, it was noted, ‘Open Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with ADB’s Single Stage: Two-Envelope Bidding Procedure and there is no country restriction and universal procurement will apply.’ Submissions are to be completed by 3:00 pm, August 7, 2020.
      Bidder Restriction
      At roughly the same time, General Financial Rules 2017 was amended to impose restrictions on bidders from countries that share a land border with India on grounds of defence of India, or matters directly or indirectly related thereto including national security. The order defines that any bidder from such countries sharing a land border with India are eligible to bid if the bidder is registered with a registration committee to be constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Political and security clearance from Ministries of External and Home Affairs respectively is mandatory.
      As per the tender, length requirement specifications determine, which manufacturers can bid for which category. However, the smaller cars do not have a drive range of 250 kms. When EESL first began placing orders, it was the Mahindra eVerito, and Tata Tigor EV in the limelight.
      Then came Hyundai Kona. With a battery almost three times of available EV cars competing for the EESL tender, Kona has a low running cost, and is a comfy drive. Hyundai Kona EV was launched in June 2019, and by October last year, an order for 10 units had been placed by EESL at a reported cost of Rs 23.71 lakhs. At the time, 4 units had been delivered.
      The following month, EESL scaled back its electric car order by 70 percent to 3,000 units. This was attributed to cancellation from Andhra the biggest customer, as there had been a change of guard in governance. In January 2020 soon after launch, when delivering the first unit to EESL, MG Motor India said it had received orders for 5 MG ZS EVs.
      In 2017, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) had placed an order for 10k e-sedans from Tata Motors (Tigor) and Mahindra (Verito) to be supplied by March 2019. Range issues and not so robust demand, meant the supply date was extended to March 2020. At the time, about 2,000 units were supplied.
      With extension to March 2020 deadline, it was decided whatever units would be delivered by timeline would close the order. 1,000-odd units were expected by March 2020. With Covid-19 pandemic lockdown announced in March end, it’s not yet known how many vehicles were delivered, and what the final order closed at. EESL is aware that existing and new players have planned EV launches at varying price points. More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric 1 year Service Cost is just Rs 1,043 – Owner shares details

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      Scheduled 10,000km service cost of the same Hyundai Kona EV (or Electric), done earlier, was zero rupees
      The Indian automotive industry is at a budding stage when it comes to all-electric powertrains. At the moment, two-wheelers (especially scooters) have the highest choices of ‘direct’ emission-free products. Bangalore-based Ather Energy has clearly set a high benchmark for made-in-India electric two-wheelers.

      On the other hand, India’s four-wheeler PV (passenger vehicle) segment has limited choices. The list currently includes Hyundai Motor India’s Kona Electric, MG Motor India’s ZS EV and Tata Motors’ Nexon EV. Mahindra & Mahindra is in the final stages of its eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric project. To the larger share of Indian buyers, electric vehicles still do not carry the desirability of a conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) option.
      One of the main reasons for this is high pricing (relatively). Furthermore, at least in the present market scenario, electric four-wheelers seem viable only in urban environments where there is enough supporting infrastructure. Yet it appears that EVs carry some less-discussed benefits over a regular ICE alternative.
      Surprising maintenance cost
      Arun Bhat S (@arunbhats on Twitter) has shared the one-year service cost of his Hyundai Kona Electric, proving that low maintenance charges could make up for an EV’s high initial cost. Trident Automobiles, a Hyundai dealership in Bangalore, charged him just Rs 1,043 for the electric crossover’s yearly maintenance.

      Hyundai Kona Electric Service Cost
      The bill breaks down to ‘tubeless repair seals’, consumables, calliper guide rod grease, sanitisation (Hygiene Care), general checkup and tyre puncture repair. Labour cost was set at Rs 118. If we consider only the mandatory items, one-year service cost for the Hyundai Kona EV hardly crosses Rs 500. This is still higher than the previous scheduled-maintenance cost since Arun paid absolutely zero for 10,000km service.
      An electric vehicle has far less moving and wearing parts inside its power plant. Auxiliary systems such as lubrication, cooling, belts and pumps are also minimal. Thanks to regenerative braking (also known as ‘brake re-gen’ or ‘energy recovery’), pads last longer as well. Certain EVs including Tesla models feature a ‘single-pedal’ mode which virtually eliminates the use of a brake pedal under normal city driving conditions. The energy recovery is strong enough to retard the vehicle’s motion.
      Hyundai Kona – Specs
      The Indian-spec Hyundai Kona, priced from Rs 25.30 lakh ex-showroom, employs a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Peak output stands at 134bhp and 395Nm while boasting of an ARAI-claimed range of 452km (289km on WLTP cycle). International variants now get a 64Wh battery unit capable of returning 449km range as per WLTP stats. The motor makes 201bhp. More

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      Electric Hummer SUV and Pickup Truck teased – 15,591 Nm Torque

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      Hummer Electric SUV and Pickup truck claims 1,000 hp / 15,591 Nm ; 0-100 in 3 seconds
      The ongoing pandemic has impacted almost anyone and everyone around the world, including the unveiling plans of one of the most awaited car of the year, the 2020 Hummer. GM had teased the upcoming electric version of the iconic nameplate earlier towards the start of the year.

      The American manufacturer was supposed to unveil the new generation Hummer around May’20 but had to postpone it to Autumn of 2020 due to delays caused by the Corona Virus. However, the good news is that the company believes that it is on track to commence sales of the electric beast in Autumn 2021 as per initial plans.
      Out of the World Specs
      What makes the Hummer EV so interesting is its specs. It will have an electric power train which will be able to dish out 1,000 bhp and 11,500 lb ft (15,591 Nm) of torque. This high torque figure is the peak motor output and does not entirely translate to real-world performance (in terms of wheel torque). The powertrain will help the Hummer, the huge SUV, clock a 0 – 100 kmph in less than 3 seconds. It will be drawing power from GM’s new Ultium battery pack which will come along with Super Fast Charging and offer a commendable range of around 400 miles (643 kms) on a full charge.

      Hummer Electric battery pack
      Speaking about design, General Motors is planning to model the 2020 Hummer based upon the iconic Hummer H2 which went out of production in 2009, due to bankruptcy filings by GM. The 2020 iteration can be considered as a rejuvenation of the iconic brand, but with an electric power plant this time.
      More Details
      Latest teaser video has further given us more information about the 2020 Hummer. The top-spec Hummer will come along with a new feature called ‘infinity roof’ which will be a removable glass panel. This will help customers to get an open-air driving experience, whenever they wish.

      [embedded content]

      The electric pick up will also have an Adrenaline mode, which can be compared with Tesla’s Ludicrous mode. Reports also reveal that GM is planning to add on a Crab mode which will provide some type of 4-wheel steering functionality, but more details are still awaited.
      Production Plans
      GM will be manufacturing the 2020 Hummer at its Detroit-Hamtramck factory in Michigan. GM has planned to invest a whopping 7.7 billion USD in next 4 years to upgrade its factories to build electric vehicles. The Detroit plant where the production of the 2020 Hummer EV is expected to commence is getting upgrades worth 3 billion USD. Production will start in the second half of 2021.
      Post launch, the Hummer EV will be priced to compete with yet to be launched rivals like Tesla’s Cybertruck and the upcoming Rivian R1S. More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric Wonder Warranty options now include 3, 4 and 5 years

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      Hyundai Kona electric is available in two variants with prices starting from Rs 23.85 lakhs
      Hyundai Kona EV was introduced in India in mid 2019. Here, Hyundai Kona features a 39.3 kWh battery pack and 136 hp electric motor. ARAI approved drive range is listed at 452 kms on full charge. The lithium-ion polymer battery is fully charged in 6 hours and 10 minutes through a AC charger. A DC fast charger takes 57 minutes to charge up to 80 percent. 0 to 100 kmph takes 9.7 seconds.

      This EV will cost you Rs 23.85 lakhs for single tone colour option and Rs 24.11 lakhs for the dual tone option. Warranty on offer till date was 3 years / unlimited kms along with battery warranty of 8 yrs / 1.6 lakh kms. Now, Hyundai India has today announced the launch of two more warranty options, under the Wonder Warranty program.
      Hyundai India is offering customized warranty packages for their new cars for some time now. This helps customers to chose the best warranty package for their driving needs. With the Kona, till date only 3 yrs / unlimited kms warranty option was on offer. But from today, customers will also be able to chose from either 4 years / 60,000 kms or 5 years 50,000 kms.
      Depending on how the owner plans to use the car, these customized warranty packages will help them maintain their car more effectively. No matter the warranty package you chose, price is included in the car’s price. Hyundai is also increasing the EV charging network in India. Till date they have installed AC 7.2KW chargers at more than 50 dealerships in 30 cities of India.
      Kona Electric 1 lakh Global Sales

      2020 Hyundai Kona
      Earlier this month it was announced that Hyundai Kona sales globally had crossed the 1,00,000 units mark. Sales totalled to 1,03,719 units by June 30, 2020. The feat was achieved in just over 2 years of sales. Kona EV popularity is widespread, with more than three-quarters total sales having been reported outside its home market, South Korea. Sales in Europe has been noteworthy
      Hyundai has plans to sell over 5,60,000 battery powered vehicles by 2025. Among Hyundai’s prodigious EV lineup, Kona electric SUV plays is destined to play a key role in achieving target sales. Going forward, Hyundai’s BEV platforms will focus on ultra fast charging, and long drive range models.
      2020 Hyundai Kona
      The 2020 model for Europe has an improved drive range, up to 484 kms from 449 kms. This is for the top-end model that features a 64 kWh battery pack and 204 hp electric motor. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic is charged with building the more powerful Kona EV for the European market. This is an important development and requirement to accomplish Hyundai’s EV targets over the next 5-years.
      Production in Europe helps manage delivery schedules to European customers in a more efficient manner. Kona EV supplies from its Ulsan plant to Europe will also be increased. Hyundai had targeted selling upward of 60,000 Kona EV units in Europe alone through 2020. Hyundai’s Czech Republic factory is capable of manufacturing 30,000 Kona EV units annually for the European market.

      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      And while Europe is making a smarter and responsible choice that doesn’t hurt the earth further when choosing Hyundai Kona EV, in India the offering is a lifestyle product for those who can afford an ex sh price at just under 25 lakhs. The units are imported to India as CKD kits from South Korea.
      Localisation is being undertaken for non-critical components. This includes interior trims and select plastic bits. In 2019, 280 units were sold in India. Hyundai had aims to sell about 500 Kona EV units in 2020. However, under current pandemic conditions that number maybe revised. In tandem with a global move to switch to electric variants, India too harbours what for now appears to be a pipe dream. The electric shift dialogue doesn’t define a plan as to how the country is going to adapt to EVs. However, when such an outline is more definitive, Hyundai will expand its EV lineup in the country to include a sub-10 lakh electric vehicle. More

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      2020 Honda E first drive review: Cute is just the beginning – Roadshow

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      How can you look at this thing and not smile?
      Honda
      In some ways the Honda E is not a convincing EV. And yet, curiously, it could also be just the car to convince a lot of people that they need to buy their first EV. It’s one of those cars where the design is so appealing, nay even lovable, that people just feel they need it in their life. It’s akin to the way that the new Mini was so desirable when it first hit the roads 20 years ago. I’m sure a lot of people who didn’t particularly want a super-small car nonetheless bought one, because of that contrasting roof and big central speedometer.The Honda E tugs at the heartstrings pretty much from the first moment it opens its eyes (or, if you don’t want to anthropomorphize it, the headlights turn on). It just has one of those faces. I think cute is probably the word.

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      And if the exterior doesn’t get you, the interior very well might, because there’s nothing quite like it on the market. Unashamedly 1970s-inspired but with a swathe of very 2020 screens running across the top of the dash, it’s a wild mash-up that somehow manages to successfully span half a century. Honda says it wanted to create a lounge-like atmosphere and, as potentially trite as that sounds, I think it’s succeeded. Certainly if you plug a Super Nintendo into the HDMI port and use the screens to play Mario Kart while you’re waiting to for the E to charge, then you’ll feel at home.But speaking of charging, this is where the Honda E is less convincing. You see, the European WLTP range is just 136 miles, or 127 miles if you spec the Advanced pack that comes with larger 17-inch wheels (as well as a 113-kilowatt motor as opposed to the standard car’s 100-kw setup). In other words, you’re potentially going to have to plug in frequently. Honda is pitching the car as an urban vehicle and I agree that this is still where EVs make the most sense. The similarly sized Mini Cooper SE, after all, does just 110 miles on the US EPA cycle. However, the fact that you’d be struggling to make a reasonable length return journey, say to Heathrow airport from Southhampton, Bedford, Brighton or Cambridge (or from New York to Trenton and back, or San Francisco to Santa Cruz and back), without having to stop to top-up the battery does seem to be somewhat limiting. Yes, a charge to 80% only takes 31 minutes if you can find a 50-kw fast-charger, but still.

      It’s a particular shame, given that the Honda E feels like it would be a great car to do a long journey in. As well as being intriguingly designed, the interior has plenty of space for a small car, thanks to a wheelbase that’s as long as that of a Fit, despite the car being some 5.3 inches shorter overall. It’s refined and quiet inside and the MacPherson struts at all four corners do an excellent job of keeping the ride relatively smooth.You can appreciate these attributes on a city commute just as much as on the highway, and one other thing that lends itself specifically to the cut and thrust of urban driving is the turning circle. Thanks to the Honda E being rear-wheel drive, the front wheels have the freedom to turn up to 50 degrees, giving a turning circle of 30 feet, or just 5 feet more than a London Black Cab. Dimes and sixpences spring to mind. The Honda E is also pleasingly nippy in a straight line at city speeds. A 0-to-62-mph time of eight or nine seconds sounds pretty sluggish, and the fact it weighs over 3,300 pounds doesn’t sound promising either, but 232 pound-feet of instant torque does a good job of disguising that battery bulk and scooting you up to around 40 mph before the acceleration starts to ebb. It makes it quite fun on a twisty country road as well, particularly if you engage the Sport setting to pep up the throttle response a little more. The low center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution undoubtedly help the handling, as do the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. It’s no hot hatch, but you can push it harder than you might expect. You can certainly feel that it’s rear-wheel drive, too.Tiny car, enormous screen.
      Honda
      One other thing I like is the ability to adjust the level of regenerative braking when you’re in one-pedal mode. Lift off the accelerator and you can increase the regeneration simply by pulling the left-hand paddle — just like going down the gears in a conventional gas car. If you want to reduce the rate you’re slowing down, then just pull the right-hand paddle. There are only three levels of regen to choose from, but I like it and it’s something I think Porsche should have employed in the Taycan to increase the levels of driver control and engagement.Wing mirrors are not something I would generally mention in a review but the Honda E hasn’t got any, which seems worth a paragraph. As standard, the car comes with small cameras where you’d normally expect mirrors, and the screens showing the resulting images are placed on top of the dashboard’s extremities. They’re sufficiently close to a standard mirror’s position that they don’t take much getting used to. You also have the choice of a normal image or a wide angle version where the outer edge is distorted to practically eliminate any blind spot.Sadly, the Honda E is not destined for the US.
      Honda
      The Advanced trim of the car also comes with a camera and screen combination for the rear-view mirror. However, just like the optional one in the new Land Rover Defender, I find this rather awkward. For some reason it takes your eyes a moment to focus on the image, making a quick glance a little tricky. I’m sure there might be situations where it could be useful, but most of the time I think it is easier to leave it as a standard mirror (which you can do by flicking the switch underneath).If you stick to the standard, lower-powered version of the Honda E then you’ll still be handing over £26,660 (a little over $34,000 based on current exchange rates) for the privilege. Upgrade to the Advanced model and that price rises to £29,160 ($37,000), which means this is a car that people will be purchasing as much with their hearts as their heads. And that’s fine. In fact I think the EV movement needs unique and desirable cars like the Honda E (the Peugeot E-Legend concept would be another example, if it ever made it to production) just as much as it needs better battery density. Here’s a car that potentially will attract a whole new audience in a way that something like an electric Peugeot 208 or Fiat 500 (i.e., a more expensive electric version of an gas-engined car) might not. More

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      Hero Electric scooter Subscription plan launched from Rs 2,999 per month

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      Hero Electric has partnered with Autovert Technologies to bring subscription-based financing plans to customers
      This brings a range of alternative ownership models for Hero Electric scooter owners. Through the partnership, Autovert lets Hero Electric customers opt for subscription-based plans at an ‘all-inclusive price’. Subscription starts at Rs 2,999 per month. The all-inclusive subscription plans account for the vehicle itself; bundled services including comprehensive insurance, service and maintenance; loyalty bonuses; and upgrade options.

      Subscription plans on offer are curated to meet customer demand for alternative ownership options that come with added flexibility and features over traditional auto finance. Autovert will use its IOT based tech platform, Autovert Plug to manage the subscribed vehicle through its lifecycle. As a pilot project, Autovert Plug Subscription plan was introduced with select dealers in Bangalore prior to a national launch.
      Benefits
      With Hero Electric and Autovert coming together, those interested in electric scooters can now access a wider buying voice where financials are the focus. Both brands strive for a hassle-free EV purchase experience. Hero Electric has further plans to rejig customer experience.

      File photo.
      Electric vehicle adaption in India hasn’t seen much participation from passenger car buyers. Of course the electric car availability in the country is quite small. Scooters however is an altogether competitive space tough volumes are still small. Apart from electric public transport vehicles, and e-rickshaws, electric scooters are beginning to shape a segment.
      Curating convenient finance plans will help customers access wide-ranging finance options. Electric vehicles are not yet mainstream discussions but that doesn’t hamper people’s natural curiosity and affinity for cleaner vehicles. Traditionally, the Indian two-wheeler market is a humongous one. As such, seeing demand, it’s not difficult to foretell that the electric scooter segment will one day come into its own. The space is an epitome of diversity with manufacturers of pedigree, new manufacturers, local and foreign tech, fin and tech companies all trying to get a slice of the pie.
      Financing for EVs
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “Ease and convenience are one of the most valued aspects of buying any vehicle. Unfortunately, EV sector does not experience much ease and joy when it comes to financing. Through our collaboration with Autovert, we are determined to offer singular experiences of buying and owning Hero Electric vehicles without much fuss. While we are witnessing a growth in the EV sales, it is of utmost important to also offer rich experiences to our customers and make their experience of owning an electric vehicle hassle free.
      As sales volumes rise, this partnership with Autovert will simplify and facilitate EV sales in India while giving Hero Electric buyers the ease that is priceless. We are glad to have partnered with Autovert to bring the power of IoT backed finance asset monitoring and management and be a pioneer in this ecosystem of re-imagining auto finance.” More

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      KTM EMotion Electric Scooter Concept Sketch – Looks Sharp

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      The European-funded EMotion research project will use two technology demonstrators to develop a versatile, scalable and cost-effect EV architecture
      A sketch of what is purported to be Bajaj Chetak-based KTM electric scooter is doing rounds on the internet. While it does have KTM branding on it and clearly derives its design inspiration from the manufacturer’s E-Speed electric scooter concept, it is certainly not related to Chetak.
      KTM EMotion Concept – Background

      The project EMotion is a European-funded research project which involves 11 partners with Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) taking the lead. KTM Technologies GmbH and KTM AG are also part of this 3-year research project which aims to develop inexpensive, energy-efficient and comfortable electric two-wheelers belonging to European Category L electric bicycles. What you see in the sketch is merely a representation of one of the technology demonstrators which will be realized during the course of the project.
      The project aims to develop zero-emission two wheelers for young (16-18 years) and older (50+ years) generations with reduced footprint and improved environment friendliness compared to conventional two wheelers.
      EMotion Research Project – Key Focus Areas

      The research project will attempt to eliminate the weaknesses of current electric two wheelers by developing modular, scalable and highly efficient electric drives and batteries, with specific focus on reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Several technologies will be explored to maximize energy efficiency in addition to improving stability and handling.
      The research objectives are split into three areas namely, 1. innovative lightweight construction and component arrangement, 2. highly efficient electric drive and charging components, and 3. user-oriented human-machine interface together with a novel on-board information system.
      Next Plan
      Two technology demonstrators (one 4 kW and one 8 kW unit) are slated to be built in the first 8 months of the project. With KTM being the only two wheeler OEM among the 11 partners, we expect both the EMotion demonstrators to be built by the Austrian firm. The test prototypes will undergo pilot trials for 8 months in urban and rural environments around Salzburg area.
      So, to recap, the KTM EMotion is not a product but a research platform which is expected to spawn several commercially viable technology solutions for compact zero emission mobility. Most of these solutions can be expected to be implemented on future KTM electric vehicles. The European research project is scheduled to conclude in February 2023.
      Bajaj KTM synergy on electric scooters
      KTM is indeed working on several electric two wheeler projects most of which will be made by Bajaj Auto in India. Bajaj will also develop its own versions based on the KTM electric two wheeler architecture. So, we won’t be surprised if we find solutions developed by EMotion research project on board future Bajaj EVs.
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