More stories

  • in

    Kia Trademarked EV1 To EV9 In India – EV3 Spotted Testing?

    Kia EV9 – For reference onlyThe trademarks filed in India for Kia’s upcoming EVs start from the smallest EV1 and goes till flagship EV9With rapid electrification across global markets, Kia is busy ramping up its EV portfolio. These new-gen EVs like EV6, EV9 and upcoming EV5 are in addition to other Kia electric cars that share their platform with their ICE-powered counterparts. Some examples include Niro EV and Soul EV. Here in India, Kia currently offers only the EV6 electric SUV.Kia Trademarked EV1 To EV9 In India – Launch confirmed?That said, the South Korean company has trademarked all nine electric vehicles it intends to launch in the future. Of these nine, EV6 has already launched in India and we’re likely to get Kia EV4 which was spotted testing recently. These trademarks from Kia show ‘Protection Granted’ as their status, indicating that there are launch intentions.The flagship EV9 has been launched in a few markets and EV5 has broken covers more recently. EV6 is the first of these vehicles to launch. Based on these vehicles, we can have a certain idea as to where the rest of these cars fall in terms of size. In this sense, Kia EV1 will be the smallest of this lot and could be an electric hatchback.Probably matching size of a Picanto hatchback (3.6m length) sold globally. Picanto is Kia’s counterpart of Hyundai i10, sold as Grand i10 in India. EV2 may be close to Hyundai Exter’s dimensions. We’re talking about around 3.8m to 3.9m in length and a crossover DNA. EV3 might be a bridge between sub 4m and compact-size vehicles.Kia EV1, Kia EV2, Kia EV3, Kia EV4 trademarksHow many will launch in India?We’re talking about a Kia Soul EV sized vehicle with around 4.2m length. This makes EV4 a Seltos-sized EV with around 4.4m length that will be Kia’s counterpart of upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, already been spotted in testing multiple times. As we go higher up Kia’s naming scheme hierarchy, we reach recently unveiled Kia EV5 SUV which measures 4,615 mm in length.Kia EV6 crossover has been out for a long time and measures 4,695 mm in length. However, Kia EV9 is the recently launched flagship and measures 5,015mm in length, similar to Kia Telluride SUV. This leaves Kia EV7 and EV8 in the mystery and one of those is likely to be a mid-size sedan that may be Kia’s counterpart of Inoniq 6 sedan measuring around 4.8m to 4.9m in length.Kia EV3 spotted testing? Or is it Kia EV4?The South Korean brand is testing a new EV that will slot below the recently unveiled EV5. Test mules have been spotted abroad and show a vehicle bearing proportions close to a Seltos and may bear EV4 name when launched. EV3 must be in development already and might boast a similar size as Soul EV. EV4 test mule spotted testing is very different from Soul EV in its construction.Kia EV5, Kia EV7, Kia EV8, Kia EV9 trademarksIn this sense, Soul EV had steeply raked A-pillars along with a squared-off tail section. Kia EV4 (supposedly) test mules show swoopy A-pillars with a more conventional tail section with quite a bit more body behind rear doors than on Soul EV. Reminds us more of a Seltos.Hints of ‘Opposites United’ design language are evident along with Kia EV line signature asymmetrical wheel patterns. Powertrains are likely to be shared with upcoming Hyundai Creta electric, probably based on a new platform and not E-GMP.New Kia EV4 electric SUV vs Seltos More

  • in

    Honda Prologue E-SUV Revealed – 450km Range, AWD, 288bhp

    Honda Prologue E-SUVWhile single motor FWD layout’s performance figures are not revealed, Honda Prologue AWD dual motor version packs 288 bhp and 450 NmAfter unveiling Acura ZDX E-SUV, Honda has taken the wraps off Prologue E-SUV. Like Acura ZDX, Prologue sources its platform from General Motors as well. It features Honda’s new design language similar to Accord sedan. It packs FWD or AWD layouts with around 450 km (280 miles) of range. Bookings in USA will likely go live by the end of 2023, with deliveries in 2024.Honda Prologue E-SUV – Shares platform with GM EVsThis is Honda’s second EV for USA. On paper, it is better than the first. Of course, we’re talking about Honda Clarity EV. With just 89 miles (143 km) range, it didn’t lend enough clarity for buyers to invest in. Now, Honda has sourced General Motors’ scalable Ultium EV platform for both Prologue and Acura ZDX.Honda Prologue is an interesting-looking vehicle, with greater width than height. The black body cladding reduces visual bulk significantly. Couple that with a 4876 mm length and 3093 mm wheelbase, Prologue slightly radiates station wagon appeal. Due to the long wheelbase, there are very short front and rear overhangs. Honda has kept the design neat and simple, radiating understated elegance.In USA, there are three trims on offer – base EX trim, mid-spec Touring and top-spec Elite. While EX and Touring trims get AWD option, Elite gets AWD as standard. There are up to 7 colours on offer, depending on trim levels. Top-spec Elite boasts 21-inch alloy wheels that look swanky. LED headlights, LED DRL and tail light signatures are safe and appealing.Honda Prologue DashboardOn the inside, Honda has given heated and ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory settings, auto-dimming IRVM, perforated leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, HUD, an 11-inch fully digital and configurable digital instrument screen, 11.3-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof and more.Infotainment screen has Google software and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims will bring multiple ADAS features as well. Gear selector is mounted on steering column, lending an uncluttered centre console. Climate control has rotary dials and buttons, which is appreciated. There’s no frunk, but Honda Prologue E-SUV packs a 707L boot, expandable to 1642L.Specs, performance, rangeHonda Prologue E-SUV gets a single-motor FWD layout and 85 kWh battery as standard. Performance figures for FWD layout are still unknown, but similarly specced Chevrolet Equinox EV has 210 bhp and 329 Nm. AWD model with dual motors boasts 288 bhp and 451 Nm. Range is not revealed by Honda yet and around 280 miles (450 km) from a single charge can be speculated.Honda Prologue RearDue to the high voltage architecture, Honda Prologue E-SUV supports fast DC charging up to 155 kW. This way, the car can scoop 65 mile range (104 km) in 10 minutes. That said, an 11.5 kW home charger and a 7.6 kW portable charger are available too. Pricing for Honda Prologue could range between USD 45,000 and USD 60,000 (Rs. 37.42 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh). Prologue is less likely to launch in India. We expect an electrified version of Elevate SUV. More

  • in

    Kia EV9 Base Model Price Announced – USD 54,900, (Rs. 45.66 Lakh)

    Kia EV9 eSUV is the most affordable 7 seat electric SUV of its size in the USAKia has announced pricing for base models of its 2024 EV9 electric SUV. The concept was shown at 2023 Auto Expo, Delhi. Designed as a flagship electric vehicle, it’s built on a new dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). As per the announced price, base-spec Kia EV9 Light RWD trim becomes a sensational proposition.Kia EV9 Base Model – VFM base trim?Pricing for base-spec Kia EV9 is USD 54,900 which roughly translates to Rs. 45.66 lakh with today’s exchange rates. This pricing doesn’t include Kia’s destination charge in USA which could add an additional USD 1,320. Said models are likely to be manufactured in South Korea and then shipped to USA.India launch is likely, considering the brand expressed interest and showcased it at 2023 Auto Expo. If Kia brings EV9 to India via CBU route, we can easily expect prices close to double the US pricing. Apart from base Light RWD trim with 76.1 kWh battery, Kia EV9 has Light Long Range, Wind, Land and GT-Line trim levels, all of which pack a bigger 99.8 kWh battery. Pricing for these will be revealed at a later date.What does base Light RWD trim bring to the table?Kia EV9 base Light RWD trim offers a single motor powertrain setup as the name suggests. This motor packs 215 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque. This single motor draws power from a 76.1 kWh battery pack that has a claimed range of around 359 km on a single charge.Kia EV9 Light RWD 19-inch wheelsLight RWD trim has similar exterior design attributes as other trims and rides on smaller 19-inch wheels. This E-GMP modular platform brings 800V architecture that enables DC fast charging capabilities. Kia claims 10% to 80% SOC takes around 25 minutes, which is impressive.The SUV’s design borrows cues from Kia’s EV range while bearing a strong resemblance to the Kia Telluride. In a way, Kia EV9 is of similar size as Telluride. It measures 5,008 mm in length and has an impressive 3,099 mm long wheelbase. For context, Kia EV9 has a slightly longer wheelbase than upcoming Mercedes-Benz E Class LWB.India launch on the cards?Interiors feature a 2+2+2 seating arrangement, with the second-row seats swivelling 180 degrees to face the third-row seats. Twin 12.3-inch horizontal screens for infotainment and instrumentation take centre stage. On the outside, geometric alloy wheel design, massive LED DRLs, LED headlights, twin sunroofs, closed Tiger-nose grill, upright stance, flush door handles are notable elements.Kia EV9 dual sunroof setupEV9 comes with advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Pricing for higher trims could go up till $73,000 (Rs 60.2 lakh). When launched in India, Kia EV9 will go against Mercedes-Benz EQB 3-row SUV priced at around Rs. 77.5 lakh (ex-sh). More

  • in

    Tata Punch.ev Interiors Spied – Reveals Key Features

    Tata Punch.ev interiors spiedMain rivals for Tata Punch.ev are upcoming Exter EV, along with models like Citroen eC3 and Renault Kiger EVWith ICE and CNG segments already covered, the next battle between Punch and Exter will be fought in the electric realm. Both carmakers are busy testing their respective electric versions. Punch.ev has made multiple appearances before and the recent spy shots show new details about interiors.Tata Punch.ev – what to expect?Punch.ev will be launched before Exter EV, owing to the sheer number of former’s test mules spotted. While Tata Punch has been hugely successful, it has now got a potent rival in the form of Hyundai Exter. In July, Exter was the 3rd bestselling Hyundai car. It has registered sales of 7,000 units. Punch sales in July were at 12,019 units.Owing to previous electrification strategies with Nexon, Tiago and Tigor, there won’t be any major changes to exteriors of Punch.ev. Only minor elements like a full-width LED DRL along with EV-specific badging, are expected with Punch.ev. The recent spy shots show glimpses of the inside, which were camouflaged on previous test mules.For the first time, we can spot a large infotainment screen and an auto-dimming IRVM. Both of these are not on offer with ICE Punch. This screen could be 10.2-inch in size, similar to ICE Nexon and not the 12.3-inch unit on Nexon.ev. Instrument cluster may be shared with new Nexon facelift too, with fully configurable digital display.Tata Punch.ev exteriors spiedNotable attributes with Punch.ev are projector headlamps, top-mounted LED DRLs, squarish wheel arches, 90° opening doors, thick body cladding, roof rails, rear disc brakes and sporty tail lamps. Punch EV is expected to get a new set of wheels that will be designed for improved aerodynamics.Different interiors with different trim levels?Features on the inside will vary based on the trim. This has been evidenced by test mules that have been spotted with varying equipment on the inside. Top-spec variants of Punch EV are expected to get premium elements such as a new two-spoke steering wheel from Nexon facelift with a backlit Tata logo, along with touch and toggle steering controls.Lower trims of Punch EV could continue with the steering wheel in use with ICE Punch. Lower trims of Punch EV could borrow a lot of equipment from Tiago EV. On the other hand, higher trims could get features from Nexon.ev variants like 360-degree cameras, and electronic parking brakes among others.Lower trim Tata Punch Electric interiorsAutomatic climate control, push-button start/stop, auto fold ORVMs, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and cooled glove box are among the notable attributes.Punch EV performance, rangeJust like the ICE version, Tata Punch.ev will be primed to deliver an exhilarating drive experience. With the electric setup, a tangible difference is expected in areas such as acceleration, noise and vibrations. While specs have not been revealed, the powertrain could be a tweaked version of the one in use with Tiago EV.Range is expected to be around 300 to 350 km. For reference, Tiago EV has variants with range of 250 km and 315 km from a 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh battery respectively. Range of around 350 km seems sufficient for everyday commutes and short inter-city or weekend excursions.Source More

  • in

    Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 Kmph Teaser – BE.05, XUV.e8, XUV.e9

    Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 KmphThe 200 km/h indicated top speed in Mahindra’s teaser could be from the aerodynamically slippery XUV.e9 with dual motor layoutMahindra has re-entered EV space with XUV400. However, the company is working on a slew of new EVs as part of their next-gen lineup. In a recent teaser from Mahindra, we can see BE.05, XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 hitting 200 km/h on Mahindra’s SUV Proving Track in Chennai.Mahindra Next-gen EVs Touch 200 Km/hFor starters, this is the first time we are seeing an XUV.e9 prototype in India. This vehicle is a coupe version of XUV.e8, which has been spotted multiple times. Also, XUV.e9 looks significantly sleeker and more attractive than XUV.e8, and looks like it has export potential for Mahindra.Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 KmphMahindra seems to be benchmarking a Tesla Model Y for XUV.e9’s aerodynamics and coupe profile, thus optimising the platform for a better range. Apart from XUV.e9, we can see XUV.e8 and BE.05 as well. All three vehicles are demonstrating their prowess on Mahindra’s SUV Proving Track in Chennai.In the recent teaser, one of Mahindra’s next-gen EVs touched 200 km/h on the speedometer, which is an impressive speed envelope for an electric vehicle. However, this is a speedo-indicated reading and there might be a small deviation from actual speed. Also, Mahindra didn’t show which of these three vehicles hit this impressive speed.Next Gen Mahindra Electric SUVsMahindra has revealed that it will launch its next-gen EVs in a phase-wise manner. XUV.e8 will see the light of day first, sometime around December 2024. XUV.e9 will launch in April 2025, BE.05 in October 2025 and BE.07 in April 2026. Mahindra has partnered up with BYD to source the cells for battery packs, instead of Volkswagen.Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 KmphAs revealed in Thar.e unveiling at Cape Town, South Africa, Mahindra will be sourcing the motors from Volkswagen. Front motor from VW is rated for 107 bhp and 135 Nm and seems to be common between all vehicles. Rear motor packs more performance and depending on the vehicle or trim level, Mahindra offers varied performance.These rear motors are a 228 bhp and 380 Nm motor sourced from Valeo and a 282 bhp and 535 Nm motor sourced from VW. The 200 km/h top speed seen in the teaser is likely to be a best-case-scenario. Extracted from the XUV.e9 prototype with 107 bhp and 135 Nm front motor and 282 bhp and 535 Nm rear motor. More

  • in

    Xiaoma Small Electric Car Launch Price 30k Yuan (Rs 3.47 Lakh)

    FAW Xiaoma Small Electric CarCute-looking and environment-friendly micro EVs like FAW Bestune Xiaoma have potential to influence consumer preferencesWith plans to increase market share in micro-EV segment, First Auto Works (FAW) has introduced the Xiaoma small electric hatchback under Bestune brand. Pre-sales will commence from this month onwards. FAW Bestune Xiaoma will primarily rival Wuling Hongguang MINI EV. The latter is currently the top selling micro car in China. Bestune Xiaoma is available in the price range of 30,000-50,000 yuan (approx. Rs 3.47 lakh to Rs 5.78 lakh).FAW Bestune Xiaoma featuresFAW had unveiled the Bestune Xiaoma earlier this year in April at Shanghai Auto Show. While both hardtop and convertible versions were showcased, only the hardtop variant is currently going on sale. It is not certain if the convertible version will be introduced at a later date. But given the choice, a significant percentage of people could prefer the convertible variant. That’s apparently because it looks super cute in comparison to the hardtop variant.FAW Xiaoma Small Electric CarXiaoma has a boxy profile, with a dual-tone colour scheme that seems straight out of an animation movie. It has large square headlamps with rounded edges for a more captivating profile. Xiaoma uses aerodynamic wheels that could be useful in increasing range. At rear, the tail lamps and bumper reflect the theme that we see at front.Interiors are just as cute, featuring a flat dashboard and rotary control dials. There’s a touchscreen as well, which appears to be a 7-inch unit. The dashboard has an attractive dual-tone theme. Interiors have a smooth finish, as Xiaoma utilizes the same materials that are used to make mirrors.FAW Xiaoma Small Electric CarBestune Xiaoma specs, rangeBestune Xiaoma is underpinned by the FME platform. It includes both the EV and range extender dedicated chassis. Earlier, the ride-hailing EV named NAT was built on the same platform. The FME platform has two sub-platforms, A1 and A2. The A1 sub-platform caters to subcompacts and compacts that have a wheelbase of 2700-2850 mm. A2 is used for cars with wheelbase of 2700-3000 mm. The range is 800 km for EVs and more than 1,200 km for extenders. Both platforms support 800 V architecture.Powering the micro-EV is a single 20 kW electric motor. It is placed on the rear shaft. The battery used is a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) unit, supplied by Gotion and REPT. More details about the powertrain are yet to be revealed. In terms of safety, Bestune Xiaoma gets a driver side airbag. Dimensionally, 3-door Bestune Xiaoma is 3,000 mm long, 1,510 mm wide and 1,630 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 1,953 mm.FAW Xiaoma Small Electric CarWhile micro EVs are yet to make their mark in India, these cars are quite popular in China and South East Asian countries. They also seem to be gaining popularity across European markets. A micro car offers multiple benefits such as affordability, easy parking, ample range and zero emissions. More

  • in

    2023 BYD Tang EV Launch Price 250k Yuan (Rs 28 L) – 600 Kms Range

    2023 BYD Tang EVWhile 2023 BYD Tang EV has received multiple updates, prices have been ‘reduced’ by up to 13.7%In line with its local and global ambitions, BYD has introduced the new 2023 version of Tang EV. In most cases, newer models usually command higher pricing than their predecessors. But in case of 2023 Tang EV, the updated SUV is priced lower than the 2022 model.2023 BYD Tang EV – what’s new?Along with the new Tang EV, BYD has also unveiled its PHEV siblings. It includes the Tang DM-i and Tang DM-p. These too are around 10% cheaper than the outgoing models. It’s apparent that BYD is looking to provide the best deal to its customers. The price reduction is also aimed at making EVs and PHEVs more accessible to people.2023 BYD Tang EVWhile the core design theme has been retained, 2023 BYD Tang EV gets new 20-inch alloy wheels. These have a dual-tone finish, ensuring a sportier profile for the SUV. Passenger safety has been improved with the DiSus-C intelligent damping body control system. This is one of the major technology breakthroughs achieved by BYD in recent years.BYD DiSus is a systematic body control system. It ensures that the vehicle remains agile and operable in most driving scenarios. It minimizes the risk of vehicle rollover in situations such as emergency braking, full-throttle acceleration and high-speed cornering. BYD DiSus works effectively across varied environments such as water, mud and snow. Another key upgrade for 2023 BYD Tang EV is support for 5G networks. This will allow users to access faster speeds while on the move.2023 BYD Tang EVDimensionally, BYD Tang EV promises all the space one can ask for. It is pretty huge, measuring 4,900 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,725 mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,820 mm. There’s plenty of boot space as well. BYD Tang EV is available in both 6-seat and 7-seat configurations. There are three variants, weighing 2.36 tons, 2.44 tons, and 2.56 tons, respectively.2023 BYD Tang EVBYD Tang EV 2023 performance, rangeBYD is offering three variants with different range. The base model is equipped with a front single motor that churns out 225 hp of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. It offers a range of 600 km. The long-range variant offers 730 km on a full charge. The single front motor generates 241 hp and 350 Nm. The top-spec variant is offered with a four-wheel drive setup. Its front and rear motors provide combined output of 510 hp and 700 Nm. Range is 635 km. With the 4WD variant, 0 to 100 kmph can be achieved in just 4.4 seconds.All three Tang EV variants use BYD’s advanced Blade LFP batteries. These are known for their superior performance and reliability. All three variants support fast charging. It takes just 30 minutes to go from 30% to 80%. At peak charging rates, users can load 173 km in just 10 minutes.2023 BYD Tang EVTalking about pricing, the 600 km range version is priced at 249,800 yuan (~ Rs 28.41 lakh). This is -11.7% less than the 2022 model. The 730 km variant is priced at 269,800 yuan (~ Rs 30.68 lakh). Price has been reduced by -13.7%. The 4-wheel drive variant will cost 299,800 yuan (~ Rs 34.09 lakh). It is -12.5% cheaper than the 2022 version. The PHEV siblings Tang DM-i and Tang DM-p are priced in the range of 249,800 yuan to 309,800 yuan (~ Rs 28.41 lakh to Rs 35.80 lakh). More

  • in

    2023 Nexon Electric Debut On 7th Sep – New Name Nexon.ev

    2023 Nexon Electric teasedThe new Tata Nexon EV will undergo a transformation in the model lineup and trim lineups like its ICE counterpartTata Motors is bringing Nexon EV to the modern era with its first facelift. It features similar body panels as ICE Nexon facelift unveiled yesterday. However, Tata is offering more visual oomph with Nexon EV than its ICE counterpart as seen in the latest teaser. It is now called Nexon.ev. Tata will unveil 2023 Nexon EV on 7th September, while launch will happen alongside 2023 Nexon on 14th September.2023 Tata Nexon EV TeasedNexon EV is the vehicle that popularised electric cars in India. Till that point in time, India was familiar with just a couple of electric cars with much to be desired in performance, appeal and range department. One can say Nexon EV single-handedly changed EV landscape in India and even popularised the genre.2023 Nexon Electric teasedJust like its ICE counterpart unveiled yesterday, Nexon EV will feature a similar design theme inspired by Curvv concept. This is not surprising as current Nexon EV shared almost every single design aspect with its ICE counterpart. But, Tata is bringing visual differences between Nexon ICE and EV models.This visual change is in the form of a new LED DRL pattern. In ICE Nexon facelift, LED DRLs have a split approach. In this sense, they aren’t connected. However, Nexon EV will feature a connected design LED DRLs at the front. This will be the key visual difference between Nexon ICE and EV models.[embedded content]These DRLs have dynamic functions too, emerging from the middle and flowing towards the ends. A similar dynamic function is present with LED tail lights as well, as seen in the teaser. Sort of a welcome function, seen in much higher-end cars. This might just be a visual trick, but significantly enhances the premium quotient.2023 Nexon Electric teasedWhat to expect from Nexon EV facelift?Mechanically (or rather, electrically), Nexon EV facelift will remain identical to the current model. The same 30.2 kWh and 40.5 kWh battery pack options with Prime and Max models will continue duty along with their respective motor configs. Range figures are likely to stay put as well – 312 km with Prime and 453 km Max.However, there will be an overhaul in the trim lineup Just like its ICE counterpart. So, Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max will be renamed to Nexon EV MR (Medium Range) and Nexon EV LR (Long Range) respectively. Similar to Tiago EV’s lineup. Other than DRLs in the front, Nexon EV could feature different wheel designs too.2023 Nexon Electric teasedTrim levels with both MR and LR models will align with what Tata is offering with ICE Nexon facelift – Smart, Pure, Creative and Fearless. With S variants with a sunroof and + variants with optional kit. Features like the new 10.25” touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10.25” fully digital and configurable instrument screen, the new touch and toggle based HVAC controls, two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated logo, ventilated front seats will be similar to ICE Nexon. More