More stories

  • in

    Maruti EVX Electric SUV spied for first time – Launch in 2025

    Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedMaruti Suzuki EVX electric SUV will have a 60-kWh battery pack, with range of up to 550 kmInternally codenamed YY8, Maruti Suzuki had showcased the EVX electric SUV concept at 2023 Auto Expo. It will be the company’s first born-electric car and is expected to debut next year. It will go on sale in 2025. One of the key rivals will be upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.Ahead of its launch, a Suzuki EVX electric SUV has been spotted at a charging station in Krakow, Poland. The test mule wears a black camouflage, not intending to reveal the finer details. However, the tight wrapping does show a close resemblance to the concept version.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedSuzuki EVX electric SUV featuresAs compared to the heavily muscled concept, the test mule appears to have a relatively toned-down styling. However, quite a few features have been carried forward such as the butch front fascia, sculpted bonnet design and thick body cladding. The SUV has a tapering roofline, which helps achieve a sporty profile. At rear, Suzuki EVX will have a layered spoiler, rugged bumper and edgy tail lamps with full-width connecting LED strip.Suzuki EVX test mule can be seen with temporary lighting all across. It has a standard set of alloy wheels, which are likely to be changed onboard the production version. The concept version had aerodynamic alloy wheels, especially designed to reduce drag. Other noticeable features include C-pillar mounted rear door handles, shark fin antenna and rear wiper.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedInside, the test mule has a number of wires dangling around. It clearly shows that this test vehicle is largely a work-in-progress. A significant section of the dashboard has been camouflaged. It does appear to have a simple, minimalistic design.Maruti EVX Electric SUV interiors spiedSome features that are clearly visible include a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, steering mounted controls and a rotary control dial on the centre console. The showstopper is a large, horizontally mounted touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument console.Suzuki EVX electric SUV performanceAs compared to other OEMs that are converting existing ICE cars into electric, Maruti Suzuki will move directly to born-electric vehicles. Suzuki EVX electric SUV is based on an entirely new platform. It will be used to develop a range of future EVs. Overall performance of Suzuki EVX electric SUV will closely match that of similar-sized ICE SUVs such as Hyundai Creta.Maruti EVX Electric SUV spiedSuzuki EVX electric SUV will be equipped with a 60-kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 550 km. The electric motor is expected to deliver around 138-170 hp of max power. Both 2WD and all-wheel drive options will be available.With a dedicated EV platform, Suzuki EVX will have spacious interiors. It will be 4,300 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall. Wheelbase is expected to be best in segment. The SUV will have large wheels, which will ensure a strong street presence and high ground clearance.Source More

  • in

    Electric SUV Accelerator Pedal Breaks While Driving – Owner Shares Pictures

    Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingAlthough not common, cases of accelerator pedal breaking off have been reported in the pastWith car components being manufactured in hundreds of thousands, it is likely that a small percentage will turn out to be defective. This can happen even when there are strict quality control measures in place. If the problem is found across multiple cars, the OEM may choose to announce a recall.In a recent case, the owner of a Nexon EV has reported a broken accelerator pedal. This seems like a relatively new issue, although some cases have been reported earlier as well. The owner has notified Tata Motors and requested a resolution.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingNexon EV accelerator pedal breaks into twoAccording to the Nexon EV owner, the accelerator pedal broke randomly while driving. There was no impact or anything of that sort, which could have possibly caused the breakage of the accelerator pedal. The owner is certainly not happy, as no one would expect such things to occur. One of the reasons why people buy Nexon and Nexon EV is because these vehicles have received 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests.However, it is important to understand that crash tests do not measure the strength of individual components. Moreover, this specific case of accelerator pedal breakage may be due to an inherent flaw in the material used for making the pedal. It could be also due to poor workmanship. A closeup of the broken accelerator pedal reveals that the point of breakage is where the pedal connects to another part inside the vehicle. The pedal rod itself is intact.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingThis shows that the problem could also be due to a bad connecting mechanism or one that is not installed properly. Over a period of time, stresses on the material may have caused it to collapse completely.Expecting effective resolution from Tata MotorsIt is expected that Tata Motors and/or Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited in this case will carry out a thorough investigation. While replacing the accelerator pedal will be the easy thing to do, the more important goal will be to find out the root cause of this problem. Subsequently, it needs to be investigated if there’s a probability of other cars having the same issue. It may not have happened yet, but the risks can be there.It was fortunate that nothing untoward happened in this case of accelerator pedal breaking. There can be various scenarios in which sudden breakage of accelerator pedal can be a trigger for an accident.Nexon EV Accelerator Pedal breaks while drivingFor example, it would have been a difficult situation if the pedal had broken off when the vehicle was overtaking at high speeds. Thankfully, nothing of that sort happened. We hope the Nexon EV owner gets a resolution soon and such cases do not occur again. More

  • in

    Ola Electric Sedan Takes Shape – Patent Design Registered

    Ola electric sedanAfter multiple teasers and concept videos, Ola electric sedan finally takes shape and features digital cameras instead of mirrorsOla Electric has been at the forefront of EV revolution in India. This electric scooter startup has had an amazing run and in little time has established itself as the No 1 electric scooter brand in the country. In May 2023, Ola sold 35K electric scooters, making them the highest-seller in 2w EV space by a large margin. Apart from 2W EVs, the company has revealed intentions of launching electric cars too.There have been multiple teasers and concept videos. But now, Ola has patented the design of its first-ever electric car. Ola seems to have taken Tesla as its main inspiration and has stepped into the 4W EV realm with an electric sedan. Let’s take a look at what’s what.Ola Electric Sedan Takes Shape – Aerodynamic DesignLooking at its design, we can say that it is unlike any other among 28 electric cars India gets. For starters, Ola has gone with an organic and aerodynamic design language. This is evident in how smooth all the body panels look. There is not a single sharp edge on this vehicle and this should ensure less air drag.Ola has stuck with a basic teardrop signature. Low set bonnet, steep rake A-pillars, sloping roofline and a neat rear-end ensure maximum aero efficiency. Along the sides, we can see subtle body lines that will ensure air is smoothly passing through the sides. There are neatly integrated air guides on the bonnet too.Ola electric sedan patent detailsFront bumper has two crevices that are likely to be functional. These crevices will channel air into the front wheels. These create a teardrop path for air to flow and will cool brakes as well. There is a small air intake in the front bumper that will function to cool batteries. Sticking with aerodynamics, wheels look like they facilitate minimum air drag.Design-wise, there will be a wide LED DRL bar in the front that will establish a smiling friendly face. There are sleek headlights with two ‘U’ LED DRL signatures, similar to concept video. We hope windshield wipers were hidden as they create quite a lot of turbulence. Door handles are probably in the pillars to keep a clean profile.Will this car revolutionize Indian 4W EV?We don’t see ORVMs in this patent. So, Ola is likely to go with digital cameras completely. LED tail light bar will probably take a similar shape as the front. Patent shows a dual-tone appeal with black roof and pillars along with dual-tone wheels as well.New Ola Electric Car interiorsEnthusiastic Ola Electric CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has revealed that Ola’s maiden electric car will be an indigenously designed and developed vehicle including its battery. We would reckon a battery size between 50 to 80 kWh with a real-world range between 300 and 600 km would be the ideal bet. On the inside, Ola will offer two-spoke steering, and a central infotainment screen as shown in the teaser. Steering wheel is not round and takes an octagonal shape. There is a wide and short instrumentation screen that might even offer a HUD. More

  • in

    Toyota Crown EV Prototype Expectation – 1,353 Km Range

    Toyota’s next-gen solid-state batteryToyota’s Crown EV prototype demonstrated the company’s bipolar solid state batteries that will be the next big thing with EVs in the futureRange anxiety! The one hindering factor in EV growth. Regardless of range anxiety, EV sales are clocking higher numbers with every month. Advances in Battery tech and aero efficiency will go a long way in extracting a longer range than what is currently possible. Advances are underway in EV tech in the form of solid-state batteries that will ensure more range and less cost.Toyota wants to be at the forefront of solid-state batteries as it has dived head-first into this realm. Facing criticism for slower EV adoption, Toyota is showing the world that it means business when it does adopt. The automotive giant showcased its new-gen solid-state battery with a Crown sedan concept with 1,353 km of range on a single charge.Toyota’s Crown EV Prototype Has 1,353 Km RangeYes! You read that right. In a “Let’s Change the Future of Cars” workshop, Toyota revealed key details about its electrification roadmap. For starters, the company intends to offer both affordable EVs for the masses and enthusiast EVs with better capabilities. Toyota is comparing BZ4X, an EV it currently sells, with its next gen battery.For performance versions, Toyota will stick with monopolar NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries and promise 200% range of BZ4X. 200% of 615 km (range of BZ4X) is 1,230 km. This next-gen battery will grace the markets in 2026 with a 20% increase in cost efficiency as opposed to BZ4X’s battery cost. Charging time will be around 20 minutes for 10-80%.Toyota’s next-gen solid-state battery ExplainedToyota is working on a new type of bipolar LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery for mass market offerings. This is likely to storm the market by 2026 and 2027. This battery promises 20% increase in range when compared to BZ4X’s 615 km range. This translates to 738 km of range.For the mainstream market, this is phenomenal considering charging time of 30 minutes for taking SOC (State Of Charge) from 10% to 80%. These new bipolar LFP batteries aim to be 40% more cost-effective than BZ4X’s batteries.Ushering new era of Battery tech and vehicular engineeringIf you observed closely, performance batteries are still monopolar in 2026. That will change till 2028. Toyota promises a high-performance bipolar solid-state battery promising a 10% increase in range and 10% increase in cost efficiency when compared to next-gen performance battery’s 1,230 km. This means a total range of 1,353 km and charging times for 10-80% is still 20 minutes.Toyota’s electric axlesToyota is not aiming to achieve this by the virtue of batteries alone. Reduction in weight, a smaller rear electric axle, more efficient aerodynamics based on a rocket’s hypersonic aerodynamics and other attributes. Toyota has already begun work on its bipolar solid-state batteries and showcased the same in a Crown sedan. The company intends to take charging time close to gasoline refueling times and cut down on range anxiety and cost associated with EVs. More

  • in

    Mahindra BE.05 Electric spied along with XUV700 – Rear design revealed

    Mahindra BE.05 rear designMahindra BE.05 eSUV will be the smallest and the least expensive SUVs among other Born Electric BE rangeIndian homegrown brand Mahindra is entering a new era of futuristic EVs. We’re not talking about the ICE spinoffs that XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 will be. Instead, we are talking about the Born Electric BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. Mahindra designed these from the ground up, to be electric vehicles and will feature a wild design language.Mahindra showcased all five of its EVs and their expected design language on August 15th, 2022 at M.A.D.E HQ in UK. We had expressed how BE.05 will be the most important vehicle among the five showcased. Within a year, we can see Mahindra commencing testing for BE.05 on Indian roads. Now, for the first time, the rear profile has been caught on camera in Chennai, where it was seen testing along with XUV700.Mahindra BE.05 Rear Design SpottedWe have seen the front profile and its interiors before. Now, with rear design out, we can compile a basic silhouette to see how BE.05 might look like. For starters, we like what we see. At their debut, Mahindra had promised most of the design elements of the concept will make it to production phase.Looking at the production-spec body under testing, Mahindra is living up to its promise. Mahindra BE.05 looks just as wild as it did in its concept form. We can see how organic and animalistic BE.05’s design aesthetics really are. The rear gets massive LED tail light signatures that not only get connected-type elements, but they also extend further down as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUVIn effect, these LED tail lights are so dominating, they eat into the rear windshield quite a bit. This makes the rear windshield very small. Mahindra is offering a massive roof spoiler too, which is very stylistic in its appeal. But it further eats into the rear windshield area. Visibility at the back will not be BE.05’s forte.There is a vent-like element in the center of the rear bumper, which is highly likely to be for styling purposes only. BE.05 will not feature Mahindra’s Twin Peaks logo. Instead, there is an illuminated BE logo in rear tail lights. Rear haunches are immense and tyres look to be 235-section, which lends a lot of muscle to this SUV.What do we know so far?Mahindra is sticking to its plan and roadmap with INGLO platform that the company divulged at its debut event. This is a derivative of Volkswagen’s scalable and modular MEB platform, rebranded. Capacity will be between 60 and 80 kWh. INGLO platform is compatible with both single-motor and dual-motor layouts as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.07 is a Creta-sized compact eSUV measuring 4370 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, 1635 mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2775 mm. This will be the smallest and the most affordable electric SUV with Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. Vehicles in this segment top out at 50 kWh battery (MG ZS EV). It will be interesting to see how BE.05 fares in India and in global markets. XUV.e8 will be the first to launch, though. More

  • in

    Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV spied testing in Chennai

    Spied XUV700 ElectricOn the inside, Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will feature a triple screen layout – One for instrumentation, one for infotainment and the last for front passengerThe Indian automotive market is opening up to the EV revolution more steadily than anticipated. At its forefront is Tata Motors. The company is expanding its EV portfolio vertically and will launch electrified versions of its flagship Harrier and Safari. Mahindra will counter Harrier EV and Safari EV with an electrified version of its XUV700.Mahindra has planned to launch five different electric SUVs based on the new INGLO platform. The company is testing it extensively and launch is likely to happen in 2024 or early 2025. Until now, all test mules didn’t show visual confirmations to suggest electric powertrains, until now. In the recent test mules, we can see HV cables running beneath the floor where the battery is. Spied XUV700 ElectricMahindra XUV700 Electric Test Mule – Harrier EV & Safari EV rivalRight after BE.05 test mules, we now get to see XUV.e8 (electric XUV700) test mules as well. This is a good indication that Mahindra is looking to launch them sooner than later. Competition in EV space is growing by the day. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Ram Prasath for sharing these new spy shots.The recent test mules show the presence of orange coloured cables at the back. Automotive powertrains have colour-coded cables. Blue coloured cables mean it carries around 36V to 42V, while Orange cables mean that they carry up to 1000V. These are also called HV cables (high voltage cables). Orange cables carry HV AC or DC current between charger, inverter, motor and battery.Spied XUV700 ElectricOn XUV.e8 test mules, these are present at the rear, which could be an indication of a rear-mounted single-motor or an AWD setup with dual motor layout. VW-sourced Mahindra’s INGLO platform supports both single-motor and dual-motor layouts.Apart from that, we can also see an independent rear suspension setup too. This will increase comfort for rear occupants. Rear independent suspension was on offer with Tata Indica and Indigo, but they are a rare find these days outside premium and luxury brands.What will it pack when launched?Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will pack Volkswagen-sourced MEB EV platform renamed INGLO. This is a modular and scalable platform that can be adjusted to suit a multitude of variations and applications. Mahindra has revealed battery sizes will be between 60 kWh and 80 kWh in size and will feature both single motor layout and dual motor layouts as well.It will pack all of XUV700’s strengths. We’re talking about ADAS tech, flush doors handles, 5-star crash-rated body shell, and an extensive features list including a panoramic sunroof, power adjustable driver’s seats with memory function, and a lot more. Mahindra’s XUV.e8 prototype in UK featured free-standing triple-screen layout on dashboard, which is highly likely to make it on production model.We don’t expect a lot of design changes to the main structure of XUV.e8’s body. Sheet metal body panels might be different and take on a wilder route. Mahindra XUV700 Electric prices could be around Rs. 30 lakh mark. Launch is expected to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. More

  • in

    Mahindra CEO shares BE.05 Electric SUV interiors first look – Looks slick

    Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeScheduled for launch in October 2025, Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Creta EV and Honda Elevate ElectricLast year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its upcoming born-electric range. There were two sub-brands, XUV (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and BE (BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09). Among the two sub-brands, it’s the BE range SUVs that have a truly radical design. At the time of their unveiling, Mahindra had provided a clear roadmap about the launch of these new BEVs. With BE.05 test mule spotted on road tests, it indicates that Mahindra is keen on launching these electric SUVs as per the scheduled plan. Latest image gives us a sneak peak into the interiors of this futuristic Mahindra EV. The image was shared by Mahindra CEO, Rajesh Jejurikar. The images were clicked during a recent event, where Mahindra’s leadership team was driving this eSUV in Chennai city.Mahindra BE.05 – Captivating, futuristic designIn terms of its design, Mahindra BE.05 seems to have time-travelled into the 21st century from the future. With its radical design, BE.05 easily gets everyone’s attention on the streets. Most striking aspect is the front fascia, where the SUV gets massive C-shaped LED DRLs.Another key highlight is the layered design of the body panelling. As compared to smooth panels seen with other SUVs, BE.05 has aggressive cuts and creases all around. It gives the sense of a stealth aircraft with angular panels, designed to deflect radar waves.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.05 is expected to have roomy interiors. The SUV measures 4,370 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,635 mm (L X W X H) and has a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. This seems adequate for comfortably seating five adults. BE.05 is expected to get a range of hi-tech features including ADAS.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeOther highlights could include a large horizontally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument console, premium sound system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. BE.05 will have embedded 5G network capability. Users will be able to access new features via OTA updates. The SUV will comply with the strictest safety standards, such as those defined by GNCAP.Mahindra BE.05 range, performanceMahindra born-electric SUVs will be based on the INGLO platform. Battery options will be available from 60 to 80 kWh. Range will be around 450 km. All Mahindra BEVs will support fast charging with a 175 kW fast-charger. With this, users will be able to load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This will go a long way in eliminating range anxiety. Users won’t have to worry about waiting for hours to charge their vehicle.Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 will be offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive formats. Power output will be 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW, respectively. BE.05 and its siblings will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 5 to 6 seconds.While it’s BE.05 that has been spotted, the first Mahindra BEV to be launched will be XUV.e8. It will go on sale in December 2024. BE.05 will come around a year later in October 2025. Similarly, XUV.e9 will debut in April 2025 and BE.07 in October 2026. Launch timeline of BE.09 is yet to be announced. More

  • in

    2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV Spied – Or is it BE.05 Electric?

    New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?It is likely that the test mule spotted is either new gen Mahindra XUV500 to rival Creta or BE.05, which is planned for launch in October 2025With the launch of XUV700, Mahindra discontinued XUV500. But they promised to bring the XUV500 back, in a new gen avatar, probably based on their futuristic BEV design language. Now, a test mule has been spied in Chennai, which could likely be the new gen XUV500 coupe SUV.It is also possible that this could be one of their new born electric SUV. Last year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its born-electric range. It includes the XUV range (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and the BE range that has BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. All of these are based on the born-electric INGLO platform. Apart from the new technology, the test mule also wears a unique, colourful camouflage wrapping. It is quite different from the usual black and white wrapping seen on Indian roads.2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV or BE.05 Electric?As compared to the radical design of the concept unveiled last year, the test mule has transformed into a more practical form. While the core silhouette and design of the front fascia have been retained, the panelling is now a lot smoother. The concept version had deep grooves and sharp curves, which have been chiselled down a bit. However, BE.05 continues to have a sporty and unique styling, unlike any other Mahindra car in production right now.Some of the key highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, sculpted tapering bonnet, squarish wheel arches and sporty alloy wheels. As compared to the concept that had camera-based rear-view assembly, the test mule can be seen with conventional ORVMs. At rear, some key features of BE.05 include a tapering roofline with sporty spoiler, prominent tail gate and full-width LED strip.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Inside, Mahindra BE.05 has two large touchscreens and sporty two-spoke steering wheel. The SUV has an aircraft-style large gear selector and a rotary control dial. The driver and front passenger area are neatly divided into two separate sections by the central console. BE.05 will have premium upholstery and soft-touch surfaces all around.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Mahindra BE.05 range, specsWhile official numbers are not available, it is expected that Mahindra BE.05 will have a range of around 400-500 km. Mahindra BEVs based on the INGLO platform will be powered by LFP battery packs. Both Blade and Prismatic cell architectures will be used. Battery packs will be in the range of  60-80 kWh. These are chargeable with high-powered 175 kW fast-chargers that can load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.Underpinned by the INGLO platform, Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 are promising an exhilarating performance. Both rear wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available, generating 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW respectively. 0 to 100 kmph will be achievable in just 5 to 6 seconds.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?BE.05 will be 4,370 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. It will have a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. All Mahindra BEVs will be getting a comprehensive range of advanced safety features. They will comply with leading safety benchmarks such as GNCAP. Equipped with 5 Radars-1 Vision ADAS architecture, Mahindra BEVs based on INGLO platform are future ready up to L2+ autonomy. More