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    Mahindra Electric Pickup Truck To Debut On 15th Aug – Scoop

    An electric pickup truck could finally be the right product for Mahindra to crack the elusive North American marketNew Mahindra Electric Pickup Truck – RenderEarlier this year, Mahindra teased three electric SUVs of varying sizes. The automaker is preparing for their global premiere in the UK on 15th of August, our Independence Day. The venue makes sense as majority of the design process of these vehicles has been handled by the UK-based Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE).We have learnt that one of the three upcoming EVs is a lifestyle pickup truck which will primarily be catering to the North American market. This array of zero emission products will usher in a new design era for Mahindra and Mahindra under the leadership of Pratap Bose. Mahindra North American Technical Center is said to be leading the engineering part.Mahindra Electric Pickup ConceptNothing much is known about the new Mahindra electric pickup or its siblings but we expect them to be based on a modular platform which is likely to take advantage of the recent component sharing tie-up with Volkswagen Group. As per the partnership, Mahindra gets to use critical EV components from the German giant’s MEB electric platform.Both single and dual-motor configurations are expected to be on offer but it’s too early to speculate about output figures or battery capacity. However, it is being rumoured that the battery packs will be sourced by LG and a Chinese supplier. All the three cars are estimated to have a range in excess of 400 km.Mahindra Born Electric SUVs – Teaser. Of these three, one is an electric pickup.The Indian SUV specialist has been having a strong aspiration to take the brand global for years now, but things haven’t panned out yet. However, a design center in the UK and a technical center in North America highlights that Mahindra has not given up on its global ambitions.Mahindra Electric International PlansThe acquisition of SsangYong failed to yield expected results and previous attempts to enter the North American market did not take off either. The Roxor has been marred by a lengthy legal battle with Jeep which eventually led Mahindra to significantly redesign its product. The company will be hoping that the new electric pickup truck and its SUV siblings could give it the much needed break in North America and other key overseas markets.In what comes as a significant boost to Mahindra’s global EV plans, British International Investment has announced an investment of up to INR 1,925 crore into a new electric 4 wheeler entity which will be wholly owned by M&M.To be incorporated under the banner Electric Vehicle Co., the new entity will have a capital infusion of around INR 8,000 cr (USD 1 billion) between FY24 and FY27 with both BII and M&M bringing in like-minded private investors. Further details about the EV Co. are expected to be revealed during the world premiere of the 3 new EVs next month. More

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    Mahindra Plans To Overtake Tata Motors In Electric SUV Race

    By 2027, Mahindra aims to have its electric SUVs contribute around 20-30% of the company’s overall SUV salesMahindra XUV400 Electric SUV Render By GenX DesignsMahindra is among the first established players to enter the EV space. It started with acquisition of Reva in 2010, followed by launch of e2o in 2013 and e2o Plus in 2016. Over the years, Mahindra’s EV portfolio was expanded to include eVerito, eSupro passenger and cargo van and electric three wheelers Treo and eAlfa Mini.However, in electric passenger car segment, it’s Tata Motors that currently leads with Nexon EV. This could change soon, as Mahindra has chalked out a detailed EV roadmap. If things go as per plans, Mahindra might overtake Tata Motors in EV sales. Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindra has also hinted that having strong competitors like Tata Motors prompts them to do better.Mahindra upcoming electric SUVsMahindra first electric SUV will be XUV400, which will directly rival Tata Nexon EV. It is scheduled to debut later this year in September. Sales of XUV400 are expected to commence in first quarter of CY2023. XUV400 will utilize XUV300 platform and is not a born-electric car. It is expected to have a range of around 300 km. In comparison, Nexon EV has a certified range of 312 KM. Recently launched Nexon EV Max variant has ARAI certified range of 437 km.After XUV400, Mahindra will be launching four more SUVs by March 2026. Some of these could utilize an entirely new born-electric platform currently being developed by Mahindra. Earlier, the company had stated that it is exploring possibilities of a tie-up with Volkswagen AG for supply of components needed for its electric vehicles. Partnerships with other companies, which can help boost Mahindra’s EV business, can also be considered.Anand Mahindra RespondsFocus on investmentsAs developing new EV platforms from the ground-up requires sizable resources, Mahindra is actively looking for investments. To ensure funds are easily accessible for its EV business, Mahindra has launched a new EV subsidiary. This entity will focus on developing passenger electric cars. The first investor is British International Investment (BII), which will be investing $250 million (approx. INR 1,986 crore) in the new entity. Mahindra will be contributing an equal amount.With the investment by BII, valuation of the new EV entity is at $9.1 billion (approx. INR 70,000 crore). Mahindra said that it will continue looking for more investments with the goal to achieve leadership in passenger EV space. New investments will also help achieve higher valuation of the new EV entity.Even though Mahindra is currently nowhere close to Tata Motors in passenger EV space, it has done better in terms of getting investments. Last year, Tata Motors had secured funding worth $1 billion from TPG’s Rise Climate Fund with valuation at approximately $9.1 billion.Mahindra will also be looking to leverage incentives worth billions of dollars being offered by Government of India. This is aimed at boosting EV production and adaptation and subsequently reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. Mahindra is looking at electric SUV sales at 20-30%  of its total SUV sales by March 2027. At 30%, the company expects volumes to be around 2 lakh electric SUVs per year.Source More

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    Air EV Launch Price IDR 250m (Rs 13.2 L) Range 300 Km – New MG Electric Car

    This will be the first-ever EV from MG stables to target urban commuters only – India launch by June 2023Wuling Air EV LaunchedMG Motor has seen some success in India with Hector, Hector Plus, ZS EV, Gloster and newly launched Astor. But now MG is taking a different direction and testing a product that no one in India makes anymore, the micro EV segment. Manufacturers like Mahindra have tried to capture this segment with two vehicles, e2O and e2O Plus, but have failed.Maybe it was the market back then that wasn’t ready to accept EVs as the next big thing. Mahindra’s products were not very desirable, to begin with. Now that EVs are a thing and mainstream manufacturers are digging it, maybe it is time for micro EVs to return?New MG electric car – Small EVMG has had a strong EV background in India. They had the ZS EV and now the facelifted model. Now, a new MG electric car is getting ready for launch in India. It only has two doors and is smaller in size than an Alto. Since MG has sourced every single car they sell in India from its Chinese parent company SAIC Motor and its subsidiaries, we knew where to look.This micro EV by MG, codenamed E230, is actually a Wuling Air EV manufactured by joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling based on their GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) platform. It was unveiled in Indonesia in June, and has now been officially launched. MG is toying with the idea of launching it in India too. Interestingly, MG Hector on sale in India is a rebadged Wuling Almaz. It is likely that MG will be using the same tried and tested method to launch this new small electric car in India.Wuling Air EV LaunchedAnother thing to note is that MG will go with as much localization as possible. It will source its EV components from Tata AutoComp and Gotion which use LFP battery cells like we see on Nexon EV. Wuling Air EV has 2 variants, a SWB (Standard Wheel Base) measuring 2599 mm in length and a LWB (Long Wheel Base) measuring 2974 mm in length.Both of them are 1505 mm wide and are 1631 mm tall. The SWB has two seats only and the LWB has 4 seats. The model sold in Indonesia and China gets 12” steel wheels. Wuling Air EV will also get two powertrain options, a 30kW and a 50 kW power motor and two range options varying from 200km to 300km on a single charge. Former is priced at IDR 250 million (Rs 13.2 lakh) and the latter is priced at IDR 300 million (Rs 15.9 lakh).Interior & LaunchMG has a tough job on their hands if they do launch it in India. Product positioning will be key here. If they market it for the mainstream buyers like Mahindra did, it is likely to take the same route of failure. But if somehow they market it as a third or fourth vehicle in one’s garage that is loaded with features to the gills, we can see a product like that sell in India.Wuling Air EV LaunchedIndonesian Wuling Air EV gets a minimal interior with two 10.2″ screens for the infotainment and instrumentation. Whereas, three rotary dials with integrated circular displays will form the climate control panel. It gets a 2-spoke steering wheel with audio controls too. The central console is detached from the dashboard and it gets a rotary knob for gear selection, power window controls and an electronic parking brake. More

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    Tata Nexon Electric Price Hike Up To Rs 60k – July 2022 Vs Old Price

    Tata Motors Nexon EV and EV Max variants now cost more after July 2022 price increase; electric car sales on the risePrices of all variants of Tata Nexon EV and Nexon EV MAX have been increased in July 2022Nexon EV has done wonders for the auto manufacturer. Competing in a segment with little or no competition has given Tata Motors an early mover advantage. With serious EV adoption targets by the end of the decade, it’s only a matter of time until small electric cars become commonplace. But that day is not today.Tata sells two passenger segment EVs, Nexon and Tigor. In June 2022, the company reported EV sales at 3,507 units. For the month, the auto manufacturer’s highest seller was Nexon. At 14,295 units sold, the bestseller includes Nexon EV sales too. 4,931 units of Tiago were sold, and this too absorbs Tigor EV sales.Tata Nexon Electric Prices – July 2022Tata Nexon XM EV now costs Rs 14.99 L, up from Rs 14.54L. Price hike stands at Rs 45k up at 3.09 percent. Nexon XZ+ EV is costlier by Rs 35k at Rs 16.30 L, up from Rs 15.95 L. Price hike is reported at 2.19 percent. Nexon EV XZ Plus Lux price hike at 2.06 percent makes the variant costlier by Rs 35,000, up at Rs 17,30,000, up from Rs 16,95,000.Tata Nexon Electric Dark XZ+ now costs Rs 16.49 L, up from Rs 16.29 L at Rs 20k price hike, which stands at 1.23 percent increase. Dark XZ+ Lux is now priced at Rs 17.5 L, up from Rs 17.15 L. Price increase stands at Rs 35,000 at 2.04 percent.Tata Nexon Electric Prices – July 2022Nexon EV Max variants costlier by Rs 60,000Following a 2-month period since launch, price points are now steeper for Nexon EV Max. All variants are now costlier by Rs 60,000. Price increase for the 4 variants ranges from 3.12 percent to 3.38 percent.The Max XZ+ 3.3 kW unit is now available for Rs 18.34 Lakhs, up from Rs 17.74 lakhs. xZ+ 7.2 kW variant is currently listed at Rs 18.84 L, up from Rs 18.24 L. XZ+ Lux 3.3 kW variant is priced at Rs 19.34 L, up from Rs 18.74 L. The range maxes out with XZ+ Lux 7.2 kW available at a price of Rs 19.84L, up from Rs 19.24L.Tata Motors’ EV affordabilityWhen it comes to an EV push, it’s easy to see why there isn’t going to be an overnight transition. While Tata Motors does sell EVs at an entry price point, they aren’t exactly cheap. And given the recent price hike announced by the manufacturer, its electric cars too are now a tad bit costlier.In providing a car with a longer drive range, only recently, Tata Nexon EV Max was launched. The vehicle is certified to go 437 kms on a single charge as per ARAI certification. It relies on a larger 40.5kWh battery unit, and a 105 kW motor. EV Max’ max power output is reported at 143 PS, and torque at 250 Nm. More

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    Tata Nexon Electric Battery Price Rs 7 Lakh – Nexon EV Owner Reveals

    Tata Motors provides a 1.6 lakh km or 8 years (whichever is early) warranty on Nexon EVImage – MohilTata Motors has taken the Indian four-wheeler EV market by storm with compelling products like Tigor EV, Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max. It all started with Nexon Electric and the company is expected to launch an electric version of Altroz premium hatchback too.Right now, Tata Motors is the leading 4W EV manufacturer in the country. They have had a headstart while other manufacturers are still considering this venture. Recently, we saw a Nexon EV turn into a fireball in Maharashtra. But it is the very first four-wheeled EV fire hazard that was ever registered and fortunately, Nexon EV flashed warnings before the fire started prompting the owner to get out.Tata Nexon Electric Battery Replacement CostRecently, a Nexon Electric owner shared his experience on social media regarding his EV. According to the owner, he drove his Nexon EV for 68,000 km in two years. After this mileage, his Nexon EV’s range was reduced and also, the car wouldn’t run when battery state of charge goes below 15%.This is a peculiar example of battery behaviour. But as it was under warranty, Tata Motors replaced the old battery with a new battery with no additional cost tabbed on the owner. When the owner asked the dealer regarding the actual cost of a new battery, they quoted Rs. 7,00,000. Yes, Rs 7 lakh.Tata Nexon Electric owner reveals price of a new batteryThis Rs. 7,00,000 quote is not actually revealed by Tata Motors officially. Coming to the owner, when simplified, on average, he has driven 2,833 km per month. When further simplified, turns out to be 95 km a day. Most owners are not going to drive 95 km a day. This particular Nexon EV owner has specific commute needs that are not mainstream.  Coming to the cost of Rs. 7,00,000 quoted, it seems to be a fair price for a technology that is still young in India. Coming to EVs in India, batteries are not manufactured here. They have to be specially designed for the application. With time and more localization and mass manufacturing, battery prices will scale down. In a world where a pumped-up Mac Pro computer from Apple can cost Rs. 50 lakhs (I kid you not), an EV battery with 30.3 kWh capacity for Rs. 7,00,000 is justified.EV Running CostsAn EV will cost around Rs. 1 to Rs. 1.6 to cover 1 km of distance. When compared to an ICE vehicle with 20 kmpl efficiency figures, it costs around Rs. 5. And for reference, Nexon EV batteries don’t exactly die at 68,000 km for everyone. Battery degradation is based on number of charge-discharge cycles, charging temperature, charger capacity and a thousand more parameters.Tata Nexon EV Battery. Image – SefeejGoing with 70,000 km for consistent performance, if you drive 50 km a day every day, Tata Nexon EV battery might still offer solid performance for around 4 years. If performance degrades, Tata Motors warranty covers the battery. So, theoretically, your Nexon EV will be solid for 4 more years. It’s not all good though. Instances like these, trigger further doubts in potential EV buyers’ minds and after-sales demand for an EV will definitely be lower. Right now, Tata Nexon EV starts from Rs. 14.78 lakh and Nexon EV Max starts from Rs. 17.74 lakh (both ex-sh).  More

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    Mahindra XUV400 Electric Debut Sep 2022 – New EV Company Formed

    Mahindra has announced the formation of a new EV subsidiary that will focus on marketing world class electric SUVsMahindra XUV400 Electric SUV Render By GenX DesignsMahindra can be considered as the first major OEM in India to enter the electric car segment. After taking over Reva, they formed Mahindra Electric and introduced cars like e2O and e2O Plus. These were also launched in international markets. But sales failed to meet expectations. And soon these were discontinued.Fast forward to 2022, Tata Motors has become the leading electric car maker in India. Their Nexon EV is a huge hit. Mahindra is nowhere to be seen in the passenger electric car segment. But that is soon going to change.New Mahindra EV CompanyMahindra has announced the formation of a new EV subsidiary. This new Mahindra EV company will launch electric 4 wheel vehicles for the global market. Mahindra has already received Rs 1,925 crore investment for the same from British International Investment (BII).BII (formerly known as CDC Group), the UK’s Development Finance Institution and impact investor and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have executed a binding agreement to invest up to Rs. 1,925 crores each into a wholly owned subsidiary of M&M that will be newly incorporated (“EV Co.”). BII will invest up to Rs 1,925 crores in the form of compulsory convertible instruments at a valuation of up to Rs. 70,070 crores, resulting in 2.75% to 4.76% ownership for BII in the EV Co. The EV Co. will focus on four-wheel (4W) passenger electric vehicles.Despite trailing @TataMotors in the EV race, Interestingly, @MahindraRise has raised $250 million in its EV subsidiary at the same valuation of $9.1 billion as the maker of Nexon and Harrier. @tpg invested $1 billion 11-15% in @TataMotors at a valuation of $9.1 bn https://t.co/0kMX7bBkOF— Ketan Thakkar (@ketanthakkarET) July 7, 2022The total capital infusion for the EV Co. is envisaged to be approximately Rs. 8,000 crores / USD 1 billion between FY 24 and FY 27 for the planned product portfolio. M&M and BII will work jointly to bring other like-minded investors in the EV Co. to match the funding requirement in a phased manner.BII’s investment is designed to significantly accelerate the availability and adoption of electric vehicles in India and other markets served by M&M. According to a recent survey by Roland Berger, a leading global automotive consulting company, Indian consumers are twice as likely as their counterparts in the UK and the US to consider the purchase of an EV. The investment alongside M&M in the new EV company supports BII’s undertaking that at least 30% of its total investments will be in climate finance.The EV Co. will significantly leverage the broader manufacturing capabilities, product development, design organizations along with the ecosystem of suppliers, dealers, and financiers of M&M. The funds will be utilized primarily to create and market a world-class electric SUV portfolio with advanced technologies.Mahindra XUV400 Debut In Sep 20222023 Mahindra XUV400 Electric spiedMr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director – Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, commented: “Mahindra has very exciting plans to be a leader in the electric SUV space. We would share our vision that includes our comprehensive product, technology, and platform strategy at the UK event on 15 August 2022, followed by a reveal of the electric XUV 400 in September 2022. We would expect between 20% to 30% of Mahindra SUVs being electric by 2027”.Mahindra XUV400 electric is based on the XUV300 currently on sale in India. It is derived from SsangYong Tivoli. Once launched, it will take on the Tata Nexon EV – which is the best selling electric car in India today. Claimed range is expected to be in the 300 kms region.Mahindra Born Electric SUVs Debut On 15th AugAt an event in the UK on 15th August 2022, Mahindra will reveal their all new Born Electric SUVs concept. Teasers of the same have already been floated on the internet. Going by recent teasers, it is apparent that all three electric SUVs will share quite a few styling highlights among each other. All three battery-powered SUVs will be based on a common design language which will include exterior highlights like C-shaped LED headlights and taillights, etc.Mahindra Born Electric SUVs – TeaserPreviously, Mahindra even teased interiors of the cabin of an electric SUV. The teaser did not mention which specific model it belongs to which suggests that Mahindra could adopt a common design language for all three SUVs. It showcased a new wraparound design of the dashboard with a dual-tone theme of black and red. Red section of the dashboard extends from the centre console to the driver’s side door trim.Like XUV700, it gets a twin-screen layout comprising an infotainment display and digital instrument cluster. Another interesting highlight is a hexagonal, two-spoke steering wheel and a massive panoramic sunroof. Cabin is further illuminated by blue ambient lighting. Overall, Mahindra has settled for a minimalist design for its cabin which looks clean. More

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    New MG4 Electric Crossover Debuts With 450 Km Range – Kia EV6 Rival

    MG4 EV name is for global markets and for domestic market in China, SAIC has named it MG MulanNew MG4 Electric CrossoverMG4 EV has been on test for more than a year now. Today, MG has finally lifted the curtains and revealed it to the world. It is expected to sit below the MG5 EV which was an electric version of an MG5 estate car.MG4 is rebranded version of MG Mulan, that is manufactured by SAIC Motors under MG marque. MG Mulan was unveiled last month. For the European market and other markets, MG is calling it MG4 EV.MG4 EV – Design & FeaturesBy the looks of it, MG4 resembles a lot like the first-generation Nissan Leaf, the one without a front grille. But it also inherits family design traits from MG5. The grille is completely given a miss on MG4 and in its place, we have a sharp contoured shape that does look handsome.Headlights get LED projectors and LED 6-tripe pattern DRLs. Lower part of the bumper is inspired by MG5 which gets sharp cuts and creases that will surely appeal to the target audience. Side profile is equally good looking and the lower part of the doors gets chunky plastic cladding.New MG4 Electric CrossoverRear design treatments remind us of Toyota’s rally-spec hot hatchback GR Yaris. Especially with LED tail-lights and the logo splitting the two extending tail-light elements. Other interesting design elements are, side windows look like they’re merging into the rear windscreen and a sporty rear split spoiler design that neatly merges into the top running board and into the A-pillars. This creates an illusion that the spoilers are engulfing the roof.New MG4 Electric CrossoverOn the inside though, it exudes minimalism staying true to current EV trends. Not Tesla’s levels of minimalism though and it is a good thing. Since more than 90% of a Tesla’s functions are controlled by that one screen, it is very frustrating, especially on the road. Whatever happened to good old buttons and knobs, huh?Platform & PowertrainMG4 is based on MG’s new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) and MG4 is actually the first vehicle to debut this new platform. In China, it is called the Nebula platform. Same platform, different names. This platform is primarily designed to be a RWD layout with a motor on rear axle, but MG can also make it AWD with dual motors too. The battery height is only 4.3” (110mm) and this platform also boasts 50:50 weight distribution too.New MG4 Electric CrossoverSAIC has a lot of combinations to choose from in terms of EV powertrain. They have 168 bhp to 201 bhp powertrains for RWD and 443 bhp powertrain in AWD. They also have a 50.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack and 51 kWh and 64 kWh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery packs. This new platform is scalable and can be modified to underpin an electric hatchback, electric sedan, electric SUV and even an electric Supercar.MG has not yet revealed powertrain details for the European market and domestic market. MG4 is expected to launch in Britain first somewhere in the month of September where it competes with VW ID.3, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the likes. MG India hasn’t revealed if MG4 EV will make it to India or not. More

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    Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric Car Debuts – Based On Kia EV6 Platform

    Hyundai Ioniq 6 will rival the likes of Tesla Model 3 – It is 4,855 mm long and 1,880 mm wideHyundai Ioniq 6 Electric CarHyundai, along with its sister brand Kia, is slowly emerging as an EV leader globally. Even though Hyundai and Kia have decent products in their portfolio, they didn’t have a product that would directly rival Tesla’s hot cake, Model 3. Until now.Even with all the EVs that are pitted against Tesla, the American EV maker is still the top dog with its EV range consisting of Model S, 3, X, Y. Hey, I didn’t do this, Elon did. With the South Korean duo pushing their EV envelope further, we can expect the market to heat up considerably.Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Design & FeaturesIoniq 6 has a design that is a culmination of a lot of inspirations from German car manufacturers. But no matter how many cars you can see in it, it is still quite a looker with a swooping roof and coupe design. From the front, it draws a lot of inspiration from Porsche Taycan EV. It gets a similar headlight layout, bonnet shape and a lot more elements.From the side, the beautiful swooping roof and coupe-like roofline ring any bell to you? It immediately reminds us of the now discontinued Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class with its curvaceous body shape. CLA-Class was one of the prettiest cars from Mercedes-Benz and it also came with frameless doors that enhanced its overall drama.Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric CarComing to the rear profile, we are hard-pressed not to compare it with Porsche’s design language. The ducktail spoiler found on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is lifted straight off Porsche’s iconic 911 series ducktail spoilers. Even the rear shape and the LED light bar connecting the tail-lights is a typical modern Porsche design philosophy. Ask Ferdinand Porsche, he would approve with us.Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric CarHyundai seems to be following the “Same same, but different” kind of design philosophy. If we look at Hyundai Ioniq 6 in isolation and without comparing it with cars mentioned above, even though it is very hard not to, it is a looker. To amplify the design further, it gets stylish alloy wheels too.The most impressive aspect of this car’s design is its 0.21 Cd air drag coefficient. It ain’t no Mercedes-Benz EQS at 0.209 Cd air drag coefficient, but is still very impressive. The flush door handles and streamlined cameras replacing the mirrors certainly help in achieving such a low air drag coefficient.Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric CarLaunch TimelineOn the inside, it radiates a minimalist vibe with dual 12” screens dominating the dashboard. Most of the car’s functionalities are expected to be controlled with these screens. Hyundai Ioniq 6 is expected to get a 77 kWh battery pack with either a single or dual motor layout with AWD. This combination might be good enough to yield 400 km to 500 km of range from a single charge.Hyundai hasn’t revealed a launch timeline for the Ioniq 6. When launched, it will compete with Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Kia EV6, VW ID.5 and the likes. India launch could also be planned. But before the Ioniq 6, Hyundai will bring the Ioniq 5 to India. More