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      2022 Hindustan Contessa Name Trademarked – Launch As Electric Car?

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      It is not yet confirmed whether Peugeot will launch the Contessa, as the trademark for the car is still owned by Hindustan MotorsHindustan Contessa Electric – Render by MightySeedWhat if I told you that an iconic muscle car is set to launch in India? Your mind must be hovering around iconic American muscle cars like Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger. What if I told you that it had 4-doors? Now your mind is filtering 2-doors and has finalised around Cadillac CTS-V, Chrysler 300C or Dodge Charger. What if I told you that it was manufactured in India by an Indian company? There’s just Contessa, isn’t it?Even though Contessa didn’t have a V8 heart beating under the bonnet that is typically associated with muscle cars, it had the looks and stance of a muscle car. Due to this attribute, it soon earned the term, ‘Desi muscle car’. Back in those days, it was pitched as a luxury car in India which was an instant hit.Contessa was manufactured by Indian company Hindustan Motors based out of West Bengal. Whilst it made Ambassador appeal to the masses, Contessa was a favourite among rich and elites. This soon made it a status symbol in India.Hindustan Motors ContessaWith the decline of Hindustan Motors, both Ambassador and Contessa were believed to be dead for good. But situation soon turned in company’s favour when Peugeot bought the rights for Ambassador in 2017 for Rs. 80 crores. Ambassador has been approved for revival under the joint venture of Hind Motor Financial Corporation of India (HMFCI), which is a subsidiary of Hindustan Motors and PSA Group (Peugeot S.A. Group, France). The company recently revealed that designs for the engine are close to finalization.Hindustan Motors trademarks the name ContessaThe same powertrain of upcoming Ambassador will make it on Contessa too. HMFCI is very hush regarding fine details of the engine but we can expect it to be a modern engine on par with modern standards. Recent developments also show us that HM has trademarked the name Contessa in India. HM might also launch the Contessa as an EV as it has stepped into EV realm.Contessa LegacyEven though Contessa was manufactured in India by Hindustan Motors during 1984 to 2002, it was based on Vauxhall cars. The earlier Contessa was based on Vauxhall Victor FE and the later model was based on Vauxhall VX. It was powered by a measly 1.5L petrol engine making 50 bhp coupled with a 4-speed gearbox.HM later partnered up with the engine maker, Isuzu and used its 1.8L petrol engine and a 5-speed gearbox and named it Contessa Classic. Then in the 1990s, Contessa got a 2.0L Isuzu 4FC1 and the torquey nature of diesel engines popularized the Contessa further.HM Contessa Electric RenderLaunch TimelineAmbassador is likely to launch by the year 2023 or 2024. Contessa launch to follow soon. Both Ambassador and Contessa will see minor design revisions and a complete interior overhaul. HM products were fairly ahead of their time offering a modern monocoque architecture. The main sore points were the trashy interiors and questionable fit and finish.The company will equip these cars with modern amenities and features that are expected with modern cars from the price bracket. HM should also work on the safety and crashworthiness of the car to make it stick in the Indian market. Price is another factor which can make or break a product in India. If HM gets everything spot on, there’s nothing holding back nostalgic Indian customers and enthusiasts that are willing to pay the price of a modern-classic car. More

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      Tata Motors Gets A Record Order For 10,000 Tigor Electric XpresT

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      10k Tata XPREST EV fleet order placed by BluSmart Electric Mobility to build on fully-electric ride hailing service networkImage – MotorHubTata Motors signed an agreement with BluSmart Electric Mobility. The manufacturer will deliver 10k XPREST EVs to the latter. For Tata Motors, this is its biggest ever EV fleet order in India. XpresT EV is the name for the commercial segment Tigor Electric. Deliveries will start soon, and are in addition to a previous order of 3.5k XPRES T EVs. The first order was signed in October 2022.BluSmart is using the EV fleet for commuters with the intent of minimising carbon emission. Tata XPRES brand was launched in July 2021. The platform is dedicated to fleet customers. And through this venture, XPRES-T EV is the first vehicle on offer. XPRES-T electric sedan is available in 2 ride range options – 213km and 165km (ARAI certified range under test conditions).XPRES-T fleet carsThe fleet editions run on a high density battery of 21.5 kWh and 16.5 kWh. They can be charged from 0- 80 percent in 90 mins and 110 mins, respectively. Charging options include fast charging or normal charging on a 15 A plug point.Tigor Electric XpresT offerings come with zero tail-pipe emission, single speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, ABS with EBD as standard across variants. EXPRES-T cars are decked in premium black theme interior and Electric Blue accents on the inside and out. The colour theme is specifically used to differentiate the fleet cars from Tata PVs.(L-R), Mr. Anmol Singh Jaggi, CoFounder, BluSmart Electric Mobility and Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Tata MotorsTata Motors Dominates EV PV SegmentIn the e-mobility space, Tata Motors dominates the market space. In FY22, its EV share stood at 87 percent at over 25k Tata EVs on road in personal and fleet segment. Tata electric cars have also been introduced in government/police fleets in recent years.The current market space dominance is largely supported by the fact that the electric car segment has rather few players. So, while buyers are scouring the market, their choices are largely limited to Tata electric cars, the only offerings in the entry price point segment.Network of EV chargingShailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “Tata Motors is taking active steps towards the rapid electrification of mobility, and it is heartening to see renowned fleet aggregators joining the green mobility wave with us. Our XPRES-T EV fleet offers an optimal battery size along with a captive fast charging solution and has already set benchmarks in its category.”According to Mr. Anmol Singh Jaggi, CoFounder, BluSmart Electric Mobility, “With our $50M in Series A fundraise, we are supercharged to rapidly expand across Delhi NCR and the metro cities. We are building a large-scale integrated EV mobility ecosystem in India – from the country’s largest fully-electric ride hailing service to the largest network of EV charging super hubs. With the increasing fleet size we are leading India on the path to reliable, sustainable and zero-emissions mobility and also creating more inclusive and economic opportunities for driver partners.” More

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      Tata Nexon Electric Delivered To Kolkata Police – World Environment Day 2022

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      17 Tata Nexon EVs introduced to Kolkata Police fleet as part of World Environment Day 2022Tata Nexon Electric Kolkata PoliceKolkata PC, Binit Kumar Goel inaugurated 17 electric vehicles at a function organized at Police Athletic Club in Maidan on World Environment Day 2022. Kolkata Police will put the EVs to use on multiple fronts. In celebrating the occasion, it was announced a number of e-cycles will be introduced for use by Kolkata Police for beat policing, and regular patrols.The fleet introduction is part of a larger shift to EVs that was announced in 2021. In September 2021, it was announced that 226 Tata Nexon EVs will be leased to KP. The new cars will over time phase out the old diesel cars still part of the fleet. The cars are to be leased for an 8-year period.EV exemption in West BengalBased on utility, the EV fleet will be shared/distributed for use among multiple police units, including the traffic department. In September 2021, it was announced, Rs 8.82 crore was allocated for the 8 year lease plan to come into effect. The Nexon units will be distributed as best suited considering the need for a robust charging network, and need to charge daily.Last week, to further boost EV adoption, the government announced rebates and relaxations for a period of 2 years for those registering new electric cars and two-wheelers. The same courtesy is extended to CNG vehicles too.[embedded content][embedded content]EV adoption in IndiaEV adoption in West Bengal is currently quite small. State announced exemptions are expected to help improve numbers. In recent months, various state governments have gone on to introduce state rebates for EV purchases. The move is in tandem with long term goals of larger EV adoption in India. The goal for electric buses, two wheelers, transport vehicles, and electric cars by the end of the decade is significant.While electric car transition is still quite slow, the fault doesn’t lay with buyers. As of now, the availability of mass market electric cars that are affordable isn’t being catered to by most manufacturers. A transition boost will be more noticeable when the market becomes competitive.Tata Motors electric carsOnly recently, Tata Nexon EV Max with more range, more power and faster charging was launched. These however are not part of the growing electric fleet that Kolkata Police is using.Tata Nexon Electric Kolkata PoliceTata Motors is one of the first movers in the electric car business. In May 2022, the company reported EV wholesales at almost 3.5k units. It is only a matter of time until Tata Motors should be able to report EV sales at atleast 10 percent of total domestic passenger cars the manufacturer sells. More

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      Kia EV6 Electric Launch Price Rs 60 Lakh – Over 300 Bookings

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      Kia EV6 shares its underpinnings with Hyundai Ioniq 5 which is also slated to arrive on Indian shores later this yearKia EV6 Electric Launch PriceKia India has launched the EV6 electric car today. It is priced from Rs 59.95 lakh, ex-sh. EV6 will be brought to the country as a fully imported model via the CBU route. Only 100 units of the mid-size electric crossover will go on sale in India this year.Despite that, Kia has already received about 350 orders. Kia India is working on arranging the additional orders. EV6 will be available in two derivatives- GT Line and GT Line AWD. Prices are Rs 59.95 lakh and Rs 64.95 lakh, ex-sh. Deliveries start from Sep 2022. Bookings are open at Rs 3 lakh, cancellation of booking will be charged at Rs 50,000.Kia EV6 ElectricKia EV6 is based on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) architecture which also underpins Hyundai Ioniq 5. In India, it will only be offered with a single 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a maximum range of 528 km as per WLTP cycle. By using a 350kW fast charger, the battery pack can be juiced from 10 to 80 percent within 18 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger. On the other hand, a 50kW fast charger takes 73 minutes to achieve the same.The battery supports ultra-fast charging which can add up to 100km of range in just 4.5 minutes. It will be available in two variants – GT Line and GT Line AWD. The former will be offered a single motor driving the rear wheels that churns out 225 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. The latter on the other gets a dual-motor setup driving all four wheels and pushing out 321 bhp and 605 Nm of torque.Kia EV6 Electric Launch PriceKia EV6 claims a 0-100 kmph acceleration time in just 3.5 seconds. In terms of dimensions, EV6 GT Line measures 4,695mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,550mm in height, while it offers a wheelbase of 2,900mm. The electric crossover will be offered in five paint options including Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Yacht Blue and Moonscape.Features on offerThe Korean brand is offering EV6 as a premium electric crossover, hence, it is loaded with all bells and whistles. This will include features like dual 12.3-inch curved displays for the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment, full LED lighting, ventilated and powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, etc, as standard fitment across both variants.The top-spec GT-Line AWD variant offers additional creature comforts like an Augmented Reality heads-up display, a Meridian sound system with 14 speakers, automatic flush-fitting door handles and a powered tailgate. EV6 comes equipped with a wide range of safety features including eight airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ABS and Brake Assist, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and Multi Collision Brake Assist.Apart from the standard safety tech, Kia is also offering a wide range of features under ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Blind-spot Detection and more.  More

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      2024 Mahindra Thar Electric SUV Ready To Off Road – Render

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      With electric being the future, how does an all electric Mahindra Thar sound, or look?2024 Mahindra Thar Electric SUV RenderNew Mahindra Thar has been a run-away success. Despite being almost 1.5 years old, it still commands a long waiting period, which is something most other car brands can be envious about. Mahindra is also working upon a 5-door Mahindra Thar, which would focus a little more on comfort and interior space, without compromising on Thar’s iconic off-roading capabilities.While the 5-door Thar is still a few months away, interesting designers at Bimble Designs have envisaged how a 3-door Mahindra Thar would look like, if it lands up becoming a pure EV. If it does get launched, expect Mahindra Thar Electric to have a range in the region of 500 kms on full charge.2024 Mahindra Thar Electric SUVThe idea of a Thar EV is practical as we have already seen some massively powerful all electric pick-up trucks/SUVs getting launched in international markets in the last 2-3 years. Some of the names include Ford’s F-150 lightning, Hummer EV etc. Mahindra too has been working to re-enter the personal EV space, and an all electric Thar isn’t too much of a wild thought.Talking about the render, the model gets a clean futuristic design, along with some retro elements. Overall silhouette of Thar EV looks similar to that of standard Thar, however hard-core airless off-roading tyres and a heavy-duty suspension seem to have raised overall height of the off-roader.2024 Mahindra Thar Electric SUV RenderAt the front, the iconic Jeep inspired vertical slats get a design make-over and are all covered up, to suit the EV’s requirement. Large squared-off wheel arches and a reworked bumper make the SUV look dominating. Design of Headlamps and tail-lamps haven’t been changed much, possibly to retain the true Thar character.However, headlamps get a new LED element, which get complimented by LED bars present on the roof and front bumper. A functional roof rack along with ladders has also been added, to help users carry additional gears like a tent etc, during an off-roading trip.Mahindra Thar EV Rear DesignWhile Mahindra has some aggressive plans in the EV space, it remains to be seen if Mahindra will plan on bringing all-electric body-on-frame SUVs. As of now, most EVs in India are based on monocoque frames. If Mahindra can bring in an EV-setup on a body-on-frame platform, it will have the flexibility to spawn multiple models, like Thar EV, Scorpio EV and possibly even a Bolero EV.2024 Mahindra Thar Electric SUV RenderTalking about the standard Thar, it is offered with both petrol and diesel motor options. The diesel motor happens to be part of Mahindra’s iconic mHawk range and the 2.2 litre turbo diesel unit is capable of dishing out 130 hp and 300 Nm of peak torque. Customers opting for a petrol powerhouse get a 2 litre turbo petrol mStallion motor, which can churn out 150 hp and 320 Nm of max torque. Transmission options include 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT gearboxes. Select trims also get 4×4 capabilities.As of now, Mahindra is busy working for 2022 ScorpioN’s launch, which is scheduled to take place later this June. Post the ScorpioN, Mahindra might bring in an all-electric XUV300, which will land up becoming a direct rival to Nexon EV and Nexon EV max.Source More

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      Upcoming Mahindra XUV300 Electric To Take On Tata Nexon EV Max

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      Mahindra might name the upcoming electric SUV, XUV400 instead of Electric XUV300 as it will be a larger vehicleMahindra Funster Electric Concept. Image for reference.Mahindra was the first mainstream Indian manufacturer to venture into electric mobility for the masses. They acquired Reva, an electric car manufacturer, and launched the E2O, E2O Plus and E Verito in the Indian market. Mahindra was going to be a shining example with a very early start it had with electric vehicles. But the plan didn’t materialize as Mahindra expected.E2O and E2O Plus looked polarizing, had underwhelming performance and had questionable safety and integrity. E Verito on the other hand was too inferior as a product for the price it commanded. Despite the headstart, Mahindra didn’t become the mass-market EV leader that it hoped for. Instead, that title is held by Tata Motors, deservingly so. Tata Motors based their EVs on already popular and desirable cars like Tigor and Nexon unlike Mahindra with Verito and Reva cars.Mahindra XUV300 ElectricMahindra wants to get back in the EV game and XUV300 Electric will be its first product of the eight passenger EVs it plans to launch by 2027. The company is also considering a partnership with Volkswagen as the German automaker has a successful EV portfolio.Mahindra recently revealed that their first EV will be launched in the first quarter of 2023 and it will be around 4.2 metres in length. We expect the product to be unveiled by the end of 2022. Mahindra might name its first electric XUV400 instead of Electric XUV300. This shift in naming scheme might be due to the fact that the upcoming electric SUV will share its dimensions with SsangYong Tivoli instead of XUV300.2023 Mahindra XUV300 Electric aka XUV400 EV SpiedSsangYong is a South Korean automobile manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra. Tivoli is a compact MPV by SsangYong that measures a little over 4.2 metres in length. XUV300 SUV in India, is a chopped-up Tivoli with more ground clearance. Mahindra intends to retain Tivoli’s dimensions on their upcoming electric SUV and as it is bigger than XUV300, XUV400 name makes sense.With larger dimensions, XUV300 Electric will have a proportionate design and a decent boot capacity, unlike XUV300. Mahindra has also stated that XUV300 Electric will source high energy-dense NMC cells from LG Chem. NMC cells are superior to the cylindrical LFP cells found on Nexon EV and EV Max. With this move, XUV300 Electric might be more powerful and have a longer range than Tata’s EVs.Launch and CompetitionMahindra has officially announced that the electric version of XUV300 will be launched around first quarter of 2023. Even though the car was showcased at 2020 Auto Expo, supply scarcity for battery cells and other EV components specifically designed for XUV300 Electric has delayed plans. The uncalled Covid crisis is another factor for the delay.As EVs in India aren’t taxed as much, Mahindra isn’t bothering to trim down the Tivoli to fit sub 4-metre constraints. With the bigger size, it will be larger than Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max. It will be more comparable to MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona which are similarly sized. We can expect the upcoming Mahindra electric SUV to be priced in similar range as Nexon EV Max. If Mahindra delivers a good product with more range than the Nexon EV Max, it will be a very compelling product for the Indian EV market. More

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      Electric Scooters, CNG Cars At Zero Regn, Taxes – In W Bengal

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      West Bengal announces exemption of registration fees, Motor Vehicle tax and additional taxes for EVs and CNG vehicles from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024Image for referenceBetween ex-sh price and on road price, lies a convoluted path burdened by taxes and additional costs. All borne by the buyer. Such additional charges are being waived to some degree by various states. This aligns with government policy that outlines a positive shift to personal EVs by the end of the decade.West Bengal is the latest state to join this dialogue. An announcement made points to exemption of registration fees, MV and additional taxes. This is applicable to all CNG vehicles, and e2Ws and electric cars. Any new electric scooter, electric motorcycle, electric car, electric two wheeler, electric rickshaw, electric three wheeler or CNG vehicle purchased in the period from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 – will not have to pay any taxes.On Road Prices ReducedA waiver of this nature translates to decreased on road price for a wide variety of sustainable energy vehicles. Vehicles already registered in this fiscal, the financial incentive is being issued as an extension of tax validity equating to the exact number of days for which tax has been paid. The move incentivizes investments in battery operated electric vehicles. In the long run, a large-scale shift would eventually reduce dependency on petrol/diesel. And is part of the budget announcement spanning FY23 and FY24.Where a transition to EVs is concerned, there is a segment that powered through despite its unorganised nature in West Bengal. The electric rickshaw has been serving suburbs and despite initial resistance from unions and government, the Toto refused to slow down, and silently powered through. However, that’s pretty much where the state’s EV commitment has remained in recent years.New Tata Nexon EV MaxCar ownership in West BengalThe state has multiple other unique transport patterns. For one, it has a dependable Metro network. The public commute bus service runs across distances. Trains carry large populaces from the suburbs to the capital. Even its ageing yellow and black taxis operate efficiently. And this is easily supported by the state’s dependence on passenger cars. Reliance on cycles is high. The National Family Health Survey – 5 (2019-21) also points to two-wheeler ownership at 28.5 percent. Car ownership in the state is as low as 2.8 percent. So, for a state that respectfully values its wide-ranging public transport system, are citizens going to make a transition sheerly based on a waiver? This can only be answered in 2024.Electric vehicles in West BengalFor now, as with many new developments, New Town is the pilot city for new initiatives, including those aligned to electric vehicles. The capital is no stranger to electric transport. Back in 1902, Kolkata introduced its first tram line, a sheer electric transport brilliance. 120 years later, only two lines still operate to support nostalgia over profitability. So, while a waiver on new electric vehicle purchases is the way to go, maybe introducing subsidies on electric tram fares could be considered, phase by phase.It would get a large population that depends on public transport to support electric network seamlessly. As it stands, the city took apart an opined to be space occupying network that was truly pollution free transpiration, one cobblestone after another, one tramcar after another. Not to mention poor management and maintenance. De-reservation of tram tracks dealt a two prong blow. Everyone could use them making them good ole tramcars even slower. And commuter safety became a concern cause getting on and off a tram in city traffic became deliberately difficult.As of January 2021, West Bengal Transport Department reported 35,999 e-Rickshaws, 1,240 e2Ws. There were 93 electric cars and 93 electric buses. 24 electric trucks made it to the low EV count. At the time, there were less that 6k petrol hybrid cars, and less than 4.3k diesel hybrid cars. But because electric is the next big thing, EV purchases are being supported. This in a city that has shown no real interest in buying cars. More

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      Tata Electric Cars Waiting Period – Nexon EV, MAX, Tigor EV, XpresT

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      Tata Motors is the leading electric car manufacturer of India – Waiting period is up to 4 monthsTata Nexon ElectricTata Motors is one company that delivers on their vision. Under the able Ratan Tata, Tata Motors has achieved a lot of difficult feats in India. Tata launched the Indica in 1998 which was the first indigenously developed car in India. A car so good, it revolutionized Indian automotive history.Ratan Tata’s vision was brought to life in the form of the Tata Nano in 2008 which was the cheapest production car in the world. Tata Nexon has its fair share in Tata Motor’s legacy as it was the first Indian vehicle to score 5-stars in Global NCAP’s crash tests. Now, Tata Motors seems to have achieved a legacy feat when it comes to electric mobility with the Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max.Tata Electric Car Waiting PeriodMahindra tried to capture the EV market in India with polarizing products like E2o, E2o Plus and the eVerito which failed. Tata Motors began its EV journey with the Tigor EV catering to Government tenders and fleet owners. Then it launched the Nexon EV with decent performance and range and was an overall well-rounded product. It was so good, that it soon became the best-selling electric car in the country. Making Tata Motors, the largest selling EV manufacturer in India.Today, Tata Motors has on sale 4 electric cars. These are Nexon EV, Nexon EV Max, Tigor EV and XpresT. The first three are for the passenger market, while the latter is for the commercial segment only. Depending on the variant and city, the waiting period extends up to 4 months.Tata Electric Car waiting period. Hat tip – Motor Arena India.Tata Nexon EV MaxNexon EV sells in good numbers and has very high demand from Indian customers. Tata Motors recently launched the Nexon EV Max with a bigger 40.5 kWh battery, better performance, better features and most importantly, a better range of 437 km on a single charge. It costs around Rs. 1.5 lakh to 2.0 lakh (ex-sh) over the standard Nexon EV.In just 6 days from the launch of the Nexon EV Max, it has garnered a lot of bookings which has driven the waiting period of the Nexon EV Max to 4 months. Demand for the standard Nexon EV is also high. We have seen absurd waiting periods for internal combustion engine-powered vehicles of up to 20 months. Garnering this type of demand in EVs in a developing country like India with poor charging infrastructure is remarkable.Price and LaunchTata Nexon EV is priced between Rs. 14.7 lakh (ex-sh) for the XM variant and Rs. 17.4 lakh (ex-sh) for XZ Plus Lux Dark Edition. Whereas the Nexon EV Max is priced between Rs. 17.74 lakh (ex-sh) for the XZ Plus 3.3 kW charger and Rs. 19.24 lakh for XZ Plus Lux 7.2 kW charger.While the Nexon EV still poses as the better choice for users with less highway use, The Nexon EV Max appeals to the users with occasional or daily highway use. Tata Motors is expected to start deliveries of the Nexon EV Max in the month of June. With Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max, Tata has established itself as a mainstream EV manufacturer for the masses. More