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      Citroen C3 Electric Teaser Reveals Name – eC3 Launch Soon

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      Electric Citroen C3 gets a charging socket at its front right fender – New launch teaser is outCitroen C3 Electric TeasedEven though the French car maker has been around for more than a 100 years, it is still a new brand in India. Citroen made its India debut with the C5 Aircross and its first mainstream car was the C3 hatchback. Considering the relative newness of Citroen C3, it has been doing very well in India.With more dealerships, Citroen can push its sales envelope. For example, there are only two La Maison Citroen dealerships in Karnataka state and both of them are in Bengaluru alone. That said, Citroen is expanding its portfolio to incorporate a 7-seater version of C3 and even an electric version of C3.Citroen C3 Electric New TeaserCitroen is getting ready to launch C3 electric, which as per their latest teaser will be christened eC3. Launch could take place at the Auto Expo 2023. eC3 electric falls into Citroen’s plan to bring in three new models in India as part of its C-Cubed program. Production will take place at CK Birla facility in Thiruvallur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Like conventional C3 and upcoming C3 Plus, C3 electric will also be based on a Common Modular Platform (CMP) with high localisation. Just within 6 months of launch of its ICE counterpart, Citroen C3 is going fully electric, which is commendable. Since affordability is the key, Citroen is likely to keep interiors, body and mechanicals similar to C3 hatchback.Citroen C3 Electric TeasedCitroen eC3 is expected to have a 30.2 kWh battery pack which is larger than the 24 kWh battery pack that Tiago EV top variants are packing. It will deliver peak power of 86 bhp (63 kW) and 143 Nm of torque. Both these figures are higher than its immediate rival, Tiago EV, which only makes 74 bhp and 114 Nm.Specs & FeaturesIt is likely that LFP cells will form a battery pack of electric Citroen C3. These batteries are reportedly sourced from Chinese supplier Svolt. We can expect a 3.3 kW AC charger built-in with additional fast DC charging capability with a CCS2 socket. With a battery pack accounting for 30.2 kWh, one can expect a range close to 300 km in real world.Desirable features such as alloy wheels, IRVM dimmer, electric ORVM adjustment, tachometer, auto climate control, reversing camera and rear wiper and defogger will make it to electric Citroen C3 that is not currently offered with top-spec variant of its ICE counterpart.Citroen eC3 electric car test mule donning these features is under testing, though. When launched, it will rival Tata Tiago EV and upcoming MG Air EV. Prices might hover between Rs. 10 lakh to 12 lakh mark (ex-sh). More

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      MG Air Electric Car Production Target 36k, SOP March 2023 – New Spy Shots

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      With a two-door, small sized EV – MG Motor is getting ready to launch their most affordable car in IndiaMG Air Electric Car For IndiaAiming to take early lead in entry-level electric car segment, MG Motor is working on a two-door EV for Indian market. It will be based on Wuling Air EV (codenamed E230) that was recently showcased in Indonesia. At around 2,900 mm long, MG Air EV will be one of the smallest cars in India. It will be shorter than Alto by around 400 mm.New MG Air electric car for India will borrow much of its design and styling from E230. It is built on MG’s latest Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform that can support multiple body styles. The car has a boxy, tall boy profile, which is likely to ensure adequate space on the inside.MG Air Electric Car StylingThere are some unique styling bits such as a full-width light bar that stretches to connect the rear view mirrors. The charging port is neatly hidden beneath the MG logo. Other key features include trapezoidal headlamps, rectangular fog lamps and body-coloured bumper. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Vishal Mevawala.To allow easy ingress and egress to the second row seat, the EV has been equipped with large doors. Rear passengers need not feel claustrophobic, as they have access to large, vertically mounted windows. While the E230 showcased in Indonesia had steel wheels with plastic cover, its India-spec version is likely to get alloy wheels. Rear styling is quite similar to front fascia, with features such as full-width light bar, curved windscreen and sleek tail lights.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaMG’s new EV will be equipped with a battery pack of around 20kWh to 25kWh. Power output will be 40 hp. Real-world range could be around 150 km. In view of the varying weather and ride environments in the country, MG will introduce a number of tweaks to make the EV suitable for Indian conditions. Enhancements will cover key systems such as battery thermal management system and air conditioning. In India, E230 will be launched under MG brand.To reduce cost, MG will be sourcing key components from local vendors. For example, the battery pack will be sourced from Tata AutoComp. The latter has an agreement with Chinese battery supplier Gotion, which covers design, production, supply and service of battery packs meant for EVs in India. E230 battery pack will have LFP cylindrical cells, which are similar to that of Tata Nexon EV. LFP cells are more reliable and have already proven their worth in Indian conditions.MG Air Electric Car ProductionSources tell Rushlane that MG Air electric car production start date is in March 2023. Annual production target is set at 36,000 units. MG is likely to price the entry-level EV at around Rs 10 lakh. Primary targets will be youngsters looking for trendier, environment-friendly mobility options. The EV can also work for affluent households that would like to have an agile, compact option in their garage. People living in smaller cities can use MG’s entry-level EV as their primary car.MG Air Electric Car For IndiaTo make it an attractive proposition, MG is likely to equip its new EV with features such as a large touchscreen and a comprehensive range of connectivity features. MG is set to unveil the new EV at 2023 Auto Expo. Market launch will take place around Q2 2023. While micro EVs have been quite successful in China, it remains to be seen how they will perform in the Indian market. There are considerable risks involved, but MG seems unfazed. Reportedly, Tata Motors is also planning to enter this segment, with new gen Nano Electric. More

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      Tata Nano May Launch As A New Gen Electric Car – 200 Kms Range

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      Tata Nano was a dream project of Ratan Tata – Production started in 2008 and lasted till 2018File photo of Tata Nano on testRemember Tata Nano? It was Ratan Tata’s dream to offer a car to middle-class families at the price of a two wheeler. The brainchild of Ratan Tata’s vision was launched as Tata Nano in 2008 and stayed in production till 2018, before it was axed.Even though Tata Nano has been discontinued, it has immense brand recall. One which could be utilized by Tata Motors in the future. Now, a recent report claims that Tata Motors is reviving the Nano project back from the dead. Only this time, it will be launched in the form of an electric vehicle.Tata Nano To Return As EV ?As of now, Tata Motors is the No 1 electric car maker in India. When total EV sales are accounted for in the country, Tata has over 80% of market share. Currently, they offer Nexon EV, Tigor EV and Tiago EV. To maintain lead in the growing EV segment, plans are afoot to launch more electric cars in the near future.There is a new breed of electric cars that is likely to create a lot of buzz in India. This is the micro EV segment, which is currently booming in China. For example, Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is China’s highest-selling car. This is a 2 door micro electric vehicle that is perfect for city excursions and comes at a relatively affordable price point.Ratan Tata With His Electric NanoRecently, we saw the launch of PMV electric car with 200 km of range and costs 4.79 lakh. MG is set to bring its Air EV to India as well. There might be a lot of startups jumping on this bandwagon of micro EVs. This is where Tata’s electric Nano will fit in if it does materialise. Unlike previous attempts, where Tata Motors tried to retrofit electric motor and battery in the existing Nano, this time things could be different. It is likely to be an all new car, with a modern day design – built as a Born Electric Vehicle.Jayem Neo – Nano Electric CabIn the past, Tata Motors’ partner Jayem Automotives, had announced an electric version of Nano under Jayem Neo brand. 400 unit order size of these were planned in 2017 to be used as city taxis for Ola Electric’s fleet operations. This project never saw the light of day.In December 2020, Jayem Neo electric test mule spotted testing on a public road near Akurdi, Pune. Jayem Automotives had managed to cram in 17 kWh of battery in Nano’s small real estate. It promised 203 km of range from a single charge, certified by ARAI. Along with it, a top speed of 85 km/h.Tata Motors have not officially announced the Nano EV. If it is being considered, it might be one among the 10 new EVs that Tata is planning to launch in the next five years. Earlier this year, they showcased Curvv and Avinya EV concepts.Source More

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      Toyota Innova Hycross Electric Version Reportedly In The Works

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      After electrification of Crysta, it is the turn of electric Innova Hycross prototype and it looks sharp in a renderToyota Innova HyCross Electric – RenderInnova Hycross is the one vehicle that is constantly generating a lot of interest among car buyers in India. It made its debut just a few days ago, with an official launch scheduled for next month. New Innova HyCross ditches diesel for clean burning petrol and strong hybrid powertrain options.Toyota reckons that hybrids are better bets than going full electric. That said, the company has full electric vehicles in its lineup under BZ series. Toyota had showcased an electric Innova Crysta prototype that was later spotted testing on public roads. There is a high possibility that Toyota is testing the feasibility of electrifying vehicles with ladder-frame chassis.Toyota Innova Hycross Electric PrototypeNew reports suggest that Toyota is looking into electrifying Innova Hycross. This info was revealed in one of the threads in a forum by Muhammad Joned. But there is a catch. This is likely to be only offered to fleet owners. Unlike Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross is based on a modern monocoque chassis that has a front wheel drive architecture. The former came with a ladder-frame chassis and had rear wheel drive architecture. This was revered as a robust vehicle and came with a diesel engine which was much sought-after.Hycross is almost opposite to Crysta in terms of its construction. The thread on this forum reveals that, apart from the Innova Crysta electric prototype that was showcased at Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta, there are two more such prototypes in Indonesia and two more in Thailand.Toyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept PrototypeAmong the ones in Indonesia, one is at TAM (Toyota Astra Motors), Jakarta, and the other is brought around for exhibitions and shows. The ones in Thailand are at the regional R&D base of Asia Pacific via Toyota Daihatsu Engineering Manufacturing. One was dismantled for Hycross (Zenix) as the plan was to make an electric version of Hycross (Zenix).The report further states that this prototype being built, is not aimed at private buyers. Instead, it is aimed at government and private fleet operators. Along with that, GSO and companies that want to go green, are intended customers. One such company is said to be a mining firm that has safety risks from using ICE cars.Innova Hycross Electric  – RenderDamanik’s Studio has created a tasty render of the upcoming prototype of Innova Hycross. It inculcates design philosophies that Toyota used while creating Innova Crysta electric prototype. Electric Innova Hycross prototype gets a new front fascia with a closed-off grille. Toyota logo gets a blue surround and there are blue colour splashes in the side profile.It is not yet officially revealed whether Toyota is making an electric prototype based on Innova Hycross. Even if there is one, there is no news as to when it will be showcased and where. One can expect it to have a battery big enough to cover 300 km of real-world use on a single charge.Render, Source More

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      Mercedes GLB, Electric EQB SUV Launch Price Rs 63.8 L, Rs 74.5 L

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      Launched alongside Mercedes-Benz GLB, EQB electric SUV is priced at Rs. 74.5 lakh (ex-sh) and carves its own niche of a 7-seater electric luxury SUVMercedes-Benz GLB And EQB LaunchedWhen it comes to luxury cars in India, there is no beating the three-pointed star. Even with high-seller like the E-Class in its arsenal, Mercedes-Benz India reported a slight decline in Q3 2022. Still, it outsells all rivals to remain the No 1 luxury car brand in India.Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its Indian portfolio with the launch of the much-awaited GLB three-row SUV and its electric sibling, EQB. Introductory pricing for GLB 200 is INR 63.8 Lakhs, GLB 220d is INR 66.8 Lakhs, GLB 220d 4MATIC is INR 69.8 Lakhs and EQB 300 4MATIC is INR 74.5 Lakhs (all prices are ex-showroom).Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQBAfter Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQS, EQB is the third all-electric vehicle launched this year. This way, Mercedes-Benz displays its commitment to an eco-friendly future. The company claims that GLB’s striking design, flexible seating positions, legroom, and load compartment make it a highly practical urban SUV for daily usage.Launching the SUV siblings, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are excited to wrap up 2022 with the key introduction of two versatile 7-seater SUVs the GLB & EQB. Both these SUVs are highly versatile, spacious and ideal for large nuclear families requiring extra space and a pair of seats, for the pre-teens or even pets.GLB SpecsHe said, “They can seat up to 7 passengers and offer a choice of space configurations while also being able to navigate rough terrain effortlessly. For the first time, we are offering three powertrains, a petrol, diesel, and an electric for our customers.The launch of the EQB is also a significant step towards our vision of transitioning to a climate-neutral fleet gradually, with four luxury EVs in Mercedes-Benz India portfolio. We have also introduced attractive ownership propositions like industry best warranties on both the SUVs for an enhanced customer experience.”Specs & FeaturesWith GLB and EQB 7 seater SUVs, Mercedes-Benz is targeting large nuclear families wanting more space for their active lifestyle and dynamic requirements. Mercedes-Benz GLB offers a 40:20:40 split and folding second-row seat, and a lot of knee room for 2nd-row passengers. Both GLB and EQB bear similar designs as global models. Three powertrain options are available for GLB: Petrol 4×2, Diesel 4×2 and Diesel 4×4.EQB SpecsThe EQB 300 4MATIC is fitted with a 66.5 kWh battery. It has two motors with a combined power output of 168 kW and torque of 390 Nm and the 4Matic AWD system is standard. EQB can be charged with a maximum power of up to 100 kW with DC charging. With that, the charging time is 32 minutes for 10-80% charge.On the inside, Mercedes-Benz boasts high-resolution screens and graphics, a customizabledisplay, learning-capable software, and Voice Control with natural language recognition. Active park assist is offered as well. Starting from Rs. 63.8 lakh (ex-sh), GLB competes with Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the likes, while EQB seems to be a lone ranger as there are no 7-seater electric SUVs in India at that price. More

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      Tata Tigor Electric Charging Via Diesel Generator – Owner Shares Details

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      Tata Tigor EV comes with a 26 kWh battery pack that promises a range of 315 km from a single chargeTata Tigor Electric Charging Via Diesel GeneratorIt is a known fact by now that Tata Motors is the reigning champ in 4W EVs with more than 80% of total market share. Creating a base for Tata Motors for EV future are Nexon EV range, Tigor EV and upcoming Tiago EV. There have been early adopters for EV tech. That said, the number of these early adopters is very meek compared to ICE cars.There are multiple factors contributing to this delay in EV transition. Primary of which is a need for robust charging infrastructure. There are charging stations springing up in metropolitan and major cities. Tigor EV recently extended Tigor EV’s range to 315 km from a single charge from its 26 kWh battery. What if that is not enough? What if you need something to charge your EV on the go? Sinto Antony demonstrates a way from Kerala. Let’s take a look.Tata Tigor EV ChargedThis method is not a foolproof solution for charging an EV. Rather, this is a way that you can charge your EV in emergencies. Something that prevents you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere. There are RSA (roadside assistance) plans in place that should cover instances like these. However, they come with time penalties.In his video, Sinto used a diesel generator to charge his Tigor EV. This is not a new concept. There are series-hybrid powertrains that use a dedicated petrol engine to charge the batteries. Some examples of series hybrids are Cadillac ELR, Fisker Karma BMW i3 and more.[embedded content][embedded content]Speaking of the BMW i3, it didn’t have a conventional car engine. Instead, it came with a small range extender engine to extend the car’s range in case of emergencies. This is in line with what Sinto Antony did with his Tigor EV. He used a diesel generator to top up his car battery on a trip that included inclines.There are things to consider when going this route. Firstly, grounding or earthing needs to be properly established. For this Sinto used a metal rod and fixed it to the ground. After a secure connection is established, Tigor EV charger is connected to a 3-pin plug on the diesel generator. The charging process went on smoothly and didn’t trigger any warnings on the car’s OBD.Charging ProcessEven though it is convenient, it is not very fast. Sinto initiated the process when Tigor EV’s SOC (state of charge) was at 26%. After an hour of charging, Sinto only managed to get an increment of 10% taking SOC to 36%. Owner mentions that it is a convenient flexibility to have in case of emergencies, despite being slow.Diesel generators like this are available in India widely. These might come in handy during unplanned and long tours. When not in use, generators like this will eat into the car’s boot space. Now that EVs are gaining steam, should manufacturers consider integrating a small ICE engine as a range extender? Heck, yeah! More

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      Toyota Innova Electric Spied On Public Road For First Time

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      Innova Crysta electric concept prototype resembles its ICE-powered sibling with a closed-off grille at the front and blue accentsToyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept PrototypeWe have seen Toyota going full regalia with hybrid tech. Innova Hycross was recently launched in Indonesia as Innova Kejing Zenix. In India, it might bear the name Innova Crysta Hycross. That said, Toyota is also investing sizeable chunks of its R&D budget in pure EVs and PHEVs as well.Earlier this year, Toyota showcased an all-electric Innova concept prototype at Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets and India where Innova is popular.Innova Crysta Electric SpiedInnova Crysta Electric concept prototype is a good example of Toyota electrifying its existing ICE vehicles along the way. Recently, this prototype is spotted undergoing testing on roads. Is Toyota considering utilising the older platform to make pure EVs? It is a stretch. But there is a good possibility of that happening. Let’s take a look.This is an interesting development because Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that “Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region”.Innova Crysta ElectricHenry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is ‘merely a study’. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community. Outgoing Innova Crysta is underpinned by IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains.Incorporating battery packs and motors in this platform is a major packaging challenge. Thanks to old-school construction that restricts space for batteries. Toyota might be investing in electrification of its current ladder-frame old-school vehicles like MPVs, SUVs and pickup trucks and more. There are segments like pickup trucks where robustness of ladder-frame chassis and electrification are equally important.What To Expect?If everything that Toyota is testing with the Innova Crysta electric concept prototype checks out, we can witness electrification or even hybridisation of workhorses like SUVs and pickup trucks from the Japanese giant in the future. In North American markets, GM, Ford and even Rivian are offering electric vehicles that are based on ladder-frame chassis.Innova Crysta ElectricEven though Innova Crysta electric concept prototype is spotted testing on road, Toyota is not likely to launch an electric version of its MPV. Innova Hycross is already out of the bag and features a modern monocoque chassis with an FWD layout and a hybrid powertrain as an option.Source More

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric India Bookings Open 20th Dec 2022

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      Upon launch, Hyundai Ioniq 5 is expected to be priced between Rs 40-50 lakh (ex-showroom)2022 Hyundai IONIQ5 In IndiaHyundai took its next big step in electric mobility when it officially unveiled the Ioniq 5 earlier in February last year. The mid-size electric crossover has been rumoured to land on Indian shores sooner or later but the Korean auto giant hadn’t released an official statement regarding this until now.The company has now stated through a press release that Ioniq 5 will be hitting showrooms across our country in the coming month. Official bookings will open from 20th Dec 2022. This will be the second fully electric offering by Hyundai in India after Kona Electric. The Korean brand has further stated that it will expand its EV lineup in India to six models by 2028.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Launch In IndiaAlthough an exact launch date for Hyundai Ioniq 5 hasn’t been revealed by the carmaker yet, it is most likely to planned for launch at Auto Expo 2023 in January next year. The electric crossover is also the recipient of the World Car of the Year 2022.Ioniq 5 will be available in the Indian market as a CKD product and will be assembled at the company’s facility near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Production of the upcoming electric crossover is expected to commence in the coming weeks. It is based on the Hyundai Group’s Skateboard Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that also underpins the Kia EV6.Hyundai Ioniq 5 20 Inch AlloysHyundai says the E-GMP architecture has been developed on four key pillars- Modularity, Reliability, Usability, and Performance. Speaking of its design, Ioniq 5 flaunts a futuristic design with a contrasting blend of retro-inspired styling which derives most of its elements from the Hyundai 45 concept including its overall silhouette and angular creases running across its profile.Some notable exterior highlights include pixelated U-shaped dual LED headlights and taillights, unique daytime running lights and a clamshell bonnet which is a first for Hyundai. It rides on aero-optimised 20-inch alloy wheels that are in line with the Parametric Pixel design theme.Powertrain SpecsInternationally, Ioniq 5 is available in two variants with different battery specs. One uses a 58 kWh battery and sends power to the rear wheels while the other variant uses a 72.6 kWh battery and sends power to all four wheels thanks to a dual-motor setup. The single-motor variant is expected to be offered to Indian consumers initially while the AWD variant is expected to launch subsequently.[embedded content][embedded content]The lower-spec battery when paired to a single electric motor returns a peak output of 167 bhp while it can clock a 0-100 kmph sprint in 8.5 seconds. On the other hand, the 72.6 kWh battery pack sends power to both axles and returns a combined output of 302 bhp and 605 Nm of peak torque. This variant of the electric SUV accelerates 0-100 kmph in just 5.2 seconds and can clock a top speed of 185 kmph.Management SpeakMr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “IONIQ is a brand that we have developed specifically for dedicated BEV models. It has been designed for those customers who want to be in charge of a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow. Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been developed on the dedicated E-GMP platform and perfectly reflects our Global Vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, epitomizing our pursuit of quality time, as we aspire to make every moment of our customer rewarding and worthwhile. This new BEV SUV combines elements of nature and Hyundai’s ingenuity to harness the true potential of humanity, thereby offering a product that will revolutionize the future course of sustainable smart mobility. With Hyundai IONIQ 5, we are taking customer experiences beyond simple transportation, customers can now experience a new realm of mobility that seamlessly intertwines with their lifestyle, making every moment an occasion to cherish.” More