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      New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied Near Pune – 2023 Launch?

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      VW ID.4 could get different powertrain options with a RWD or an AWD variant when launched in IndiaNew Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXVolkswagen was in the news recently as it is providing a license to Mahindra for its proprietary MEB platform. Mahindra calls it the INGLO platform and the five electric cars that were showcased on August 15th, will be based on this platform. Mahindra is the second customer for Volkswagen for their MEB platform after Ford.But Volkswagen also seems to be eyeing the growing EV popularity in India. If they are supplying Mahindra with MEB components in India, they might as well launch a vehicle with that very platform in India that might set a precedent for future OEMs that might source MEB platforms from Volkswagen Groups.In that regard, we have seen Skoda Enyaq iV 80X variant with 77 kWh battery undergoing testing on road in Pune, Maharashtra. But now, we also have spotted VW ID.4 GTX that also gets the same 77 kWh battery too. Let’s take a look.New Volkswagen Electric Car SpiedRecently spotted, the ID.4 GTX is the high-performance variant. ID.4 looks just like the rest of Volkswagen’s ID lineup. It is based on VW’s ID Crozz concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is currently manufactured in Chattanooga, USA and also in China outside Germany.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXThe GTX variant that is spotted in India is instantly recognisable with its red shade with its interesting dual-tone alloy wheels. These wheels are 20” though which is a size larger than Skoda Enyaq’s 19”. Volkswagen always positions itself as the premium offering above Skoda and below Audi. Speaking of Audi, Q4 e-tron is also the same car underneath too along with Skoda Enyaq.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXBoth VW ID.4 GTX and Skoda Enyaq iV 80X are spotted testing in India completely undisguised. Imports are generally not camouflaged while testing, as we saw with the ID.4’s rival Kia EV6. But that generally doesn’t mean that a launch is imminent. Manufacturers might also be testing only some of their components or their powertrain.Mahindra’s INGLO platform is based on VW’s MEB global scalable platform. This platform also underpins VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq too. It is likely that they are testing this platform for Indian conditions with both these test mules.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXSpecs & PricingBecause they’re imports, we’re likely to only get top-spec trims like GTX on ID.4 and 80X on Enyaq. VW ID.4 GTX gets a 77 kWh battery pack that is capable of dishing out 302 bhp. Claimed range is 418 km for North American markets and 522 km in WLTP cycle. ID.4 is 4,584mm long and has 2,765mm of wheelbase. Which makes it roughly the size of Harrier and the likes. ID.5 is a coupe variant of ID.4 and is slightly longer.Volkswagen Electric Car ID.4 GTX is likely to get the same set of features that the global model gets. When launched, ID.4 GTX will rival Kia EV6, recently launched Volvo XC40 Recharge and upcoming Ioniq 5 along with ID.4’s Czech cousin Enyaq (if launched). Right now, we have Tata Nexon EV that tops the charts while XUV400 Electric is set to debut on September 8th.  More

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      Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUV Officially Teased – Nexon EV Rival

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      Mahindra XUV400 electric will primarily rival Tata Nexon EV that is currently the top selling electric car in the countryMahindra XUV400 Electric SUVMahindra has chalked out ambitious plans for EV segment, with both domestic and international markets on its radar. While its born-electric range will arrive in 2025, enthusiasts can look forward to XUV400 that will debut on September 08, 2022. Unlike Mahindra’s born electric SUVs that are based on an entirely new INGLO platform, XUV400 is essentially an electric version of ICE-based XUV300. The approach is quite similar to Nexon EV that is based on ICE-based Nexon SUV.However, one major difference is that XUV400 will be 4.2 meters in length, as compared to XUV300 that measures 3,995 mm. Size related tax benefits don’t apply in case of electric cars, which is why XUV400 can be stretched to its max limit. Being longer, users can expect roomy interiors and possibly larger boot space.Mahindra XUV400 Electric TeasedAs a challenger to Nexon EV and Nexon EV Max variant, XUV400 is expected to get multiple segment-first features. Nexon EV currently dominates passenger EV segment with market share of more than 85 percent by volumes. XUV400 will be Mahindra’s first major EV product, which is why its success is all the more important for the company.Assuming it gets a good response, XUV400 will help shape consumer perceptions and have a positive impact on other upcoming electric SUVs from Mahindra. It will have the new bronze logo, which was showcased on the XUV700 electric version earlier this month. Take a look at the official teaser video of the new XUV400 Electric SUV below.[embedded content][embedded content]Some segment-first features that could be included for XUV400 include a large touchscreen infotainment system. It will be powered by Mahindra’s AdrenoX connectivity platform. For reference, Nexon EV Max has a 7-inch floating dash-top touchscreen infotainment system by Harman. Another key upgrade could be ADAS features, which is likely to be offered with top-spec variants of XUV400. Apart from Nexon EV, even other rivals like MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV do not have ADAS features.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUVVisually, Mahindra XUV400 looks familiar to eXUV300 concept that was showcased at 2020 Auto Expo. Some key features include top-mounted L-shaped LED DRLs, sleek headlamps, closed-off front grille, body cladding, prominent rear bumper, rear spoiler and edgy tail lamps. XUV400 has standard door handles, as compared to flush door handles used in Mahindra born-electric SUVs.Mahindra XUV400 range, specs, priceIt is likely that XUV400 will have two battery pack options. Powertrain will comprise a single electric motor that sends power to front wheels. The electric motor will generate around 150 hp of max power. Range could be around 350-400 km, which is comparable to ARAI certified 437 km of Nexon EV Max. Standard Nexon EV has ARAI certified range of 312 km.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUVMahindra XUV400 could be priced in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. In comparison, Nexon EV Max is available in the range of Rs 18.34 lakh to Rs 19.84 lakh. MG ZS EV and Kona Electric are available at a starting price of Rs 21.99 lakh and Rs 23.84 lakh, respectively. More

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      New Bajaj Electric Rickshaw, Electric 3W Cargo – Spied Testing

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      Bajaj Auto has a wide range of products in its portfolio like 2W, 3W, electric scooters and a lot moreBajaj Electric Rickshaw SpiedIndian automotive giant, Bajaj Auto is one of the largest 3W manufacturer in the world in terms of sales volumes. In India though, Bajaj is the undisputed champ in 3W segment. If we look at sales charts, Bajaj sold 13,016 units in July 2022 while Piaggio which is currently the second highest-selling 3W manufacturer in India, only sold 4,164 units in the same time.But a new breed of 3W rickshaws are on the rise and Bajaj being the absolute giant of this segment, can’t ignore its potential. We’re talking about electric 3W rickshaw segment that is gaining popularity by the day, owing to rising fuel prices. So, what is Bajaj’s answer to this demand? Let’s find that out.Bajaj RE EV 283 Electric RickshawWe have seen multiple test mules of Bajaj’s electric rickshaws dating as far as 2018. While players like YC Electric Vehicle and Mahindra have been clocking over 2,000 unit sales each per month as seen in sales charts, Bajaj is taking its sweet time to bring out RE EV series of electric 3W.Bajaj RE EV had also received type approval by NCT Delhi in 2020 but its launch was delayed due to Covid-19-related delays. But new test mule for rickshaw has EV 283 sticker on it suggesting that this is an updated model to RE EV. While the same sticker is not visible on RE EV Cargo. Spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Bhargav Mhatre.Bajaj RE EV 283 Front2020 NCT-approved Bajaj RE EV measured 1,714mm in length, 1,350mm in width, 1,772mm height and has a wheelbase of 2,010mm. RE EV has a gross weight of 732 kgs and the rickshaw can seat four people including the driver while Cargo will only seat the driver.Newly spied Bajaj RE EV 283 seems like the same vehicle and might retain the dimensions. But 283 badging on spotted rickshaw suggests that it gets a new battery with a longer range than RE EV from 2020. Bajaj RE EV gets power from a 4.3 kW electric motor. A top speed of 42 km/h can be maintained for 30 minutes. Also, the company is testing a cargo version of the same that is likely to be called Maxima Electric. It is likely to launch alongside its rickshaw counterpart.Specs & LaunchWhile exact battery specifications are not known, RE EV 283 seems to get a larger battery than 2020’s RE EV. It is still placed in driver’s compartment, though. Driver still has to sit on this battery like on RE EV 2020.Bajaj Electric Three Wheeler CargoLooking at the competition, YC Electric Vehicle products top the charts. But are not proper rickshaws and get a barebones platform for cost efficiency. Mahindra Treo Electric, however, is a proper electric rickshaw and has a claimed range of 141 km on a single charge. If Bajaj electric rick delivers higher range on a single charge, it would be better for inter-city operations. Higher range also benefits the cargo version of RE EV too.Pune and Bengaluru might be the first cities to get Bajaj RE EV 283 and RE EV Cargo as earlier RE EVs test mule spottings were more frequent there. But now, Bajaj might launch it nationwide in 2023. Pricing might see a slight jump from Mahindra Treo if it has a longer range. More

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      Mahindra Electric SUVs To Get Volkswagen Battery System, Electric Drivetrain

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      Mahindra’s new INGLO platform means that it is IN-dian by heart and is GLO-bal in standardsMahindra INGLO Platform for upcoming Electric SUVs. Image – Thomas SchmallMahindra electric SUVs under BE range and XUV range will dominate Indian 4-wheeled EV space in the near future. While most manufacturers offer downgraded products in India when compared to global-spec models, Mahindra is aiming to offer global-spec cars right from the get go. That’s what GLO in INGLO signifies.But what is this INGLO platform? How is it global-spec worthy? Is it really designed by Mahindra? Did Mahindra only source the LFP battery cells or the entire powertrain? Is upcoming XUV400 electric based on INGLO? Well, hold your horses. We’ll break it down for ya.Mahindra Electric SUVTake a guess at what is common between Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, Q5 e-tron and Cupra’s Born, upcoming Urban Rebel and Tavascan, Skoda’s Enyaq iV, Enyaq Coupe iV and Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo? Not just them, Ford’s upcoming two electric crossovers for the old continent (Europe) and also Mahindra’s XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and lastly, BE.09.On the surface, you can immediately say that all of them are EVs. You’re half right. Under the skin, they all have the same MEB platform developed by Volkswagen. MEB platform or Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten is a modular and scalable EV platform developed by VW Group. MEB platform was made available to other manufacturers to procure under licensing and Mahindra is the second customer after Ford.Volkswagen plans to provide Mahindra with Electric Drivetrain as well as Battery SystemThere are two types of MEB platforms, one for passenger cars and the other for UVs that can take heavier cargo like pickup trucks or LCVs. Mahindra has revealed that they are using MEB components sourced from Volkswagen. But they aren’t specifying what exactly are the components used on new Mahindra electric SUV range.VW Group Board of Management member and CEO of VW Group Components, Thomas Schmall, revealed that VW Group is providing Mahindra with electric drives, battery systems and also VW’s unified cells. He also revealed that they have partnered up with Mahindra to supply MEB components to over a million (10 lakh) vehicles over the platform’s lifetime.What Do MEB Components Include?Schmall says that VW will explore further potential areas of cooperation with Mahindra including vehicle projects, local cell manufacturing and charging solutions such as VW’s Flexpoles too as a broader strategic alliance to accelerate the electrification of the Indian automotive market is the common goal for both the companies.Mahindra INGLO SUVs Powered By Volkswagen Battery System, Electric DrivetrainGoing by Schmall’s statement, Mahindra has procured electric drives, battery systems and unified cells. Electric drives mean that Mahindra seems to have obtained APP310 motor which is VW’s proprietary PMDC motor which MEB platform supports. The number 310 means that it will have 310 Nm of peak torque.It also gets a 1-speed gearbox handling all of the motor’s speed range. Along with this gearbox, APP310 motor only weighs 90 kg. Coming to battery systems, means a complete energy storage system. It includes all the battery modules along with the individual battery cells, BMS (Battery Management System), integrated thermal sensing and monitoring systems and also the algorithms and software. Mahindra may have procured some or all of these.Lastly, unified cells are again VW’s proprietary prismatic battery platform. It boasts three main chemistries within, they are LFP based for entry-level vehicles, Manganese based for high-volume vehicles and Nickel based for premium and high-end cars. Mahindra has revealed that they have procured LFP cells.Implications Of Mahindra-VW Venture In IndiaVW-Mahindra cooperation comes as a massive boost to the future of Indian electric four-wheeler market as it facilitates localization of one of the most important modular global EV architectures. Global technology benefited from attractive Indian cost structure will emerge as a highly competitive package for both domestic and international markets.Moreover, we hope to see a whole array of locally produced MEB-based Skoda and VW models at the right price bracket in the medium term once Mahindra is done setting up its supply chain system for critical components. Synergies between the two in vehicle projects could further make things interesting. Looking at Mahindra, other manufacturers are also likely to at least consider VW’s cost-effective, modular and scalable MEB EV platform.  More

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      Mercedes AMG EQS 53 Electric Launch Price Rs 2.45 Cr – Range 586 Km

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      Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the longest range EV in India – Promising a range of 529 – 586 km as per WLTP cycleMercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ India LaunchMercedes-Benz has announced plans to launch three new electric vehicles in India. Currently with an extensive lineup of luxury cars, the company has reported its Q1 2022 sales at over 4k units at 25.96 percent growth,The first of these three electric vehicles to launch in India is the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ electric luxury saloon priced at Rs 2.45 crores (ex-showroom). Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ comes in as the brands new flagship electric offering. It is being brought in as a CBU – Completely Built-up Unit. Mercedes-Benz will also launch a non-AMG version of the EQS called EQS 580 which will be locally assembled. Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ competes with the Audi e-tron RS and Porsche Taycan in its segment.Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ boasts of a sporty stance. It sports a couple styled silhouette with LED lighting and DRLs, an AMG specific front grille in a black colour scheme with chrome finished vertical slats, a large Mercedes-Benz logo in the center and the Mercedes star with AMG lettering. It also gets chrome accents across its exteriors and at the rear it sports rear brake lights with a curved 3D helix design. The EQS rides on 21 or 22 inch AMG light alloy wheels in Aero or Heritage design while there is a large rear spoiler, rear apron and an aerodynamic diffuser with 6 longitudinal fins.Exterior colour options include Nautic Blue Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Obsidian Black Metallic, Designo Selenite Grey Magno, Designo Hyacinth Red Metallic and Designo Diamond White Bright. Dimensions stand 5,223mm in length, 1,926mm in width and 1,515mm in height. It gets a 3,210mm long wheelbase and boot space of 610 liters.Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ India LaunchThe interiors see state of the art comforts and equipment. It sports an innovative MBUX hyperscreen as standard. This is made up of three screens merged together by one continuous glass panel stretching across the length of the dashboard. Driver and front passenger get an individual 12.3 inch screen while there is also a 17.7 inch centrally positioned infotainment unit. This takes the total screen length to 47.7 inches.Mercedes-Benz EQS has a 56 inch system. It also sports a 24 GB RAM and 8 CPUs. The EQS cabin also sees features such as 64-colour ambient lighting, Burmester sound system with 15 speakers and 710 watt, massaging seats and Nappa leather (offered as an option). AMG steering wheel buttons, sports pedals and floor mats along with AMG lettering on door sills are also a part of its interior makeup.Power and PerformancePower and performance on the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is seen via a 400V, 107.8 kWh lithium ion battery with an AMG electric motor on each axle. This dual-motor setup offers 762 hp power and 1,020 Nm torque. As per the WLTP cycle, it offers a range upto 585 kms and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a top speed rated at 250 km/h. An optimum temperature range of the battery is achieved via a cooling circuit and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) booster heater integrated into it.Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ India LaunchIt also gets a 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive system. It supports upto 200 kW DC rapid charging and 22 kW fast charging. The India spec model comes in with Dynamic Plus Package as standard which makes 761 hp Race Start mode.Suspension to this flagship electric vehicle is via four-link axle in front and multi-link axle at the rear. It also gets AMG’s Ride Control+ air suspension, working together with electronically controlled active dampers and rear-axle steering. Updates to the battery management system can be done over the air. It also comes in with an AMG Track Pace software that records over 80 vehicle specific data among which are speed and acceleration during racetrack driving. Driving dynamics can be altered via four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes of Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.2022 Mercedes EQS ElectricFirst in industry service interval is being offered on the new EQS 53 that includes 2 years/30,000 kms, battery warranty of 10 years (8+2 years) or 2,50,000 kms. The service pack starts at Rs 1,15,000 while the advanced assurance pack is at Rs 2,50,000.Mercedes Benz India has also stated that by the end of this year it will have the largest ultra fast charging network covering 80 percent of the country. For this the company has made an investment of Rs 15 crores with its franchise partners. The fast charging network will be exclusive to Mercedes-Benz customers and will be offered free of cost for the first year only. More

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      BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV India Launch Soon – Kona, ZS EV Rival

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      BYD Atto 3 electric SUV to be priced at around Rs 25 lakh; will rival the likes of MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EVBYD Atto 3 Electric SUVCurrently the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles by volumes, China-based BYD is looking to enter the mainstream EV market in India. BYD has been functional in India since 2007, but earlier its operations were limited to manufacturing of batteries, electronic parts and mobile phones.Since 2016, BYD has started supplying batteries and bus chassis to electric bus manufacturer Olectra. In 2021, BYD had launched e6 electric MPV at a starting price of Rs 29.6 lakh. e6 MPV has range of 520 km and it is sold exclusively to corporate and fleet customers. With e6 receiving good response, BYD is looking to target the passenger EV segment.BYD Atto 3 India launch plansBYD Atto 3 will initially be assembled at the company facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai. Over the next two years, BYD plans to sell 10,000 assembled vehicles in India. Based on response, the company can consider setting up a local manufacturing unit.To showcase its seriousness about the Indian market, BYD will be participating in upcoming 2023 Auto Expo. The Warren Buffet-backed company will be displaying a range of products including sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs. BYD’s state-of-the-art Blade battery technology will also be showcased.BYD Atto 3 Electric SUVIn terms of additional screening that Chinese companies usually have to face in India, BYD said that its current operations and infrastructure do not require any clearance. BYD has aggressive plans for India, with the goal to acquire 10-15% market share in passenger EV segment by 2030. However, the company is yet to fully define its strategy for reaching that goal. A lot will depend on the success of Atto 3 and other upcoming EVs that will be showcased at 2023 Auto Expo.Owing to increase in assembly operations, BYD will be hiring around 100 people by end of this year. With sales target of 10,000 EVs in 2 years, BYD will also be expanding its dealer network. Currently, it has 12 dealers across 12 cities. These numbers will be increased to 24 outlets across 18 cities in the next 6 months. Based on demand, more outlets can be opened.BYD Atto 3 featuresAs sold in international markets, BYD Atto 3 has a sporty profile with sleek headlamps, closed-off grille, funky alloy wheels, chrome-lined windows, sloping roofline and connected tail lamps. Other key features include panoramic sunroof, electric unlock tailgate, roof rails and electrically heated, retractable and adjustable ORVMs.[embedded content][embedded content]Interiors are ultra-luxurious with a plethora of futuristic design elements across the cockpit area. There’s liberal use of chrome accents, which ensure a premium, regal feel. Some key features include a large 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 5-inch digital instrument panel, electric power assisted steering wheel, premium Dirac HD audio system with 8 speakers, USB C and USB A ports, synthetic leather seats, driver and front passenger heated seats and voice commands.Atto 3 offers a comprehensive range of safety features including ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic brake. Safety kit also includes front, side and curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability program, traction control system and hill descent control.Equipped with a 49.92 or 60.48 kWh battery pack, BYD Atto 3 generates 204 PS of max power and 310 Nm of peak torque. Range is 480 km with the 60.48 kWh battery pack, as per NEDC standard. Atto 3 can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.3 seconds.Source More

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      New Electric Rickshaw With Honda Battery Packs – Powered By Tork Motors

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      Componentry for Lith Pwr Mobility’s e-PRO is sourced from Tork Motors and Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt LtdLith Pwr Mobility Launches Electric 3Ws in IndiaRight now, you might have seen that most 3W auto rickshaws are run by either petrol or diesel. Yes, there are CNG ones too and slowly, electric auto rickshaws are creeping up too. But still, petrol and diesel still dominate this segment. Contributing to air pollution and sound pollution.Last mile connectivity services are just as important as intracity public transport and hence this is an important segment. So, Lith Pwr Mobility PVT LTD has launched e-PRO electric 3W rickshaws in India under the EEEVV brand. That’s the brand, okay? So, do two more Es and one extra V make a better EV?Lith Pwr e-PRO Electric 3W RickshawLith Pwr Mobility and EEEVV were so keen on establishing the fact that they had sourced their componentry from well-known OEMs like Tork Motors and Honda Power Pack Energy India, that they seem to have forgotten to establish its product’s very name. I kid you not. A name is not mentioned anywhere. But the front of electric rickshaws says e-PRO and that is likely to be its name or the name of the series.On this occasion, Manish Agarwal, Founder of Lith Pwr said, “With the support of our associate partners who have vast expertise & experience in electric automotive, we are contributing to nation building. At the same time, the three-wheeler (auto-rickshaw) industry is considered a major source of pollution in last mile connectivity services. Our mission is to provide eco-friendly rides for daily commutes in metro cities with zero downtime on a swappable battery pack.”These electric rickshaws get powertrain from Tork Motors and Honda’s swappable battery packsUnder this partnership, powertrain for electric 3-wheelers will be sourced from Tork Motors’ & Honda will provide the battery swapping solution. Commercial operations benefit from the fact that cities like Bengaluru already host multiple swapping stations. Lith Pwr Mobility claims that it has already executed its pilot project in Thane, Maharashtra in 2021 itself.Lith Pwr electric 3W gets an axial flux motor from Tork and it is supported by CAN Bus-based controllers boasting an overall efficiency of 94%. It also gets a 2-speed gearbox that offers flexibility too. This partnership promotes battery swapping policies by NITI Aayog. This e-PRO electric 3W benefits from quality componentry from Tork & Honda to jointly provide the most advanced technology and highest efficiency for the Electric 3-wheeler segment.CompetitionRight now, if we look at the electric 3W segment, YC Electric Vehicles dominate by a small margin. YC products are not properly homologated as 3W rickshaws and come off as an after-thought. Then comes Mahindra with its Treo range of electric 3W which is designed from the ground up by a mainstream manufacturer. We should also see Bajaj’s RE EV electric 3W rickshaw soon enough.Lith Pwr Mobility and EEEVV have a lot of competition to tackle and establish themselves. But, given the swappable battery from Honda and powertrain from Tork, e-PRO looks like an attractive option in the sea of electric 3W startups. Also, swappable battery tech is looking like the future of last mile connectivity, B2B platforms, intracity transportation and intracity logistics too.  More

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      Mumbai BEST Double Decker Electric Bus – Spied Ahead Of Debut

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      Switch is a clean energy based mobility solutions provider known for its portfolio across various marketsMumbai Double Decker Electric BusSwitch is known for its mobility solutions that run on clean energy. The company wants the world to “Switch” to clean energy as the effects of increased pollution are starting to pop up decades ago. Even in India, Switch provides electric mobility by launching electric versions of Ashok Leyland Dost and Bada Dost LCVs.Recently, Switch has made it to the news multiple times as Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had inducted 900 double-decker buses. This was done in an attempt to bring back the aura of Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses. But with a modern twist, as they are fully electric. Even though Tata electric buses and a few others exist, none of them are double decker.Switch Double Decker Electric BusThen Tourism and Environment minister Aditya Thackeray had announced that Mumbai’s iconic red double-decker buses would be brought back to life with modernity and in EV form. To make this grand comeback for red double decker buses in Mumbai, BEST had planned to induct 900 electric buses from electric mobility solutions provider Switch.The plan was to induct more at a later time and also to implement double-decker buses in other Maharashtrian cities too. Switch Mobility is yet to launch its new electric double-decker bus in India. Ahead of launch, a Switch electric double decker bus has been spotted on Mumbai roads. Like Mumbai’s iconic double-decker, this is also red in colour. Take a look at Suraj Wadekar’s Twitter post below, showing Mumbai BEST Double Decker Electric Bus.Spotted Mumbai’s new BEST Double Decker Bus! #BEST #DoubleDecker@myBESTBus @chaloapp @m_indicator @mumbaitraffic @RidlrMUM @traffic_mumbai pic.twitter.com/q5qLIxXrmi— Suraj Wadekar (@WadekarSuraj) August 17, 2022But unlike Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses of yesteryears, this new one is a lot different. For starters, it is air-conditioned which the old ones were not. Also, Switch’s double decker bus is fully electric unlike the gas-guzzler that was the old one. Switch calls it Metrodecker and is an urban mobility solution.But the one that will run in India, will be slightly different from the global model. It has a few changes to its exterior body and the powertrain is highly likely to be the same as that of the global model. Let’s check out the specs on this tall boy.Specs & FeaturesMetrodecker comes in two variants, MD10,500 which is 10,500mm long and 5,350mm wheelbase. Whereas, MD11,140 is 11,140mm long with a 6,000mm wheelbase. Both of them are 2,500mm wide and 4,310mm tall. I am a little concerned as to how such a tall vehicle will fare in an Indian city like Mumbai, where encroachment is not often regulated.Mumbai Double Decker Electric BusMD10,500 can seat 63 people and MD11,140 can seat 84. But more than 94 people can travel at once too. Coming to its massive powertrain, it gets a gargantuan 325 kWh battery pack which is capable of 335 bhp of peak power and even astonishing is 22,000 Nm of peak torque unleashed at 0 RPM via a ZF sourced AVE130 hub motor axle. We thought electric Hummer’s 15,500 Nm torque was bonkers. But here we go.Switch Double Decker Electric bus’ powertrain is capable of covering 240 km of claimed range in a single charge with HVAC turned on. After its battery is depleted, the onboard 44 kW AC charger takes 6 hours for full recharge. But with a DC fast charger with 100 kW to spare, charging times can take only 3 hours. Top speed is around 85 km/h. I would personally travel over 600 km to Mumbai to ride in this. Would you? More