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      2022 MG ZS EV (Astor Electric) Debuts With Drive Range Of 439 Kms

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      2022 MG ZS Electric FaceliftMG updated the battery pack of the India-spec ZS EV a few months back which offers a claimed ARAI range of 419 kms on a single charge
      MG is looking to expand its presence across European markets as it has unveiled the new ZS EV facelift. For 2022, the electric crossover has received a mild makeover that involves subtle cosmetic updates but more importantly gets an upgraded battery pack. It is expected to hit showrooms in the UK by November this year. ZS is an all electric version of the soon to be launched Astor in India.
      Other than the styling tweaks and electrical upgrades, the updated ZS EV gets a new range-topping variant called Long Range. To start with its design, the electric SUV gets subtle variations in design although the overall silhouette has been retained from the current model.
      2022 MG ZS EV (Astor Electric) – Styling And Features
      Upfront, the facelifted ZS EV ditches a chrome-surround grille in favour of a faux sealed-off grille which marks a clear distinction between itself and its IC engine-powered sibling. It is flanked by sleeker LED headlamp units on each side which resemble the ones in its petrol-powered counterpart Astor recently unveiled in India. It also sports reprofiled front and rear bumpers, a new alloy wheel design and slightly redesigned LED internals for taillights.
      Just like its exterior, the interior of the cabin of the 2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift also doesn’t boast any radical changes. The dashboard layout remains identical to the outgoing model. However, it gets a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display along with an updated fully digital instrument console.
      2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift
      The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is also equipped with MG’s iSmart platform which offers a wide range of connected car features.
      New Battery Options
      More significant updates have been made to its battery options. The updated ZS EV will be available in two derivatives- base and long-range. The base variant of the electric crossover now gets a larger 51 kWh battery pack instead of a 44.5 kWh unit. The new battery pack offers a range of 320 kms on a single charge as opposed to 263 kms in the older base model.
      The long-range variant features an even larger 72 kWh battery which offers a range of 439 kms on a single charge as per the WLTP cycle. Both variants are offered with an 11 kW AC charger as standard. Further, MG has integrated a four-stage LED indicator into the charging port offset to the right of the brand logo at the nose to reflect charging status.
      2022 MG ZS Electric Facelift
      The company claims that the long-range variant could be fully charged in ten and a half hours using the standard AC charger. On using a 100 kW DC fast charger, the battery could be rejuvenated 0-80 percent in just 42 minutes. Motor specifications of the car have remained unchanged.
      The long-range variant has been priced at €34,990 (INR 30.34 lakh) whereas the base variant is expected to go on sale sometime next year at a price of €30,990 (INR 26.87 lakh). The facelifted ZS EV is unlikely to reach Indian shores anytime soon. Expect it to arrive in India later next year. It could get renamed to MG Astor Electric or MG Astor EV. More

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      MG Maze Electric Car Concept – No Steering Wheel, Only Touchscreen

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      MG Maze Electric Car Concept
      The MG Maze Concept is an electric two-seater car, aimed at next generation of users – Could be controlled via a smartphone over internet
      MG Motor has showcased the Maze Concept for 2021 which supposedly has been inspired by video games. It is a fully electric car concept that has been designed and conceptualised by London-based SAIC Design, a European design studio owned by MG parent company SAIC.
      Same folks also designed the MG Cyberster which was revealed earlier this year at the Shanghai Motor Show. The concept is a mere design illustration as of now which has been envisioned keeping future electric vehicles in mind. This would appeal to the next generation of car buyers.
      The company says it has been designed in recognition of three key principles: “Play is important. Discovery is important. Adventure is important.” The Maze concept is a result of blending the worlds of motoring and gaming.
      SAIC Design has revealed that it wanted to capture the “at-home gaming scenario” and bring it to life inside a car. As mentioned earlier, it remains a digital rendering and has no plans of becoming real for now.
      [embedded content]
      Video Game-Inspired Cockpit
      Maze has been designed to take part in a ‘real-world treasure hunt’ of digital art installations in cities. It takes the form of a points-based rewards system for drivers which operates in a similar fashion as any computer or console-based video game.
      Entry to the cockpit can be accessed through a vertically opening glass canopy. The vertical glass canopy takes less space as compared to a normal side-opening door when open.
      On entering the small cabin, one is welcomed by a pair of zero-gravity seats, a video game controller and a screen, which are more reminiscent of a personalised gaming room than a car. Instead of a steering wheel, the car is controlled by the user’s phone. Even the exterior of Maze takes inspiration from gaming with its transparent shell, exposed componentry and LED backlighting emulating the look of a high-end gaming PC.
      MG Maze Electric Car Concept
      Exterior Design
      The short overhangs and extremely compact dimensions ensure great maneuverability in a congested environment. The view outside the cabin from the cockpit is clear and unobstructed thanks to the canopy glass opening. Since it is just a digital illustration, details of its hypothetical underpinnings stay under wraps.
      SAIC has revealed that this concept would feature multiple electric motors coupled with a swappable battery pack. However, the carmaker did not divulge any performance figures yet. While the Maze Concept may not be seen on roads in the coming future, it does reveal what future mobility could look like. Even though the design sounds and appears whimsical, it will gather some traction on the internet. More

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      Tata Motors EV Sales Crosses 10k Milestone – Nexon Electric, Tigor EV

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      Image – Car DuniyaTata Motors currently retails two electric cars under its roof- Nexon EV and Tigor EV, the latter being the most affordable electric car in the country
      Tata Motors is celebrating the success of its battery-powered vehicles in the country by notching a sales volume of 10,000 units. In the process, the homegrown automaker became the first company to retail 10K EVs in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This has been attributed to the success of Nexon EV in the market.
      The company also retails Tigor EV in its PV portfolio that was recently updated with revised styling and a much powerful powertrain. Tata Motors has admitted that the first 10,000 EVs have mostly been bought by early adopters while also underpinning that the carmaker remains committed to the vision of making EVs for the mass market.
      On achieving the 10k sales volume, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said that the numbers are a strong testament to the company’s innovative electric vehicles which are resonating well with customers. He further added that these customers have laid a strong foundation for EV ownership to further expand and have created a path for other prospective buyers to follow.
      EV Market Share of 70%
      Through a press release, Tata Motors has revealed that it commands over 70 percent market share in the ongoing financial year in the EV passenger car space. The brand registered a volume of over 1,000 electric cars in the month of August this year and reported a strong order book. The carmaker has also teamed up with its sister company Tata Power in order to set up a wide charging infrastructure with 700 plus installations in 120 cities across India.
      Tata Electric Cars
      Nexon EV Specs
      Powered by the brand’s Ziptron technology, Nexon EV features a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which derives its energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. The battery pack offers a claimed range of 312km on a single charge.
      Using a fast charge, the battery could be charged from Nexon EV in just 60 minutes. It is offered in three trims namely XM, XZ+, and XZ+ Lux with prices starting from Rs 13.99 lakh and going up to Rs 16.85 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
      Tigor EV Specs
      On the other hand, the updated Tigor EV which was launched recently is also powered by Ziptron technology but features a slightly smaller battery pack with a capacity of 26kWh. This returns an output of 74 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque and a range of 306km on a single charge. The EV can be charged from 0-80 percent in 8.5 hours using a standard wall charger and in 60 minutes using a fast charger.
      Tigor EV is available in three trims namely XE, XM, and XZ+ which are priced between Rs 11.99 lakh to Rs 13.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The manufacturer also launched an updated Tigor EV for the fleet market with a new name X-Pres T-EV. Without many rivals in the entry-level electric PV segment, Tata enjoys a significant advantage which is likely to grow stronger with the addition of new models. More

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      Three Wheeler Sales Aug 2021 – Bajaj, Piaggio, YC Electric, Mahindra Reva

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      Image – SPS CarsBajaj Auto Limited was the only three wheeler maker to cross the 10,000 unit mark in terms of retail sales last month
      As per data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), three wheeler retails increased substantially YoY. Retail sales which stood at 16,923 units in August 2020 increased to 30,410 units in the past month. This increase in sales indicates improvements in market conditions following months of slower sales.
      Top 3 Three Wheeler Brands Aug 2021
      Bajaj Auto Limited once again commanded this list. It was also the only three wheeler maker to record retail sales above the 10,000 unit mark. Sales in August 2021 stood at 11,006 units, up from 6,444 units sold in August 2020. Market share however dipped from 38.08 percent held in August 2020 to 36.19 percent in the past month.
      Piaggio Vehicle retails stood at 3,841 units in the past month with a market share of 12.63 percent. This was as against retails of 3,701 units and a market share of 21.87 percent held in August 2020. In the past month, Three Wheels United (TWU) Bengaluru-based financier of light electric vehicles, entered into a partnership with Piaggio Vehicles to accelerate adoption of electric Three-wheelers in India. Under this partnership, Three Wheels United will deploy 500 Piaggio Ape’ E City and Ape’ E-Xtra vehicles across India.
      YC Electric, Atul Auto, Mahindra
      At No. 3 was YC Electric with three wheeler retails at 1,187 units, up from 572 units retailed in August 2020. Market share also increased marginally from 3.38 percent to 3.90 percent YoY.
      Three Wheeler Retail Sales Aug 2021 – FADA
      Another three wheeler maker to note increased retails was Atul Auto with retails increasing from 627 units sold in August 2020 to 1,133 units in the past month. It may also be recalled that earlier this year, Atul Auto became the first 3 wheeler automaker to partner CSC Grameen eStore, an e-commerce initiative by CSC eGovernance Services India Ltd thus enabling the company to promote digital ordering and delivery in rural areas.
      Mahindra three wheeler sales also surged from 290 units in August 2020 to 1,111 units in the past month while market share increased substantially from 1.71 percent held in August 2020 to 3.65 percent last month. Mahindra Reva electric sales stood at 616 units, up from 225 units sold in same month last year.
      Saera, TVS, Champion, Thukral
      Saera Electric three wheeler retails increased two fold from 371 units retailed in August 2021 to 606 units in the past month TVS Motors also added to their retail sales which stood at 603 units in the past month over 411 units retailed in August 2020.

      No
      Rickshaw / 3W Sales
      Aug-21
      Aug-20
      %

      1
      Bajaj
      11,006
      6,444
      70.79

      2
      Piaggio
      3,841
      3,701
      3.78

      3
      YC Electric
      1,187
      572
      107.52

      4
      Atul
      1,133
      627
      80.70

      5
      Mahindra
      1,111
      290
      283.10

      6
      Mahindra Reva
      616
      225
      173.78

      7
      Saera Electric
      606
      371
      63.34

      8
      TVS
      603
      411
      46.72

      9
      Champion Polyplast
      567
      146
      288.36

      10
      Dilli Electric
      443
      150
      195.33

      11
      Thukral Electric
      402
      148
      171.62

      12
      Best Way Agencies
      396
      114
      247.37

      13
      Unique International
      382
      121
      215.70

      14
      JS Auto
      344
      121
      184.30

      15
      Vani Electric
      335
      237
      41.35

      16
      Mini Metro
      311
      117
      165.81

      17
      Others + EV
      7,127
      3,128
      127.85

      –
      Total
      30,410
      16,923
      79.70

      Other automakers such as Champion Poly Plast, Dilli Electric, Thukral Electric and Unique International all posted YoY growth in retails along with increase in market shares. Other three wheeler makers reported sales of 7,127 units in August 2021 up from 3,128 units retailed in the same month of the previous year. More

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      Audi e-tron GT Electric Launch Price Rs 1.8 Cr – Up To 500 Kms Range

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      Audi e-tron GT India Launche-tron GT adds to the growing line-up of electric cars from Audi India – Its RS variant has also been launched
      After launching the e-tron SUV earlier this year in India, Audi has today announced the launch of e-tron GT and e-tron GT RS. It is priced at Rs 1.8 crore and Rs 2.05 crore respectively. It sits above the e-tron SUV range, which is available from Rs 1 cr to Rs 1.17 cr. All prices are ex-sh.
      Design
      e-Tron GT is a Coupe-style electric four-door saloon that is meant for grand touring in comfort. Although it is not as sporty, quick or luxurious as its cousin from Porsche it is certainly distinctive and equally impressive in its design. Following a Coupe style, e-Tron GT gets a heavily sloping roofline with a broad shoulder line and low bonnet.
      Upfront, the sedan features a signature Audi hexagonal-shaped grille which is flanked by familiar matrix LED headlights in combination with Audi laser light. The front bumper features air curtains which improve aerodynamic efficiency.
      LED taillights at rear get an animated function which is one of the distinct highlights of the car. Along the side profile, it gets aggressive creases, a chrome finish on door sills and diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels which aptly makes it look luxurious.
      [embedded content]
      On the inside, you get Air Quality package, Nappa leather upholstery, 18 Way adjustable Sports seats Pro with Massager and Seat Ventilation in the front, ambient Lighting package, 3-zone air-conditioning and Comfort key. Also on offer is Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with touch, B&O Premium Sound System with 3D sound, Audi Smartphone Interface and Audi Phone Box with wireless Charging.
      Power on tap
      The main highlight of e-Tron GT is what propels the sedan forward. e-Tron GT is powered by a dual-motor setup, which derives energy from an 83.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In the standard variant, the powertrain churns out a cumulative output of 530 hp and 630 Nm of peak torque. In the top-spec RS trim, it puts out a massive 646 bhp and 830 Nm of torque.
      While the standard trim offers a maximum range of 500 kms on a single charge, the more powerful RS variant peaks out at 481 kms – as per the WLTP cycle. Respective top speeds of e-Tron GT and e-Tron GT RS are pegged at 245 kmph and 250 kmph while claimed 0-100kmph acceleration times for both variants are reported to be 4.1 seconds and 3.3 seconds respectively.
      Audi e-tron GT and RS Specs for India
      Both derivatives feature Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system since each axle is powered by a dedicated electric motor. However, since there is no mechanical link between the axles, the sedans are also equipped with an electronic control system to coordinate the drive between the axles and wheels. Bookings are already open online at the company website or at their authorized showroom. More

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      Omega Seiki Electric Commercial Vehicle Debuts – 250 Kms Range

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      Omega Seiki Electric CV – India’s First Electric Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV)Prices of M1KA will be announced at the time of its launch which is expected to take place by the end of this year or early next year
      Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has unveiled the country’s first battery-powered small commercial vehicle (SCV) named M1KA. Bookings of this vehicle will commence from the last quarter of 2021. OSM ‘M1KA’ is designed to live up to the expectation of common folks with a small business.
      The company claims M1KA offers best-in-class performance, dependability, and a value proposition with lower TCO. Currently, this segment of commercial vehicles is dominated by players such as Tata Ace, Maruti Suzuki Super Carry, Mahindra Jeeto and Ashok Leyland Dost but all powered by IC engines.
      Details on M1KA
      The small carrier will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Faridabad. Powering M1KA is an electric motor that derives its energy from an NMC-based battery pack with a rated capacity of 90kWh. The manufacturer claims a maximum range of 250km on a single charge. Using a DC fast charging station, it takes four hours for the battery to rejuvenate. It has an impressive payload capacity of two tonnes. Underpinning the SCV is a chassis with superior tensile strength.
      Suspension setup comprises six leaf springs at front and seven at rear which makes it proficient on every terrain. M1KA has been equipped with a large loading bay which is highly suitable for heavy as well as voluminous load. M1KA has been targeted at a segment that is a combination of owners-cum-drivers and fleet owners, for whom cost-effectiveness is a major business criterion.
      Omega Seiki Electric CV
      On the occasion of its unveiling, Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of OSM said, “EV market is growing especially in the Commercial Vehicle space on the back of cost-effectiveness, sustainable solution and the increasing support from the central and the state Government. The current SOPs and favourable environment motivate us to expand our EV offerings for our customers.”
      The company says that the SCV could be used for a variety of businesses such as courier, goods distribution, E-commerce and FMCG amongst others. OSM has been trying to push itself hard into the electric mobility space in India.
      Other offerings from OSM
      A few days ago, OSM announced that a US-based technology provider named C4V will be supplying the Delhi-based firm next generation high-performance lithium-ion batteries from its cell manufacturing joint ventures. These batteries will be utilised for future electric mobility of the company.
      Earlier last month, the EV manufacturer announced its entry into the two-wheeler space by unveiling two electric scooters named Fiare and Zoro. These scooters were presented at the company’s new state-of-the-art flagship showroom in Pune. OSM set foot in the Indian automobile industry in early 2020 with the debut of Rage3+ which was the first electric three-wheeler for commercial purposes in the country. More

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      Tata XPRES T EV Launch Price With Subsidy – Tigor Electric For Fleet Customers

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      Tata XPRES T EVTata XPres T is basically the facelifted Tigor electric sedan for commercial market – It will receive two battery pack options of 16.5kWh and 21.5kWh
      Tata Motors has launched a new sub-brand called ‘Xpres’ in India which will cater exclusively to fleet customers – Government, Corporates and Mobility Services. With this new brand, the company now has two ranges of passenger vehicles Xpress and New Forever lineup and the first vehicle under this will be the Xpres-T EV which is essentially a facelift Tigor EV.
      Tata Tigor EV called Xpres T, is a part of the automaker’s Xpres brand which is exclusive for fleet customers. It is offered in a choice of four variants, two each for its two battery options. XpresT 165 XM variant is priced at Rs 9.54 lakh, while the XZ variant costs Rs 10.04 lakh. XpresT 213 XM+ is priced at Rs 10.14 lakh while XZ+ trim costs Rs 10.64 lakh. These are Net Prices with Fame Subsidy.
      Tata XPRES T EV Prices
      Design Elements
      Where its design is concerned, the XPres-T borrows much from the facelifted Tigor. It however gets blue accents on its now closed off front grille and dashboard to signal its electric power. Other than this differentiating factor, the rest of the exterior features are identical with EV badging on its front, sides and rear.
      It gets an all-black interior colour scheme, a Harman sourced infotainment system, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic climate control. Safety is via dual air bags, rear parking sensors, power windows and two modes of Eco and Sport. ABS and EBD are offered as standard. The interiors also remain unchanged with a 2 DIN infotainment system, electrically adjustable ORVMs and remote locking system.
      2021 Tata Tigor Electric Facelift Xpres-T EV delivery starts
      Battery Options
      Tata XPres-T electric sedan will be offered with two battery options that include 16.5 kWh and 21.5 kWh. Power will be via a 72V, 3 phase induction motor offering 40 hp power and 105 Nm torque. ARAI has certified range at 165 km and 213 km respectively with single speed automatic transmission. The battery can be charged from 0 to 100% via a 15A domestic plug in just under 12 hours. Fast charging from 0 to 80% with 15 kW charger can be done in 110 minutes.
      True to the Government of India’s Green initiative, Tata Motors has over 1,700 electric sedans operating in the fleet segment. This new Xpres-T EV sedan, will further create a new benchmark for urban shared mobility with comprehensive captive charging solution provided by Tata Power. Tata Motors plans to further its electric vehicle portfolio with 10 new EVs by 2025.
      Increase In EV Demand
      The Maharashtra EV Policy 2021 has been announced. It offers many incentives for adoption of electric vehicles in the state which includes 2, 3 and 4 wheelers along with buses and transport vehicles. Each of these will get incentives at a rate set at Rs 5,000 /kWh battery capacity. These incentive plans would also help to accelerate development of charging infrastructure in the state.
      Electric vehicles come in with lower cost of ownership as compared to their IC engine powered counterparts. They also entail minimum maintenance and are especially in demand now with the rising fuel prices. These EVs are ideally suited for intra-city mobility services. More

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      New Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept Makes Global Debut

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      Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept
      Upon its launch, the electric G Wagon from Mercedes Benz will rival other electric off-roading SUVs such as GMC Hummer EV and electric Ford Bronco
      One of the most popular lineups of cars from Mercedes Benz has been re-envisioned in a whole new avatar. The G-Wagon nameplate from the German marque needs no introduction as it is considered one of the purest forms of SUVs still in production. Recently, the carmaker took a giant step towards electrification of its entire lineup.
      Mercedes Benz has officially unveiled a concept of what could become the first fully electric G Class SUV in future. Officially referred to as Concept EQG, it made its maiden public appearance recently at the IAA Mobility Show 2021 in Munich. The company says that the EQG Concept is a vision of what an electrified G-Class will look like.
      A final production version of an electric G Wagon is expected to make its debut in 2025 which will be based on the EQG Concept. Speaking of its design, Concept EQG unmistakably looks like a G-Class with close visual relations with its IC engine-powered sibling. However, the battery-powered G Wagon comes with a series of styling revisions that mirrors the design of futuristic electric vehicles.
      Mercedes G Class Electric – Exterior Styling
      The exterior overhaul of the SUV is subtle with a similar dual-tone paint scheme used in other EV models from Mercedes such as the EQS luxury sedan. The entire exterior has been installed with illuminated trim elements which include a solid black panel with a 3D star pattern replacing the front grille. Upfront, the faux grille is flanked by round LED headlights circled by integrated LED DRLs.
      Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept
      The SUV stands on large 22-inch aluminium wheels while in place of a spare-wheel carrier, it features a storage box. The storage box has been designed to look like the charging station which consists of the port and charging cables. Concept EQG carries the signature G Class boxy silhouette and is still underpinned by a ladder-on-frame chassis that sits on an independent suspension in front and a solid axle at the rear.
      Powerful & off-road capable
      While exact specs of its powertrain haven’t been revealed, it has come to light that the SUV will be powered by four electric motors each mounted close to the four wheels. Mercedes says that each of these motors can be operated independently to provide “unique driving characteristics.” These motors will be connected via a two-speed gearbox which effectively offers low-range and high-range gearing thus fulfilling its off-roading requirements.
      Mercedes says instant torque provided by an electric powertrain will further enhance the SUV’s off-roading capabilities with enormous pulling power and controllability. The battery is integrated into the ladder frame to ensure a low centre of gravity. While exact battery specs, range and performance figures have not yet been revealed, it will certainly eclipse the present IC engine-powered G Wagons.
      Current IC Engine G Wagons
      Currently, G Wagon is offered in two iterations in India- the regular G350d and the more powerful AMG G63. The latter is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 petrol motor which dishes out a mammoth 577 bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque. The AG G63 sprint 0-100kmph in just 4.5 seconds making the fastest G Wagon. More