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      New Tata Altroz Test Mules Spied Near Pune – Electric Or CNG?

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      Tata Altroz New Test Mules SpiedBesides Altroz CNG, Tata Motors will also launch a fully battery-powered Altroz EV in future
      Mass-market carmakers are toying with several ideas for alternate fuels and hence companies will be introducing CNG-powered variants of many models in near future. Tata Motors is one brand that will expand its CNG lineup very soon with the launch of multiple CNG cars.
      The stepping stone is most probably going to be laid by Altroz CNG which has been spotted testing on numerous occasions in recent months. Test mules of the premium hatchback have been spotted yet again in a fully disguised avatar. It could be either the Altroz CNG or the Altroz Electric.
      New Tata Altroz Test Mules
      The latest spy shots are credit to automotive enthusiast Susheel Arde and have been clicked somewhere near Pune. Since the test prototype is fully covered under camouflage there is no evidence of any styling update. Spy shots also reveal interiors of the cabin.
      The interiors look fairly similar to the regular petrol and diesel variants of Altroz with the same dashboard layout and seat upholstery. It gets the same 7.0-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment display and air-con vents below it. The centre panel gets ‘Altroz’ lettering in bold. It also features the same centre console tunnel comprising auto climate control, cubby hole, gear selector and driver’s armrest.
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      Altroz Electric or Altroz CNG – Features on offer
      Other features present in Altroz’s equipment include a semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, cruise control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and iRA connected car tech. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and rear parking sensors.
      The test mule seen in the latest spy pics appears to be the top-spec XZ+ trim since it features the same alloy wheel design and features. In all likelihood, CNG variants on Altroz are likely to be introduced on mid-spec XT trim onwards. It is likely to be priced at a premium of Rs 30,000 over its corresponding petrol-powered variant.
      Altroz Electric premium hatchback will be based on the brand’s Ziptron powertrain that features a larger battery unit. The Altroz EV is still in its early stages of production and could get a claimed range of over 300 kms on a full charge.
      2022 Tata Altroz Electric or CNG?
      Altroz Powertrain Options
      Currently, Altroz is offered three engine options. A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine kicks out 85 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque. A 1.5-litre diesel unit churns out 89 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. The third option is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol mill which dishes out 109 bhp and 140 Nm of peak torque. All three motors come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. There are also plans to launch an automatic gearbox with Altroz.
      Altroz CNG is expected to be launched sometime next year although its exact launch timeline is not yet known. Upon its launch, it will directly compete against the upcoming Maruti Baleno CNG and maybe Hyundai i20 CNG. Tata Motors will also launch CNG variants of Tiago, Tigor and Nexon in the coming future. More

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      Old Diesel Cars Ban Lifted In Delhi – If Converted Into Electric Cars

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      File photo. Image – Car PointOwners of diesel-powered vehicles older than ten years old now have a way to bypass the NGTs ban
      Earlier last year, to keep vehicular emissions in check in the wake of rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed an order which banned diesel-powered vehicles older than ten years and petrol-powered cars older than fifteen years.
      This came as a huge jolt for people who owned old vehicles, especially those running on oil burners since thousands of vehicles in Delhi-NCR became non-operational all of a sudden. However, the Delhi Government has introduced a new ruling which would offer relief to such consumers.
      Old Diesel Cars Ban – EV Retrofitting
      As per the new order, diesel vehicles older than 10 years can continue to ply in the National Capital Region (NCR) provided these vehicles convert to fully electric powertrain. This development has been confirmed by Transport Minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, through his Twitter account. The latest ruling from the Delhi Government effectively bypasses the earlier order by NGT which banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi-NCR.
      While this step will not only help owners of old diesel cars to continue using the vehicles, it would also help develop the EV aftermarket business ecosystem. However, there is no clarity as of now if this order also applies to petrol-powered cars older than fifteen years in Delhi. There are also certain criteria to be fulfilled before this order comes into effect.
      Old Diesel cars can be legally converted into EVs
      Delhi department of transport will first have to empanel manufacturers of pure electric kits by approved testing agencies. Further, makers of retrofitted EV kits will also have to receive individual certification for each model they make a kit for. Once empanelled, this will enable vehicles to continue plying on NCR roads beyond the stipulated ten years.
      This move is welcomed by almost all quarters while some are still skeptical about some of the provisions. Various kit makers have stated that certification should be universal like it is for CNG and not for each model since it would entail a lot of time and money, which would be borne by the makers themselves.
      Relief for electric LCVs
      Apart from this, the Delhi transport minister also revealed that battery-powered Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will be allowed entry on around 250 roads during no entry hours. This will specifically cater to only L5N and N1 categories of LCVs. The Delhi Government believes that this step will help boost demand for all-electric LCVs by transport companies operating in and around Delhi.
      Battery-powered LCVs have already witnessed a 95 percent hike since introduction of Delhi’s EV Policy last year. In Delhi, there are about 38 lakhs overaged vehicles that are technically ineligible to ply on roads as per the NGT and Supreme Court’s order. Out of these, 35 lakh are petrol-powered vehicles and around 3 lakh vehicles run on oil burners that are older than ten years. More

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      KIA EV9 Electric Concept Debuts – Telluride Sized SUV With 3 Rows

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      Kia EV9 Electric SUV ConceptKia is planning to launch multiple electric cars in the coming years – EV9 Concept could be their flagship EV
      Kia has revealed the EV9 electric SUV at the ongoing 2021 LA Auto Show as a Concept. Cousin Hyundai also revealed a concept electric SUV called SEVEN at the same show. Both these electric SUV concepts are expected to be future production spec 3 row SUVs from the South Korean brands.
      Hyundai SEVEN and Kia EV9 full-size electric SUVs are similar in size to their existing IC engine powered flagships – Palisade and Telluride respectively. Kia EV9 will sit above the EV6 electric car.
      Kia EV9 Electric SUV Concept
      KIA EV9 Electric Concept – Design
      The resemblance is evident with a boxy silhouette similar to Telluride that has been on sale in the US for two years. Further, the slim L-shaped DRLs on either side of the front fascia, massive wheel arches, a flat roofline and upright proportions unmistakably resonate with the styling of Telluride. The major difference, though, lies with a closed-off front nose.
      Tiny circular LED elements have been integrated into perforations on the front facia which look very premium. The blacked-out pillars lend a floating effect to the roof which accentuates its aesthetics. On the inside, it has an interesting setup – with three seating modes; Active, Pause and Enjoy. For driver, there is an ultra-wide 27 inch HD display.
      Kia EV9 Electric SUV Concept
      The ceiling is dominated by a large glass sunroof. A thin cluster of LED taillights extends from the D-pillar up to the rear fender on either side of the tailgate. It is based on the same platform as the Hyundai SEVEN – Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Kia EV9 measures 4930mm in length, 2055mm in width, 1790mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3100mm. Compared to Telluride, it is shorter, but has longer wheelbase and a wider body.
      Kia EV9 Electric SUV Concept
      Architecture & Specs
      EV9 is based on the same Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) E-GMP architecture which currently underpins EV6. This architecture will underpin a host of upcoming electric models from both Hyundai, Genesis and Kia brands which include the likes of Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV60 and others.
      Being compared to the IC-engine powered Telluride, EV9 could be expected to be offered with an all-wheel-drive setup. While Kia hasn’t revealed any specifics regarding the powertrain of the upcoming electric SUV, it could draw its power from a large lithium-ion battery close to 100 kWh capacity. It would be available in both single- and dual-motor configurations, the latter offering AWD functionality. Kia claims it will have a driving range in the 480 kms region.
      Kia EV9 Electric SUV Concept
      More EVs from Hyundai & Kia
      Hyundai and Kia are planning to introduce as many as six electric cars by 2024. It is expected to kickstart with the new Kia EV6 which is expected to be launched in India as a full import via the CBU route. This could be followed by the e-Niro electric SUV in 2023 which will be more mass-market in its appeal and would take on the likes of MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV.
      Kia has announced that it will go carbon neutral across the globe by the year 2045. It aims to achieve full electrification in Europe by 2035 and in all major international markets by 2040. The South Korean automaker also informed that it will transition all company fleet vehicles to electrified vehicles by 2030. More

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      Hyundai SEVEN Electric SUV Concept Debuts With Autonomous Tech

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      Hyundai SEVEN Electric Concept SUVExpected to launch in 2024, the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7 will be underpinned by the same E-GMP architecture as IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6
      Hyundai has unveiled the Seven Concept SUV at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show 2021 which previews the South Korean automaker’s future sport utility electric vehicles (SUEV). In its final production form, which is expected to make its debut in 2024, the Seven Concept will be retailed as the Ioniq 7 electric SUV.
      Future EVs from Hyundai will be sold exclusively under the company’s subsidiary brand- Ioniq. The Seven Concept is based on the same Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which currently underpins Ioniq 5 and its cousin Kia EV6. This architecture also underpins the upcoming Kia EV9 Concept.
      Proportions of the Seven Concept are expected to be around the same region as the carmaker’s current flagship SUV- Palisade. Offering a wheelbase of 3,200mm, the Seven Concept has a very long side profile which translates to a spacious cabin.
      The Seven Concept holds great significance for Hyundai since the company plans to go all-electric by 2045. As with most automobile concepts, the Seven Concept SUV looks futuristic and a little too gimmicky which suggests it’s far away from being production-ready at this point. The Korean carmaker has carried forward a neo-retro design of Ioniq 5 into the concept SUV.
      Hyundai SEVEN Electric Concept SUV
      Exterior Design
      Notable exterior highlights include ‘Parametric Pixel’ lights up front, a faux mesh grille and vertical fog lamps giving the SUV’s face an elegant look. The SUV rides on chunky 5-spoke alloy wheels with ‘Active Air’ flaps, which deploy or retract for brake cooling and low-drag purposes respectively. The roofline also tapers down gently lending it a slight coupe-like appearance.
      The side profile features more exotic highlights such as pillar-less coach doors, roof rails, squarish wheel arches and retracting cameras that replace traditional wing mirrors. At rear, the Seven Concept gets an all-glass tailgate with pixel-like tail-lights and an illuminated Hyundai logo.
      Interiors & Features
      Inside the cabin, the SUV offers a very different layout from a conventional three-row SUV. While the first- and second-row receive swiveling lounge chairs, the third-row features a wrap-around sofa-type configuration. Passengers can witness their favourite visuals on a massive OLED screen on the glass roof. Moreover, the doors open outwards like a Rolls Royce.
      Hyundai SEVEN Electric Concept SUV
      As luxurious as it is, the cabin of Seven Concept has been built with sustainable materials and renewable resources like mineral plaster, copper, bamboo wood, recycled fabric and bamboo wood. In addition, the cabin has been laced with amenities such as a mini-fridge, a shoe-care compartment, UVC lights that sanitize the car’s interiors and a Hygiene Airflow System.
      Specifications
      The Korean carmaker hasn’t yet revealed the battery and motor specifications but Ioniq 7 is expected to be powered by a dual-motor setup which could derive its energy from a battery pack of 80 kWh capacity. The concept model is said to offer a range of over 480km on a single charge. On being connected to a 350kW fast charger, the battery can be juiced up from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. More

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      Mahindra Electric And Tractor, CVs To Get New Logo – Patent Leaks

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      Mahindra is the largest tractor manufacturer of IndiaEarlier, Mahindra had confirmed that the current ‘Road Ahead’ logo will be retained for its commercial vehicle and farm equipment products
      Mahindra recently introduced its new logo for its SUV portfolio which was launched along with the new XUV700 in September. This logo will eventually trickle down to every SUV in Mahindra’s lineup in the coming future. Apart from this, the homegrown automaker has filed trademarks for two more logos.
      The two new logos will cater to two different segments of Mahindra & Mahindra’s automotive arm. One of these logos is very similar to the ‘Twin Peaks’ revealed earlier this year for the SUV range. The main difference here is that in this logo, the right-angled triangles overlap with each other through their bases.
      New Mahindra Logo for CVs, Tractors and Farm Equipments
      It still forms the letter ‘M’. This logo could be used for the company’s commercial vehicle and farm equipment business. It is well-known that the automaker is planning big for the future and aims to invest Rs. 3000 crores for the farm equipment segment and Rs. 1,500 crores for various subsidiaries by FY24.
      This new logo will serve as a completely new brand identity for commercial or battery-powered vehicles while also resembling the new ‘M’ logo for Mahindra SUVs. Not just this but Mahindra has also patented a new logo for its upcoming range of electric cars. In comparison to the first logo, this new one is a lot simple and denotes the letters ‘ME’ which should stand for ‘Mahindra Electric’.
      New Mahindra Logo For Tractors, CVs, Farm Equipment ?
      EVs Under Mahindra
      Mahindra has received this trademark after waiting for almost two years. To jog back one’s memory, Mahindra had filed this trademark for the new logo back in January 2020. Since then, a lot of activities have taken place. The EV arm of the company named Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited (MEML) was formally merged with Mahindra in March this year in order to consolidate the brand’s EV vertical.
      New Mahindra Electric Logo
      As per previous reports, Mahindra is planning to launch eight electric cars in India in the next five years. Out of these, four will be based on existing IC engine models and the rest will be brand new EVs which Mahindra terms as ‘Born EVs’. The company expects that by 2027, the Indian market is expected to have witnessed 20 percent penetration of electric SUVs.
      Among the upcoming EVs from Mahindra, the eKUV100, based on KUV100, has been spotted testing on roads multiple times. The micro UV will be positioned as an entry-level electric car in the market upon its launch.
      However, Mahindra hasn’t yet revealed a specific launch timeline for the battery-powered model. Other than this, the carmaker is also developing a fully-electric version of XUV300 to take on Tata Nexon EV. Mahindra also has plans to launch 5 door version of Thar and a new flagship SUV, likely to be named as XUV900. More

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      Electric Car Sales India H1 FY 2021 – Nexon, MG ZS, Tigor, Kona, Verito

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      Image – Its Sumit kumarElectric car sales in India during April to September 2021 saw a 234 percent YoY increase with Tata Nexon EV being the best-selling model in this segment
      Ever increasing price of fuel, increased preference for zero emission vehicles coupled with subsidies and benefits offered by State and Central Governments under the FAME II initiative, has resulted in an increased demand for electric passenger vehicles.
      However, the electric passenger vehicle segment is still in its nascent stage. This segment commands less than 1 percent of total PV sales in India but demand is growing by leaps and bounds. With just a few automakers having entered this segment, sales figures for the first half of FY2022 (6,261 units) have already surpassed EV sales in all of FY2021 which had stood at 5,905 units.
      Electric Car Sales India H1 FY 2022
      Taking into account the first half of this calendar year, April – September 2021, total EV sales of these automakers stood at 6,261 units, up 234 percent over 1,872 units sold in the April to September 2020 period. This was a difference of 4,389 units. Leaders in this segment include automakers such as Tata Motors (Nexon and Tigor EV), MG Motors (ZS EV), Hyundai (Kona) and Mahindra (Verito).
      Tata Motors has been dominating the EV space with its two models Nexon EV and Tigor EV. The company also has the Xpres T EV, however, this electric sedan is exclusively for fleet customers. These account for over 70 percent of electric vehicles sold during the 6 month period of 2021.
      Electric Car Sales India FY 2021 / 2022
      The company has reached a 7 month total of 6,005 units and expects to surpass the 10,000 unit mark to set a new record in the EV segment this year. Last month, Tata Motors also revealed plan to launch ten more electric cars in India over next five years. An amount of Rs 7,500 crore has been raised for this venture and out of these ten EVs being planned at least seven cars will be launched over the next four years.
      Tata Nexon EV Tops List
      Nexon EV was the best-selling model in this segment, commanding a 58 percent market share. Total sales from April-September 2021 stood at 3,618 units, up 214 percent of 2,466 units over 1,152 units sold during the April-September 2020 period.
      MG ZS EV was at No. 2 with 1,789 units sold in the April-September 2021 period, an increase of 250 percent or 1,278 units over just 511 units sold during the same 6 month period last year. The MG ZS EV commands a 29 percent share.
      At No. 3 was Tata Tigor EV with sales of 801 units in April-September 2021, up 701 percent from 100 units sold in the April-September 2020 period. Commanding a 13 percent market share, the Tigor EV got updated earlier this year with a better battery and updated features. This 5 seater sedan available in 4 variants and in a price range of Rs. 11.99 – 13.14 lakh.
      Even as Hyundai Cars India was the forerunner in this segment with its Kona electric launched ahead of all others, sales have not been encouraging. Hyundai Kona sales have dipped 50 percent from 101 units sold in April-September 2020 to 51 units in the same period of this year. Trailing the list of electric passenger vehicles was the Mahindra Verito with just 2 units sold in the April to September 2021 period, down from 8 units sold in the same period of 2020 relating to a 75 percent de-growth. More

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      Porsche Taycan Electric India Launch Price Rs 1.5 Cr – 484 Kms Range

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      Porsche Taycan IndiaPorsche Taycan will be joining the current crop of luxury and performance electric cars in India including Audi e-Tron, e-Tron GT and Mercedes Benz EQC
      After a slew of luxury electric cars in India, it is time for Porsche to bring in its own electric supercar offering in the country. The German marque has launched the new Taycan electric supercar in India today. The battery-powered sports car made its global debut back in September 2019 but its launch had been deferred thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Taycan is available in three variants namely 4S, Turbo and Turbo S spread across two battery configurations. It shares most of its underpinnings with Audi e-Tron GT which is currently the most powerful electric car in India. However, from today, the battery-powered supercar from Porsche will be the most powerful EV in India.
      Porsche Taycan India – Exterior Design
      Inspired by the iconic 911 of the 1960s, Taycan gets signature sporty characteristics of its IC engine-powered siblings. These include a sculpted hood, a sloping roofline and a wide blacked-out air dam on the front bumper. The most attractive highlights are inverted L-shaped LED headlamps with familiar four-pointed integrated LED DRLs.
      On the side profile, it flaunts blacked-out B-pillars, door-mounted ORVMs and massive five-spoke alloy wheels. The rear end features a slender LED light bar which is also reminiscent of the legendary 911. Taycan will be available in as many as 17 standard colour options in addition to 65 paint schemes which could be opted for via the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur personalization program.
      Manolito Vujicic, Brand Head for Porsche India, at the official launch of the all-new Taycan
      Interior Styling & Features
      Inspiration from the 1960s 911 continues inside the lavish cabin made for four occupants including the driver. The two-tone dashboard houses a multi-screen layout comprising a central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional passenger display. Further, a large 8.4-inch touch panel with haptic feedback is placed on the centre console under the air-con vents.
      It also gets a minimalist yet modern fully digital instrument console with a curved 16.8-inch display giving it a round look. Doors and centre consoles have been made from a combination of wood, embossed aluminum, carbon fiber or fabric trims. Some of the notable features on offer include a massage facility in the front seats, heated rear seats, 4-zone automatic climate control and much more.
      Powertrain Options
      As mentioned earlier, Porsche is offering two battery pack options with Taycan- 76kWh and 93.4kWh. The former is reserved for the base 4S trim. All three trims are offered in an all-wheel-drive setup with an electric motor mounted on each axle. The dual-motor setup in Taycan 4S delivers a combined peak output of 525 bhp and 640 Nm of torque. It claims a 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 4.0 seconds.
      On the other hand, Turbo and Turbo S variants feature the larger 93.4kWh battery pack. The former dishes out a peak output of 671 bhp and 850 Nm of torque while the latter pumps out 751 bhp and 1,050 Nm. Maximum range offered is by the base variant, of 484 kms for single charge. Price starts from Rs 1.5 crore, ex-sh. Delivery starts early next year. More

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      Fast Charging Electric Cargo Rickshaw Launch Price Rs 3.59 Lakh

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      India’s First Fast Charging Electric Cargo RickshawOmega Seiki mobility and Log 9 Materials opens pre-bookings for launch of 2 Rage+ Rapid EV variants
      Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) has partnered with battery-tech startup Log 9 Materials. With this comes the launch of its 3-Wheeler Rage+ Rapid EV. It claims to be the Fastest charging 3- Wheeler EV Powered by InstaCharge Technology. Pre-booking for Rage+ Rapid EV Open Carrier Half Tray and Rage+ RapidEV with 140 cubic ft. top body container are now being accepted.
      Pre-bookings are being accepted for 10 grands for the first 1,000 customers. The electric vehicles are currently listed at a discounted ex-showroom price of Rs 3.59 lakh, and Rs 3.99 lakh, respectively. Developed jointly, Rage+ RapidEV range caters to requirements of Indian consumers. The current festive season offer ensures a price adjustment of upto Rs 1 Lakh.
      Pre-booking to delivery
      Once the online pre-booking window closes, Omega Seiki/Log 9 team reps will connect with customers to complete the payment process and other formalities. Vehicles will be shipped to customers within a 4-6 week period from date of pre-booking.
      Both Omega Seiki Rage+ Rapid EVs, on offer RapidX 6000 fast-charging batteries based on the flagship InstaCharge tech innovated by Log 9 Materials. This ensures that full charge is attained within 35 minutes. The company says battery design is optimised to take on wide ranging Indian weather conditions.
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      Operating temp ranges from -30°C to +60°C. Batteries are capable of 40,000 charge-discharge cycles. 10+ years of battery life is what has been stated. Range capacity on a single charge is listed at 90km. Rage+ RapidEV electric three-wheeler range is aimed at customers in the B2B last-mile cargo and delivery segment in India.
      Fast Charging Electric Three Wheelers – Buy back guarantee
      Omega Rage+ Rapid EVs are being sold with a buy back guarantee with 5 years after purchase. The buy back amount guaranteed is capped at a lakh. The approach is designed to address challenges faced when it comes to resale value of EVs. Rage+ Rapid EVs are offered with 5-year vehicle warranty, and 6-year battery warranty.
      Log 9 is offering InstaCharge on Demand’. The phone-call-based EV charging service brings the high-power charger to a vehicle owners’ preferred location. Customers will have access to Log 9’s ‘InstaCharge App’, which will help users find location based charging stations at ease.
      Fast charging on the go
      Mr. Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman, Omega Seiki Mobility said, “Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) believes that the way to develop faster EV Technology is through creating alliances. We are elated to partner with Log9 Materials as we share common values of creating Made-In-India and Made-for-India products.
      OSM is at the pinnacle of the cargo EV segment in India and with the launch of Rage+ Rapid EV, I am sure our customers will be delighted with the unique value proposition offered. Resolving range anxiety with industry-leading charging time will lead to more uptime for last-mile logistics customers as well as entrepreneurs, adding more firepower to their business.” More