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      Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – Bajaj, Piaggio, Mahindra, TVS, Electric Vehicles

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      Image – Technical WingsAuto Rickshaw and 3 Wheeler sales increased 21.98 percent YoY in June 21
      As per retail sales figures released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), auto rickshaw and three wheeler registrations in India stood at 14,732 units. This was a YoY increase of 21.98 percent over 12,077 units sold in June 20. However, comparing last month’s sales with that of June 19, a 69.82 percent de-growth was noted. The figures are collated as on 6th July 21 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India and gathered from 1,295 out of 1,498 RTOs.
      Bajaj, Piaggio YoY De-Growth
      Two and three-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto Limited noted registration of 4,925 auto-rickshaws and three wheelers in June 21. The company held a market share of 33.43 percent. However, sales were better in June 20 when 4,996 units had been sold while market share held stood at 41.3 percent.
      Piaggio Vehicles, another leading three wheeler maker in India, also suffered a YoY de-growth both in terms of retail sales and market share. Ongoing pandemic, lockdowns across various states, increasing fuel prices and subdued buyer sentiments could all be reasons for this negative impact.
      Noting good demand for the Ape E-Xtra FX and for the 2021 version of its passenger e-three wheeler, Ape E-City, sales in the past month stood at 2,258 units with market share of 15.33 percent. However, this was marginally lower as compared to 2,346 units sold in June 20 when the company also held a higher market share of 19.43 percent.
      Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – FADA
      Mahindra was the third best-selling OEM in terms of three wheeler retails. June 21 sales were at 657 units up from 293 units sold in June 20. Market share also increased from 2.43 percent to 4.46 percent YoY. The current month could see sales increase as Mahindra has collaborated with Magenta, electric mobility solutions provider. The company is set to deploy 100 units of Treo Zor three-wheeler in Bengaluru for last-mile delivery of both essential and non-essential items.
      Lower down the order was Rajkot-based three-wheeler maker Atul Auto Ltd with 594 three wheelers sold in the past month, up from 93 units sold in June 20. Market share jumped from 0.77 percent to 4.03 percent YoY.
      Electric Three Wheeler Sales June 2021
      Automobile dealers’ body FADA data shows that YC Electric Limited accounted for 539 unit sales of three wheelers in June 21, holding a market share of 3.66 percent. Though sales were lower in June 20 at 473 units, market share in that month had been higher at 3.92 percent. YC Electric offers the Yatri Auto E Rickshaw, with 4 seater capacity.
      Delhi based Saera Electric contributed 295 units to this segment, commanding a market share of 2 percent in June 21. Sales in June 20 had stood at 282 units with market share of 2.34 percent. In the electric vehicle three wheeler space was also Mahindra Reva with 273 units retailed in the past month, up from 203 units of June 20 while Champion Poly Plast (269 units) and TVS Motor (226 units) also contributed a few units to total three wheeler sales along with JS Auto ( 03 units), Dilli Electric (192 units) and Best Way (170 units) in the past month. Others in the same segment saw total retails at 3,976 units, holding a market share of 26.99 percent, up from 2,788 units sold in June 20 with market share of 23.09 percent. More

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      Hybrid, electric or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles: Which is the best for you? – Roadshow

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      Battery-electric cars, like the Model Y, are just one option.
      Tesla

      The day’s of electrification relegated to a couple cars is gone. Hybrid, battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles are here to stay and their quickly moving to become real candidates for your next car. Still, these many forms may be confusing for buyers, even though they have similar goals. That is, to increase efficiency and move toward reduced-emissions driving.Read more: Best electric cars for 2021Read on below as we break down each kind of electrified vehicle, plus their pros and cons so you can make the best buying decision for your electrified vehicle. There are lots of good things, but some negatives you may want to be aware of when making your decision.Yeah, even truck’s are in on the mild-hybrid game.
      Jon Wong/Roadshow
      Mild hybrid A mild hybrid system is the simplest and most cost-effective way of adding electric drivetrain components to a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). In a mild hybrid system, the ICE will often shut itself off entirely under no-load conditions such as coasting down a hill or coming to a stop. The hybrid system allows the ICE to be restarted almost instantaneously and can power ancillary systems on the vehicle such as the stereo or air conditioning. Some mild hybrid systems will feature regenerative braking or will offer power-assist or torque-fill to the ICE, but all lack the ability to run solely on electric power. Advantages Can power many of a car’s electrical systems.Stop-start system saves fuel during idle.Can reduce turbo lag by torque-filling until the engine comes on boost.Lighter weight compared to other electrified vehicles.Lower complexity.Lower cost. Disadvantages Increased cost and complexity versus internal combustion-only engines.No full-EV mode.The OG hybrid.
      Craig Cole/Roadshow
      Series hybrid The series hybrid — also known as power split or parallel hybrid — is what most people think of when they think of a hybrid vehicle. These use a downsized ICE to provide power at higher speeds and in higher load conditions, and a battery-electric system to move the vehicle at low speeds and low-load conditions. This allows the ICE to work in its ideal efficiency range, thus providing excellent fuel economy, especially in city driving conditions. Advantages Excellent efficiency at around-town speeds.Gasoline-powered ICE for longer range (and longer journeys).Offers a good compromise between efficiency, usability and overall cost. Disadvantages Typically higher cost than a purely ICE-driven vehicle of the same size.Maximizing efficiency means reducing power output.The RAV4 Prime has a whole lot of electric range to it.
      Emme Hall/Roadshow
      Plug-in hybrid The plug-in hybrid is the next logical step forward from the series hybrid system. These cars move closer to the fully electric vehicle side of the continuum, with the ability to go longer distances on electric power alone. The plug-in part of their name comes from their ability to be plugged into an electric car charging station, rather than just relying on the ICE and regenerative braking for battery power, thus effectively eliminating range anxiety. Another area where plug-in hybrids differ from either mild hybrids or series hybrids is in the size of their battery pack. This is what gives them their extended EV-only range. Advantages Increased range over battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to range-extending gasoline engine.Lower purchasing cost compared to BEVs.Lower running cost compared to series hybrids. Disadvantages More expensive to buy than series hybrids or mild hybrids.Larger battery packs mean more weight.More complex than mild hybrids.Everyone knows the Model 3.
      Nick Miotke/Roadshow
      Battery electric Battery electric vehicles are mostly what they sound like: A big battery with at least one electric drive motor wired to it. Oh, and tons of complex software to manage the thousands of individual cells that make up that big battery. Mechanically speaking, BEVs are the least complex of all the vehicles we’re covering when you consider that even the simplest multi-cylinder internal combustion engine has many hundreds of moving parts, while an electric motor only has its rotor. Purely electric vehicles are becoming more and more common, thanks to innovation from relatively new companies like Tesla and industry stalwarts like General Motors and Nissan. Advantages Mechanical simplicity means less maintenance than ICE.Tons of instant torque.Nearly silent operation.Electricity is cheap, for now.No tailpipe, therefore no emissions and no emissions testing.Low center of gravity is great for vehicle handling. Disadvantages More expensive than similar size series hybrids or ICE vehicles.Limited range.Lengthy charging times.Charging station infrastructure still up and coming. Impractical for most people unless you have 240-volt Level 2 charging at your home or parking spot.Higher weight than similarly sized vehicles.Uncertain environmental impact for end-of-life battery disposal.The Hyundai Nexo is only available in select areas.
      Daniel Golson/Roadshow
      Hydrogen fuel cell A fuel cell takes hydrogen and oxidizes it to create an electrical charge, which is then channeled into a battery and used by electric motors. This technology has been around in automobiles for a few decades, but due to costs, size of components and a relative lack of infrastructure, there aren’t many companies still working with it. Miniaturization of tech in the last few years has made hydrogen FCVs more commercially viable, and we’re starting to see more interest from manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai. Advantages No need to charge; simply fill your car with hydrogen and go.Silent operation, much like a BEV.Only emission is water. Disadvantages Hydrogen prices fluctuate wildly, oftentimes more expensive than fossil fuels.Limited refueling network outside of select cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.Hydrogen tanks can eat into passenger compartment or cargo room if the vehicle wasn’t designed from the ground up for fuel cells.

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      Ford EcoSport Copycat Electric SUV Debuts In China

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      Image – China PEV
      Ford is currently testing a new facelifted version of EcoSport in India expected to make its debut by end of this year
      Some automakers are quite notorious for ripping off designs from models retailed in international markets. This time it is Ford EcoSport which has been the ‘inspiration’ behind Yuan Pro EV manufactured by BYD. One glance at the compact all-electric SUV and you can easily conclude that it is yet again a cheap knock-off of a famous car.
      Yuan Pro EV has been positioned as a budget electric vehicle for less affluent consumers. However, it isn’t all cheap when you get to know what it offers. For its low price, Yuan Pro Ev is extremely well-kitted and practical. It has been designed on the lines of what the company terms as ‘Dragon Face 3.0’ philosophy.
      External Design
      The overall external appearance of Yuan Pro, barring a few details, shares an uncanny resemblance with the subcompact crossover from the American brand. When viewed from its side profile or rear, readers are bound to mistake it for EcoSport. It gets a similar shoulder line with roof rails, character lines, black body claddings and alloy wheel designs.
      The electric car even flaunts a similar tailgate-mounted spare wheel just as EcoSport. The crossover, however, distinguishes itself with an EV-specific closed-off grille and sleeker headlamps at front. At 4.37 metres, Yuan Pro EV is more than 400mm longer than its inspiration. It also offers a longer wheelbase of 2,535mm.
      Ford EcoSport Copycat Electric SUV
      Interior Design & Features
      Step inside the cabin and one would realise it is not a complete knock-off with a distinct interior layout. It also offers a decently equipped cabin which is not cheap by any stretch of imagination.
      The SUV gets a pleasant dual-tone interior theme with an all-black dashboard and off-white upholstery. The cabin looks minimalistic yet very functional. It gets a similar shaped 10.1-inch touchscreen unit slightly larger in size.
      It also gets an 8-inch digital instrument display and rear parking camera housed inside the spare wheel mounted at rear. Top-spec trims are offered with safety features such as ABS with EBD, Electronic brake assist, Electronic safety program, traction control and more.
      EV Specs
      Yuan Pro EV is available in three variants and two battery options. The base trim is offered with a smaller 38.9kWh battery which claims a delivery range of 301km (NDEC) on a single charge. Other two variants are equipped with a larger 50.1 kWh battery that promises a range of 401km (NDEC) on a single charge. The battery feeds energy to an electric motor mounted on the front axle which delivers an output of 136 bhp and 210 Nm of peak torque. More

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      2021 Tata Dark Editions Launched – Nexon, Altroz, Harrier, Nexon Electric

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      Tata Nexon EV DarkApart from launching new Dark Edition models of Nexon, Nexon EV and Altroz, Tata Motors has updated the existing Harrier Dark Edition model
      After witnessing an immense success of Harrier Dark Edition, Tata Motors has now introduced similar Dark Edition models of Nexon, Nexon EV and Altroz. All these models sport a similar all-black exterior theme as the flagship trim of the midsize trim.
      Bookings of the cars have already commenced and units of the special edition model have started reaching dealerships across the country. Like Harrier, Dark Edition models of Altroz, Nexon and Nexon EV have been painted in a black colour scheme with a glossy treatment and have been offered at starting prices of Rs. 8.71 lakh, Rs 10.40 lakh and Rs 15.99 lakh respectively (ex-showroom).
      Tata Nexon Dark
      Exterior Updates
      Nexon and Altroz are both highest-selling models for Tata Motors and strong sellers in their respective segments of subcompact UV and premium hatchback. Nexon EV is currently the best-selling electric car in India.
      The glossy black finish on the exterior body panels help enhance the premium appeal of Dark Edition models. On all these models, the front radiator grille and air intake vents on the lower bumper also receive a blacked-out treatment with dark grey inserts.
      [embedded content]
      These dark grey inserts could also be found on the boot and below window line. A contrast grey finish is further added to the front and rear bash plates giving it a sporty appeal. Similar to Harrier, Dark Edition trims of models mentioned above flaunt a chrome badge with the letters ‘DARK’ on front fenders. In addition, all cars get bold chrome lettering spread wide across their tailgates.
      Tata Altroz Dark
      Premium appeal of the car is further accentuated by 16-inch gloss black alloy wheels. Nexon EV also carries forward a similar exterior theme but retains some of the blue coloured elements seen on the regular variants.
      Interior Updates
      Like the exterior, the interior of the cabin of all Dark Edition models wear a Granite Black interior theme with a glossy black finish for the centre applique. The leatherette upholstery with deep Blue Tri-arrow perforations and deco blue stitching further add a nice contrast to the cabin. The front headrests feature Dark embroidery whereas the mid-panel of the dashboard gets a piano black finish. The centre console now houses a darkened branding unlike the chrome version in the regular variants.
      Tata Harrier Dark
      Updated Harrier Dark Edition
      Along with the new additions, Harrier Dark Edition has also been updated. The special variant of the mid-size SUV wears a new Oberon black colour with a tinge of deep blue on its exterior. It rolls on larger 18-inch Blackstone Alloys which complement its sporty stance. Rest of the cosmetic updates in Harrier Dark Edition are in line with its smaller Dark Edition siblings. The all-black Harrier is now offered at a starting price of Rs 18.04 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Harrier Dark Edition has been made available in three trims XT+, XZ+ and XZA+ whereas Nexon Dark Edition is offered in XZ+, XZA+, XZ+(O) & XZA+(O) variant of both in both petrol & diesel fuel options. All-black models of Atroz and Nexon EV are available in XZ+ and XZ+ Lux variants. More

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      Vanderhall Brawley is the electric UTV we've been waiting for – Roadshow

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      I’m always on the lookout for the next cool dirt-mobile, and Vanderhall has my curiosity piqued with the all-electric Brawley. This electron-powered enclosed side-by-side has a range of up to 200 miles with four electric motors producing 404 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. It will be the first high-performance electric UTV when it comes online as a 2022 model.Vanderhall, famous for its whack-a-doo three-wheeled vehicles, teased a four-wheeled dirt-slinger called the Navarro last November. The Brawley looks to be the next iteration of that concept, albeit with a name change.

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      Visually the Brawley looks like it’s had a lot of inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler in the front end with its slotted grille and round headlamps peeking out from behind. However, with 22 inches of travel, 35-inch tires and internal bypass shocks, it’s likely going to be able to handle the whoops at a much faster pace. Also included is four-wheel steering, which seems like a bit of overkill with such a short wheelbase — but hey, if you want to turn on a dime, this is the machine for you. Energy for those 200 miles is stored in a 40-kWh or 60-kWh battery running on 300-volt architecture. That’s not going to allow for crazy-fast charging like in the 800-volt Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5, but DC fast charging is available to give you 80% of a charge in under an hour. I’m feeling a little Jeepish just posting this photo.
      Vanderhall
      Further, the company did not specify if those are 200 pavement miles or dirt miles. In my experience, a 60-kWh battery paired with a light-weight vehicle is only going to last that long on the pavement. I’d expect the dune-bashing as shown in the company’s promo video to yield a range closer to 50 or 60 miles on a charge. That soft sand offers a lot of resistance, y’all.The Brawley has a removable roof section and also comes with heating and air conditioning, a stereo system and optional heated seats. There is room for four adults in the two-door Brawley.One thing I don’t see on the Brawley is a spare tire, which is a bit worrisome. Hopefully Vanderhall adds a mount to the rear before launch. I’m certainly not going off-road without a spare, and neither should you. Vanderhall did not release pricing or availability, but you can preorder your Brawley starting July 15 on the company’s website.
      Vanderhall Brawley electric off-roader is part Jeep, part UTV

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      Volvo could be switching to real names – Roadshow

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      Like many other automakers, Volvo envisions an all-electric future.
      Volvo

      Could Volvo be pulling a Lincoln and switching to real names for its future products? Going by a report from our friends at Automotive News, the Swedish brand may be in the process of dropping its long-running alphanumeric nomenclature.On Wednesday during a presentation about the company’s upcoming electrified future, an event where it revealed the Concept Recharge EV, announced future battery technologies and talked about its new Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said the company’s upcoming all-electric flagship will not carry the XC90 moniker. “This car will have a name, more like a child,” he noted. Whether that means it will be called Sven or Abigail or something more evocative like the Climate Cooler XL or the Ice Age Initiator remains to be seen.But why go with a new name when XC90 is already so solidly established? Well, Volvo is doing this for a number of reasons. First, the battery-powered utility vehicle rides on a new platform, will only be sold online and comes standard with lidar for better safety. Beyond that, it will eventually offer advanced hands-free driving capability and, like a Ford F-150 Lightning, be able to power your home during blackouts since it will be capable of bidirectional charging. Pretty important stuff, and thanks to its space-saving EV architecture, this new flagship-caliber product should offer a sprawl-out-spacious interior.This new, all-electric utility vehicle’s name will be unveiled when the production model debuts, likely next year. The machine is expected to be built at Volvo’s factory in South Carolina with deliveries kicking off in 2023. Curiously, this will not be the only product to feature the Swedish automaker’s new naming convention. According to the Automotive News report, the company’s upcoming EV onslaught will also benefit from the same nomenclature. These future vehicles will be built atop Volvo’s new second-generation Scalable Product Architecture.

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      GM to source lithium from the US – Roadshow

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      Southern California has vast quantities of lithium brine that could be used to power the future.
      Controlled Thermal Resources

      As the automotive industry slowly switches from internal combustion to electric propulsion systems, it may be trading one dependency for another. Instead of being at the mercy of fluctuating oil prices, car companies are increasingly reliant on lithium, a critical component in advanced electric-vehicle batteries. To ensure that it will have a stable supply of this material, GM is working to source lithium from its own backyard, the United States. On Friday, GM announced a strategic partnership with and “multimillion-dollar” investment in Controlled Thermal Resources, which was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in both California and Australia. When asked by Roadshow for some financial specifics about this deal, the automaker declined to comment. CTR will supply sustainably produced lithium sourced from its Hell’s Kitchen Lithium and Power project located near the Salton Sea in Southern California. If everything goes according to plan, GM could have all the lithium it needs because this region of California contains one of the world’s largest known sources of lithium brine, enough to potentially meet 40% of global demand. Today, around 95% of the world’s lithium comes from a handful of sources including Australia, China and South America. Extracting this material also typically involves destructive open-pit mining. But this is one area where CTR’s technology shines.Electric-vehicle batteries require large quantities of lithium to function.
      GM
      Using renewable power, CTR’s closed-loop lithium extraction process is expected to dramatically reduce the time it takes to produce battery-grade lithium while causing negligible environmental degradation. Basically, it extracts brine from deep in the earth, removes the lithium it contains and then pumps the brine back into the ground. CTR’s operations also have a near-zero carbon footprint and take up little physical space.Thanks to this investment, GM will have the first rights to lithium produced from this development, which is expected to yield significant volumes of usable material by 2024. If all goes to plan, the automaker’s partnership with CTR could make it possible for GM to meet its ambitious electrification goals. The automaker wants to eliminate tailpipe emissions from light-duty vehicles by the year 2035 and make its global operations carbon-neutral by 2040.Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain said in a news release, “By securing and localizing the lithium supply chain in the US, we’re helping ensure our ability to make powerful, affordable, high-mileage EVs while also helping to mitigate environmental impact.” Parks said GM will work with “state and local leaders” as well as CTR.

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