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      Bajaj Chetak Vs TVS iQube – Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooteriQube takes the lead in November 2021, with YoY sales improving by more than 600 percent
      Close fight between Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube continues, with the latter posting higher sales numbers in November 2021. iQube also leads in overall sales during the period from January to November.
      With just one more month to go in this year, it is likely that TVS iQube will be ahead of Chetak in 2021. Unless of course Chetak makes a strong comeback in December. It is currently 421 units short of iQube in terms of total sales during Jan-Nov 2021.
      Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021 – Chetak vs iQube
      Bajaj Chetak sales were at 511 units in November 2021. YoY growth is at 93.56%, as compared to 264 units sold in November last year. Chetak MoM growth is down by -38.80%, as compared to 835 units sold in October 2021. Average monthly sales during the period from Jan-Nov 2021 is at 395 units per month.
      TVS iQube sales in November 2021 is at 699 units. YoY growth has improved by a staggering 606%, as compared to 99 units sold in November last year. iQube MoM growth is at 76.96%, as compared to 395 units sold in October 2021. Average monthly sales during the period from Jan-Nov 2021 is at 433 units per month.
      Electric Scooter Sales Nov 2021 – Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube
      Taken together, Chetak and iQube have registered YoY growth of 233.33%. As compared to 1,210 units in November 2021, 363 units were sold in November last year. MoM growth is slightly down by -1.63%, as compared to 1,230 units sold in October 2021. Combined sales of Chetak and iQube have been consistently above the 1k mark since June this year.
      During the period from Jan-Nov 2021, iQube has been ahead of Chetak in seven months. Chetak highest sales this year was in October at 835 units. In case of iQube, its best performance was 766 units in September.
      Lowest point for both scooters this year was in May when sales were 31 units for Chetak and Nil for iQube. This was apparently due to second wave of Covid-19, when lockdowns and restrictions were quite common across the country.
      Electric Scooter Sales 2021 – Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube
      Chetak vs iQube expansion plans
      To boost sales, Bajaj and TVS are working to make their electric scooter available at more locations across the country. Chetak is currently available across four states – Maharastra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Cities covered include Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysore, Chennai and Hyderabad.
      In comparison, iQube appears to have a wider sales network. It is available in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Aurangabad, Belgaum, Guntur, Guwahati, Jaipur, Indore, Kochi, Jamnagar, Kolkata, Kolhapur, Ludhiana, Lucknow and Meerut.
      Both companies are initially giving preference to cities that have greater acceptance for electric scooters. Availability of charging infrastructure is another key factor being considered.
      As global semiconductor chip shortage is expected to continue, electric scooter sales will be adversely impacted next year as well. New product launches in this segment will also pose significant challenges for Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube. More

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      EeVe Soul Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 1.4 L – Official TVC

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      EeVe Soul Electric ScooterEeVe Soul electric scooter delivers a range of 120 kms range in Eco mode – In this mode top speed of 40 km/h
      Odisha based electric two wheeler makers, EeVe India, owned by the Bharat Group, announced launch of a new high-speed e-scooter called EeVe Soul. This is the company’s flagship model that will hit roads from this New Year. It is priced from Rs 1.4 lakh.
      EeVe Soul comes in with features such as LED DRLs, GPS navigation, IoT facilities and a USB port. It also gets an anti-theft locking system with geo tagging, geo fencing and reverse mode. EeVe’s new electric scooter has recently received approval from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
      Features also include a keyless system and central braking while the new Soul e-scooter rides in alloy wheels fitted with 90 section 12-inch tubeless tyres. Disc brakes and CBS (combined braking system) are also offered. Suspension is handled via telescopic suspension in the front and four step adjustable suspension at the rear.
      EeVe Soul – Charging, Range, Top Speed
      The EeVe Soul electric scooter gets a 1200W Bosch motor with a lithium Ferrous Phosphate swappable and detachable battery. The range varies from 120 kms in first or Eco Mode with a top speed of 40 km/h and then on dips in range in second and third mode with a top speed of 50 km/h and 60 km/h respectively.
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      The battery packs are located in the underseat space, instead of the floor board. They are removable and swappable. Charging is via a regular home/office charger taking around 3-4 hours for a complete charge. EeVe Soul comes in with a 3 year standard warranty.
      Apart from the newly launched Eeve Soul, the company also sells EeVe Xeniaa. This is the most expensive among scooters in the company lineup with a price tag of Rs 81,900.The other e-scooters include 4U, Wind, Your and Ahava, priced from Rs 51,900 to Rs 70,900. None of EeVe electric scooters qualify for FAME II subsidy from the government due to the fact that their entire line-up consists of slow-speed scooters with top speed capped at 25 km/h.
      Investment Plans
      Along with launch of this flagship electric scooter, EeVe has announced extensive plans. Investments to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore is planned over next two years with production capacities to be increased from 3 lakh units to 5 lakh units per annum. Sales targets are set at 50,000 units over next couple of years with an aim to hold a 10 percent market share in electric two wheeler segment.
      EeVe Soul Electric Scooter
      The company has also set up 150 dealerships and 300 sub-dealerships across India and plans launch of new products, setting up of charging infrastructure and expansion of sales networks. Over past two years, the company has clocked cumulative sales of over 12,000 units. In the current financial year, sales stood at 6,000 units till November 2021 and target is set for another 6,000 units by March 2022. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2021 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache, Jupiter

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      New Bajaj Pulsar NS200Bajaj Platina was the only bike in this list that posted a YoY sales growth – Everyone else has posted a decline
      Taking the top 10 best-selling two wheelers into account, November 2021 was a dismal month in terms of sales. Sales dipped 32.14 percent in a YoY basis and 32.84 percent when compared to sales in October 2021. The festive season held no promise as rising costs of two wheelers, ever escalating fuel prices, increased fears of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 and an overall dismal economic situation both in rural and urban areas turned customers away from two wheeler showrooms.
      Every leading two wheeler maker – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj and RE posted YoY de-growth. Taking top 10 two wheeler sales into account, sales which had stood at 11,15,050 units in November 2020 dropped 3,58,362 units or 32.14 percent to 7,56,688 units in November 2021. Every two wheeler on this list has posted as much as double digit de-growth with the exception of Bajaj Platina which in fact posted double digit YoY growth.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2021
      Leading the list was Hero Splendor with a 22.51 percent YoY de-growth to 1,92,490 units, down from 2,48,398 units sold in November 2020. The Splendor currently holds a 25.44 percent share in the top 10 list, up from 23.77 percent held in October 2021 when sales had stood at 2,67,821 units.
      At No. 2 was  Honda Activa with a 45.05 percent YoY de-growth to 1,24,082 units, down from 2,25,822 units sold in November 2020. It was also a 36.92 percent MoM de-growth over 1,96,699 units sold in October 2021. Lowered sales also resulted in a dip in market share that had stood at 17.46 percent in October 2021 dipping to 16.40 percent in the past month. Honda has just launched the Activa Premium Edition in India at a starting price of Rs 78,725. It will take on the likes of Suzuki Access 125 and Hero Destini 125 in its segment.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2021 vs Nov 2020 (YoY)
      Hero Splendor and Honda Activa were the only two bikes able to cross 1 lakh unit sales in the past month. Honda CB Shine 125cc commuter motorcycle was in a third spot on the list with 83,622 units sold last month down 11.43 percent over 94,413 units sold in November 2020. It was also a MoM de-growth of 26.36 percent over 1,13,554 units sold in October 2021 even as market share increased to 11.05 percent from 10.08 percent held earlier.
      Posting the most de-growth both in YoY and MoM basis as compared to any other two wheeler on this list was HF Deluxe. Sales de-growth of 57.56 percent was reported in November 2021 to 76,149 units, down from 1,79,426 units sold in November 2020. MoM sales dipped 53.66 percent from 1,64,311 units sold in October 2021.
      Bajaj Pulsar and Platina Sales
      Bajaj Platina fared better than Pulsar as it was only Platina that posted a YoY sales growth by as much as 45.88 percent to 60,646 units in the past month month. This was an increase of 19,074 units over 41,572 units sold in November 2020. MoM sales however dipped 27.90 percent from 84,109 units sold in October 2021. In fact, it was the Bajaj Platina, Pulsar and Boxer that allowed the company to become the No.1 motorcycle maker in November 2021.
      Top 10 Two Wheelers Nov 2021 vs Oct 2021 (MoM)
      Lower down the list and posting the lowest YoY and MoM de-growth, was  Suzuki Access scooter with 6.80 percent YoY de-growth to 42,481 units, down from 45,582 units sold in November 2020. It was also an 8.54 percent MoM de-growth from 46,450 units sold in October 2021. Suzuki has just launched the new Avenis scooter priced at Rs 86,700. This pricing makes it slightly costlier than Suzuki Access 125.
      TVS Motor In Top 10
      Two models from TVS Motor Company came in next. Jupiter posted a 29.52 percent YoY de-growth and sales dipped 38.83 percent on a MoM basis to 44,139 units last month, down from 62,626 units sold in November 2020 and 72,161 units sold in October 2021. From December 2021, prices of the Jupiter have been hiked by Rs 600. This is 4th time this year that Jupiter prices have increased, the earlier being in January, April and August. Rising input costs are reasons for this price hike.
      TVS XL100, in the moped segment has also seen falling sales. Sales dipped 39.85 percent YoY to 42,558 units, down from 70,750 units sold in November 2020. MoM sales dipped 23.12 percent over 55,356 units sold in October 2021. TVS Apache trailed this list with 28,608 units sold last month, down 31.16 percent over 41,557 units sold in November 2020. It was also a MoM de-growth of 28.12 percent from 39,799 units sold in October 2021. More

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      TVS-BMW Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Planned For Launch

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      TVS-BMW electric motorcycle render. Credit – Abin DesignsTVS Motor Company and BMW Group has extended their partnership further for future technologies and electric vehicles
      TVS Motor Company and BMW Group partnership has already proven its mettle when it comes to the 310cc engine. For TVS, the RR310 Apache helped the manufacturer enter a new segment in the domestic market being its biggest bike. For BMW Motorrad, the 310 twins helped the company make inroads in the market, improve on market share, reach sales of 5k units in India in 2021, and improve its standing in the international market.
      For BMW, the 310 twins reached the 1 lakh units production milestone in October 2021. TVS’ Hosur manufacturing plant is already charged with 10 percent of BMW’s global production output. Longterm branching and subdivisions of the association between both auto manufacturers have not been revealed to full potential. This of course is owing to the nature of such partnerships.
      BMW-TVS Sub 500cc and electric
      TVS Motor today announced the expansion of their partnership with BMW. This would outline co-development of an electric platform to cater to manufacturing of electric scooters, motorcycles, and new concepts. First product under the new announcement will debut within 2 years. Current production of the 310cc units is within the guidance of manufacturing sub 500cc bikes at the Indian plant for sale both in India, and international markets.
      Mr. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “In the nine years of our long-term strategic partnership, we have always cherished the common core values we share with BMW Motorrad: focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction. These factors and our commitment to deliver superior quality products with a strong value proposition has been key to the success of all three products launched from the platform.
      TVS Creon Electric Scooter Concept
      The new world of future mobility encompasses a strong play through alternate solutions, including electric mobility. Expanding this successful partnership to EVs and other newer platforms will create opportunities to deliver advanced technology and aspirational products to global markets and bring valuable synergies to both companies.”
      Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “In light of our fruitful association with TVS Motor Company, we are delighted to extend and expand our cooperation agreement to include long-term partnership and joint development of new platforms and technologies, including electric vehicles.”
      Emissions, electric, and investments
      The electric vehicle space is an exciting one. Concepts and ideas are quickly being transformed into vehicles that are projected a the need of the hour. Global emission norms leave little wriggle room when it comes to strict footprint goals. Which means companies are working round the clock to meet modern vehicle requirements.
      But it’s never going to be as easy as converting an exhaustive range of current day vehicles into electric variants. With each emission compliance update, manufacturers have had to make informed decisions regarding which vehicles would be carried forward and which would be axed. Emission compliance and cost consideration for consumers and manufacturers alike are key factors.
      This paves the way for new architecture. Ones that are modular, modern and have longterm benefits as market requirements evolve. The premise of a new development is likely to revolve around joint development, and manufacturing of high end electric two-wheelers. BMW is reputed as a premium manufacturer, and its electric vehicle progress isn’t going to be any different.
      Three weeks earlier, TVS signed a MoU with Tamil Nadu government for ‘investment in Future Technologies and Electric Vehicle’. The commitment entails Rs. 1200 crores in the next four years. Utility scope extends to ‘design, development and manufacturing of new products and capacity expansion in the EV space’. More

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      New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Records 1 Lakh Production Milestone

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      Royal Enfield New Gen 350cc ClassicRoyal Enfield is celebrating the roll-out of their 100,000th New Gen Classic 350cc based on J1A platform
      For the past few years, Royal Enfield was testing their new gen 350cc motorcycles – which were set to replace the then available Thunderbird and the Classic range. After a lot of delay, largely due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns, Royal Enfield launched their first motorcycle based on the new gen 350cc platform.
      All new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 was launched in the first week of Nov 2020. This is the motorcycle which replaced the iconic Thunderbird nameplate. Gone were the vibrations, all thanks to a new platform and engine.
      New Royal Enfield Classic 350cc – 1 lakh production
      Based on this new platform, Royal Enfield launched the new gen Classic 350 in Sep 2021. Now, production of the new gen Classic 350cc motorcycle has crossed the 1 lakh milestone. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Thillai Megs for sharing the update.
      New RE Classic 350 is not only sold in India, but in many countries around the world – Europe, South Asia, South America, Australia, etc. Royal Enfield would have achieved this milestone long ago, if not for the global shortage of parts. There is a huge demand for these new RE Classic 350, resulting in a waiting period that is running into months.
      New gen Classic 350 motorcycle No 100,000th
      The Royal Enfield J1A platform was built from the ground up to deliver a world class motorcycle riding experience. Thanks to this platform, the modern day Classic 350cc motorcycles are more reliable. Be it the highway touring or city commuting or taking on corners, the new 350cc Classic delivers much better performance than their older counterparts.
      2021 RE Classic motorcycles are powered by a new 350cc single cylinder engine that makes 20.2 hp power and 27 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed gearbox. This new engine comes with an overhead camshaft replacing the existing UCE 350.
      Royal Enfield New Motorcycles 2022
      With an aim to maintain their lead in the segment, Royal Enfield has announced plans to launch one new motorcycle every 4 months – 28 new motorcycles in 7 years. We have already seen the launch of Meteor, Classic, updated Himalayan, revised 650 Twins.
      Royal Enfield will likely update the Bullet / Electra range to the new gen platform next. They will also launch new motorcycles, like the Hunter 350 roadster or the Interceptor 350. These motorcycles are currently on test and are expected to be launched sometime next year.
      2022 could also see Royal Enfield launch Himalayan 411 Scram, Hunter 350, 650cc Super Meteor Cruiser and 650cc Shotgun. The latter was even showcased as a concept at the EICMA 2021 in Italy last month. More

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      Hero Electric Scooter Charging Time Under 15 Minutes – In Development

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      Image for referenceHero Electric and Log9 partnership leads to development of RapidEV electric scooter variants that can be charged in less than 15 minutes
      When it comes to electric scooters, range anxiety is a key concern. With new electric tech in abundance, the process to large scale adaption to electric vehicles can be smoothened through dependable charging solutions.
      Hero Electric has made rapid progress in terms of market share progression. With their market reach on expansion mode, it’s imperative that charging networks grow at the same pace.
      Hero Electric’s partnership with Log9 will boost charging in less than 15 minutes for RapidEV electric scooters. Full charge in 15 minutes will be possible through Log9’s InstaCharge RapidX batteries. In theory, this development makes them the fastest-charging electric scooters.
      Electric Scooter Charging Time – Battery-as-a-Service (BASS)
      The partnership affords ‘Log9 InstaCharging battery packs for its entire range of EVs’. Log9’s cell-to-pack competency has enabled nine times faster charging, better performance, lower battery degradation, and battery life. The coveted batteries in question will be made available through outright sales and Battery-as-a-Service (BASS) business models.
      Hero Electric joins hands with Log 9 Materials
      Commercial fleet operators can optimise operational performance of Instacharge battery packs at nominal monthly rates. RapidX batteries have undergone pilot tests and certification through multiple B2B fleet operators. The commitment to B2B last-mile delivery sector revolves in benefits through operational cost reduction, and lower emissions. With last mile delivery success lies in timely deliveries in logistics, rapid charging is a key turnaround consideration.
      Log9 RapidX batteries
      Log9 RapidX batteries can operate across a temp range of -30° to 60° C. Operational life is listed at over 10 years. Safety commitments are focused on batteries not catching fire catch fire. They are designed to remain safe under extreme temperature, and demanding charging and driving conditions.
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, “Unlike Petrol, the charge on a E2W is limited, leading to shorter driving range. In the year 2019, we launched bikes with an option of doubling the range. All our bikes also have easily removable batteries and many of our customers are now charging their portable batteries while at workplace or in their apartments.
      Some of the B2B businesses however wanted to run the bikes continuously for longer hours with a minimal interruption in their delivery operations. It is for such customers that we now offer bikes with the Log9 batteries that can be fast charged while the driver is having his cup of tea. This game-changing association will maximise the returns on the logistics operations of these B2B businesses.” More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Starts – First Owners Ride From Today

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      Ola Electric Scooters Delivery Starts TodayOla Electric scooters- S1 and S1 Pro offer are packed with features such as a digital instrument console enabled with an Android-based OS and more
      After several delays, Ola Electric has started with the delivery process of its first electric scooters S1 and S1 Pro. The Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer has started dispatching the electric scooters to their respective owners.
      First batch owners will get delivery today. The electric scooters are on their way. The development was confirmed by company CEO, Bhavish Agarwal, on his Twitter account.
      Ola Electric Scooter Delivery Starts Today
      Agarwal also shared a video of units of the production-spec S1 and S1 Pro scooter being prepped up and loaded in the cargo bay of trucks. For the uninitiated, Ola is using a direct-to-customer sales model that involves dealerships or any third-party intermediaries. Therefore, the scooters will reach directly at the owners’ doorsteps.
      The video shows electric scooters being dispatched from the Ola Futurefactory. Based out of Tamil Nadu, it is aiming to become the largest two-wheeler manufacturing hub in the world. This factory will be managed by an all-women workforce. Spread across 500 acres of land, this plant aims to employ 10,000 women once production goes full tilt.
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      Several Delays
      Earlier, Ola had pushed back the deadline for test rides and start of deliveries of its e-scooters from 25 October to 10 November. The EV brand was able to start test rides from 10 November albeit only on an invite-only basis, however, customers still had to wait for their scooters to be delivered. Ola Electric, thus far, has been able to conduct over 30,000 test rides for its customers across the country.
      The EV manufacturing arm of the ride-hailing major intends to honour the latest commitment to start deliveries of scooters by 15 December. Also, Ola is scheduled to open the second window for booking of S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters starting on December 16. Initially, the company had decided to open the second batch of bookings from November 1 but was forced to defer it due to an overwhelming demand from the first batch.
      S1, S1 Pro- Specs & Prices
      Offered at respective prices of Rs 1.0 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom), S1 and S1 Pro are powered by the same 8.5kW electric motor with a continuous output of 5.5 kW. However, both scooters offer different battery packs. S1 features a battery pack with a capacity of 2.8 kWh whereas S1 Pro packs a larger 3.97 kWh battery.
      Apart from variations in performance, both variants of the electric scooter offer different ranges with S1 offering a range of 121 km whereas S1 Pro boasts a range of 180 km on a single charge. S1 comes with two ride modes- Normal and Sport while the top-spec S1 Pro gets an additional Hyper mode. More

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      2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Motorcycles Shotgun, Super Meteor – Leaks

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      2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser – Super Meteor 650 / Shotgun 650Royal Enfield is getting ready to launch two new motorcycles in the 650cc segment – Super Meteor cruiser and Shotgun
      As part of its ongoing product offensive, Royal Enfield is readying a number of new motorcycles in 350cc-650cc category. One of these is a true-blue 650cc cruiser that is expected to be launched sometime next year. It is likely to be christened as Super Meteor 650. The other is a Classic styled 650cc motorcycle, which was showcased as a concept called SG650 at 2021 EICMA recently. Upon launch it could be called Shotgun 650.
      In addition to these two 650cc motorcycles, Royal Enfield also has a new Himalayan Scram 411 variant as well as a Hunter 350 in the making. The Scram 411 was recently spied in Goa, while the Hunter 350 was leaked via official RE video about Project 90 South.
      2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Motorcycles Leak
      Speaking about the 650cc motorcycles, the two new machines are expected to be priced at around Rs 3.5 lakh. In comparison, Royal Enfield 650 twins are available in the price range of Rs 2.70 lakh to Rs 3.20 lakh.
      The two 650cc machines have also leaked in similar fashion like the Hunter. Both Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650 can be seen in the latest video of Royal Enfield 90 South project. In the video below at about 34 seconds mark, you can see the two upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc motorcycles.
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      Royal Enfield Cruiser 650 styling
      Retro theme is clearly evident on test mules that have been frequently spotted in recent months. Some key features include round headlamp, rear-view mirrors, turn signals and tail light. It is likely that the bike will have an all-LED setup. Other key features include tall windscreen, dual exhaust pipes and broad rear fenders.
      Another distinguishable thing is the classy teardrop-shaped fuel tank. Instrument console profile could be similar to Meteor that has twin circular dials. There’s a larger unit on the left and a smaller display (Tripper navigation) on the right. Cruiser 650 can get things like USB charger and a new range of connectivity features.
      Users can expect optimal comfort when taking Cruiser 650 on long-distance journeys. The bike has wide pulled-back handlebar, low seat height, forward set footpegs and decent sized saddle. For pillion riders, there’s a backrest with integrated grab rails. Brackets for mounting panniers can be seen at the rear.
      2022 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser – Super Meteor 650 / Shotgun 650
      2022 Royal Enfield 650cc engine and specs
      Both new Royal Enfield’s will be utilizing the 648cc motor that’s currently in use with Interceptor and Continental GT. The parallel-twin, oil cooled unit churns out 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
      Talking about hardware, 2022 RE 650 will be equipped with USD forks at front. It will be the first Royal Enfield bike to get this premium feature. USD forks are necessary as the bike will be easily touching 100+ kmph on highways. USD forks will ensure enhanced stability and control while negotiating sharp curves and braking at high speed. At the rear, the bike will have dual suspension setup.
      Based on the variant, Super Meteor 650 could be available with either spoke wheels or alloy wheels. The former will be preferred by retro enthusiasts. The bike could get 18-inch wheels, shod with tubeless tyres. Rear tyre will be a wider unit, as compared to the front. Braking power comes from disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be available as standard. More