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      Honda Electric Scooter Could Launch With Battery Swapping Tech

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      Honda electric scooter with battery swap tech – Benly eHonda recently patented PCX electric scooter in India while the Benly e was spotted on test by ARAI near Pune
      With auto companies gradually shifting towards cleaner power sources, it is evident that newer technologies for electric vehicles will show up in the coming future. While major two-wheeler brands have already started showcasing their future electric mobility, Honda is yet to openly share its plans for electric mobility in India.
      The Japanese auto giant is developing a new portable and swappable battery system called Mobile Power Pack for its future small-sized electric mobility such as electric two or three-wheelers. This is basically a capacitor that stores electricity for use as a power source. Honda is currently working on a home charger for this platform.
      Testing Battery Swapping Platform In India
      Reportedly, Honda is testing this swappable battery platform in India on electric tricycle taxis or rickshaws. The company, however, has released no fixed plans to launch battery-powered electric three-wheelers in India as yet and is most likely testing this platform for future electric scooters and motorcycles. The Japanese manufacturer had earlier revealed that it was serious about developing electric mobility solutions for two-wheelers which includes three new models by 2024.
      These include a 50cc-equivalent electric moped while the other two include an e-scooter and e-motorcycle both aimed at the 125cc performance region. While the models do seem modest in terms of performance, they should be a good starting point for the company especially for a budget-centric mass market like India. Urban, utilitarian two-wheelers are likely to generate more sales volumes than high-performance models for the company.
      Honda PCX Electric scooter showcased in India. File photo.
      Chargers for swappable batteries
      Since output figures won’t be huge in these entry-level models, instead of opting for massive battery packs, Honda could use its swappable Mobile Power Pack system that is already installed on its PCX Electric e-scooter.
      The company intends to expand this platform by installing more battery-swapping stations. Recent patents also reveal that Honda is working on a home charger that could juice up one battery pack at a time. While chargers at swapping stations could accommodate two battery packs simultaneously.
      It is already known that Honda has also entered into a global association with KTM, Piaggio and Yamaha to co-develop another swappable battery platform. By the time this platform gets fully developed and becomes functional, its own Mobile Power Pack system will develop over time and become more universal. These developments are extremely favourable for markets such as India.
      A 125cc equivalent e-scooter and e-motorcycle will give Honda the perfect start to its prospective EV lineup in India. This will lend Honda muscle to compete against local EV manufacturers such as Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather 450X and Revolt RV400 and RV300. More

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      Yamaha Electric Scooter For Indian Market – Eyes On New EV Policy

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      2022 Yamaha Electric ScooterRising fuel prices, coupled with increased FAME-II subsidy can boost EV sales
      After revealing Fascino 125 FI Hybrid earlier this month, Yamaha Motor has indicated towards the possible launch of an electric scooter in the Indian market. If that plan becomes a reality, Yamaha will join the list of mainstream two wheeler manufacturers who have dedicated all-electric products.
      As of now, Bajaj and TVS are the only established auto manufacturers to launch electric two wheelers. Majority of the electric two wheeler segment is still dominated by startups and tech companies.
      Yamaha evaluating India’s EV policy
      Yamaha has stated that an electric scooter for the Indian market is definitely on the cards. However, a lot will depend on India’s EV policy. Yamaha expects the EV policy to have special schemes that will facilitate faster adoption of EV technology. The policy should also have dedicated provisions that will encourage rapid development of EV infrastructure.
      According to Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, India Yamaha Motor, the company is already working on developing an all-new electric two wheeler platform. This will be utilized in India as well as several other global markets. Yamaha already sells the EC-05 electric scooter in Taiwan. It has been developed in collaboration with Taiwan-based Gogoro Inc.
      Yamaha E01 Electric Scooter Production Spec Patent Leaks
      In the EV segment, things like pricing and range are quite important. In addition to these, Yamaha said that its major concern is about EV infrastructure. The company feels that developing infrastructure is a much greater challenge, as compared to other bottlenecks.
      There’s an urgent need to augment battery production, build charging stations and develop battery swapping hubs. Until these are readily available, most EV users will face challenges on the road. Yamaha said that once the EV roadmap is clearly defined in the country, it will think about launching an all-new electric scooter in India.
      Fascino 125 FI Hybrid
      With hybrid version of Fascino, Yamaha is on track to enter the EV space in India. Along with Fascino, RayZR Hybrid will also be launched soon. These scooters are equipped with a mild-hybrid technology in the form of a new Smart Motor Generator (SMG) system. What it does is add some extra power at the time when the scooter starts to move forward from stop position.
      SMG ensures smooth acceleration at start, providing better control to the rider. The power boost is stopped automatically after specific pre-set criteria are met. With the SMG system in place, the engine’s fuel efficiency has improved by around 16%. Fascino Hybrid will be using the same engine as earlier, a 125 cc unit that makes 8.2 bhp / 9.7 Nm. With SMG, torque output will increase to 10.3 Nm, whenever needed. More

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      Ola Electric Scooter Launch Nears – CEO Asks For Suggestion On Colour Options

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      Ola Electric ScooterOla Electric is also planning to set up a Hypercharging Network that involves installing one lakh charging points across 400 cities in India.
      Ola Electric, the EV manufacturing arm of Ola Cabs, is expected to officially launch its highly anticipated electric scooter in a few weeks. Ahead of its launch, company CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, has teased the upcoming e-scooter on his Twitter handle revealing crucial details about the two-wheeler.
      This is the second time that production-spec of the upcoming ola electric scooter has been teased on social media. Earlier in March this year, first images of the scooter went viral on social media. Ola announced its intention to manufacture its own line of electric vehicles by creating a separate arm for EV development last year.
      Ola E-Scooter Launch
      In the tweet, Aggarwal, asks social media users to suggest some colour options for the Ola scooter out of which black has already been adopted as shown in the teaser image. As already mentioned previously, this scooter will be based on Etergo Appscooter.
      Last year in May 2020, the ride-hailing giant had acquired Amsterdam-based electric scooter company Etergo BV for an undisclosed amount. The first bunch of scooters is likely to be brought to India as full imports from Netherlands.
      Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola.
      The next bunch of scooters will be manufactured at Ola’s upcoming facility currently under construction in Tamil Nadu. The company had earlier announced a Rs 2,400 crore investment for this manufacturing plant. This facility will be capable of producing 2 million electric two-wheelers per annum and would generate around 10,000 jobs.
      It is also slated to become the largest two-wheelers manufacturing plant in the world. Operations are expected to commence in the coming few months and the plant will comply with Industry 4.0 norms.
      E-Scooter Design & Specs
      Coming to the Ola e-scooter, the scooter looks very similar to Etergo Appscooter. on which it is based. From the looks of it, the e-scooter will come with telescopic front forks. The most attractive highlight is its compact size and its quirky-looking twin-beam LED headlight with an LED DRL strip around the main cluster. Its riding dynamics look simple although the rider sits high up with loads of ground clearance on offer.
      Although no specifications are revealed as of now, the e-scooter is likely to borrow most of its features from its Dutch twin. These could include alloy wheels, digital instrument console, cloud connectivity, removable Lithium-ion battery, a spacious underseat storage and more. If its specs mirror Appscooter, it is likely to offer a class-leading range on a single charge. More

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      Revolt Electric Motorcycle Now Cheapest In Gujarat – Up To Rs 68k Savings

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      Revolt Motors AhmedabadEV sales could gain traction, as both state government and centre have announced subsidy hikes
      With their high pricing, electric two wheelers had remained largely inaccessible for majority of users. However, things are expected to change in the coming months with substantial increase in subsidies. The price gap stands reduced, which can provide the right motivation to users to switch to electric. Many electric two wheelers are now cheaper than top selling petrol powered products such as Hero Splendor, Honda Activa, and TVS Jupiter.
      Revolt RV400 price cut
      With Gujarat’s new EV policy in place and FAME-II subsidy hike, customers in the state can save up to Rs 68,000 on Revolt’s flagship electric motorcycle RV400. In its new EV policy, the state government has taken some progressive steps to promote the use of electric vehicles.
      Gujarat government has stated that it will offer double the subsidy than any other state. There are plans to increase the number of EVs in the state to 2 lakh units in the next four years.
      For electric two wheelers, the state government in Gujarat is offering subsidy of Rs 10,000 per kWh. For Revolt RV400, this translates into savings of Rs 20k for customers. This is in addition to Rs 15,000 per kWh subsidy that is available under central government’s FAME-II policy. Subsidies under FAME-II were recently increased by 50%.
      Revolt Motors Ahmedabad
      Rs 68,000 worth of savings is a substantial amount, which is likely to attract more customers. Even before the new subsidy hike, Revolt RV400 was one of the most in-demand electric two wheelers in the country. The company had launched a flash sale recently, wherein all available units were booked within two hours. The company had said that motorcycles worth Rs 50 crore were booked during the flash sale.
      With FAME-II subsidy hike, Revolt RV400 is now available under Rs 1 lakh in Delhi-NCR region. RV400 is also available for sale in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. Revolt has said that it will reopen bookings soon. Interested customers can register their interest on Revolt website via ‘Notify Me’ button.
      Revolt RV400 powertrain and specs
      RV400 utilizes a 3KW (mid drive) motor, connected to a 72V, 3.24KWh lithium-ion battery pack. Based on their needs, users can choose from three ride modes of Eco, Normal and Sports. The speed and range varies based on the mode selected.
      Max range of 150 km is available in Eco mode. However, speed is just 45 kmph in Eco mode. Top speed of 85 kmph can be achieved in Sports mode, but range drops to 80 km. The Normal mode is the most balanced, offering 65 kmph speed and 100 km range. More

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      Honda CBR Motorcycle Range Could Get Computer Assisted Clutch Tech

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      Image for reference.The clutch-by-wire tech will provide a very light clutch lever action which might lead to automatic clutching in future
      Honda has been at the forefront of developing new technologies, especially in the two-wheeler segment. With the evolution of ride-by-wire technology, automakers have been able to incorporate various rider assist features such as multiple ride modes, traction control and wheelie control to name a few.
      The Japanese auto giant has taken another leap forward and is developing a new ride-by-wire clutch. The company has filed patents regarding the same at the US Patent Office which throws some light into this upcoming technology. The purpose of this system is, as usual, to limit physical linkage and replace them with a bunch of electronic chips.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      New Clutch-By-Wire Operation
      This system uses hydraulic and electronic principles to remove a direct link between the clutch lever and the clutch plate. Patent drawings show a conventional handlebar-mounted lever whose position is observed by an electronic position sensor.
      The heart of the system still features a hydraulic pressure control unit which is operated on the basis of the information it receives from the position sensor. It also receives a bunch of other information such as engine rpm, vehicle speed and throttle opening.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      Based on all this information, the hydraulic pressure control unit decided to actuate the clutch. However, contradictory to a conventional clutch system, in this case, the clutch is always dis-engaged in a resting state. In present clutch setups, transmission and engine are connected to each other in their resting state and only disengages them when the clutch lever is pulled. Therefore, the clutch-by-wire allows the engine and transmission to remain disconnected in the event of a failure.
      Advantages
      Since there is no mechanical link between lever and clutch, the clutch-by-wire can offer a very light lever action. However, to give it a familiar feel at lever, Honda will be equipping it with a “reactive force generation device” as shown in the patents which act against the lever. The clutch action will still be a lot lighter but would surely not feel alien.
      This setup could offer a host of inherent advantages, in addition to a light lever action, which could work together with other computer powered electronic rider aids like a quick-shifter and traction control to offer seamless and smooth gear shifts.
      Honda Clutch By Wire System
      It could also facilitate an anti-stall system of sorts which could prevent the engine from stalling during bumper to bumper traffic. On the downside, though, critics believe that this would increase complexity of the system and hence would also increase chances of failure and also add up to the final cost of the motorcycle.
      This also means that Honda will reserve this technology only for the higher spectrum of its lineup. Given the success it witnessed with the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) setup in Africa Twin, there is no reason why the Japanese bikemaker can’t pull this off. Expect the flagship range of CBR motorcycles to get this system first. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc May 2021 – Classic, Pulsar, Meteor, CB350

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      Image – Bullet TowerTVS Motor’s sole offering in this segment- Apache RR 310 recorded sale of only 41 units in May 2021, thereby, witnessing an MoM decline of 86.10 percent
      Mid-displacement category of motorcycles in recent times has gained wide popularity due to new offerings in this segment. However, due to the recent surge in Covid-19 infections, businesses across the country including the automotive sector have been impacted severely. Sales of all automobiles have taken a nosedive during the last month.
      The segment of displacement between 200cc and 400cc motorcycles has seen a massive downfall in sales figures for May 2021. All models under this category have witnessed a decline when compared to the previous month’s figures. A total of 22,044 motorcycles under this category were sold last month as opposed to 58,878 units sold in April this year.
      Royal Enfield Leads Segment
      This translates to an MoM decline in sales by 62.56 percent. The segment was spearheaded by Royal Enfield as usual with as many as four of the top five selling models under its belt. The list is topped by Classic 350 with 9,239 units of sales volume recorded last month.
      In April, the figure stood at 23,298 units which resulted in a 60.34 percent MoM decline in sales. It was followed by its sibling Bullet 350 in the second spot with 4,557 units sold last month.
      Top 10 Motorcycles May 2021 – 200cc to 500cc Segment
      Royal Enfield sold 9,908 units of the retro motorcycle in April which translated to a MoM degrowth of 54.01 percent. The third spot was taken by the brand’s latest cruiser offering Meteor 350 with a sales volume of 3,375 units registered last month.
      The figure stood at 7,844 units for the previous month which translated to a negative MoM growth of 56.97 percent. The electric self-start version of Bullet, formerly known as Electra, registered sales of 2,112 units against 3,631 units sold last month.
      Negative Growth for all models
      Negative growth of 41.83 percent was, therefore, recorded. Bajaj broke into the list with its flagship Pulsar 220F. The faired sports commuter registered sales of 1026 units last month instead of 3,914 units sold in April. This translates to a 73.79 percent MoM decline in sales. Royal Enfield Himalayan (463 units) and Honda CB350 (428 units) were not able to breach the 1000-mark figure and recorded MoM degrowth of 83.55 percent and 85.58 percent.
      Bajaj Avenger 220 (178 units), KTM 250 series (168 units), Yamaha FZ25 (140 units) and KTM 390 series (129 units) were only able to retail over 100 units. All of them recorded a decline in MoM figures of 72.72 percent, 84.57 percent, 23,08 percent and 84.84 percent respectively. Rest of the bikes in this space, the likes of Dominar 400 (62 units), Dominar 250 (59 units) and more, were not able to breach even the 100-mark figure. More

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      Bajaj Freerider Trademark Filed – Name Of New Electric Motorcycle?

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      Image of Zero Motorcycle for referenceOptions for electric motorcycle are fairly limited, as compared to electric scooters
      After Chetak, Bajaj may be planning to introduce its first electric motorcycle. Indications for that come from a trademark application filed by the company. The trademark application has been filed for ‘Freerider’ name under Class 12.
      This class covers various automobiles including electric vehicles. Since KTM already has a lightweight e-bike named Freeride E-XC, it has led to speculations that Freerider could be Bajaj’s first electric motorcycle.
      Bajaj Freerider design and features
      It is likely that Bajaj Freerider will be using the same platform as that of Husqvarna E-Pilen. Components like the frame, suspension system and braking apparatus could be the same. E-Pilen concept was revealed earlier this year in April. Production is expected to commence later this year. E-Pilen could be launched towards the end of this year or in 2022.
      E-Pilen concept shares several of its features with Svartpilen and Vitpilen. Some examples include round headlamp, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank that houses the battery pack, and exposed trellis frame.
      Bajaj Freerider – Trademark Filed
      In terms of design, Bajaj Freerider will have its unique set of features. It’s too early to comment, but the electric motorcycle is likely to use a neo-retro design theme. This is in vogue and highly preferred by younger folks. Freerider is expected to have a sharp, sporty design, which will match the needs of its target audience. Eye-catchy graphics and decals will also be part of the package.
      Bajaj Freerider powertrain
      Freerider is expected to use the same electric powertrain as that of E-Pilen concept. E-Pilen is equipped with an 8kW (10.73 bhp) electric motor. Details about power output are yet to be revealed. The motorcycle will have a range of around 100 km, which should be sufficient for city needs.
      To take care of range anxiety, E-Pilen will be equipped with swappable batteries. It is apparent that the company will be focusing on developing the necessary infrastructure to sustain its electric two wheelers.
      Bajaj Freerider can hit the markets sooner than expected. That’s because Bajaj has been collaborating with KTM for developing a common electric platform. It is expected to spawn multiple electric two wheelers in the range of 3kW to 10kW. Most of these will be using a 48v electric system.
      KTM and Husqvarna are also working on a new electric scooter, which will be utilizing Bajaj Chetak’s platform. It is likely that Freerider will be a premium lifestyle product, just like Chetak. It won’t be cheap, even with the subsidies. More

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      Yamaha FZ-X First Batch Arrives At Dealer Showroom – Detailed Walkaround

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      Yamaha FZ-X Walkaround – MRD VlogsThe new FZ-X borrows its engine from the FZ-FI motorcycle as it comes with a 149cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder unit delivering 12.3 hp
      India Yamaha Motors launched the new FZ-X retro styled motorcycle last week. Borrowing inspiration from the XSR Series from the international market, the new FZ-X comes in three colour options of Matte Copper, Matte Black and Metallic Blue.
      New Yamaha FZ-X has now started arriving at dealer showrooms. Test drives have started at select outlets. Deliveries are expected to start later this month. It is being offered in two variants, without Bluetooth priced at Rs.1,16,800 and with Bluetooth priced at Rs.1,19,800 – Ex-showroom Delhi.
      First Look
      True to its retro styling, the Yamaha FZ-X sports a rounded headlamp design, raised handle bars, step up seating and a grab rail at the rear. It also gets an engine cowl, LED headlight with LED DRLs and an LED tail lamp. It rides on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with dual-purpose 100/80-17 (front) and 140/60-17 (rear) tubeless tyres and gets fork gaiters for a more rugged stance.
      A black panel runs across the center of the 10 liter capacity fuel tank while other features include an LCD cluster and Yamaha has also added a mobile charger to the bike as a standard fitment. As a part of its accessories, Yamaha is also offering a seat cover, tank pad, chrome mirrors and LED blinkers. Below is a detailed walkaround of new FZ-X by MRD Vlogs.
      [embedded content]
      The Yamaha FZ-X Bluetooth versions receives a Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone app and display for access to information such as calls, SMS and emails. The display also shows off fuel consumption, maintenance alerts and last parked location besides malfunction indication and fuel economy. On board safety equipment includes side stand with engine cut-off switch, lower engine protector guard and Bosch single-channel ABS.
      Dimensions stand at 2,020 mm length, 785mm width and 1,115mm height. It gets saddle height at 810mm, ground clearance at 165mm and kerb weight of 139 kgs while wheelbase is at 1,330mm.
      Engine, Suspension and Braking
      The new Yamaha FZ-X is powered by the same engine that is seen on the FZ-FI This 149cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offers 12.2 hp power at 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Suspension is via 41mm telescopic fork in the front and 7 step preload adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Braking is via 282mm disc in the front and 220 mm rotor at the rear. Single channel ABS is offered as standard on both variants.
      The new Yamaha FZ-X will rival the likes of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer and Aprilia SXR 125. It will also take on the Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 and TVS Apache RTR 160. Yamaha’s current lineup in the 150-200cc motorcycle segments include the FZ, R15 and MT15 allowing the company to command a 20 percent market share. The new FZ-X will further strengthen the company’s hold in this segment. More