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    Top 20 Scooter Exports Apr 20 To Jan 21 – Navi, Ntorq, Activa, Fascino, Pleasure

    Image – SVM Cars And Bikes
    Honda Navi was the most exported scooter from India during the said period

    Expected fallout of Covid-19 pandemic is clearly evident on scooter exports that have declined significantly during the period April to December 2020. Among the top 10 most exported scooters, only four have registered positive YoY growth. Overall, only 7 out of 29 scooters have positive YoY growth.
    Navi, Ntorq and Dio lead
    Most exported scooter during April – December 2020 was Honda Navi with 34,134 units. YoY exports are up by 39%, as compared to 24,612 units exported in the corresponding period in 2019. Navi is no longer offered in the domestic market and is manufactured in India only for export purposes.
    It had generated significant interest at the time of its unveiling at 2016 AutoExpo, but sales turned out to be below expectations. It is possible that Honda may introduce Navi in 125 cc variant, as a patent for the same has been filed in India.
    At number two is TVS Ntorq with 20,879 units exported in April – December 2020. That’s YoY decline of -20%, as compared to 26,181 units exported in April-December 2019. In the domestic market, Ntorq is a popular choice that has consistently featured in the top ten list of bestselling scooters in the country.
    Top Scooter Exported April 2020 to Jan 2021
    Honda Dio takes the third spot with 20,537 units exported in April – December 2020. The scooter has lost a significant chunk of its exports with YoY de-growth of -78%. Exports during the corresponding period in 2019 were 91,494 units. Dio is a popular scooter in domestic market as well and has consistently ranked in the top ten.
    At number four is Yamaha Ray with 20,168 units exported in April – December 2020. Ray has YoY-de-growth of -48%, as compared to 39,076 units exported in Apr-Dec 2019. In the domestic market, Yamaha Ray is one of the preferred options in 125cc scooter segment.
    Next is Suzuki Burgman with 6,327 units exported in April – December 2020. YoY exports have declined -44%, as compared to 11,224 units exported in the corresponding period in 2019. In the domestic market, Burgman will soon be launched in electric format. It will be a premium product that will compete with the likes of Bajaj Chetak and Ather scooter.
    No
    Top Scooter Exports
    Apr 20 – Jan 21
    Apr 19 – Jan 20
    1
    Honda Navi
    34,134
    24,612
    2
    TVS Ntorq
    20,879
    26,181
    3
    Honda Dio
    20,537
    91,494
    4
    Yamaha Ray
    20,168
    39,076
    5
    Suzuki Burgman
    6,327
    11,224
    6
    Honda Grazia
    5,561
    21,952
    7
    Piaggio Typhoon R50
    4,881
    5,100
    8
    Piaggio SR50MT
    4,810
    3,968
    9
    Yamaha Fascino
    4,611
    3,899
    10
    Hero Duet
    4,368
    1,126
    11
    TVS Wego
    2,689
    14,560
    12
    Honda Activa
    2,653
    4,380
    13
    Vespa 150
    2,146
    1,308
    14
    Hero Destini
    1,913
    2,996
    15
    Hero Maestro
    1,911
    4,530
    16
    Aprilia SR150
    1,616
    2,929
    17
    Hero Pleasure
    1,514
    4,214
    18
    TVS Jupiter
    1,494
    1,366
    19
    Suzuki Lets
    1,410
    5,667
    20
    Aprilia SR125
    1,390
    2,872
    21
    Yamaha Alpha
    1,362
    2,096
    22
    Honda Aviator
    1,280
    4,880
    23
    Vespa 125
    1,140
    2,071
    24
    Suzuki Access
    525
    1,129
    25
    Aprilia SR160
    244
    4
    26
    Mahindra Gusto
    44
    344
    27
    TVS Pep+
    0
    2,296
    28
    TVS Zest
    0
    4

    Total
    1,49,607
    2,86,278
    Hero Duet makes impressive gains
    In the top ten, Hero Duet has registered maximum YoY growth in percentage terms. Exports are up from 1,126 units in Apr-Dec 2019 to 4,368 units in Apr-Dec 2020, which is an increase of 288%. Other scooters in top ten include Honda Grazia (5,561 units), Piaggio Typhoon R50 (4,881), Piaggio SR50MT (4,810), and Yamaha Fascino (4,611). Among these, Grazia and Typhoon R50 have negative YoY growth of -75% and -4%, respectively.
    In percentage terms, the max gainer in April – December 2020 is Piaggio Aprilia SR160. Exports are up from 4 units to 244 units, which is YoY gain of 6000%. More

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    Benelli Imperiale Price Cut By Rs 10k – Thanks To Increased Localization

    Benelli Imperiale 400
    Benelli Imperiale 400 competes with the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Jawa Forty Two and Honda H’ness CB350

    Benelli Imperiale 400 is on display at the company’s 37th exclusive showroom under the dealership of Saraswati Automobiles. Benelli and Adishwar Auto Ride India Mahavir Group, located at Asmi Square, Siliguri, West Bengal. The company has announced a new pricing at Rs.1.89 lakhs.
    Bookings have opened at Rs.6,000 at the Siliguri showroom and orders can also be placed via the company’s website. Even as the Benelli was launched last year with a price tag of Rs.1.99 lakhs, this lower and attractive price tag has been made possible on account of increased localized content and the strengthening of the Rupee against the Dollar.
    New Price New Rivals
    Benelli Imperiale 400 competes with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Jawa Forty Two and the Honda H’ness CB350 in its segment. This cruiser bike gets three colour options of black, red and silver.
    It sports a round headlamp with chrome casing, chrome finished turn indicators and chrome accents on its tail lamp. It is built on a steel double cradle frame and shows off a peanut shaped fuel tank while seating is in a split design. The Siliguri showrooms also stocks the company merchandise and accessories.
    Benelli Dealership in Vellore
    Benelli Imperiale 400 also comes in with a two year unlimited kms warranty. This can be extended to a further two years while Benelli also offers 24×7 road side assistance as a part of its after sales service.
    Benelli Imperiale 400 Engine Lineup
    The 2021 Benelli Imperiale 400 gets its power via a 364cc, fuel injected, single cylinder, air cooled engine that offers 21 hp power at 6,000 rpm and 29 Nm torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox.
    Suspension is handled by 41mm telescopic fork in the front and pre-load adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is via 300mm disc brake in the front and 240mm brake at the rear with dual channel ABS.
    Benelli Upcoming Launches
    Benelli currently has only 2 bikes in its portfolio in India. Benelli Imperiale 400 BS 6 which was introduced in India in 2020 while on 29th January 2021 the Benelli TRK 502 was launched at Rs.4.80 lakhs. Other model launches were delayed due to the pandemic last year and now Benelli is planning several new launches in the country.
    These will include Benelli TRK 502X with launch in March 21, while later this year the company will bring in the Benelli Leoncino 500, Benelli 302S Tourer, Benelli 302R Super sport, Benelli Leoncino 250 and the Benelli TNT 600i. More

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    TVS iQube Electric Scooter Arrives In Delhi Before Bajaj Chetak – Ather 450x Rival

    Image for reference. Credit – PRN Motors, Bangalore.
    Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is only on sale in Pune and Bangalore as of now

    After almost a year of launching its first electric scooter iQube in Bengaluru, TVS has launched iQube in Delhi. The electric scooter is priced cheaper in Delhi at Rs 1.08 lakh, as compared to Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru. Customers can book their iQube online for Rs 5k.
    Cheaper pricing in Delhi is likely due to concessions for electric vehicles announced by Delhi government such as waiver of registration charges and road tax. Delhi is among the most polluted cities and the government is doing everything it can to promote use of electric vehicles.
    TVS iQube design and features
    TVS iQube features a trendy design, as is evident in dual tone front fascia, crystal-clear LED headlamp, rectangular turn indicators, body coloured rear view mirrors, sculpted side panels, contrast stitching on the seat, and all LED tail lamps. The entire body panelling has smooth curves, which makes it quite pleasing to the eyes.
    In terms of convenience, iQube offers ample storage space under the seat. A helmet can easily fit inside with room to spare for other things. A USB charging port with lights is also located in the under seat storage compartment.
    TVS iQube electric Delhi Launch
    TVS iQube has been equipped with SmartXonnect intuitive connectivity platform powered by integrated Bluetooth. When paired with TVS iQube app, users can access a range of features such as navigation assist, remote charge status, geofencing, and incoming call alerts. Users can also see a range of stats about their rides and scooter such as top speed, total distance, average speed, battery status, etc.
    TVS iQube powertrain
    Powering TVS iQube is a 4.4kW hub-mounted motor, connected to a 3 Li-ion battery pack. The battery is wrapped in high strength aluminium, making it resistant to dust and water. Battery warranty is for 3 years / 50k km. Talking about range, iQube can travel 75 km in eco mode. Range will be less when Power Mode is engaged. iQube has top speed of 78 kmph and it can reach 0 to 40 kmph in 4.2 seconds.
    TVS iQube competes with other premium electric scooters such as Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak. Ather has been launched in Delhi, but deliveries are yet to start. Bookings for Ather in Delhi are now open via online payment. Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in Delhi in coming months.
    In the future, iQube will also take on upcoming Suzuki Burgman Street Electric. As of now, iQube trails behind 450X and Chetak in terms of sale volumes. Things could improve in the future, as iQube is made available in more cities. Ather and Bajaj are also working to expand operational base for their electric scooters. So, competition is likely to intensify in this segment in the coming years. More

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    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa Appears On Official Website – Ahead Of Debut Today

    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
    Upon its launch, the new Suzuki Hayabusa will compete against its Japanese rival Kawasaki Ninja H2

    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa has not been the best kept secret. From the time its first teaser was revealed a few days ago, there have been constant number of leaks on the internet. From the full hi-res promotional TVC video leak, to now the motorcycle making its appearance on Suzuki Motorcycle Australia’s official website – and all this ahead of its global debut later today.
    Suzuki Motorcycle Australia has now removed the photo from their official website, but not before it was shared on the internet. Hat tip to Siddharth for sharing the update with us before it was removed.
    The latest iteration of the super sports tourer will come with a host of updates over the outgoing model which has been discontinued in international markets since 2019. This includes cosmetics, features as well as mechanical updates.
    Design & Features on offer
    For starters, the 2021 Hayabusa flaunts a new styling with sharper edges although it still maintains design lines of its previous-gen model. Changes have been incorporated to its front fascia which looks more aggressive, thanks to the concise fairing adopted.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on official website
    It also gets an updated tail section while the twin exhausts are chrome-plated and are much sleeker and longer now. Although, the bike continues to get bulbous proportions which are synonymous with Hayabusa.
    It is offered with a newly designed LED headlight, a new fuel tank, and a more aerodynamic front fascia. Speaking of its hardware, it is built on the same twin-spar type aluminum frame assisted by the latest Kayaba suspension setup. The promotional video showed that the new Hayabusa could clock a speed as much as 180 mph (290 kmph) as indicated on its analogue speedometer along with a TFT screen on its instrument panel.
    The 2021 Hayabusa will come equipped with an array of electronic aids to complement the riding experience. This includes IMU-based features such as Hill Start Assist, ABS cornering package, traction control, quick shifter multiple riding modes, wheelie control and more.
    2021 Suzuki Hayabusa listed on company’s Australia website
    Engine Specs
    Coming to its performance, the new Hayabusa will draw its energy from a larger 1440cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine instead of the older 1340cc unit. This unit is expected to push out power as high as 200 bhp and is expected to be paired with either a six-speed manual or DCT gearbox. More significantly, this unit now complies with the stricter Euro-5 emission norms which has been achieved with the addition of a new intake, a catalytic converter and an exhaust system to Hayabusa.
    Prospective India Arrival
    As far as its arrival in India is concerned, there has been no confirmation from Suzuki about the same. However, with the rise in larger and more powerful motorcycle offerings in India in recent past, Suzuki might actually launch it in India at some stage. At one point, Hayabusa was the most expensive locally assembled bike in India. Whether it will be offered as a CBU or a CKD product can only be told in time to come. More

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    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 Launched In Europe – Made In India At Bajaj Plant

    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
    Hungary has become one of the first country in the world to get the entry-level Husqvarna Svartpilen 125

    European markets have good demand for small displacement bikes, thanks to regulations that prohibit riders from opting for a high-end big bike before they spend enough time on smaller rides. For this reason, Husqvarna has launched its entry-level, made in India offering Svartpilen 125 in European markets.
    Price of Svartpilen 125 in Hungary starts from HUF 1.64 million (approx Rs 4.02 lakhs). The bike is imported from India as a CBU. It is manufactured at the Bajaj plant in Pune. In 2020, Husqvarna production crossed the 10,000 mark from India plant.
    As we already know Svartpilen, which translates to Black arrow, is a naked scrambler while its twin sibling Vitpilen, which translates to White arrow, is a cafe racer. As of now, there are no reports of the latter being considered for the European markets in its smallest iteration.
    Hardware & Powertrain
    Svartpilen 125 shares its mechanicals with its KTM counterpart Duke 125. Like the naked streetfighter from the Austrian bikemaker, Svartpilen 125 will derive its power from a 124.7cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces 15 hp at 9,500rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 7500rpm. For an engine of this capacity, output figures are more than decent. It has a top speed of around 100 kmph.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
    This unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Even its hardware setup is carried over from its Austrian cousin. It is based on a steel Trellis frame which is suspended at 43mm WP Apex USD forks at front and a 5-step preload adjustable WP Apex mono-shock at rear.
    Anchorage duties are handled by a 320mm disc with a 4-piston caliper from ByBre upfront and a 230mm disc at rear with a 2-piston caliper. This will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS from Bosch. Fuel tank capacity is 9.5 liters while dry weight is 146 kgs. Ground clearance if 143mm.
    Design & Features
    In terms of styling, its design will be identical to the bigger Svartpilens. This means it will feature a single, round LED headlamp with an LED DRL ring around its circumference.
    Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
    It will adopt a minimalist approach to design as it will contain very few body panels. Its equipment will consist of an LCD instrument cluster which will give out crucial information although some of the features offered in bigger iterations might be given a miss.
    Prospective India Launch
    What holds more significance is that like Duke 125 and other Husqvarna models, this Svartpilen 125 is also likely to be launched in India. Moreover, Duke 125 is a very popular model in India and if priced right, its Swedish cousin can also find many takers. Once launched in India, it will likely be priced lower than the Duke 125, which is priced at Rs 1.51 lakhs, ex-sh. More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Gets A Mig21 Makeover – Looks Ready For Takeoff

    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
    Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been modified by Bulleteer Customs

    Launched in 2018, Royal Enfield 650 twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) have emerged bestsellers in domestic as well as international markets. With their simple design, 650 twins are also preferred for customization projects. We have seen quite a few of these modified versions in recent past and most of them have been a true delight in terms of their creative design.
    Mig-21 design theme for Interceptor 650
    The latest in the series of experimentations with 650 twins involves Interceptor, which has been modified based on core design elements taken from Mig-21 fighter jet. This customization has been carried out by Bengaluru-based Bulleteer Customs, one of the leading auto workshops in the country.
    Applying Mig-21 design theme to Interceptor 650 has worked out seamlessly in this mod job, as both share a retro design. Had the designers used the theme of a modern aircraft like F-35, the results would have been highly incompatible. The circular, hollowed nose of the headlamp unit at the front and airbrushed rivets at the sides are among the key design characteristics borrowed from Mig-21.
    Modified Interceptor 650 also gets various other visual updates such as multi-coloured strips on the right side of front cowl and smoked out windscreen. Stock handlebar has been replaced with clip-on units, which enhances the motorcycle’s sporty profile. Similarly, 17-inch alloy wheels replace the stock 18-inch wire-spoke wheels.
    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
    Another key change is aftermarket exhaust, which can be expected to output a superior aural experience to resonate more with the overall theme of Mig-21. The motorcycle also exudes patriotic fervour, as can be seen with the ‘Mig-21’ and ‘IND’ badging.
    No engine tweaks
    This modification project is primarily about visual updates. It’s unlikely that changes have been made to the engine to boost its performance. Interceptor 650 is powered by a 650 cc air-oil cooled engine that is capable of generating max power of 47 hp and peak torque of 52 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
    Why Mig-21?
    In case you are wondering why Mig-21 and not any other fighter jet, the answer is that Mig-21 is one of the most successful fighter planes ever created. More than 11k units were produced from 1959 to 1985. It was the first supersonic jet aircraft in the world and has been used by around sixty nations across four continents.
    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified
    Mig-21 has special relevance for India, as it had played a key role in 1971 Indo-Pak War. It had remained a backbone of Indian Air Force (IAF) for several years during those times. Recently, Mig-21 was in the news for downing American made F-16 that was being used by Pakistan air force. More

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    Kabira Electric Motorcycles KM3000, KM4000 India Launch On 15th Feb

    Kabira KM3000 Electric Motorcycle
    Kabira Mobility to launch KM3000 and KM4000 electric motorcycles on February 15, 2021

    Kabira Mobility is geared to launch KM3000 and KM4000 electric bikes nationwide on February 15, 2021. Both are high speed motorcycles that the manufacturer says addresses ride anxiety aptly. Pre-bookings are already underway online.
    In recent years, a range of electric two-wheeler companies have mushroomed in India. So far the practice works because they aren’t under pressure when it comes to performance.
    Sales of electric two wheelers is dominated by scooters for the most part. Of the companies listed, the count is already at 30+. However, even collectively the companies couldn’t sell 30k units in 2020. Of course some efforts in execution and expansion were obilterated owing to Covid-10 related pandemic lockdown.
    Electric two-wheeler market in India
    Despite setbacks, the time is right more than ever before for newer manufacturers to enter the field. With much emphasis laid on the future being electric, making inroads already is a good start. Of course this will need to be backed by stronger government policies, rebates, and stable infrastructure.
    Kabira KM4000 Electric Motorcycle
    For now, not all mainstream two-wheeler manufacturers have entered the electric two-wheeler market in a big way with most reporting to a token presence. The industry is led by Hero Electric and this could work out well when the time is right. Considering Hero MotoCorp already works in every nook and cranny of the country. And Hero Electric could be aligned similarly when a growth spurt emerges.
    Kabira Mobility production capacity
    With market reach for smaller electric two-wheelers being minimal, commitment and costs at the initial stage are limited to manage growth better. This mostly translates to business starting out in a small region rather than nationwide launches. Kabira Mobility is has 2 manufacturing plants. One in Goa, and another in Dharwad. For now, it’s the largest EV manufacturing facility at Dharwad. It will be operational by April 2021.
    Monthly production capacity is listed at 75,000 units per month. Needless to say, when that can be attained hasn’t yet been announced. Neither has there been any insight into when phased production increases will be undertaken.
    Kabira Electric Motorcycles
    This may be announced in a fortnight. Product development has taken merely 2 years. As far as sales is concerned, digital will play an important role. Sales will be undertaken through a dealership model, and e-commerce.
    Jaibir Siwach, CEO of Kabira Mobility said, “These electric bikes were a distant vision when we started our product development journey in Goa in 2017, but they are now a reality and have turned out to be more magnificent than what we had imagined. – KM3000 debuts as an ‘Electric Sports bike’ – KM4000 debuts as an ‘Electric Street Bike‘.” More

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    Earth Energy Launches New Electric Scooter, Motorcycles – Price From Rs 92k

    Earth Energy CEO with the new Electric Scooter Glyde+
    Indian EV startup, Earth Energy has launched three new electric vehicles today – 2 motorcycles and 1 scooter

    The Indian automotive sector is on the brink of transition to more environmentally friendly means of travel. Buyers in India are eager to adopt this move and a recent survey conducted revealed that with appropriate infrastructure in place, 90 percent car owners would be willing to transition to electric vehicles.
    However, it is still a long way to go and as on date, the EV market penetration is at only 1 percent of total vehicle sales in India. But that has not stopped new OEMs to launch their products in the EV space. Today, Mumbai based startup Earth Energy, a forerunner in the electric vehicle industry in India has announced 3 new electric vehicles.
    Specs And Range
    Earth Energy Glyde+ electric scooter is powered by a 2.4W electric motor that offers a top speed of 60km/h. Range is 100 kms on full charge. Power output is 2.4 kW (3.26 hp) while torque is 26 Nm. It is priced at Rs 92,000 and is a rival to the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, etc.
    Evolve Z electric motor with its sporty vibe supports 96 AH/ Li-ion Battery and range of 100km. It has a top speed of 95 kmph. Max power output is 5.3 kW (7.2 hp) while peak torque output is 56 Nm. It is priced at Rs 1.3 lakhs and will rival the likes Revolt RV300.
    Earth Energy Evolve Z Electric Motorcycle
    Top of the line, Evolve R is the most powerful with max power at 12.5 kW (17 PS), peak torque is 54 Nm. It has a top speed of 110 kmph and a range of 100 kms on single charge. Charging time for all 3 EVs is 2.5 hours while 0-80% charging is achieved in 40 minutes via fast charging. It is priced at Rs 1.42 lahks.
    Features on offer
    The entire range inculcates an automatic headlight enabled feature for switching effortlessly during night and day time and an LCD display which will help riders to see in dark and light mode, Battery SOC, real-time range and TBT (turnabout time) navigation, etc. All 3 are offered in 3 colours of – Marshal grey, jet black, and white.
    Mr. Rushi S., CEO & Founder, Earth Energy EV says, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first range of electric two-Wheelers. The EV industry in India is emerging on account of various factors such as the growing awareness toward the environment, increasing petrol prices, and stringent emission norms, etc. We feel that the consumption of electric vehicles will go up now than ever.”
    Earth Energy Evolve R Electric Motorcycle
    Smart in True Sense
    All new electric vehicles launched today by Earth Energy, come with advanced features called Smart in True Sense. The company claims that this is first in technology. This is basically internet connected feature app.
    This tech helps the rider to keep live navigation status, incoming calls/messages alert, trip history, and current destination on-screen for the confidence-inducing uninterrupted ride. The app also allows the third party usage model for food delivery agents. The entire order mapping can be easily done on the display screen itself.
    Earth Energy Evolve R Electric Motorcycle Specs
    Earth Energy, a subsidiary of Dubai-based parent company Grushie Energy Private Limited, incepted in 2017, is headquartered at Mumbai and has it R&D center based in the outskirts of the city. The company has established a 7000 sq ft R&D setup in Vasai, Mumbai, and produces Li-on battery packs in-house.
    The company portfolio also comprises cargo vans, garbage collection vans, school buses and electric two wheelers. Earth Energy has also developed autonomous vehicle drivetrains for global markets. Earth Energy also claims that the company had raised investments from private investors and has been a part of SmartCity Dubai Accelerator Program in 2018.
    Earth Energy Evolve Z Electric Motorcycle Specs
    Greenfield Plant in Maharashtra
    The company plans for 96 percent localization and production of 4,500 units of both commercial and noncommercial electric vehicles this year. Even as no details of investment have been revealed, the company is also in advanced states of setting up a Greenfield plant in Maharashtra with annual capacity of 65,000 units. The company also plans manufacture of batteries which could be priced competitively. Every vehicle developed by Earth Energy is compliant with all public charging stations set up by the Government or private companies.
    ‘Make in India Initiative
    The company uses Indian original equipment manufacturers products for its power solutions and components for its EVs. True to the ‘Make in India’ initiative put forth by the Government of India, the company uses Indian original equipment manufacturers products for both power solutions and EV components.
    Earth Energy Electric Scooter Glyde+
    Rushi Shenghani, Founder, Earth Energy Electric Vehicle has stated that the company will price each of these upcoming vehicles very efficiently and offer customers various buying options so as to make the transition to EVs easy and comfortable. Company claims 96% localization of their EVs.
    Earth Energy Electric Scooter Glyde+ Specs More