Car News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares149 Views

      Supreme Court extends order barring registration of BS4 vehicles

      by

      File Photo. Credit – Achin

      Supreme Court states that its earlier directives issued on March 27 were violated – Next hearing set for August 13, 2020
      In June 2020, the Supreme Court had pulled up automakers in the country as there were several instances wherein adherence to the earlier order, when the court had granted 10 days time post the lockdown period for registration of BS4 vehicles, had been neglected. The bench, headed by Justice Arun Mishra had observed despite these stringent directives, automakers continued to sell BS4 vehicles post 10 days of lockdown relaxation.

      The court asserted that while sale and registration of 1.05 lakh BS4 vehicles were permitted, the numbers were far in excess. The Court surmised that over 2.55 lakh BS4 vehicles were sold which was more than double the figure it had permitted in its order.
      Supreme Court Order Violated
      On July 8, 2020, the Supreme Court withdrew the order issued to automakers granting the 10 days period post the lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown to register BS4 vehicles and this has been extended till further notice. This order was issued so as to allow automakers to make up for six days lost due to the nationwide lockdown which was imposed on 25th March 2020 just a few days prior to the 1st April 2020 deadline for sale of BS4 vehicles.

      Screenshot of a chat between Regional Manager of an OEM to dealers from earlier this month.
      The Bench stated that sales during the lockdown period in the last week of March and even after 31st March were undertaken via the company online portals, and now registration is being sought. Barring registration of such vehicles, the court has extended the order, and next date of hearing is now fixed at 13th August 2020. An unusual number of vehicles have been sold despite an order outlining what was permitted.
      Supreme Court stated that it would study the data offered by automobile associations and then the next order will be released. The Court has also sought information from Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) on the number of BS4 vehicles sold after the lockdown came into effect. A surge in sales is documented for the last three days of March 2020.
      Sale of vehicles to be uploaded on e-Vahan Portal
      The Supreme Court had directed automakers to upload all BS4 vehicles sold, 10 days post the lifting of the lockdown, onto the e-Vahan portal of the Government of India. The Bench stated that they would be checking this portal for vehicle details that were uploaded prior to 31st March 2020 and after that for registration.
      FADA had earlier requested that dealers be allowed to return unsold BS4 stock to manufacturers so that manufacturers can take the lead and export such cars to countries they do business with where BS4 cars are still sold. The Bench announced that manufacturers were well aware of the deadline. More

    • 138 Shares149 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Electric Hummer SUV and Pickup Truck teased – 15,591 Nm Torque

      by

      Hummer Electric SUV and Pickup truck claims 1,000 hp / 15,591 Nm ; 0-100 in 3 seconds
      The ongoing pandemic has impacted almost anyone and everyone around the world, including the unveiling plans of one of the most awaited car of the year, the 2020 Hummer. GM had teased the upcoming electric version of the iconic nameplate earlier towards the start of the year.

      The American manufacturer was supposed to unveil the new generation Hummer around May’20 but had to postpone it to Autumn of 2020 due to delays caused by the Corona Virus. However, the good news is that the company believes that it is on track to commence sales of the electric beast in Autumn 2021 as per initial plans.
      Out of the World Specs
      What makes the Hummer EV so interesting is its specs. It will have an electric power train which will be able to dish out 1,000 bhp and 11,500 lb ft (15,591 Nm) of torque. This high torque figure is the peak motor output and does not entirely translate to real-world performance (in terms of wheel torque). The powertrain will help the Hummer, the huge SUV, clock a 0 – 100 kmph in less than 3 seconds. It will be drawing power from GM’s new Ultium battery pack which will come along with Super Fast Charging and offer a commendable range of around 400 miles (643 kms) on a full charge.

      Hummer Electric battery pack
      Speaking about design, General Motors is planning to model the 2020 Hummer based upon the iconic Hummer H2 which went out of production in 2009, due to bankruptcy filings by GM. The 2020 iteration can be considered as a rejuvenation of the iconic brand, but with an electric power plant this time.
      More Details
      Latest teaser video has further given us more information about the 2020 Hummer. The top-spec Hummer will come along with a new feature called ‘infinity roof’ which will be a removable glass panel. This will help customers to get an open-air driving experience, whenever they wish.

      [embedded content]

      The electric pick up will also have an Adrenaline mode, which can be compared with Tesla’s Ludicrous mode. Reports also reveal that GM is planning to add on a Crab mode which will provide some type of 4-wheel steering functionality, but more details are still awaited.
      Production Plans
      GM will be manufacturing the 2020 Hummer at its Detroit-Hamtramck factory in Michigan. GM has planned to invest a whopping 7.7 billion USD in next 4 years to upgrade its factories to build electric vehicles. The Detroit plant where the production of the 2020 Hummer EV is expected to commence is getting upgrades worth 3 billion USD. Production will start in the second half of 2021.
      Post launch, the Hummer EV will be priced to compete with yet to be launched rivals like Tesla’s Cybertruck and the upcoming Rivian R1S. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Kona Electric Wonder Warranty options now include 3, 4 and 5 years

      by

      Hyundai Kona electric is available in two variants with prices starting from Rs 23.85 lakhs
      Hyundai Kona EV was introduced in India in mid 2019. Here, Hyundai Kona features a 39.3 kWh battery pack and 136 hp electric motor. ARAI approved drive range is listed at 452 kms on full charge. The lithium-ion polymer battery is fully charged in 6 hours and 10 minutes through a AC charger. A DC fast charger takes 57 minutes to charge up to 80 percent. 0 to 100 kmph takes 9.7 seconds.

      This EV will cost you Rs 23.85 lakhs for single tone colour option and Rs 24.11 lakhs for the dual tone option. Warranty on offer till date was 3 years / unlimited kms along with battery warranty of 8 yrs / 1.6 lakh kms. Now, Hyundai India has today announced the launch of two more warranty options, under the Wonder Warranty program.
      Hyundai India is offering customized warranty packages for their new cars for some time now. This helps customers to chose the best warranty package for their driving needs. With the Kona, till date only 3 yrs / unlimited kms warranty option was on offer. But from today, customers will also be able to chose from either 4 years / 60,000 kms or 5 years 50,000 kms.
      Depending on how the owner plans to use the car, these customized warranty packages will help them maintain their car more effectively. No matter the warranty package you chose, price is included in the car’s price. Hyundai is also increasing the EV charging network in India. Till date they have installed AC 7.2KW chargers at more than 50 dealerships in 30 cities of India.
      Kona Electric 1 lakh Global Sales

      2020 Hyundai Kona
      Earlier this month it was announced that Hyundai Kona sales globally had crossed the 1,00,000 units mark. Sales totalled to 1,03,719 units by June 30, 2020. The feat was achieved in just over 2 years of sales. Kona EV popularity is widespread, with more than three-quarters total sales having been reported outside its home market, South Korea. Sales in Europe has been noteworthy
      Hyundai has plans to sell over 5,60,000 battery powered vehicles by 2025. Among Hyundai’s prodigious EV lineup, Kona electric SUV plays is destined to play a key role in achieving target sales. Going forward, Hyundai’s BEV platforms will focus on ultra fast charging, and long drive range models.
      2020 Hyundai Kona
      The 2020 model for Europe has an improved drive range, up to 484 kms from 449 kms. This is for the top-end model that features a 64 kWh battery pack and 204 hp electric motor. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic is charged with building the more powerful Kona EV for the European market. This is an important development and requirement to accomplish Hyundai’s EV targets over the next 5-years.
      Production in Europe helps manage delivery schedules to European customers in a more efficient manner. Kona EV supplies from its Ulsan plant to Europe will also be increased. Hyundai had targeted selling upward of 60,000 Kona EV units in Europe alone through 2020. Hyundai’s Czech Republic factory is capable of manufacturing 30,000 Kona EV units annually for the European market.

      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      And while Europe is making a smarter and responsible choice that doesn’t hurt the earth further when choosing Hyundai Kona EV, in India the offering is a lifestyle product for those who can afford an ex sh price at just under 25 lakhs. The units are imported to India as CKD kits from South Korea.
      Localisation is being undertaken for non-critical components. This includes interior trims and select plastic bits. In 2019, 280 units were sold in India. Hyundai had aims to sell about 500 Kona EV units in 2020. However, under current pandemic conditions that number maybe revised. In tandem with a global move to switch to electric variants, India too harbours what for now appears to be a pipe dream. The electric shift dialogue doesn’t define a plan as to how the country is going to adapt to EVs. However, when such an outline is more definitive, Hyundai will expand its EV lineup in the country to include a sub-10 lakh electric vehicle. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Zoomcar to offer electric 3 wheelers on their platform – Partners with Eto Motors

      by

      Zoomcar and Eto Motors have signed an agreement to make available a range of platform services for Eco’s electric, and three-wheeler biz
      Henceforth, Zoomcar’s platform will be used to access Eto Motors’ operated electric three-wheelers for shared, first and last mile passenger commute needs. One will also be able to book transport vehicle for goods movement within cities.

      Zoomcar has for the longest time been making available private cars on its platform to for private rentals. Those who offer their car as part of the Zoomcar fleet are compensated by the company, and have to follow guidelines so the cars are worthy of being rented. For Zoomcar rentals, the company also has manufacturer tie-ups that enables it to list a wide ranging and sufficient fleet to be able to meet customer demand.
      Zoomcar and Eto
      With this new association, Eto Motors will be able to introduce a fleet of smart electric vehicle mobility solutions. Eto already has its brand smart vehicles for first mile and last mile connectivity service in Noida Metro. The company is focused on expanding its footprint, and widen its reach based on opportunities in the first mile, last mile, and intracity passenger, and goods movement segments.

      And the complete development focuses on EV adaption. For Zoomcar the opportunity comes in the form of EV adaption, and new segments. As the brand is identified primarily as a car rental company, with Eto Motors’ vehicles on offer, its operations expand to shared mobility, CVs, and transport.
      How quickly India is able to make noticeable EV adaption a norm depends on a range of bottlenecks that need to be addressed. As such, for now, public transport vehicles seem one way to do it.
      Transformation of mobility industry
      Greg Moran, CEO & Co-Founder, Zoomcar, in a statement said, “The mobility industry is going through a transformational phase globally due to the pandemic. At Zoomcar, we strive to be at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that can help shape this transformative shift. Through this partnership with ETO Motors, we aim to leverage our AI-based platform to enable large fleet operators to better manage their assets through greater vehicle safety and lower total operating costs. We are delighted to partner with ETO Motors on the next phase of their growth journey in India’s rapidly expanding EV market.”
      Biju Mathew, CEO, ETO Motors, said, “The next phase of collaboration between our respective companies with respect to the development of the co-branded digital platform will undoubtedly mark a significant step forward for the industry.” More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Maruti 800 electric RWD with 378 Nm torque – Watch owner having fun

      by

      Pune-based EV specialist Hemank Dabhade has reached the final stages of his Maruti 800 EV conversion project
      Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) discontinued the iconic Maruti 800 in 2010 as the hatchback could not meet the then-new emission norms and safety regulations. In the minds of Indian automotive enthusiasts, the ‘800’ holds a special place since it has got a strong nostalgia factor associated with it. We are sure that your family or someone close to your family might have had a Maruti 800 back in the day.

      In its last iteration, the Maruti Suzuki 800 came with a 796cc MPFI three-cylinder petrol motor churning out just about 37bhp and 59Nm while mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The higher 5-speed variant made roughly 47bhp and 62Nm of torque. Clean examples of the car still find decent value in the used car market. On the other hand, the original SS80 generation has already become a collector’s item.
      The current-gen Maruti Suzuki Alto BS6 fails to match the Maruti 800’s charm despite being its closest successor. This is purely due to the emotions surrounding the ‘800’ since the Alto is much more technically improved. Maruti Suzuki might never bring back the ‘800’ nameplate (at least in the foreseeable future), yet many Indians look forward to a modern-day avatar of the hatchback.

      Loaded with sports seats, sports steering, touchscreen and a lot more – Modified Maruti 800 electric
      How about an Maruti 800 modified Electric?
      It has been a while since Pune-based EV specialist Hemank Dabhade started working on an all-electric Maruti 800 with his team at Northway Motorsport. The project, dubbed ‘Maruti 800 EV’, has reached its final stages and Hemank has documented the same (one of four parts) on his YouTube channel. Over the months, we have also shared Hemank’s other interesting projects such as the Chevrolet Beat EV and Honda Activa EV.
      Northway Motorsport’s Maruti 800 modified Electric is essentially a two-seater RWD city car that promises ample performance and driving fun (watch the owner perform powerslides, thanks to 378 Nm torque, towards the end of the video below). Its real-world driving range is claimed to be about 150km on a full charge. This is purely a developmental or research project aimed to showcase the potential of electric powertrains in a familiar platform.

      [embedded content]

      The four-part YouTube series gives a rough idea of what goes into making an electric vehicle. It covers how the stock powertrain is stripped out from the petrol-powered Maruti 800, alterations done to the donor chassis, electric powertrain packaging, minor hiccups along the way, cosmetic enhancements (new six-spoke rims, front grille, steering wheel, etc.) and more.
      Key highlights
      Episode 4 starts with a brief recap of the processes mentioned above. The main electronics, battery-pack (an extra set lies in the ‘frunk’) and their cooling systems are placed at the rear, in place of a bench seat. This is covered by a flat luggage floor. At the front, Northway Motorsport has installed a custom touchscreen panel based on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer. It incorporates real-time battery usage, motor and control temperature; output calibration and the basic drive modes: Forward, Neutral and Reverse.
      The main highlight is the addition of HHA (synonymously used with ‘Hill-start Assist’ nowadays). It helps the car remain stationary on a downward slope until the accelerator pedal is pressed. Finally, Hemank does some powerslides in his Maruti 800 EV — proving that small RWDs can be fun irrespective of the powertrain type. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      On road prices of New Scooters, Motorcycles, Cars – To reduce from 1st Aug 2020

      by

      The car buying experience is set to get cheaper from 1st August 2020- as Long Term Motor Vehicle Insurance Package no longer mandatory
      Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has withdrawn permission for motor long-term cover effective from 1st August 2020. This move will result in on-road prices of cars and bikes to come down. While third party insurance is still a mandatory requirement for 3 years for four wheelers and for 5 years for two wheelers.

      Introduced in September 2018, the IRDAI has now noted several discrepancies in the efficacy of these long term policies and hence announced its withdrawal. The mandate was issued following a Supreme Court order so as to increase safety for both pedestrians and other motorists. It directed buyers to purchase a combined insurance pack which included own damage and third party insurance for 3 years for cars and 5 years for two wheelers.
      This third party insurance cover has been rolled back and from 1st August 2020 it will be revert to the mandatory 1 year, own damage insurance cover for both four and two wheeler vehicles. Even if the customer so desires, they will not be able to take out a long term own damage policy.

      Image – Bala Vignesh
      Reasons for its Withdrawal
      There are several reasons why the IRDAI has decided to withdraw this long term motor vehicle insurance policy. Firstly, the package policies are challenging due to affordability for a large number of vehicle buyers. Secondly, forced selling due to financial interest, which was linked to loans was also high.
      Finally, in the event of deficiency of service, the policy holder was stuck with the same insurance company for a long term and no flexibility of change. There was also no uniformity in ‘no claims bonus’ structure which caused some confusion and dissatisfaction in the mind of the policy holders.
      Post Withdrawal Impact
      This move will have an impact on motor vehicle insurance in a number of ways. For starters, the gross premium being underwritten will see a reduction. There are also large numbers of two and four wheeler who continue to ply on roads without insurance. Without this mandatory long terms cover at the time of purchase itself, renewals could be significantly reduced.
      Without long term cover costs out of the picture, overall cost of vehicles will come down post 1st August 2020. This could prove to be advantageous for the auto industry which has been going through several months of slow down. The current coronavirus situation further impacted the situation while this roll back could now see vehicle buyers once again heading to company showrooms. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      Amazon launches Car and Bike insurance in India – Benefits for Prime members

      by

      Amazon India has partnered with Acko General Insurance Ltd. in order to provide this facility to their customers
      Amazon Pay has gained popularity as a payment gateway for purchases on the e-commerce platform, and for other payments. Now, the tech biggie has entered a new domain in India with insurance policies for two and four wheelers. The development is in partnership with Acko General Insurance.

      The easy buying guide makes the purchase process simple to understand, and can be completed in simple steps. Convenience is further accentuated with one hour pick up, hassle-free paperless documenting, 3-day assured claim servicing, and 1-year repair warranty in pre-identified cities.
      Low value claims can be processed with the option of instant cash settlement. Amazon Prime members can avail of additional benefits. For now Prime users can already save up to Rs 999.
      For the e-commerce leader, this is the first country where it’s offering such a service. Amazon Pay insurance policies can be purchased from the app itself, mobile website, or found through a general search. Upon furnishing basic details as requested, a quote can be availed.
      Add ons include zero dep, engine protection, and others. Payment can be made via Amazon pay, UPI, or from a credit / debit card. Upon signing up, and process completion, the policy is sent to an email inbox almost instantaneously. A copy can also be downloaded from ‘Your Orders’.
      Management Speak
      Amazon Pay India Director and Head of Financial Services, Vikas Bansal said, “Our vision is to make Amazon Pay the most trusted, convenient and rewarding way to pay for our customers. Delighted by this experience, there has been a growing demand for more services. In line with this need, we are excited to launch an auto insurance product that is affordable, convenient, and provides a seamless claims experience.”
      Varun Dua, CEO, Acko General Insurance said “We are happy to partner with Amazon Pay to offer an auto insurance proposition that has been designed with the customer at the centre. Through this product we aim to deliver a superior consumer experience right from purchase to claims by making it more affordable, accessible and seamless. This launch also marks an important milestone in our successful partnership with Amazon and we are excited about the journey ahead.”
      Being a tech giant, it’s no surprise that Amazon is able to seamlessly integrate platforms, and prove itself to be a chosen payment gateway. In 2018, Amazon led a $12 million funding round in Acko. More

    • 125 Shares179 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Pravaig Extinction – A homegrown Luxury EV with bespoke interior

      by

      The Pravaig Extinction EV is primarily aimed at hotels and luxury transport businesses
      Pravaig Dynamics, a company which was started in Jaipur to build offroad buggies, has now turned its attention towards luxury electric sedans. The Pravaig Extinction, contrary to its name, is the genesis of the brand’s EV aspirations. Pravaig Dynamics has set up a facility in Bangalore and its upcoming all-electric sedan has already reached Prototype Level 6 (‘Level 9’ implies production-readiness).

      One shouldn’t read too much into the somewhat odd and unfinished exterior design of the Pravaig Extinction, as it is still a prototype. The company says that the final version will have four doors; meaning the luxury electric car will look significantly different from the prototype phase shown here.
      The rear-wheel-drive Pravaig Extinction is based on a steel monocoque architecture. Interestingly, it will not have a fixed interior layout for series production as in conventional vehicles. Instead, Pravaig Dynamics will collaborate with architects, fashion and interior designers to come up with bespoke cabins to suit their clientele’s individual tastes. Here’s a video of its prototype doing test runs in Bangalore:

      Speaking of the clientele, Pravaig Dynamics is not targeting private buyers by setting up traditional showrooms and service centres. The Pravaig Extinction is aimed at fleet operators, hotels and other luxury transport businesses interested in emission-free choices. Naturally, the rear seat will be given utmost importance so much so that the front passenger seat will be an optional extra. A lounge-type rear seat that can allow the occupant to lie down almost flat is being worked upon. Brand advisor and shareholder Ram Divedi says that the homologated rear bench is expected to achieve a near-flat posture of around 165 degrees.
      Pravaig Extinction Specs & Features
      The all-electric luxury sedan will be coupled to a 96kWh battery pack, locally assembled by Pravaig Dynamics. Power comes from a 130hp electric motor capable of propelling the sedan to a top speed of 196km/h. The Pravaig Extinction boasts of an impressive range of 500km on a full charge (claimed).
      The final production model will get autonomous capabilities, high-efficiency particulate air filtration system, swappable battery and state-of-the-art connectivity features. Pravaig Dynamics will share more details on its list of equipment in the days to come.
      Pravaig Extinction Launch Timeline
      The desi electric luxury sedan is expected to be out by Q3 2021 which we think is a rather ambitious target. Pravaig Dynamics plans to make 250 units every month with Delhi and Bangalore as its first markets. Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune are also in the radar and each city will get its own service outlet. More