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      Tata Nexon Electric Records 4k Sales Milestone – Threefold Increase Over FY20

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      Image – HemankTata Motors was among the early entrants in the nascent EV space
      Launched last year in January, Tata Nexon EV has emerged as the top selling electric car in the country. It does not have any direct rival in its price range, which gives it a definitive advantage in this segment. Other EVs such as MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona are both priced above Rs 20 lakh. Nexon EV is available in three variants, priced in the range of Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Tough year, yet strong sales
      Even when car sales were badly hit by Covid-19 lockdown and related restrictions, Nexon EV has been able to regain its momentum in the subsequent period. Cumulative sales since the time it was launched have already crossed the 4k mark.
      In FY21, total sales stood at 4,219 units. This is a threefold increase, as compared to sales in FY20. In 2021, Nexon EV also created the record of highest ever monthly and quarterly sales. These were recorded in March 2021 (705 units) and Q4 FY21 (1,711 units).
      If we look at 2020 numbers, Nexon EV had topped the list with sales of 2,602 units. Second bestselling EV in 2020 was MG ZS with sales of 1,243 units. Kona EV was placed at third with 183 units. Tata Tigor EV and Mahindra e-Verito had sales of 100 units and 9 units, respectively. Looking at Q4 FY21 sales numbers, it is likely that Nexon will continue to maintain its lead in 2021.
      Tata Nexon Electric
      Nexon EV features and specs
      While Nexon EV’s competitive pricing is one of the key reasons for its popularity, it also scores high in terms of design, performance, range, creature comforts and safety features.
      At the core of Nexon EV is the advanced Ziptron technology that is equipped with an integrated motor controller. Ziptron utilizes a liquid cooled architecture, which ensures consistent performance across varied operating temperatures. Nexon EV packs in a 30.2 kWh li-ion battery that is IP67 certified. The battery has undergone rigorous testing for more than one million kilometres.
      The battery pack sends power to a 3 phase permanent magnet synchronous motor that is capable of generating 129 ps of max power and 245 Nm of peak torque. Nexon EV can reach 0 to 100 kmph in 9.9 seconds and 0 to 60 kmph in 4.6 seconds.
      Nexon EV offers ARAI certified range of 312 km on a full charge. However, the actual range may vary based on variables such as traffic, use of AC, outside temperature and driver skills. To take care of range anxiety, Tata Motors has already installed charging stations at various locations across the country. Several more of these are expected to come up in the future. More

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      2021 Tata Tigor Electric Facelift Spied Almost Undisguised – Launch Soon

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      Tata Tigor electric facelift spiedThe latest iteration of Tigor EV will cost a slight premium over the current model that is priced from about Rs 10 lakh, ex-sh
      Tata has been planning to update its most affordable electric vehicle (EV) Tigor for some time now. The electric sedan has been previously spotted testing on a couple of occasions a few months back. A prototype of the updated iteration of the battery-powered car has been spotted yet again that previews the changes made on the car.
      In a video uploaded by ‘The Fat Biker’ on YouTube, two test mules are seen of the facelifted Tigor electric, one partially covered and the other fully wrapped in camouflage. The images indicate that the prototypes spotted were near production-spec models of the electric sedan.
      The upcoming 2021 Tigor EV facelift will wear a similar look to the updated IC engine-powered Tigor which was launched last year. Initially available for government and fleet consumers in India, the electric version of the compact sedan is now also available for general consumers of the country with its availability extending up to thirty cities.
      Updated Exterior Styling
      In line with the Tata design philosophy, Tigor EV facelift will get an updated front face with a new headlight setup along with a new sharper nose featuring a glossy black grille. The front grille is underlined by a thick slat of chrome flanked by projector LED headlamps, LED DRLs and redesigned fog lamp housings. It also gets a revised bumper with wider air intakes.
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      Like the current model, the upcoming iteration will also come with signature EV stickering on the front grille and other places in order to distinguish itself from the standard Tigor. Higher trims will come with a new dual-tone alloy wheel design along with body-coloured ORVMs while the lower trims will be offered with steel rims and wheel caps along with blacked-out ORVMs.
      At the rear, it will feature a shark-fin antenna and EV badging. Further, blue accents have been incorporated on the grille and alloy wheels to differentiate between the EV and the regular sedan.
      Expected Features on offer
      Moving inside, the cabin features a new multi-functional steering wheel, a new digital instrument cluster and a larger touchscreen infotainment display. The central air-con vents are surrounded by blue bezels. Other features expected to be included are a height-adjustable driver seat, Harman audio system, power windows and more. Safety kit on offer will feature dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, etc.
      Mechanical Specs
      Mechanically, there won’t be any change in the facelifted Tigor electric therefore there will be no Ziptron technology on offer. The powertrain will feature a 21.5 kWh battery pack paired to a motor that can develop 40.2 bhp and 105 Nm of peak torque. This setup provides a maximum driving range of 213 km while the top speed is limited to 80 kmph. Using an AC charger, the battery could be juiced up in 11.5 hours while using a 15 kW DC fast charger, it could be rejuvenated 0-80 percent in two hours. More

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      MG Cyberster Electric Sportscar Teased – 800 Kms Range, 5G Capabilities

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      MG Cyberster Sportscar Teaser
      The MG Cyberster EV is claimed to be the world’s first supercar to have a gaming cockpit
      The MG Cyberster two-door electric sportscar concept has revealed in the form of digital renderings ahead of its world premiere on March 31. The future ready concept will serve as a demonstration platform for the automaker’s technical prowess and design direction.
      MG Cyberster
      Styled by MG Motor’s global design team, the Cyberster derives its inspiration from the yesteryear’s MGB Roadster convertible but it is thoroughly modern machine. The design study’s almond-shaped LED headlamps and narrow slot of a grille play homage to the classic MG sportscars and cabriolets, but the sharp bumper splitters represent futuristic approach.
      MG Cyberster Sportscar Teaser
      The massive wheels have tight clearance with the bodywork, giving the car a race-ready stance. The heavily contoured sheet metal surfaces add a dramatic effect to the electric sportscar’s profile. The Kammback styling of the rear end is another nod to the vintage automotive design, but it is also an aerodynamically sound element which is highlighted by the LED lighting signature.
      What do we know so far?
      Nothing much has been revealed so far but we know that the MG Cyberster concept packs an electric powertrain which is capable of covering 800 km on a single charge. The car is claimed to reach 100 kmph from standstill in under 3 seconds. More details about the motor and battery specifications are expected to be revealed at the time of global debut.
      MG Cyberster Sportscar Teaser
      MG will introduce its next generation connectivity suite on the Cyberster concept which will support 5G technology. It is a sportscar concept but it is also a technology demonstration platform, and so, expect a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) amounting to at least level 3 autonomy.
      The interiors have not been revealed yet but MG Motor describes the vehicle as the world’s first supercar to be equipped with a gaming cockpit to attract the Gen Z.
      Will it be produced?
      MG has not discussed any plans to come up with a production version of the Cyberster, but it could lead to a limited series model which could be marketed as a brand shaper. The various technologies that are on board will eventually make their way to the automaker’s future products.
      MG Cyberster Sportscar Teaser
      In India, MG is gearing up to introduce the petrol version of the ZS compact crossover which will go on sale as the brand’s most affordable product when it goes on sale later this year. The company is also reportedly working on a new top-end variant of its popular Hector called Savvy. The new variant is question is expected to pack ADAS features like radar-based cruise control, and collision avoidance, in addition to lane departure warning enabled by a windshield-mounted camera. More

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      Vinfast VF e34 Electric Car Debuts In Vietnam – Price 690m VND (Rs 21.6 L)

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      Vinfast Electric CarVF e34 uses a 42 kWh battery allowing for a range of 300 kms on full charge
      Vietnamese automotive startup, VinFast is currently developing a range of premium electric vehicles. Today they announced the global debut of Vietnam’s first electric car, called e34. Priced at 690 million VND (US$ 29,819 / Rs 21,63,174).
      Vinfast e34 is open for orders deliveries to domestic customers is set to commence from December. Vinfast has also set up a JV with Taiwan’s ProLogium for the production of Solid-State EV Battery Packs. By 2022, VinFast also plans to export premium electric car models in the D and E segments.
      Vinfast Electric Car
      VF e34 Features
      VF e34, announced earlier this year in Jan 21 under the code name VF31 is a C segment electric car. Early customers who place bookings prior to June 30, 2021 can take advantage of special pricing at 590 million VND (US$25,496 / Rs.18,49,679) along with a 1 year free battery subscription.
      This new electric car in Vietnam measures 4,300mm in length, 1,793mm in width and 1,613mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,611mm. It gets ground clearance at 180mm and commands a total kerb weight of 1,490 kgs.
      Vinfast Electric Car
      It comes in with several driver oriented features along with remote software update, remote customer support, emergency rescue services with location of nearest charging station and authorized dealerships, battery tracking status, vehicle operation history and theft alerts.
      E34 is powered by an electric motor and uses a 42 kWh battery making 110 kW power and 242 Nm torque and offering a range of 300 km on a complete charge. It receives MacPherson front suspension and rear suspension via a torsion bar.
      VinFast offers a 10 year warranty with the VF e34. Users have to pay a monthly battery subscription of US$ 62 per month for a travel distance of 1,400 kgs. As against selling cars with conventional batteries, VinFast is also entering into the battery rental service.
      Vinfast Electric Car
      This will benefit customers as VinFast will bear all risks of quality and battery life and if the battery receives charge below 70 percent, the same can be exchanged for a new battery. Battery charging can be done at the owner’s homes or at VinFast charging stations. 15 minutes of charge will allow for a travel distance of 180 kms.
      VinFast is going about setting up fast charging stations in Vietnam. The company targets around 40,000 electric car charging points in 63 provinces and cities by the end of this year.
      Vinfast Electric Car
      Global Automotive Brand
      VinFast is set to become a global tech automobile brand. Following only 3 years of operations, since inception in 2017, the company plans three smart EV models – VF31, VF32 and VF33 and will receive orders from global markets from the end of 2021. Each of these models will come in with AI and sport state of the art features and will mark an important milestone for the company in an endeavor to become a global smart EV manufacturer. More

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      China’s Mini Electric Car Overtakes Tesla Model 3 – Becomes Best Selling EV

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      Wuling Hong Guang Electric CarChinese automaker Wuling Motors sold over 56,000 Hong Guang Mini EVs in the first two months of 2021
      China is not just the biggest car market but also the biggest consumer of electric vehicles (EVs) in the world. This is the reason why Tesla, world’s most popular EV brand, has a lion’s share of its business coming from China. However, Chinese auto brands are now slowly catching up with the American EV giant in their own backyard.
      Sales In January, February 2021
      In a recent development, Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV has trumped Tesla’s Model 3 electric sedan as the highest-selling EV for the months of January and February. This is no small feat considering Model 3 is the best-selling electric car across the globe. As per reports, a total of 36,000 units of the micro electric hatchback have been sold cumulatively in January 2021.
      Wuling Hong Guang Electric Car
      In comparison, 21,500 units of Model 3 were sold during the same period. For February 2021, the numbers stood at just over 20,000 units for the Chinese micro hatch while the American brand was able to retail just under 13,700 units of Model 3.
      Despite being inferior in terms of performance, battery capacity and range to Tesla’s electric sedan, the mini EV ticks the right boxes with respect to convenience and affordability in comparison to its American arch nemesis.
      Wuling Hong Guang Electric Car
      Hong Guang Mini EV Specs
      Hong Guang Mini EV is currently retailed at a price of CNY 28,800 (approximately INR 3.20 lakh). The car is claimed to provide a range of 170km on a single charge while it can clock a top speed of 100 kmph.
      Wuling Hong Guang Electric Car
      Power is obtained from a single electric motor which delivers an output of 17.4 bhp and 85 Nm of peak torque. In terms of dimensions, it measures 115 inches long, 59 inches wide, and about 64 inches tall. It offers a wheelbase of 76.4 inches and tips the weighing scales at just 665kg. Despite its ultra compact dimension, the carmaker claims that it can seat four people at ease.
      Tesla Model 3 Specs
      On the other hand, Tesla Model 3 measures 185 inches in length, 73 inches in width and 57 inches in height. It offers a wheelbase of 113 inches and weighs around 1,587kg. On a single charge, Model 3 could run up to 423km. The base variant of Model 3 carries a price tag of USD 40,000 (equivalent to INR 28.93 lakh). Tesla offers three powertrain options on Model 3 namely Standard Plus, Long Range and Performance. The latter two are offered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
      For reference, Wuling is a subsidiary brand of a joint venture between US auto giant General Motors and China’s state-owned SAIC Motor. Tesla is also planning to bring Model 3 to India later this year as a completely built unit (CBU) which is expected to carry a price tag of Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV India Launch Price Rs 1.06 Crore

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      Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUVJaguar I-Pace accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds hitting a top speed of 200km/h
      Even as the electric vehicle space in India is still in its nascent state, there are many automakers both Indian and Global set to add new models to this segment. Tesla is one such global automaker planning launch of their electric cars this year, while Jaguar Land Rover has announced the launch of I-Pace electric SUV today.
      Jaguar I-Pace was opened for bookings in November 2020 with deliveries to commence from March 2021. The luxury electric car has been the recipient of over 80 awards among which is 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car. The I-Pace has been well received in global markets.
      Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV
      Jaguar I-Pace Features
      New I-PACE electric SUV will be offered in three variants that include S, SE, and the top of the line HSE variant. Highlights on the outside include Atlas Grey grille, LED lighting all around, 19 inch alloy wheels and a luxurious Bright Pack option offered on all three variants of the I-Pace. Buyers are also offered the option to select from a body coloured or a panoramic glass roof. A flap hides the charging port located on the front left fender.
      The interiors boast of a novel feature. It receives cabin air ionization with PM 2.5 filteration to capture ultrafine air borne particles and allergens and this can be done even before the journey begins.
      Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV Specs and Features – 1
      The cabin itself is loaded with features such as head up display, Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and a 12.3 inch HD interactive instrument cluster. The windscreen and front windows come in with acoustic laminated glass so as to reduce outside noise from filtering into the cabin.
      Jaguar I-Pace Charging
      Jaguar I-PACE is fitted with a 90 kWh lithium ion battery pack producing 294 kW power and 696 Nm torque. This translates into acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. It offers a claimed range of 480 kms.
      The battery can be charged upto 80 percent in just 40 minutes via a DC fast charger. The battery comes in with an 8 year/1,60,000 km warranty and owners are offered a complimentary 5 year service pack along with 5 year Jaguar roadside assistance. Charging can be carried out via a 47.4 kW AC wall mounted charger.
      Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV Features – 2
      Jaguar I-Pace Launch, Price and Competition
      Priced from Rs 1.06 crore for the base variant (ex-sh), the new Jaguar I-Pace will compete with the Mercedes Benz EQC luxury electric SUV, which is also priced in a similar range.
      Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd. (JLRIL) said, “Jaguar I-PACE is the first all-electric SUV that we’ve launched in India and it marks the beginning of our electrification journey. With our electrified products we look forward to playing a significant role in India’s electrification drive into the future. Jaguar I-PACE will appeal to people who look for and purchase the latest in technology and design, to express their personalities and stay ahead of the curve. We and our Retailer network are fully prepared to cater to the demands of these customers.” More

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      Strom R3 Electric Gets Orders Worth Rs 7.5 Cr From Mumbai, Delhi – In Just 4 Days

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      Strom R3 Electric VehicleDeliveries of Strom R3 are set to commence in early 2022 with a limited production run
      Strom Motors, a Mumbai-based electric vehicle startup, commenced pre-bookings for its maiden product, the R3 personal 3-wheeled electric car. Set to have a limited production run, the quirky Strom R3 has already garnered orders worth USD 1 million (~Rs 7.5 crores) in just four days.
      Strom R3 – Order books open
      Pre-orders of the Strom R3 will be open for a few more weeks. It is to be noted that the company neither revealed the number of bookings nor the price of the vehicle. Customers can order one for INR 10,000.
      It is unclear on what basis the company arrived at the USD 1 million figure – based on the booking amount alone or on the full vehicle price which is estimated to be INR 4.5 lakh. It is most likely the latter, considering that the pre-orders are only available for Mumbai and Delhi as of now.
      Overview
      The Strom R3 is an unconventional urban runabout with compact footprint and a single rear wheel. The two-door two-seater electric vehicle is aimed at working professionals, families and fleet operators for journeys that are 10 km or less. The made-in-India mini EV is comparable to a quadricycle in terms of size and looks like a micro car when viewed from front.
      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      When viewed from the side, there is nothing conventional about the R3. The profile lines are angular and the single rear wheel makes for a curvy rear fascia.
      The compact cabin seats two people and the car-like dashboard gets triple touchscreen interface. Things should be comfortable enough during short urban commutes. The driver seat is 12-way adjustable and both seats are equipped with 3-point seat belts.
      Feature highlights include power windows, AC, voice and gesture controls, smartphone connectivity, audio system with 20 gb storage, turn-by-turn navigation, and 4G connectivity with vehicle health monitoring (SOC, brake pads, motor and power electronic status, etc). In the future, the company proposes to add automatic vehicle following system and park assist to the equipment package.
      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      Powertrain
      Powering the little three-wheeled electric car is a 15 kW AC induction motor which generates a healthy 90 Nm of torque. Transmission system involves a single reduction gear. Three drive modes are on offer namely Eco, Normal and Sports. The regenerative braking also has three modes – aggressive, normal, off.
      The vehicle is equipped with a 48 v lithium-ion battery (kWh unspecified) which claimed to last for over 1,00,000 km. It can be charged in 3 hours and is claimed to offer a maximum range of 200 km, representing a running cost as low as INR 0.40 per km. Top speed is electronically limited to 80 km.
      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      The vehicle tips the sales at 550 kg. As far as storage space is concerned, the Strom R3 has a 300 liters of boot space at the rear in addition to a 100 liter compartment at the front. More

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      MG ZS Electric Car Donated To IIT Delhi – Will Help Students Research Autonomous Tech

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      MG ZS Electric Car Donated To IIT DelhiThe alliance will help to further the research being conducted in the field of electric and autonomous vehicles
      MG Motor India has formed an alliance with IIT Delhi – Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology (CART). This partnership is being forged for extensive research in the field of electric and autonomous vehicles.
      The focus of IIT Delhi will be in furthering the MG Motor endeavor on Connected – Autonomous –Shared – Electric (CASE) through research in deployment of electric and autonomous vehicles through urban India.
      In keeping with the new research subject, MG Motor has also donated a ZS EV to IIT Delhi and the research will also include Connected Mobility in terms of Route Planning and Navigation, Obstacle Detection, Seamless and Natural Human Interaction and AI for Inferring and Decision-making.
      Child Car Safety Seat Project
      This is not the first such study conducted by IIT Delhi for MG Motor. Earlier the automaker had worked with IIT Delhi to boost in-car child safety seat project via geofencing. The study also extended to innovation challenge Hackathons in partnership with IIT Delhi for a safer and greener most of travel.
      MG ZS Electric Car Donated To IIT Delhi
      It may be recalled that the MG ZS EV is the first internet electric SUV while the Gloster is the first autonomous Level 1 premium SUV. Both these cars make ideal case studies in developing the future of autonomous vehicles, especially so in an institute that is ranked among the top in terms of technology in the world.
      CART offers high end research into areas such as battery operated electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles along with storage and alternate energy sources and autonomous and connected vehicles.
      MG ZS EV and Gloster
      With electric vehicles becoming popular in our markers, the MG ZS EV competes with the Tata Nexon EV and Hyundai Kona EV. More recently, at the Green Car Award by ICOTY, the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Kona and ZS EV were in the top 3 spots, scoring 106 points, 99 points and 93 points respectively.
      MG ZS Electric Car Donated To IIT Delhi
      The MG Gloster and ZS EV have also been contributing heavily to company sales. In Feb 21, MG Motor India recorded their highest production, booking and sales with 4,329 units sold relating to a 214 percent YoY growth. The company attributed this growth to the ZS EV and Gloster.
      MG Motor India is now working on extending their charging infrastructure and localization of powertrains. MG Motor recently clocked its 50,000th unit production milestone with the Hector and plans to produce 1 lakh units annually by 2022 from its Halol plant. Current production stands at 80,000 units with the Hector 6 and 7 seater, Gloster and EV while the company also plans a fourth car – Model K in the third quarter of this year. More