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      in Electric Cars

      Strom R3 Electric 3 Wheeler Launch Price Rs 4.5 L – Drive Range Up To 200 Kms

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      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      Strom R3 electric three-wheeler possesses a claimed range of upto 200 km on a single charge

      Mumbai based Strom Motors have opened bookings of their new Strom R3 electric 3 wheeler in India. Launch date was initially set for earlier this year but got delayed due to the pandemic that struck in early March 2020.
      Now the company has opened bookings for the R3, a 100 percent electric three wheeler at Rs.10,000. Introductory launch price is Rs 4.5 lakh. The new Strom R3 will be offered in three variants – R3 Pure, R3 Current and R3 Bolt.
      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      Dimensions and Features
      Strom R3, an eco-friendly, three wheeler, 2 seater electric car offers a compact personal mobility solution. It measures 2,907 mm in length, 1,450mm in width and 1,572mm in height with kerb weight at 550 kgs. It comes in with 100 liters boot space in the front and 300 liters at the rear and receives features such as round shaped headlamps, a distinctive front grille with the ‘Strom’ logo, sloping bonnet, rounded wheel arches and a tapering roofline.
      It also gets a raked rear windshield, and rides on 13 inch alloy wheels with wheels placed in a reverse orientation as compared to that seen on an auto-rickshaw, sporting two wheels in the front and one at the rear. Strom R3 will seat 2 passengers with a two door configuration and will be presented in four exterior colour options of Electric Blue, Neon Blue, Red and Black.
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      The interiors receive a host of state of the art features. It sports a 12 way adjustable driver seat, 4.3 inch touchscreen digital instrument cluster and a 7 inch vertically oriented touchscreen head unit with IOT enabled Continuous Monitoring System with 4G connectivity.
      Features also include voice control and gesture control, a 20 GB onboard music storage system with a smart music playlist. The three wheeler electric vehicle also gets mobile connectivity, turn by turn navigation and a 2.4 inch touchscreen.
      Range and Top Speed
      Strom R3 will get powered via a 15 kW electric high efficiency AC motor offering 20 hp power and 90 Nm torque along with a lithium-ion battery. The engine will get drive by wire electric throttle and get mated to a single speed gearbox.
      Strom Electric 3 Wheeler
      It will get three driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport and will command a top speed of 80 km/h with a claimed range of 80 kms on the Strom R3 Pure and Current variants while the R3 Bolt will get 200 kms as standard on single charge.
      The batteries can be charged in 3 hours via an on board charger. The R3 gets disk brakes on its two front wheels while the rear wheel gets drum brake. It also supports regenerative braking while suspension is via dual shock absorbers. The R3 gets 185mm ground clearance. Strom Motors is offering a 3 year/1 lakh km warranty on the R3. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Driven Till 0% Battery In Real World Conditions – Range Details

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      Image – Auto Town
      Tata Nexon EV is available in three variants namely- XM, XZ+, and XZ+ Lux at a price range of Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom)

      With an exorbitant rise in fuel prices in recent times, people in India have been contemplating on shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), however, inhibitions remain. The biggest of them being range anxiety as in how much can an EV travel on a single charge.
      This anxiety is multiplied when one takes into account that EV technology and infrastructure in the country are still limited and at a very nascent stage. Therefore, range assurance becomes a very key marketing strategy for manufacturers, especially in the passenger vehicle segment since options are very limited.
      The most affordable EV in the country is Tata Nexon EV, available at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Powered by the company’s Ziptron technology the company claims a single-charge range of 312 km although in a real-world scenario it is almost impossible to achieve this figure. However, with recent updates made to its software, customers admit that the electric crossover is now traveling greater distances on a single charge.
      Real-World Range Test
      This fact has been established by a video uploaded on YouTube by Auto Town, the vlogger conducts a test where he is seen riding through heavy traffic of Bangalore. This proves to be ideal conditions for daily commuting to evaluate a real-world range.
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      At the start of the drive, the instrument console on Nexon EV showed a battery percentage of just over 50 percent remaining. The vlogger intentionally keeps the air conditioner running to emulate as close to real driving conditions.
      On battery diminishing to 25 percent, it is noticed that the vlogger could not drive the car in Sport Mode although power delivery remains consistent. There is a significant drop in power delivery felt when the battery levels drop to 10 percent and also the AC stops cooling even though the blower is still functional.
      At 6 percent charge, the car stops, urging the driver to restart the car by turning off the AC controls. The remaining distance is covered at a snail’s pace with constant emergency beep in the background to immediately recharge the battery.
      At the end of the journey, with zero percent battery levels, the trip meter reads 124 km. This roughly means that for each percentage charge of battery, the car could travel up to 2.5 km. The range was also helped by the presence of regenerative braking which replenished the battery on every occasion possible. This means on a full charge, the battery on Nexon EV could offer a real-world range of around 240-250 km on a single charge.
      Powertrain Specs
      This is a significant improvement to earlier range evaluation on Nexon EV which provided a single-charge range of below 200km. Powered by Tata’s Ziptron EV technology, Nexon EV features a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired to an electric motor capable of generating 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. The battery pack gets an 8-year standard warranty and an IP67 waterproof pack. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car Debuts With 470 Kms Range

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      Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
      Hyundai Ioniq 5 goes on sale later this year in developed countries

      Hyundai has revealed its ambitious Ioniq 5 electric vehicle which is the first offering under the Korean automaker’s electric sub-brand. The mid-sized electric crossover is expected to spearhead the Ioniq brand of EVs in future. The company had earlier revealed its intention of launching 23 new electric cars between now and 2023.
      Exterior Styling
      Available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, Ioniq 5 sports a futuristic design with a contrasting blend of retro-inspired styling which derives most of its elements from the Hyundai 45 concept. This includes its overall silhouette and angular creases running across its profile.
      It marks a departure from the traditional design of Hyundai cars and features pixelated headlights and taillights, unique daytime running lights and a clamshell bonnet which is a first for the Korean brand. Ioniq 5 rides on aero-optimized 20-inch alloy wheels that further resonate with the Parametric Pixel design theme. Its unique proportions and short overhangs are due to an extended wheelbase which also translates to ample space inside the cabin.
      Speaking of proportions, Ioniq 5 measures 4635mm in length, 1890mm and 1605mm tall in addition to a very generous wheelbase of 3000mm. It is built on an Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will also underpin future EVs from both Hyundai and Kia.
      Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
      The upcoming Ioniq 6 saloon and Ioniq 7 SUV will be underpinned by the same architecture. As usual with most electric cars, it features a skateboard layout giving a flat interior floor.
      Interior & Features on offer
      Hyundai carries forward the minimalist approach of its exterior design to its interior and yet is in line with all modern premium cars around. The dashboard is dominated by a twin-screen setup which includes a large 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and an equally large digital instrument cluster. Majority of the components inside the cabin have been made from wool, recycled plastics, eco-processed leather, and other sustainable sources.
      Another interesting feature in its equipment is a head-up display compatible with augmented reality. This functionality projects information on navigation on the windscreen.
      Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
      Furthermore, the infotainment features the latest version of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech which offers new functionalities such as Routing and Last Mile Navigation. It also displays information on the nearest charging station including availability and estimated charging time.
      Powertrain Setup & Performance
      Coming to its powertrain, it features a single or twin (in AWD variant) electric motor setup which draws its power from either of the batteries- a 58 kWh or a 72.6 kWh. When paired with the former, it can produce an output of 167 bhp and can clock a 0-100 kmph sprint in 8.5 seconds.
      Hyundai IONIQ 5 Electric Car
      On the other hand, when paired to the larger battery pack it returns a massive output of 302 bhp and 605 Nm of peak torque. This version of the SUV could accelerate 0-100 kmph in just 5.2 seconds and can clock a top speed of 185 kmph.
      The maximum single-charge range offered in Ioniq is claimed to be around 470-480 km according to WLTP cycle. Its charging time is one of the quickest in modern contemporary EVs. Using a 220kW DC fast charger, it takes only 18 minutes to replenish the battery from 10% to 18 percent. Hyundai claims that to obtain a range of 100km users need to charge for only 5 minutes. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tesla India Electric Car Plant To Be Setup In Karnataka – Report

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      File Photo
      Tesla India has been registered as Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Ltd – as per Ministry of Corporate Affairs

      Earlier this year, Karnataka CM, B S Yediyurappa had tweeted that Tesla will commence operations with an R&D unit in Bengaluru. He had announced this on twitter. But soon after, he had deleted the tweet. A State Govt document, accessed by Reuters points to the fact that Karnataka will also be the home to Tesla’s car manufacturing plant.
      This update comes on the back of statements from Gujarat and Maharashtra – both stating that they have invited Tesla to setup their Indian manufacturing unit in their respective state. Tesla is yet to confirm the report.
      Tesla in India
      Entry of the US based electric vehicle maker Tesla, into the Indian automobile sector, is particularly noteworthy as both the Central and State Governments are vying for higher adoption of green vehicle technology to conserve energy and preserve the environment.
      Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. has set up a subsidiary in Bengaluru with plans to introduce their range of electric cars in India later this year. The R&D Center is at Lavelle Road in Bengaluru and marks the company’s entry into the country with a paid up capital of Rs.1 lakh and authorized capital of Rs.15 lakhs.
      Karnataka CM tweet which was deleted soon after it was posted
      With plans to launch a range of electric vehicles in India in 2021, Tesla has named Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram and David Jon Feinstein as its three directors. Plans are afoot to launch the new Tesla Model 3 in India for a start, with local assembly and manufacturing to commence later.
      First Tesla Car In India
      It is rumoured that Tesla Model 3 will be the first to launch in India as it is the most affordable Tesla product. The all electric sedan will be brought in as a CBU initially. It will attract a 100 percent import duty unless the Government of India offers any concessions to Tesla so as to give electric vehicle entry a push. Standard range of 423 kms on a single charge.
      South Of India Becoming EV Hub
      South of India and more specifically Bengaluru is a hub of automotive engineering with centres of Daimler, Bosch, Continental, Fiat Chrysler. Electric vehicle segment is also seeing increased participation with mobility startups like Ola, Uber, Bounce and Vogo planning to introduce more electric vehicles into their fleets.
      Ola is also keen on manufacturing electric vehicles with a new EV plant in Tamil Nadu. Ola will setup the world’s largest electric scooter manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu – for the same they have signed an MoU of Rs 2,400 crores.
      Ather Energy has also gone ahead with their plans. Production is now shifted to Hosur, Tamil Nadu from where the company aims to produce around 1 lakh units of electric two wheelers per annum.
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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Owner Files Complaint In Transport Dept Over Low Range

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      Image for reference. Credit – Hemank.
      Tata Motors has been issued with a show cause notice by the Delhi Transport Department following a complaint filed by a Delhi resident

      The complaint states that the Tata Nexon Electric failed to perform as per standard. The vehicle owner, a resident of Najafgarh, purchased the Tata Nexon EV XZ+ variant and noted that while the company claimed a range of 312 km per charge, his vehicle was not offering more than 200 kms. This was despite the fact that he complied with every advice issued by the dealer.
      The Nexon EV was purchased from an authorized company dealership in Safarjung Enclave. It was registered on 3rd Dec 2020 and it was immediately noted to fail in meeting the required range as indicated. Though the owner stringently followed all directions, there was no improvement in the range and nowhere close to 312 kms per charge.
      Complaint Filed, Show Cause Notice Issued
      A complaint was filed by the owner of the Tata Nexon EV with Delhi Transport Department and a notice has been sent to the automaker. Tata Motors has been instructed to depute a representative to attend the office of the said department on 5th Feb 2021 at 12 noon.
      The notice also adds that the Delhi Government could consider removing the subsidy offered under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2020, on the Tata Nexon EV, if it is proved that this contention is proved to be true.
      File Photo. Credit – AutoTown
      Under this Policy, a purchase incentive of Rs.10,000 per kWh battery capacity is offered on the purchase of an electric 4 wheeler with a cap of Rs.1.50 lakhs. Also, the owners of the first 1000 electric cars registered in Delhi, following the issuance of the policy, would be eligible for the incentive. The Nexon EV is an approved vehicle under these conditions of the EV policy.
      Tata Motors, on their part, have taken cognizance of the show cause notice and are taking measures to address the concerns of the owner. The range of 312 kms per charge is based on certification received from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
      ARAI is an apex body to test and certify vehicles under various standard test conditions prior to the vehicles going on sale. Tests conducted by ARAI are under special and ideal conditions and hence range are always on the higher side as compared to real world conditions.
      As is also seen in the case of conventional vehicles, electric vehicle range is also derived depending on certain factors. These include use of air conditioning, individual style of driving and real world conditions present at the time the vehicle is being driven. The range is also achieved according to familiarity with the new technology and customers report a marked improvement by around 10 percent in a time frame of 4-6 weeks once they are familiar with the vehicle.
      Tata Nexon EV Sales
      Tata Nexon EV is the best-selling electric SUV in India and most affordable car in its segment currently commanding a market share of 63.2 percent. Launched on 28th Jan 2020, sales have touched the 3,000 unit mark in the past one year while its affordable price tag allows it compete efficiently with its rivals such as the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.
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      in Electric Cars

      New Tesla Electric Car Testing To Start This Year – Could Be Named Model 2

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      Tesla Model 2 render. Credit – JULIEN JODRY/TWITTER
      This compact electric car is likely to be positioned as an entry-level product from Tesla and will be based on the same platform as Model 3

      Tesla has reached a point in its business endeavours that it could very well project itself as a mass manufacturing mainstream automaker in the future. While its Model 3 sedan is currently the most popular electric car worldwide, its latest offering- Model Y, is set to overhaul the former to become even more popular.
      This could be further established by the company developing an affordable electric car worth $25,000 (equivalent to INR 18.22 lakh). Latest reports surfaced on the internet suggest that Tesla might soon commence testing trials for the upcoming compact car which has been labeled as a ‘Future Product’ in its Q4 FY 2020 Update Letter.
      Tesla Compact EV
      The company, however, has not yet officially confirmed the development of the said vehicle. As per a report published in a Chinese media outlet, Tesla is expected to begin road tests for this upcoming EV in the coming months, most probably in the latter half of this year in China. The report further mentions that this car could make an appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show later this year.
      Specifications about this upcoming compact EV are still in the dark and are expected to be revealed in months to come. However, it has been revealed that it will be designed by locally hired talent in China. This would allow the EV giant to develop this model in a budget.
      2021 Tesla Model S
      In all likelihood, Tesla would target the working class as the primary consumer base for this product hence it requires to be cost-effective. The EV is expected to offer modest performance and a range of about 350-450 km on a single charge.
      Design-wise, this EV is likely to be positioned as a compact hatchback which is based on the platform as Model 3. This should provide the upcoming EV with ample space inside the cabin. Furthermore, reports mention that the car could be produced at Gigafactory in Shanghai although exact details as to the exact area where its assembly line will be set up are still unknown.
      Tesla In India
      This development comes in the backdrop of Tesla looking to expand its global footprints by setting foot in emerging markets like India. Last month, the company officially announced that it would enter the Indian market with its headquarter set up in Bangalore.
      While its manufacturing facility could be established in either of the two major ports of Kandla and Mundra in the state of Gujarat. The first product in India will be the Model 3 electric sedan which is expected to be followed by the launch of Model Y electric crossover. In 2020, Telsa manufactured and delivered about 5 lakh electric cars globally.
      SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2 More