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      2024 Renault Kwid EV Revealed With New Front, Rear, Interiors – India Bound?

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      2024 Renault Kwid EV – Dacia Spring in EuropeThe exterior and interior updates with new Dacia Spring will make their way on new Renault Kwid EV as well (marketed as City K-ZE)The electric car segment is seeing a rather slower adoption when compared to electric 2W vehicles. This tasks manufacturers to thoroughly investigate the market before making any significant investments. But should Renault bring in the newly updated Dacia Spring as Kwid EV in India?2024 Renault Kwid EV RevealedRenault India is currently a three-vehicle chariot run by Kiger, Triber and Kwid. Renault has seen its glory days when it used to offer Duster. And the company is keen on rejuvenating its portfolio in India along with alliance partner Nissan. But is a small affordable Renault Kwid EV on the cards? We have seen Kiger EV under testing in India already.2024 Renault Kwid EVWe hope it is because the recently updated Dacia Spring EV is a very tempting proposition. Dacia Spring is a badge-engineered Renault City K-ZE (electric version of Kwid sold in India) and is Dacia’s first-ever electric offering. Depending on the market, Dacia has also sold a Cargo version of it called Dacia Spring Cargo.For 2024, Dacia Spring has been thoroughly redesigned with a more sophisticated overall appeal. Definitely more premium than before. For starters, this is not just a facelift. Instead, Dacia has done major revisions to sheet metal too, while overall car is close to its predecessor underneath.New Renault Kwid EV (Dacia Spring) – RearWe can see a new face with new Dacia logo. Sticking to Dacia family DNA, Spring gets similar styling elements as the new Duster. Interesting LED DRL elements flank the new Dacia logo, round projector headlights are housed below, in its bumpers. Bonnet creases and flared wheel arches lend some muscle to this dinky little car.2024 Renault Kwid EVMajor interior upgradeThere is an interesting white grill element around car’s number plate and the charging socket is on the front behind Dacia logo. Rear gets a black plaque with bold DACIA lettering connecting car’s Y-shaped LED tail lights. Same white grill element is present in the rear too. Rear portion looks fuller now as opposed to its predecessor.On the inside, there is an all-new dashboard following a similar design DNA as new Duster. Gone is Kwid’s boring dashboard and in comes a rather appealing and up-market unit with a free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen touchscreen infotainment taking centre stage. There are Duster-inspired centre AC vents and a brand new auto climate control panel.New Renault Kwid EV (Dacia Spring) – InteriorsContrasting colours, new textures and elements lend an up-market appeal when compared to current Dacia Spring, Renault City K-ZE or Kwid ICE. ADAS features and driver monitoring are in the house owing to European requirements. Powertrain options include a sole 26.8 kWh battery promising a claimed range of more than 220 km on a single charge.Despite being an EV, new Dacia Spring (new Renault Kwid EV) weighs under a tonne. 984 kg to be precise. There are two motor options – a 45 bhp and a 65 bhp unit driving front wheels. Only the latter is capable of 30 kW DC fast charging while former has to make do with 11 kW AC charging. More

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      New MG Electric Car Launch Around 2024 Festive Season – MD Confirms

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      Baojun Yep Plus – 5 door sub 4m electric SUV based on CometConsidering the prospective vehicles from SAIC Group’s global portfolio, Baojun Yep eSUV under MG brand might be the best bet for IndiaHaving marked its entry into the Indian market with the launch of Hector in 2019, MG Motor has established itself as a prominent player. With a lineup of premium and well-crafted vehicles, MG Motor India has been actively participating in the electric car segment, currently offering ZS EV and Comet. As the festive season approaches, MG is gearing up to introduce its third electric vehicle to the Indian market.Confirmation of MG’s 3rd Electric Car LaunchAgainst the backdrop of a growing economy, Indian consumers are increasingly inclined towards enhancing their car ownership experience. Electric vehicles, offering lively performance and aligning with eco-conscious preferences, have garnered attention. Currently constituting around 2% of all passenger vehicles sold in India, EVs are anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the coming years.MG files design trademark for New Yep Electric SUV in IndiaIndustry speculations suggest that EV sales may account for approximately 15% to 20% of the market by the end of the decade. Recognizing this trend, many Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are gearing up to introduce new vehicles, particularly electric ones, across various segments. MG Motor is no exception.Rajeev Chaba, MD of MG Motor India, has officially confirmed that the company is set to launch a new electric car later this year. This marks a significant stride for MG Motor in its expansion efforts in India, potentially being the first vehicle under MG branding following the strategic joint venture between SAIC Motor (parent company of MG Motor) and JSW Group led by Sajjan Jindal.MG Yep SUV interiorPresently, EVs contribute to 25% of MG Motor India’s sales volumes. The upcoming electric vehicle launch is expected to further boost this share. MG aims to leverage its manufacturing capabilities, pricing strategies, and overall product expertise for this new electric offering.MG Comet based Yep electric SUVThere are indications of a potential increase in production capacity at MG’s Halol plant in Gujarat. With around 60,000 vehicles sold in India last year, the production capacity is projected to expand to 80,000 to 90,000 units in 2024. The infusion of capital from JSW Group, holding a 35% stake, is expected to provide MG with the necessary impetus to expand its operations in India.What to Expect?MG Motor India is set to double its portfolio by the end of 2025, with a new electric vehicle slated for launch during the festive season of 2024. Considering the showcase at the 2023 Auto Expo, potential vehicles for launch this year include the MG4 electric hatchback, MG5 electric estate car, or Mifa 9 electric MPV.Given India’s electric vehicle purchasing trends and preferences, there is a strong possibility of MG launching the Baojun Yep eSUV in India. Based on the Wuling Air EV, introduced in India as the Comet, its attractive design and relatively affordable price tag could prove to be a winning formula for MG Motor India.Source More

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      Maruti Poolkar, Charge Hub, Smart Charge – Names Registered Ahead Of Their Electric Car Launch

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      Maruti EVX Electric SUV Render by Motor ESRecent names registered by Maruti Suzuki provide a glimpse of the company’s EV strategy and plans for new businessesIndia’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is making plans to ensure its dominance in the coming years. Electrification will be among the key focus areas, with at least 6 new EVs targeted by the end of this decade. The company can also explore entirely new segments such as car pool services.Maruti Poolkar – Car pool service?The ‘Maruti Suzuki Poolkar’ word mark is likely to be used for a car pool service. Maruti could start the service in collaboration with a technology partner. Car pool services are already available across major cities. However, most of these are operated by startups. The Maruti brand name is expected to bring greater efficiency and reliability in operations. The sense of trust and confidence among users will be more in case of a renowned brand like Maruti.Maruti Suzuki Poolkar – New pool car service?Maruti EV charging stationsTwo other names have been registered, Maruti Suzuki Smart Charge and Maruti Suzuki Charge Hub. The Smart Charge could be standalone charging points that could be installed at various locations such as retail shops or roadside parking areas. The Charge Hub could have two or more charging points at the same location. These could be installed at locations such as shopping malls, offices, highway rest areas and various other public places.Users could have the option to choose a subscription plan or use the charging station on an hourly basis. It remains to be seen if the charging stations will cater exclusively to Maruti EVs or allow charging of other cars as well. Hyundai has already started their network of charging stations in India. Recently they announced that they are the only OEM in India to have 11 Ultra-Fast public charging stations in the country.Maruti Suzuki Smart Charge – Name for EV charging station?Maruti is likely to expand its charging network in a phased manner. The first Maruti electric car is eVX, expected to be launched later this year. It is based on a born-electric platform. Toyota is expected to launch its own version, based on the Urban Crossover Concept.Maruti Suzuki Charge Hub – Name for EV charging station?Maruti to step-up focus on EVsUpcoming Maruti eVX will take on rivals such as the upcoming Tata Curvv EV and Hyundai Creta EV. Apart from eVX, Maruti is also working on other electric cars. One of these will be an entry-level electric hatchback, based on the eWX Concept unveiled at Japan Mobility Show. Another model under development is a new Maruti electric MPV, based on the eVX platform. It is internally codenamed YMC.Maruti is aiming for around 5 lakh EV sales by end of FY2031. EV production capacity is being augmented with a fourth production line under development at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) plant. The new production line will cater exclusively to EV manufacturing. It has capacity to produce 2.5 lakh EVs per annum. Funds worth Rs 3,200 crore have been allocated for the project.Along with EVs, Maruti is also manufacturing battery cells, battery packs and modules. These are meant for both domestic and export markets. In the current financial year, Maruti is looking to generate revenue of around Rs 750 crore through export of such EV components. Export locations currently include Japan and European countries. More

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      VW MEB to Fuel Mahindra’s INGLO Platform – First E-SUV Launch Dec 2024

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      New Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV CoupeVolkswagen and Mahindra Charge Ahead in E-Mobility Partnership – Mahindra’s INGLO Platform to Roll Out Electric SUVs from December 2024In a landmark move towards sustainable electric mobility, Volkswagen Group and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) have inked a groundbreaking supply agreement. The agreement solidifies Mahindra’s commitment to equip a specific range of its electric platform, INGLO, with components from Volkswagen’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB) and unified cells.Sourcing 50 GWh Battery From VolkswagenThis strategic collaboration marks a pivotal step forward in the joint vision for e-mobility between the two automotive giants. The comprehensive deal encompasses the supply of crucial electric components and unified cells, demonstrating the depth of commitment to advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology.Mahindra INGLO PlatformThese electric components from Volkswagen’s MEB platform will populate Mahindra’s Born Electric INGLO platform. The agreement covers both supply of certain components and Volkswagen’s unified cells from MEB platform. What started as a partnering agreement and a term sheet in 2022 between Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Volkswagen Group, has now evolved into an active collaboration that could show expansion in the future.Both companies have agreed to run the supply agreement for years to follow. The total energy capacity sourced from VW over the years might account for as much as 50 GWh. This may accelerate India’s electric mobility adoption and will benefit both companies along the way.Mahindra Electric SUVs Doing 200 KmphAs of now, only Volkswagen Group brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT/CUPRA use Volkswagen’s MEB platform. These are Volkswagen’s internal brands. Mahindra is set to be the first external partner to use ground-breaking unified cells technology from Volkswagen. Other external partner in the race to source MEB components is Ford.Mahindra INGLO SUVs Launch Timeline OutMahindra has revealed it will launch five all-electric SUVs based on INGLO platform. These are BE.05, BE.07, BE.09, XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. The press release also mentioned these INGLO platform-equipped e-SUVs will launch starting from December 2024. The first INGLO platform-equipped vehicle to launch is highly likely to be XUV.e8, which has been spotted testing on multiple occasions.At Mahindra’s Future Scape event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company presentations demonstrated INGLO platform populated with BYD’s Blade cells. Where “Platform Business” is concerned, BYD’s Blade cells are a primary rival for Volkswagen’s MEB unified cells.Mahindra is likely to be collaborating with different battery vendors depending upon the target market owing to availability, supply and market acceptance. After all, Mahindra has announced that the INGLO based vehicles will be a key stepping point in expanding the brand’s presence in international business, touching more lives globally. More

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      Tesla Plays Hardball, May Prompt Reduction In Import Duty Ahead Of Launch

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      Image for illustration onlyWhile the 100% import duty for cars encourages local manufacturing, newer policies may adopt a more flexible approach towards EV importsLast year, India had emerged as the world’s third largest auto market, after China and the US. The Indian automotive space has huge unlocked potential, especially in the EV segment. Tesla is looking at opportunities in India, but has strongly opposed the high import duty taxation regime.Possibility of reduced 15% import duty for EVsTalks between Tesla and the government have been going on for several months. While the company is willing to invest around USD 2 billion in India, it wants concessions on the import duty. The current tax structure of 100% import duty for cars valued over USD 40,000 (approx. Rs 33 lakh) is way too high, according to Tesla. For cars below USD 40,000, the import duty is 60%.File photo from 2023. Elon Musk and Narendra ModiTesla wants to use the CBU route, at least for the initial period. Tesla has been negotiating that import duty be reduced to 15%. While the government has also taken a tough stand, it appears that a more flexible import policy for EVs could be announced soon. As per ET Auto report, the new policy will allow reduced import duty on the condition that the OEM commits investments for setting up local manufacturing.To safeguard its interest, the government is likely to ask for bank guarantees from the OEM. The relaxation in import duty will be valid for a period of 2-3 years. If the OEM fails to provide investment for local manufacturing after the relaxation period, the government will have the option to encash the bank guarantees. The exact amount of bank guarantees is yet to be finalized. Bank guarantees will ensure that only OEMs that are serious about long-term presence in India get the benefits of reduced import duties.Other global brands can also benefitWhile Tesla may be credited for nudging policymakers to adopt a more flexible approach, other leading global automotive brands can also benefit. A recent example is Ford that seems to be planning a re-entry in India. Ford had recently trademarked Mustang Mach-E electric compact crossover SUV in India. Just like Tesla, Ford may also benefit from the new taxation policy being drafted for EV imports.Bad news for local OEMs?As the full details of the new EV import policy is not available, it is difficult to determine the impact on homegrown automakers. The new policy is likely to have adequate provisions to ensure that locally manufactured EVs continue to offer more value to consumers. The Indian auto industry will be looking at a level-playing field and not a system that provides an unfair advantage to carmakers like Tesla.Companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors have made massive investments to boost their EV business. The new EV policy should incentivize local manufacturing, which will bring investments, create jobs and increase technical know-how. More clarity will emerge when one gets to read the details of the upcoming EV import policy.Source More

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      Tata Punch EV Gearbox Stuck – Replacement Offered Also Has Fault, Claims Owner

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      Tata Punch EV owner sharesTata Punch EV owner claims that his brand new EV was faulty and so was the replacement EVTata Motors recently launched their newest EV in the form of Punch EV. Delivery has also started. Tata Motors, which has been at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle revolution, introduced the Punch EV as part of its born-electric Acti.ev platform.Punch EV owner shares Quality Control ConcernsRanjit Mehta, a resident of Gurugram, shared his unfortunate experience just three days after taking delivery of the Punch EV. Mehta claims that within a few hours of taking possession of his brand-new Tata Punch EV on January 31, 2024, he started noticing issues related to the brakes.Tata Punch EV owner sharesWhat caught more attention, however, was the malfunctioning gearbox. In a video shared on social media the same day, Mehta demonstrated that the gear dial of his Tata Punch EV refused to respond. Even more alarming was the revelation that the motor continued to accelerate even when the brake pedal was fully pressed. Faced with these critical issues, Mehta promptly took his vehicle to the Autovikas Tata EV dealership.Adding another layer to the predicament, Mehta claimed that his Tata Punch EV had not undergone the essential Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before reaching him. The significance of PDI lies in its ability to identify and rectify potential issues before the customer takes possession of the vehicle. Mehta even provided an audio recording where the dealership acknowledged the omission of the PDI process.Tata Punch EV owner sharesReplacement Saga UnfoldsAs a response to Mehta’s grievances, Tata Motors agreed to replace his faulty vehicle under warranty. However, this apparent solution led to an unexpected twist. The replacement vehicle provided by Tata Motors also exhibited the same motor issue that Mehta had encountered with his originally purchased faulty Punch EV. This shocking turn of events only amplified Mehta’s frustration.Tata Punch EV owner sharesAdding to the woes, Mehta claimed that he was presented with an additional charge for the replacement vehicle, despite the issues being evident from day one and the car being well within the warranty period. This left Mehta perplexed and frustrated, prompting him to voice his concerns on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).Tata Motors’ ResponseIn response to Mehta’s concerns raised on the X platform, Tata Motors issued a statement, saying, “Hello Ranjit, please allow us some time to get this checked with our team, and we’ll get back to you soon with an update. We value your cooperation in the meantime.” While this response indicates a willingness to address the issues, it leaves the owner and potential buyers in a state of uncertainty regarding the root cause of the problems and the steps Tata Motors intends to take to resolve them.Experiencing major issues with my new Tata Punch EV gear selector failure in traffic,and electric motor engaging despite brake applied. Safety concerns are a top priority! Dropped it off at Autovikas Tata EV showroom. @TataMotors,urgent replacement or refund needed! #TataPunchEV pic.twitter.com/ntHN0WtNe9— Ranjit Mehta (@ranjitmehta20) January 31, 2024With Tata Motors being a key player in the electric vehicle segment, instances of technical glitches and quality control lapses can dent the trust of potential buyers. This comes at a time when the Indian government is actively promoting electric mobility, and the success of electric vehicles depends heavily on customer confidence in the technology and the manufacturers.Source More

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      Ford Mustang EV Trademarked In India On 12th Feb 2024 – Launch Soon?

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      Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaAt the time of announcing its India exit plan in 2021, Ford had mentioned that some of its global electric SUVs could be launched in IndiaIn yet another development that signals Ford’s potential re-entry, the company has registered the Mustang Mach-E trademark in India. The trademark journal was done this week on 12th Feb 2024. Earlier, Ford had cancelled its Chennai plant sale deal with JSW and filed a patent for Endeavour SUV. Some job openings were also posted online. Till date, Ford has neither denied nor officially accepted its India re-entry plans.Ford Mustang Mach-E – A CBU importRegarding its re-entry into the highly competitive Indian automotive space, Ford appears to be keeping its cards close to the chest. The trademark filing for Mustang Mach-E compact Crossover electric SUV is strong evidence for Ford’s potential re-entry in India. Assuming Mustang Mach-E is launched here, it is likely to be imported as a CBU. This is in line with the company’s earlier statements issued at the time of exiting the Indian market.Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaAs it will be a CBU import, Mustang Mach-E will be largely the same as sold across international markets. Assembly for the crossover electric SUV is done in Mexico and China. At a later date, it is possible that Ford may consider the CKD route for Mustang Mach-E in India. This will help achieve a competitive price point for the Indian market.With the CBU route, Mustang Mach-E will be available at a starting price of around Rs 70 lakh. In the US, prices start at $42,995 (Approx. Rs 35.72 lakh). At this price point, it will take on the likes of Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW i4, BMW iX1, etc. India has huge EV potential and leading EV players like Tesla are looking at local manufacturing. It is possible that Ford may eventually consider India as a manufacturing hub for both domestic and export markets. Such developments may take time, as Ford may not want a repeat of its earlier experiences in India.Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaFord had to shut India operations, as part of its global business restructuring plan. In the period before its exit, sales volumes were below expectations and the company wasn’t able to achieve its targeted return on investment.Ford Mustang Mach-E – specs, performanceIn the US, a total of four variants of Mustang Mach-E are available for sale. Both RWD and eAWD variants as well as standard range and extended range variants are offered. The base Mustang Mach-E Select variant has 70 kWh usable battery capacity. The RWD variant churns out 266 hp and 430 Nm, whereas the eAWD has higher torque of 580 Nm.EPA-estimated range is 250 miles (402 km) with the RWD and 224 miles (360 km) with the eAWD variant. With the extended range variant, the range increases to 314 miles (505 km) with RWD and 277 miles (446 km) with eAWD variant. Top speed is electronically limited to 115 mph (185 km/h).Ford Mustang Electric trademarked in IndiaTop-spec Mustang Mach-E GT variant is available at a starting price of $59,995 (approx. Rs 49.86 lakh). The extended range version has a 91-kWh battery pack. GT eAWD variant generates 480 hp and 813 Nm. There’s a GT Performance Edition as well that churns out 860 Nm. Range of the Mustang Mach-E GT eAWD model is 270 miles (435 km). 0 to 60 mph (~ 0 to 100 km/h) can be achieved in 3.8 seconds. More

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      2024 Tata Nexon Electric and Tiago Electric – New vs Old Prices of all variants

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      Image – JayarajNexon EV’s Fearless LR, Fearless + LR and Fearless + S LR variants get the highest price reduction of Rs. 1.2 lakh each (ex-sh)India’s highest-selling electric car maker, Tata Motors, has lowered price tag of two of its best-selling EVs – Nexon EV and Tiago EV. While every manufacturer including Tata Motors is racking up ex-showroom prices, it is refreshing to see car prices go down every once in a while. These lowered prices are for EVs only and is not applicable to their ICE counterparts.Tata Nexon EV And Tiago EVNexon EV and Tiago EV are the foundation vehicles on which TPEM (Tata Passenger Electric Mobility) has built its empire. When we say empire, we mean the 70%+ market share that Tata Motors enjoys in Indian electric car space. Maximum price reduction that Tata is offering with Nexon EV and Tiago EV is Rs. 1.2 lakh (ex-sh).Chief Commercial Officer at TPEM, Mr Vivek Srivatsa, mentioned that there has been a reduction in input costs revolving around batteries and the company is passing on the benefits to their customers. This move was materialised after Mahindra and MG slashed prices off their offerings like XUV400 and Comet respectively.2024 Tata Tiago Electric Variant-Wise Price Reduction ListedThis is Tata’s most affordable electric car. Not only that, it is the most affordable 5-door electric car in India too. Before this price revision, Tiago EV prices used to start from Rs. 8.69 lakh (ex-sh) for base XE MR (Medium Range). XE MR now costs Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-sh) with Rs. 70,000 off accounting for an 8.06% price reduction.Tiago EV revised pricesXT MR gets Rs. 35,000 discount and costs Rs. 8.99 lakh post price revision. The LR variants (Long Range) now start from Rs. 9.99 lakh for XT LR which received Rs. 30,000 off. XZ+ LR and XZ+ Tech Lux LR get the least reduction at Rs. 20,000 each. Tiago EV’s price range now extends till 11.39 lakh. All prices ex-sh.2024 Tata Nexon Electric Variant-Wise Price Reduction ListedStarting with Creative+ MR variant (Medium Range) of Nexon EV, pricing used to be Rs. 14.79 lakh, which is brought down to Rs. 14.49 lakh with a Rs. 25,000 reduction. Fearless MR, Fearless+ MR and Fearless+ S MR all get the same Rs. 20,000 price reduction. Empowered MR variant gets Rs. 35,000 decrease accounting for a 1.96% reduction. All prices ex-sh.Nexon EV revised pricesSpeaking of LR variants (Long Range), Fearless LR, Fearless + LR and Fearless + S LR all get the same Rs. 1.2 lakh price cuts accounting for a 6.25% to 6.6% reduction in ex-sh prices. In effect, these variants receive the most price benefits among all other Nexon EV variants. The top-spec Empowered + LR variant gets Rs. 70,000 off. This way, Tata Nexon EV prices now range between Rs. 14.49 lakh and Rs. 19.29 lakh instead of Rs. 14.74 lakh and Rs. 19.99 lakh (all prices ex-sh). More