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Leapmotor EV India Launch Confirmed As Stellantis’ Next Venture
Leapmotor C16Stellantis conglomeration is expanding its India lineup with addition of new car brands. If you were expecting the launch of iconic Italian marque like Alfa Romeo in India, you should probably wait for longer. For now, Stellantis is excited to announce the introduction of Leapmotor electric vehicles in India. Let’s take a closer look.
Leapmotor EV India Launch Confirmed
With the new Leapmotor brand, Stellantis aims to expand its operations in India and secure a bigger chunk of the country’s automotive market than it already does. This also aligns with the company’s commitment to contribute to the country’s automotive market growth along with the brand’s sustainability goals.
Leapmotor B10
With Leapmotor, Stellantis aims to offer smart, sustainable and accessible electric vehicles to Indian buyers. The goal is to drive innovation forward and expand its EV footprint in India, which has emerged as a leading automotive market in the world.
If we look at Leapmotor’s global portfolio, we can see vehicles like T03 chiq city hatchback, B01 compact sedan, B10 compact SUV, C01 mid-size sedan, C10 mid-size SUV, C11 mid-size SUV and C16 full-size SUV. Considering India’s love for SUVs, there is a good probability that Leapmotor’s Indian portfolio to lean heavily on SUVs.
Leapmotor C10
Especially the bigger ones like C10 and C16. Both of these make perfect sense as Leapmotor’s halo vehicles to establish the company as a premium car manufacturer. There is a good case for T03 as well, which could help Leapmotor to push volumes and firmly set the scene for future products.
Statement from Stellantis
“We’re excited to announce the entry of Leapmotor brand in India, thereby strengthening our commitment to the market. We already have a strong presence in India with our Jeep and Citroën brands, and we deeply understand the strategic importance and immense potential that the Indian market holds.
Leapmotor T03
Globally, Leapmotor is redefining electric mobility with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to bringing premium EVs to India’s upwardly mobile consumers—vehicles that redefine modern driving with cutting-edge technology, comfort, and sustainability.” said Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director, Stellantis India. MoreVinfast India Plant To Open By June 2025
VF 7 from VinfastLeading Vietnamese electric car manufacturer, Vinfast, has been eyeing Indian car market for some time. The company is building its dedicated facility at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, India. This facility will start operations by June 2025, as revealed by CEO Pham Nhat Vuong. Let’s take a closer look.
Vinfast Accelerates India Operations
As part of its latest strategies, Vinfast is shifting focus away from North American market and its associated uncertainties. Till the dust settles down in North America by the ongoing trade war, Vinfast is spearheading into major Asian markets like Indonesia and Philippines. In that regard, Vinfast is set to open its plant in India by June 2025 and in Indonesia by October 2025.
Owing to high logistics fees, Vinfast is deterring its advances in markets like USA, Canada and the European Union. The company is currently investing around USD 4 billion (Rs 34,233 Cr) in their manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA. However, the advancements in US market have been delayed by up to three years to 2028.
The company is waiting for the right time and right signals to continue onwards with North Carolina plant. In the meantime, operations in India, Indonesia and Philippines have been sharpened and the company hopes to open its Thoothukudi plant by July 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony took place in February 2024.
VF 6 from Vinfast
This is a USD 2 billion (Rs 17,112 Cr) project and the company has pledged USD 500 million (Rs 4,277 Cr) for the first five years of this project. This facility is touted to have an annual production capacity of 1,50,000 cars. The plant in Indonesia is said to go operational in October 2025 and it will have an annual production capacity of 2,00,000 units.
What to expect?
For Indian market, Vinfast will commence its operations by launching premium vehicles like VF 6 and VF 7. There will be more electric vehicles from Vinfast in India down the line. Vinfast VF e34 has been spied multiple times and smaller vehicles like VF 3 have been trademarked in India as well.
Recently, two Vinfast VF 7 electric vehicles were spied on in Pune city without any camouflage. These were spotted on the back of flatbed pickup trucks, which could indicate that they’re heading towards ARAI facility for homologation procedures. Launch of VF 6 and VF 7 is likely to happen soon.
Source MoreTwo New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07, Deepal S07
Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07 and Deepal S07India’s electric car industry has been on the rise with more OEMs trying their luck today, than ever before. There are multiple new OEMs entering this lucrative segment. Recently, two new electric cars were spied in Murshidabad in West Bengal on the back of a transit truck. Are these SUVs here for a potential launch in India or something else? Let’s take a closer look.
Two New Electric Cars Spied In India
Automotive enthusiast Touhidur Rahaman spotted two new electric cars in Murshidabad in West Bengal recently. These electric cars were strapped on top of a transit truck and were being transported to someplace. Close inspection reveals that these electric vehicles are from the major Chinese automotive brand Changan Automobile.
Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Changan E07
One of the notable state-owned car manufacturers, Changan Automobile, operates in many major markets. It has spawned multiple sub-brands like Changan UNI, Changan NEVO, Changan LCV, Deepal and Avatr. The units spotted in India can be identified as Changan NEVO E07 and Deepal S07.
It has to be noted that Changan or any of its brands do not currently operate in India. Changan had set up office in India and had launch intentions too. Hence the sighting of these vehicles in India is rather interesting. There is a good probability that Changan is not testing these electric cars for a potential launch in India, which has emerged as a major automotive market in the world.
Two New Electric Cars Spied In India – Deepal S07
However, Changan does operate in Nepal, which is a landlocked nation surrounded by the mighty Himalayan mountain range. There is a good probability that Changan supplies automobiles to Nepal by road through West Bengal and Bihar states in India.
Changan E07 and Deepal S07
Of the two new electric cars spied in India, Changan NEVO E07 is by far the most interesting. It is a crossover between an SUV and a pickup truck and it offers a concealed flat bed at the back. In profile, it looks like an elongated coupe SUV and it has an electrically retractable trunk cover. It reminds us of Audi Activesphere Concept which was never launched.
Deepal S07
Load bearing capacity is around 300kg, which is decent for a vehicle that is not a hardcore pickup truck. Changan E07 is offered in both EREV and BEV powertrain options. In EREV version, we can see a 1.5L engine that acts as a range extender mated to a 39.05 kWh battery pack. BEV version has up to 90 kWh battery with 701 km range and up to 590 bhp and 3.69s 0-100 km/h sprint.
Changan E07
Deepal S07, on the other hand, is a more conventional SUV that is capable of advanced ADAS features powered by Huawei. It is also offered in EREV and BEV versions. Deepal S07 EREV has a similar powertrain as Changan NEVO E07 and BEV version has up to 80 kWh battery that is rated at up to 628 km. Both these models are not likely to launch in India. MoreNew Lexus ES Debuts – Pure EV, Hybrid Powertrains, 685 km Range
New Lexus ES DebutsLexus, the luxury counterpart of Toyota, has just unveiled its new ES executive sedan at the ongoing 2025 Shanghai Motor Show. There is a major departure in its design language as it looks much sharper. For the first time, Lexus is offering ES in both Hybrid and pure electric powertrain options. Let’s take a closer look.
New Lexus ES Debuts
First thing anyone would notice on the new Lexus ES is its missing “spindle grill” which used to be a signature design element from Lexus. We can see that Toyota’s BZ3 sedan has had some influence on new ES’ design. Some might draw relevance to LF-ZC concept too. For the first time, Lexus is being offered in Hybrid and EV formats and both feature slightly unique fascia.
2025 Lexus ES Electric
Lexus ES electric gets a closed-off grill, while the Hybrid model gets a small air intake. LED headlights are found lower in the bumper while the LED DRLs are on top, reminding us of Nike’s logo. Charging port is in the front left quarter panel and wheel sizes go till 21-inches. Door handles are motorised and there are striking cuts and creases that look rather nice.
2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
Rear gets connected LED tail lights for the first time with LEXUS lettering. The cuts on rear bumper also flow into the boot, which is a nice touch. New Lexus ES has grown larger in dimensions, measuring 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in length, 1,555 – 1,560 mm in height (Hybrid and Electric) and has a 2,950 mm long wheelbase.
2025 Lexus ES
Specs & Features
This is a 165 mm increase in length, 55 mm in width, up to 115 mm in height and 80 mm in wheelbase. This increase in dimensions reflects its effect on the inside which promises more space with a 1st Class experience for both front and rear occupants. Especially for the rear seat occupants where owners are likely to spend all their time.
2025 Lexus ES Interiors
New Lexus ES gets an all-new interior with dual tone theme Brown and Black theme. Dashboard is all new and is dominated by a 14-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment screen. There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster too. Mark Levinson music system, panoramic glass roof with electrochromic function, rear seats with ottoman, and improved noise reduction are some of the notable elements of new ES.
2025 Lexus ES Interiors
Hybrid model is offered in two versions – 300h and 350h. New Lexus ES 300h gets a 2.0L (197 bhp) and a 2.5L (201 bhp) naturally aspirated Petrol Hybrid powertrain options. 350h, on the other hand, gets only the larger 2.5L Hybrid engine option, but with a 247 bhp tune. Both versions are mated to an eCVT and an optional AWD system.
2025 Lexus Electric Powertrain
Battery capacity for new Lexus ES Electric is not known yet. It will be offered in 350e and 550e versions. 350e packs 224 bhp FWD config offering up to 685 km range and 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.9s, while 550e packs 343 bhp AWD config with up to 610 km range and 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9s. Both versions may get the same 77 kWh battery from Lexus RZ.
2025 Lexus ES MoreTata Nexon EV 45 kWh Scores 5 Star Safety Rating – Bharat NCAP
Tata Nexon EV crash test – Bharat NCAP 2024Nexon EV is one of the landmark vehicles sold in India and is attributed to making EVs an attractive proposition rather than a drab solution. Nexon EV is also held in high regard where vehicular safety is concerned as it scored 5 Star ratings in Bharat NCAP testing. Now, the 5 Star crash safety rating is also extended to its 45 kWh battery variants. Let’s take a closer look.
Tata Nexon EV 45kWh Scored 5 Star
At the time when Indian automotive market was not all that familiar with the importance of crashworthiness, Tata Nexon broke the waters and emerged as the country’s first vehicle to score a 5 Star crash rating. Continuing the streak, the latest Nexon still has an impeccable 5 Star crash rating.
Tata Nexon EV crash test – Bharat NCAP 2024
Its electric counterpart, Nexon EV, has maintained its 5 Star crash safety rating too. However, these were reserved for the 30 kWh and 40.5 kWh battery pack versions. After the launch of Curvv EV, Tata Motors expanded Nexon EV portfolio to include 45 kWh version, which is now crash-tested by Bharat NCAP.
Nexon EV 45 kWh version scored 29.86 / 32 points in adult occupant protection tests and 44.95 / 49 points in child occupant protection tests. Bharat NCAP tested Empowered+ LR variant which came equipped with 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts and seatbelt reminders for all seats, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), TPMS and 360-degree camera as standard.
Nexon EV 45kWh Scored 5 Star
Bharat NCAP assessment
In the adult occupant protection tests, Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh variant scored 14.26 / 16 points in the frontal offset deformable barrier test. In side deformable barrier test, it scored 15.6 / 16 points. Where child occupant protection is concerned, this vehicle garnered 23.95 / 24 points in dynamic score, 12 / 12 points in child restraint systems installation score and 9 / 13 points in vehicle assessment score.
In the Indian automotive market, Tata Nexon EV directly rivals Mahindra XUV400, which is set to get a major update. Nexon EV continues to be powered by a 30 kWh battery pack and 45 kWh battery pack options. The 40.5 kWh battery pack variants have been discontinued after 45 kWh battery pack was launched.Nexon EV Analysis In May 2024 – 30kWh and 40kWh
With Bharat NCAP assessing the crash safety performance of 45 kWh version of Nexon EV, all of the variants are now 5 star crash rated. This aligns with Tata’s vision of offering sound and safe vehicles to the masses with good crash ratings. More
MG Cyber X Electric SUV Concept Debuts – 4.3m Long (Tata Sierra EV Rival?)
MG Cyber X SUVMG Motor has pulled the covers off the Cyber X SUV concept at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, previewing what could become the brand’s second product under its futuristic Cyber series after the Cyberster EV roadster. Designed with a youthful audience in mind, the Cyber X stands out with its bold, boxy proportions, pop-up headlights, and a distinct matte-black paint job – a strong nod to retro-futurism in electric mobility.
Built for the Bold
Measuring around 4.3 meters in length, the Cyber X positions itself as a compact electric SUV, similar in size to the Land Rover Defender 90. But unlike traditional off-roaders, the Cyber X is envisioned more as a “city adventure toy”, prioritizing urban appeal and digital-first experiences over hardcore off-roading.
MG Cyber X SUV
Built on a fully electric platform developed by MG’s parent company SAIC Motor, the Cyber X showcases a cell-to-body battery layout for improved efficiency and space. While MG has not disclosed powertrain or range specs yet, this concept marks a fresh direction in their design and electrification journey.
Jozef Kaban, SAIC’s global design chief, said the Cyber X is a statement of design diversity within the MG brand, intentionally contrasting the sleek Cyberster roadster. He added that the Cyber X is about “giving families an emotional car” and appealing to drivers who don’t want to compromise style for practicality.
MG Cyber X SUV
Compact But Capable
Design highlights include a high-mounted LED light bar, a wide, expressive grille, and a floating roof effect created by smoked A- and B-pillars. The pop-up headlamps, reminiscent of classic Ferraris and ’90s icons, are a deliberate throwback to restore character in modern car design. Other elements like dual-tone alloy wheels and privacy glass enhance its urban explorer persona.
MG Cyber X SUV
Inside details remain under wraps, but MG confirmed collaboration with smartphone brand Oppo for cockpit and connectivity tech. The Cyber X is expected to feature a high level of digital integration, aligning with the tech-savvy ethos of the Cyber series.
Production Plans Yet to be Confirmed
Though still in concept stage, MG hinted that the Cyber X could transition to production quickly due to China’s fast development cycles. It would join MG’s growing global EV portfolio, which is set to include eight new models by 2026, including sedans and SUVs.
MG Cyber X SUV
If launched in India, the MG Cyber X could go head-to-head with the upcoming Tata Sierra EV. Both models fall in the 4.3 to 4.4 meter size range and carry a retro-futuristic design approach, making them natural rivals in the lifestyle electric SUV segment. With MG already having a strong presence in India’s EV market, the Cyber X could become a compelling offering for those seeking an EV that blends bold design, modern tech, and family practicality. MoreTesla Model Y Facelift Spied Testing In India Ahead Of Launch
New Tesla Model Y Facelift (Juniper) Spied In IndiaTesla has accelerated its plans to launch its product portfolio in India. The company has signed a lease deal for its first showroom in Mumbai’s BKC and the company has applied for homologation of Model 3 and Model Y. Recent spy shots from X user Ashish Pol reveal a camouflaged test mule of Tesla Model Y facelift. Let’s take a closer look.
Tesla Model Y Facelift Spied
Once known as the land of excessive taxes and tariffs, India is opening up its automotive markets to various non-Chinese brands. Indian Government is reducing taxes on American and European car imports. This makes India a favourable market for foreign brands and Tesla is no different to this strategy.
New Tesla Model Y Facelift (Juniper) Spied In India
In a first, we can see Tesla Model Y test mules trundling along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. It has to be noted that this is the facelifted version of Model Y that debuted earlier this year. This is a good sign from Tesla as it is bringing the latest and greatest and not trying to offload unsold stock of previous generation Model Y.
Codenamed Juniper, it looks a lot sleeker and more athletic than its predecessor, lending an aesthetic vibe, which could not be said about its predecessor. We can see a split headlight design with sleek connected LED DRLs on top and LED headlights below. Bonnet gets muscular creases, A-Pillars and C-Pillars are body coloured while B pillars are blackened.
New Tesla Model Y Juniper
Black is also seen on its roof along with flush door handles. Tesla Model Y’s silhouette is function over form and hence it is not particularly aesthetic to look from the side. It has a coupe roofline effect prioritising low aerodynamic drag coefficient over aesthetic design. At the rear, Model Y facelift gets connected 3D LED tail lights and a sporty bumper.
Just like the revised Model 3, Tesla Model Y facelift spied in India also gets a minimalist cabin. This means almost no buttons and most of the car’s functions are controlled by the larger 15.4-inch infotainment screen. There’s no instrument cluster for driver, but rear passengers get an 8-inch display that supports arcade games and video streaming. Model Y gets Tesla Autopilot ADAS suite as well.
New Tesla Model Y Juniper
Specs & Powertrains
Where dimensions are concerned, new Tesla Model Y measures 4,790 mm in length, 1,981 mm in width, 1,623 mm in height and has a 168 mm ground clearance. It can seat up to 5 passengers and offers a total of 2,152L worth of cargo capacity when rear seats are folded. Alloy wheel sizes start from 19-inches and go till 20-inches.
Powering this electric crossover SUV, we have battery packs that can go up to 80 kWh in capacity, promising up to 526 km of range on a single charge. In dual-motor AWD configuration, new Tesla Model Y facelift can sprint to 96.5 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Fast charging is supported and it can accept up to 250 kW DC chargers. Launch might happen in the coming months via CBU route.@volklub Tesla testing on Mumbai pune express way pic.twitter.com/2s2FWiyJ2B
— Ashish Pol (@ashishpol86) April 15, 2025 More
