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    Toyota’s Rs 13 Lakh Electric SUV In China Gets 10k Bookings in 1 Hour

    Toyota bZ3X Electric SUVMore budget affordable electric cars have broken cover in Chinese market than rest of the world combined. Toyota bZ3X just went on sale in China and is creating a massive buzz in the market as it is the first non Chinese brand to enter price wars in China. bZ3X is so sought-after, it apparently crashed Toyota’s booking system. Let’s take a closer look.
    Toyota bZ3X Launched
    Imagine a Tata Harrier size electric SUV that is starting at a price point of around Rs 13 lakh. Who wouldn’t want to buy one, right? That’s exactly the notion around Toyota bZ3X, which just went on sale in China. Offering a vehicle of this size with this much premium equipment at this price point while it packs an electric powertrain has turned out to be a masterstroke by GAC Toyota.
    Toyota bZ3X Launch
    Launched under the GAC Toyota partnership bZ3X electric SUV went on sale in China recently and garnered over 10,000 bookings within the first hour. Influx of traffic was such that it crashed Toyota’s bookings system. Toyota bZ3X is offered in 430 Air and 430 Air+ trims with 430 km range from 50.03 kWh battery, 520 Pro and 520 Pro+ trims with 520 km range from 58.37 kWh battery.
    The max 610 km range is from top-spec 610 Max trim which packs a 67.92 kWh battery. Prices start from CNY 109,800 (approx Rs 13 lakh) for base 430 Air and goes till CNY 159,800 (approx Rs 19 lakh). Air and Pro models come with 204 bhp single electric motor, while Max model gets a 224 bhp single electric motor.
    Toyota bZ3X Interiors
    Specs & Features
    Toyota bZ3X measures 4,600 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,645 mm tall and has a 2,765 mm long wheelbase. It has sleek LED lighting elements, large wheels, tough looking body claddings, flush door handles, chrome highlights, charging port on front right quarter panel and a blackened effect for roof and pillars. There’s a bulb on top of the windshield that houses car’s LiDAR sensor for autonomous driving features.
    Speaking of, Toyota bZ3X packs 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, 3 mm wave radars and a LiDAR. All these are controlled by Nvidia Drive AGX Orin X system. Other notable elements include 14.6-inch infotainment screen, 8.8-inch instrument screen, 11-speaker Yamaha sound system, ambient lighting, plush interior materials and cavernous space owing to its flexible seating layout. More

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    Mahindra Revises EV Charging Policy After Customer Feedback

    Mahindra XEV 9e. Image – Ahemad RiderMahindra has announced a significant update to its EV charging policy for the upcoming BE 6 and XUV 9e electric SUVs. Initially, the price of these vehicles did not include the charger and installation costs, with customers required to pay an additional Rs 50,000 for a 7.2 kW charger or Rs 75,000 for an 11.2 kW charger. However, after reviewing customer feedback, Mahindra has revised its policy, offering more flexibility to buyers.
    New Policy: Charger Installation No Longer Mandatory in Select Cases
    While Mahindra continues to recommend using company-certified chargers for optimal safety and performance, customers can now opt out of the mandatory charger installation under the following conditions:
    1. Lack of Provision for Private Chargers – Customers who do not have the necessary infrastructure at their residence or office to install a private charger can now forgo the installation.
    2. Existing Compatible Charger – If a customer already owns a charger that meets Mahindra’s safety standards, they will not be required to purchase a new one.
    3. Multiple Mahindra EVs in One Household – Families that own two or more Mahindra electric SUVs can share a single charging point instead of installing multiple chargers.
    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Prices
    BE6 and XEV 9e Deliveries Start This Month
    After creating a bookings record last month, Mahindra BE 6 and XUV 9e are set to redefine the electric SUV segment in India, with deliveries starting in a few days. The BE 6, featuring a futuristic coupe-SUV design, promises a blend of bold styling, advanced technology, and a high-performance electric powertrain.
    Meanwhile, the XUV 9e, positioned as a rugged yet sophisticated electric SUV, carries Mahindra’s signature design language with enhanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge EV capabilities. Both models are expected to offer impressive range, fast-charging options, and a host of smart connectivity features, reinforcing Mahindra’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Initially, only top variants will be delivered while lower variants delivery will take place later. Mahindra aims to sell 5,000 units monthly in the first phase. More

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    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Debuts – 250 Km Range, 2027 Launch

    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept DebutsWith the advent of electric vehicles, Volkswagen is jumping on the train and aims to launch its most affordable EV by 2027. Volkswagen’s smallest and most affordable electric car was previewed in the form of ID.Every1 Concept. It aims to launch in 2027 and revolutionise electric car scene in Europe.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    The production version of Volkswagen ID.Every1 is likely to be called ID.1, which has been teased by VW. It will be the smallest among VW’s Electric Urban Car Family and it will bring affordability into the equation. It will sit below ID.2, which was previewed as ID.2all Concept. Production-spec ID.1 is said to be a direct replacement of VW Up.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    ID.Every1, as the name suggests, is supposed to be a mass market offering. It is supposed to be “from Europe, for Europe”, as per VW. Where design is concerned, VW has nailed it. Personally, I think ID.Every1 Concept looks very human-like as though it is a character from Disney’s Cars franchise and it will probably start talking anytime now.
    It has eye-shaped headlight setup with an intricate LED pattern, which is connected by a Black applique with illuminated VW logo in the middle. Below these headlights, we have vertical LED DRLs and a lower grill finished in Black that looks like the mouth of a face. Accentuating this further, is wraparound effect on A Pillars and curvaceous bonnet shape.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept
    Side profile shows curvaceous design approach too, unlike VW’s typical lines. Partially sculpted wheel arches, flush door handles and large 19-inch alloy wheels are notable here. While the concept looks like it has frameless windows, production-spec ID.1 will have conventional design for doors and windows.
    Rear design replicates that of its fascia with LED tail lights and vertical LED brake lights below them. We can’t help but notice that rear design looks slightly like that of a Honda Brio. We can also see that the roof has an interesting design and so does ID.Every1’s roof spoiler.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Interiors
    Minimalist and Futuristic Interiors
    On the inside, Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept shows a minimalist approach. However, there are still quite a lot of physical buttons seen below the free-standing infotainment screen that control audio and climate. Instrument screen is rather small on this concept and is expected to be more conventional in production model.
    This will strictly be a four-seater as ID.Every1 Concept measures just 3,880 mm long and proportionately narrow. It gets a 2-spoke steering wheel, a portable Bluetooth speaker between both front passengers and the centre console is mounted on a rail to be slid front and back between 1st and 2nd row passengers.
    Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept Interiors
    Battery specs are not revealed, but Volkswagen ID.Every1 Concept is powered by a new 95 bhp motor and the company promised 130 km/h top speed and 250 km range. It will be FWD only and it is expected to have a small battery to achieve the affordable price tag. Launch is likely in 2027. More

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    Tata Harrier EV Spied Without Camouflage For The First Time – Launch Soon

    Tata Harrier EV Spied Ahead Of LaunchIndia’s leading electric car manufacturer, Tata Motors, is gearing to launch its flagship EV. We’re talking about the Harrier EV, the production version of which was unveiled at Auto Expo 2025. For the first time, Harrier EV test mules have been spied testing without any camouflage, hinting that the launch might be right around the corner.
    Tata Harrier EV Spied
    At the grand stage of Auto Expo 2025, Tata Motors showcased the production-spec version of Harrier EV, which is an electrified version of its flagship SUV, Harrier. At the stage, we saw a Blue-ish shade for Harrier EV and then a Stealth Edition version of it. Spy shots from motorworldindia show a Harrier EV in a White shade and a Black dual tone roof.
    Tata Harrier EV Wheel Design
    This White and Black roof dual tone option is likely to be the safest and most preferred one by Indian buyers. As seen in these spy shots, Harrier EV looks almost production ready and without any camouflage. Although, interiors were still camouflaged, while revealing a free-standing infotainment screen which may be the same 12.3-inch unit as Harrier.
    Exterior design reveals a closed-off grill along with a redesigned front bumper. Closed-off grill at the top has horizontal slats, while lower grill has vertical slats. Below it, we have a faux skid plate finished in a contrasting silver shade. LED DRLs on top and vertically-oriented headlight elements are carried over from Harrier ICE.
    Tata Harrier EV
    Also carried over is the side profile in its entirety. ORVMs, side silhouette, doors, body claddings, wheel arch claddings, roof rails and other elements are carried over. ORVMs get cameras and left front door gets a request sensor. The plastic claddings are likely to be painted in Gloss Black shade, like on Curvv.
    What to expect?
    Alloy wheel design is unique and is rather appealing. Wheel size could be 19-inches and we can expect 245-section tyres. Rear design is more or less the same as Harrier EV with a shark fin antenna, silver faux skid plate in rear bumper and LED tail lights.
    Production-spec Tata Harrier EV
    Where features are concerned, Tata Harrier EV will get features and equipment similar to that of its ICE counterpart. So, ventilated front and rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver, 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, premium upholstery, 10-inch instrument cluster, Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, 7 airbags, blindspot assist cameras and more.
    Where powertrains are concerned, Harrier EV will boast a large battery that should promise around 500 km of real world range and a lot of performance. Tata has announced that dual motor AWD variants will pack as much as 500 Nm. It will support fast charging as well and is a direct competitor to Mahindra’s just launched XEV 9e. More

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    Chinese Cars Account For 76% Global EV and PHEV Sales

    BYD Sealion 7 EVElectric cars are demonstrating more market penetration across the globe. Car buyers have been considering EVs owing to their performance and their sensible zero emission environmental benefits. However, the success of electrified vehicles are credited to Chinese car manufacturers as they account for 76% of global EV sales.
    Chinese Electric Car Sales
    A recent study from Rho Motion revealed that 76% of global EV and PHEV sales are credited to Chinese car brands. What’s more impressive about this achievement is that it happened outside of USA market. In this sense, these Chinese electric cars were not sold in USA, which is the world’s 2nd largest automotive market after China.
    BYD eMAX 7
    If Chinese car brands were allowed to make sales in USA, their contribution to global EV sales could have been a lot higher than 76%. This major achievement from Chinese brands is due to a combination of factors. Primary of these factors include aggressive market expansion into the world’s major car markets and outside of them and aggressive pricing strategies.
    If we take Germany as an example, which is Europe’s largest car market with 578,000 EVs sold last year, Chinese car brands accounted for 4% of the total sales. In Belgium, penetration of Chinese car brands was 3%, 5% in Sweden, 5% in France, 6% in Netherlands, 7% in UK, 8% in Norway, 10% in Spain and 11% in Austria.
    BYD Yangwang U9 Supercar Jumping Over a Pothole
    Outside of major automotive markets, Chinese car brands have made a major impact with significant market penetration. Chinese brands accounted for 15% EV sales of New Zealand, 26% in Australia, 52% in Malaysia, 64% in Israel, 70% in Mexico, 74% in Nepal, 75% in Indonesia, 77% in Thailand and 82% in Brazil.
    What’s the scene in India?
    If we take India as an example, MG Windsor EV is currently the country’s best-selling electric car. Windsor EV is a rebadged version of Wuling Cloud EV and is sold in India under Chinese SAIC Motor owned British brand, Morris Garages. However, as a car manufacturer, MG Motor has some catching up to do against homegrown Tata Motors, which is currently leading the sales charts.
    MG Windsor EV
    The success of Chinese EV brands can also be attributed to the fact that they incur low battery manufacturing costs as China has one of the world’s biggest Lithium reserves. Another key contributor is the USD 231 Billion in subsidies Chinese EV brands received between 2009 and 2023, allowing them to price their products at extremely competitive price points.
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    Kia EV4 Details Out – 81.4 kWh Battery, 201 Bhp, 630 Km Range

    Kia EV4 SedanAcross international markets, the Kia EV4 will take on rivals such as Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.3
    As part of its aggressive EV expansion, Kia has unveiled the EV4. It will be available in both fastback sedan and hatchback body styles. EV4 will be available for sale in Korea in March 2025. European markets will get both versions later this year, whereas only the EV4 sedan will be available in the United States. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the Kia EV4.
    Kia EV4 Details Out – Styling and features
    Some of the distinctive exterior design elements include a low nose, vertically stacked headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map LED DRLs. Side profile has sporty dual-tone alloy wheels, flush door handles, prominent wheel arches, a tapering roofline and blacked-out pillars. At the rear, the lighting elements closely match the format used at the front. Kia also offers GT-Line trim with both Hatchback and Sedan, with extra sporty flair.
    Kia EV4 Hatchback GT-Line Rear
    Inside, Kia EV4 has a multi-layered dashboard, 30-inch wide-screen display and a 1-spoke asymmetrical steering wheel with mounted controls. Interiors of Kia EV4 are focused on practicality and occupant comfort. Some of the key features include a sliding table console, a rotating armrest and easy-to-use physical buttons.
    Kia EV4 Hatchback GT-Line Interiors
    EV4 has ample seating space in both rows. User experience is further enhanced with dynamic welcome lighting and ambient lighting. Users can access a range of entertainment options such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke. Kia has also deployed an AI assistant that ensures continuous improvements in user-machine engagements.
    Kia EV4 Sedan
    Kia EV4 – Performance, range
    Similar to the EV3, Kia EV4 is based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). There will be two versions – a standard model with a 58.3 kWh battery pack and a long-range model with an 81.4 kWh battery. EV4 will utilize a front mounted electric motor that generates 201 hp.
    Kia EV4 Sedan Interiors
    Achieving 0 to 100 km/h for the standard and long-range variant takes 7.4 and 7.7 seconds, respectively. Both have a top speed of 170 km/h. Talking about range, the EV4 sedan standard model can travel 430 km on a full charge. Range increases to 630 km with the long-range variant. The EV4 hatchback offers a range of 590 km. One of the key contributing factors for the high range is EV4’s ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.
    Kia EV4 Sedan GT-Line
    Range can be further improved in real-world conditions with the advanced regenerative braking system. Kia EV4 is equipped with a 11-kW on-board charger that supports both single-phase and three-phase inputs. Users can achieve 10-80% charge in just around 31 minutes. EV4 also supports advanced features such as 3.6 kVA Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and 10 kVA Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality.
    Kia EV4 Sedan GT-Line Interiors
    Advanced safety with latest ADAS
    Kia EV4 will be available with a comprehensive range of ADAS features. The structure itself is pretty robust, with the roof capable of withstanding five times the weight of the EV. Multi-rib structures have been used in the rocker panel to ensure enhanced protection against side impacts. Kia has stated that EV4 will be aiming for full 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP and US NCAP. More

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    Kia EV2 Small Electric Car Concept Debuts For 2026 Launch

    Kia EV2 Concept DebutsWhile comparatively small in size, Kia EV2 offers a roomy interior with a plethora of customization options and practical solutions
    At the 2025 Kia EV Day event, the carmaker unveiled multiple models including the EV4 and EV2 Concept. With these new models, Kia will be aiming to accelerate EV adoption across various global markets. Let’s take a look at the EV2 Concept in detail to understand its core USPs and strengths.
    Kia EV2 Concept – Dynamic exteriors
    Based on the ‘Opposites United’ design language, Kia EV2 Concept seamlessly combines timeless elegance and rugged sportiness. The smooth sheet metal panelling is complemented by rugged elements like the bold bumper design, prominent wheel arches and thick body cladding.
    Kia EV2 Concept Debuts
    To add more character, Kia EV2 Concept utilises an open lamp design without cover glass for the LED DRLs. Alloy wheels get distinctive square elements and KIA lettering at the centre. All lighting elements are vertically stacked including the edgy tail lamps at the rear. Turn signals on the ORVMs are also placed vertically.
    Images reveal a full glass roof and blacked-out A pillars. Kia EV2 Concept does not use B pillars and comes with rear-hinged rear doors. If a BMW i3 popped in your mind, you’re on the right track. This implementation ensures easy ingress and egress for users. With all four doors open, EV2 can also unlock scenic views of the outside world. Such door formats will also be useful in camping scenarios.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    Kia EV2 Concept – Practical, customizable interiors
    With interiors following a minimalistic design format, there’s ample space for all passengers. Kia EV2 Concept has some unique features such as the bench seat in front. Both front and second row seats are highly customizable. For example, the rear seats can be folded up and the front seats can be pushed back. This additional space has various practical applications.
    Kia EV2 Concept has an elegant, clutter-free dashboard. There is a large integrated screen for the infotainment system and instrument cluster. Kia has used sustainable materials for the EV, wherever possible. The cockpit area gets a fabric-type surface finish in deep burgundy colour. Other key features include a yoke-style steering wheel, unique LED dashboard animation and triangular-pattern lighting.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    Another unique offering is the message lighting that displays messages on the car’s windows. It can be used to communicate with other road users and pedestrians. Kia EV2 Concept has advanced features such as OTA updates and vehicle-to-load (V2L). Another innovation is the removable triangular speakers. Users can position it anywhere in the car and also take it out when the car is parked.
    Kia EV2 Concept – Performance, range
    Although specs of EV2 Concept have not been revealed, the EV is likely to utilize the entry-level 400V configuration of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. This architecture can also be seen with the EV3 and EV4 offering two battery pack options – a 58.3 kWh and an 81.4 kWh unit. Onboard the EV3, these battery packs deliver a range of 434 km and 603 km, respectively. The front mounted electric motor generates 201 hp.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    It is also possible that EV2 could borrow the 43.3 kWh LFP battery pack from the PV5 electric van. Kia EV2 will be launched in Europe and other global markets in 2026. It will work as a replacement for the Picanto hatchback. India launch is quite possible, as there’s huge potential for entry-level EVs. Moreover, Kia has already trademarked eight new electric vehicles in India including the EV2. More

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    Maruti eVitara Crash Test Images Revealed – 5 Star NCAP Ratings?

    Maruti eVitara Crash Test Images
    India’s largest car manufacturer by volume, Maruti Suzuki, is on the verge of launching its maiden electric SUV soon. Called eVitara, this C Segment electric SUV debuted officially at Auto Expo 2025 and is expected to launch in the coming months. Now, images of Maruti Suzuki eVitara crash testing have been revealed. Let’s take a look.
    Maruti eVitara Crash Test
    In the recent times, Maruti Suzuki has demonstrated that it is taking vehicular safety seriously. Maruti’s Swift was the first vehicle in company’s history to offer 6 airbags as standard fitment and Dzire became the first vehicle to be awarded 5 Stars in Global NCAP’s crash test assessments based on their latest protocols.
    Maruti eVitara Crash Test Images
    Now, eVitara crash test images have been revealed. From the looks of it, Maruti Suzuki seems to be showcasing internal crash test footage and not crash tests done by external agencies like Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP and Euro NCAP. Similar to Fronx’s internal crash test video that Maruti Suzuki revealed.
    Notably, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara was subjected to Bharat NCAP crash tests and images of the same leaked on the internet in July 2024. Results of which are still not made public by Bharat NCAP. Sticking to eVitara, we can expect excellent crash safety proposition considering it is a global vehicle.
    Maruti eVitara Crash Test Images
    Specs & Equipment
    eVitara is based on Suzuki’s HEARTECT-e electric born platform and features a flat floor for maximum room for occupants. This platform is made of over 50% high tensile steel and for excellent strength and rigidity. These elements promise optimum safety for occupants and battery pack.
    The company boasts innovative chassis attributes like shock absorbing mounting structure and multi load paths for effective distribution of impact forces. Production of eVitara is exclusively tasked to Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant where a badge engineered Toyota counterpart named Urban Cruiser EV will also be produced.
    Maruti eVitara Crash Test Images
    Maruti Suzuki is planning four new electric cars for India and eVitara will be the first of these. It comes with two battery pack options – 49 kWh and 61 kWh, and Maruti is offering single motor FWD and dual motor AWD versions, which will be a major draw for eVitara. Peak system output can go till 181 bhp and 300 Nm, while range can go till 500 km, depending on powertrain options. More