Car News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV Spied Testing – Launch As MG?

      by

      This new Mini eSUV from China draws inspiration from Maruti Jimny and Land Rover DefenderJimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedBaojun brand is a subsidiary of SAIC-GM-Wuling JV, just like MG. They offer a lot of cars under these brands; including the newly launched Hector and Hector Plus. Same cars are shared between brands of GM, SAIC and Wuling. For example, Baojun 530 is rebranded as Wuling Almaz, Chevrolet Captiva and MG Hector.Last year Baojun showcased a new mini electric SUV concept. We are talking about KiWi mini crossover. It is a three-door electric mini SUV with incredibly cute looks. This small EV SUV has now started testing. First spy shots has leaked online.New Mini Electric SUV – Jimny InspiredNew KiWi EV is smaller than the Maruti Jimny. It retains much of its design attributes from concept. Speaking of design, LED headlights and tail lights are retained from concept car. Overall proportions and design details on the outside are retained as well.Sure, the test mule is rolling on steel wheels, but top-spec models will get alloys. If the Maruti Jimny is a miniature Mercedes-Benz G-Class, KiWi EV new crossover is a miniature Land Rover Defender 90, except for its iconic round headlight elements.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedEven on the inside, the twin horizontal display and dashboard layout remain true to its concept. This new mini EV would look like a fitting proposition to rival Jimny, even without a 5-door layout.It is smaller and is likely to be more city-friendly too. Internally codenamed E260S, It is not yet named. But it will bear KiWi branding instead of Baojun’s like we saw on concept vehicle. If launched in India, it will come under the MG brand.India Launch?With its retro-futuristic design and its smaller dimensions, it is likely to take the Chinese market by storm. Specifications are not yet known including battery size and range. There will be pooled components from similar Kei cars including Chinese highest-seller Wuling Hongguang Mini EV. In effect, this vehicle is the world’s first ‘electric Kei car UV’.Jimny Styled Mini Electric SUV SpiedLaunch is likely to happen in China in the first half of 2023. After that, it will be marketed by Wuling in other ASEAN markets like Indonesia. There is no official word regarding India launch under the MG brand. But we hope that it does. MG Motor India is getting ready to launch AIR EV later this year. Air EV is sold under the Wuling brand in China. It is one of the best selling electric cars in China today. More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata, Uber Sign Largest EV Fleet Order – 25k Tigor XPRES-T Electric

      by

      Collaboration between Tata Motors and Uber will be beneficial for Uber customers and drivers, and the environmentTata, Uber Sign Largest EV Fleet OrderTimes are ripe for a monumental shift in the ride-sharing industry. Tata Motors and Uber join forces to bring 25,000 Tigor XPRES-T EVs to India’s bustling cities. It is the largest four wheeler EV fleet order placed till date. This strategic move is set to transform market trends and developments in the automobile industry. And drive India towards a cleaner, greener future.Tata Motors, is a pioneer of India’s EV evolution, and Uber is India’s leading ridesharing app. The MoU paves the way to electrify their services in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendliness and sustainability. As per the MOU, Tata Motors will begin delivering the cars to Uber fleet partners in a phased manner, starting this month. XPRES-T EVs will be inducted into Uber India’s Premium Category service.Impact of collaboration between Tata Motors and Uber on the fleet industry in IndiaThis collaboration is a prime example of how businesses are evolving with the market trends. All the while adapting to changing consumer and environmental needs. There is now an increasing concern for the environment, alongside the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions. It’s only logical that businesses like Tata Motors and Uber are stepping up to the challenge. It also sets an example for opportunities that exist in embracing sustainable practices.As industry experts predict a surge in the demand for electric vehicles in the coming years, the future of transportation in India is being reshaped. Collaboration and innovation is key in driving positive change in the business world.Tata Motors – Drive India towards a cleaner, greener futureWith over 50,000 Tata EVs already on the road, Tata has a lead in PV and fleet segments. XPRES-T EV is available in two drive range options – 315km and 277km. The car is powered by a high-energy density battery of 26kWh and 25.5 kWh. With fast charging, they can be charged from 0-80 percent in 59 minutes and 110 minutes. And this is key for fleets. Quick-charging ensures more billable hours and reduced deda time spent waiting for fleet vehicles to be charged daily. Tigor XPRES-T electric sedan comes with zero tail-pipe emissions, and single-speed automatic transmission. Safety is addressed with dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across all variants.Uber is a key participant in the bandwagon towards e-mobility, committing to 100 percent of its rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micro-mobility by 2040. This shows a growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation, driven by both consumers and businesses. And fleet operators are constantly looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option. Efforts towards electrification need to be timely in order to be beneficial.Environmentally friendly EV ride experiencesShailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “In line with our commitment to grow sustainable mobility in the country, we are delighted to partner with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform. Offering customers our environmentally friendly EV ride experiences via Uber’s Premium Category service, will accelerate the adoption of green and clean personal ride sharing. The XPRES-T EV is a very attractive option both for customers and operators. While enhanced safety, silent and premium in cabin experience provides the customers with a relaxed ride, the fast charging solution, driving comfort and the cost effectiveness of the EV makes it an attractive business proposition for our fleet partners. This partnership will further cement our market position in the fleet segment.” More

    • 138 Shares149 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Creta Electric Spied For First Time – 2025 Launch Plan

      by

      A 100 kW electric motor and a battery big-enough for a 400+ km range should make for an interesting proposition for our marketHyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai India has kick-started its electric vehicle onslaught by launching the Ioniq 5 and showcasing Ioniq 6 at the Auto Expo last month. But the Korean automaker is also working on a more mainstream EV for our market. It was recently reported that Hyundai is working on an electric Creta crossover (codenamed SU2i EV) and an early prototype based on the conventional variant has been spotted for the first time in public.Automotive enthusiast Nitin Tyagi was charging his EV while the Hyundai Creta EV prototype stopped by for a recharge, and he promptly clicked these photos. There were a total of two test mules of the Hyundai Creta Electric. As you can see, the test mules do not have any camouflage but there is an easily noticeable protrusion from the floor pan which appears to be a structural member supporting the battery pack.2025 Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedConverting an in-production IC-engined car into a fully electric prototype is not a walk-in-the-park but Hyundai engineers and technicians seem to have done a pretty neat job. Save for the visible floor pan extension and different body panel colours, there is nothing on the exterior to suggest it is not a regular Creta.The production version is also expected to be based on the modified version of the current IC-engine platform. This approach will allow Hyundai to optimize cost since its almost fully localized. Tata has applied the same formula to Nexon EV, and Mahindra to XUV400.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedThis will also help the automaker produce the vehicle with minimal modifications and investments to its existing assembly lines. However, in the long term, Hyundai India will localize its fully electric E-GMP architecture for both domestic and export markets.Hyundai Creta EV SpecsNot much is known about the specifications of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV but we expect critical sub-systems to be derived from the Kona EV. That would mean a 100 kW (136 hp) PMSM electric motor with a peak torque output of 395 Nm of torque.The battery pack is also likely to be derived from the international sibling. With a capacity of 39.2 kWh, the lithium-ion polymer unit should be good for an ARAI-certified range of over 400 km. The Creta EV could be used with some significant aero optimizations over its IC-engined sibling to improve energy efficiency.Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedNew Hyundai Creta EV is expected to be ready for its global debut at the 2025 Auto Expo before going on sale later that year. Interestingly, the debut timeline is similar to its primary competitor Maruti YY8 electric SUV (codename). Expect the pricing to  be somewhere between Rs 20 to 30 lakh.Tata, Maruti, Mahindra and other OEMs will be aiming to position their volume-oriented electric crossovers in the same segment. That should make for an intense competition which will ultimately benefit the customers. We think Hyundai will easily attain its volume target of around 25,000 units per annum with its mid-premium EV offering. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra BE Rall-E Electric SUV Concept Makes Global Debut

      by

      This was the first time enthusiasts in India got to see a live view of Mahindra’s upcoming born-electric SUVsMahindra Rall-E Electric SUV Concept Global Debut. From L-R; Pratap Bose, R Velusamy, Rajesh Jejurikar, Anish Shah, Vicky Kaushal, Anand Mahindra, Veejay NakraLast year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its born-electric SUV range in concept form in UK. These were now showcased in India on the eve of India’s first ever Formula E race in Hyderabad.Mahindra will be taking part in the Formula E Race event with the M9Electro race car. In Mexico City E-Prix held in January, M9Electro shared the podium, coming third in the race. It is to note that Mahindra Racing factory team has been part of Formula E ever since it was launched in 2011.New Mahindra Electric SUVsMahindra’s upcoming born-electric SUVs have been categorized under two separate brand names, XUV.e and BE. However, they share the same INGLO platform. Mahindra XUV.e range includes XUV.e8 and XUV.e9. XUV.e8 is essentially the electric version of XUV700. It will be the first to be launched, scheduled for December 2024. XUV.e8 is 4740 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1760 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2762 mm.Mahindra XUV.e9 is planned for launch in April 2025. It has a bold, futuristic design that blends in elements of an SUV and a coupe. XUV.e9 is 4790 mm long, 1905 mm wide, 1690 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2775 mm. It will have a large panoramic sky roof. Interiors will be bathed in luxury and there will be a comprehensive range of hi-tech features. This was unveiled in India in the presence of bollywood actor Disha Patani.Mahindra XUV.e9 India Debut in presence of Disha Patani.Mahindra BE range comprises BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. BE range SUVs are distinguishable by their radical design and have some common features such as C-shaped headlamps and tail lamps and sharp body panelling. Special attention has been given to improving aerodynamics, which will help boost range of these SUVs.Mahindra BE Rall-E Concept ElectricMahindra BE Rall-E Concept ElectricBE.05 is scheduled to debut in October 2025. Mahindra defines it as a Sports Electric Vehicle (SEV), which is indicative of its racing inspired design and superior performance. BE.05 is 4370 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1635 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2775 mm. Based on this, Mahindra revealed an all electric off-road rally concept, called BE RALL-E in the presence of Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal.BE.07 is scheduled to debut in October 2026. It will be a family-oriented SUVs, perfect for weekend fun and vacations. BE.07 is 4565 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1660 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2775 mm. BE.09 will be the range topping SUV, born with a sculpted profile and dominating street presence. It will be a 4-seater SUV. Not much details are available about BE.09 and its launch timeline.Upcoming Mahindra Electric SUVs – Showcased in IndiaThese born-electric SUVs will be sharing Mahindra’s all-new INGLO platform. It offers a range of advantages such as adaptability to varying body styles. INGLO will be utilizing advanced Blade and Prismatic cell architectures, which will ensure optimal range.Users will benefit from fast charging, with 80% achievable in less than 30 minutes. INGLO will ensure an exhilarating performance, with 0-100 kmph possible in just 5-6 seconds. Safety is another focus area, featuring a fortified passenger cabin and a range of ADAS features. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Upcoming MG Electric Small Car Spied In Baroda – LED Lights

      by

      Entry-level electric PV segment is gaining traction with cars like Tata Tiago EV, Citroen C3 electric and upcoming Tata Punch EVNew MG Electric Car For IndiaWith huge unlocked potential in entry-level EV space, OEMs are looking to make early gains. A relevant example is MG Motor that is working on its 2-door mini electric car MG Air. It has been spotted on road tests multiple times, most recently near Baroda. Latest spy shots are credited to Digvijay Singh.At just 2,900 mm long, MG Air will not have any direct rival. Only possibility is Tata Nano electric, but its launch is not 100% sure. Assuming MG Air is affordably priced, it can go up against the likes of Tiago EV and Citroen eC3. MG Motor is likely to be aiming for a sub-10 lakh rupees price point for MG Air EV.MG Air EV featuresMG Air EV has a compact, tall boy design with large doors and windows. Front and rear windscreen are also sizeable, especially in proportion to the car’s compact dimensions. Users can expect roomy interiors and scenic views of the outside world. MG Air EV has a boxy profile with a largely non-existent bonnet. Front section features a prominent bumper, large headlamps and top-mounted LED strip.Side profile has flat panelling and comes with large window panes for rear passengers. Based on the variant, MG Air EV can have options of both steel wheels and alloy wheels. At rear, the profile is largely a repeat of what we see at the front. There’s a full-width light bar and trapezoidal tail lamps.[embedded content][embedded content]Even though affordability is a key focus area in entry-level EV space, MG Motor will make sure that Air EV gets a comprehensive range of features. It could get a large touchscreen infotainment system, along with a wide range of connectivity features.MG Air EV range, specsMG Air EV will be based on MG’s latest Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform. It is capable of supporting multiple body styles. To ensure it justifies its name, MG Air EV will have a lightweight body. Battery pack is also expected to be a compact unit of around 20kWh to 25kWh capacity. Max power output could be around 40 hp. Expect a real-world range of approximately 150 km. Both standard and fast charging options will be available.MG Air EV is being developed with Indian weather and driving conditions in mind. Hot and humid environments are of special concern, which necessitate a robust battery thermal management system and air conditioning.Earlier, it was revealed that MG Air EV production is planned to commence from March 2023. Initial production target has been set at 36,000 units per annum. While MG Air EV has cute, easy-going vibes, it remains to be seen the level of response it generates. It can surely work for younger audiences looking for a showstopper ride that’s also environment-friendly. More

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      BYD Seal Electric India Website Goes LIVE – 700 Km Range

      by

      In top-spec version, BYD Seal comes with 530 bhp and 670 Nm dual motor configuration capable of sprinting 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 secondsBYD Seal Electric IndiaIf there is an EV company that probably can take on Tesla, it is definitely BYD. China’s BYD (Build Your Dreams) is one of the biggest EV makers in the world today. In India, they have two electric cars on offer currently. e6 MPV and Atto 3.After the successful launch of their first two cars, BYD is now getting ready to launch their 3rd car. At the 2023 Auto Expo, BYD showcased the Seal electric sedan. Now BYD Seal electric has made its debut on the company’s official India website. Does this mean launch is right around the corner? Let’s take a look.BYD Seal India Launch PlansBYD’s Indian website now features Seal electric sedan alongside e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV. There is no mention of a launch timeline or pricing. We hope it is a hint at an imminent launch. But nothing is official yet. The headline figures include 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and 700 km of range from a single charge and a holy grail 50:50 weight distribution.This is possible with a large battery ranging from 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh. Motor configurations in global markets start from 204 bhp in RWD config and can be specced all the way to 530 bhp and 670 Nm in AWD config. If priced around Rs. 60 lakh (ex-sh), BYD Seal will rival Volvo XC40 Recharge and Kia EV6 GT Line.BYD Seal Electric IndiaSpeaking about design BYD Seal seems to have taken inspiration from Porsche Taycan. This is visible in Seal’s LED headlight shape and an interesting air intake below it. In this air intake, we get LED DRLs which are in wire-frame form. Bonnet tapers down towards the front aggressively and features power bulges, lending it a chiseled look. There is air intake for battery cooling in the lower half of the front bumper. From the side, it comes off as a rather sporty 4-door coupe sedan with a sloping roofline.BYD SEAL Electric HighlightsThis sloping roofline doesn’t go all the way to the rear. Instead, it ends much earlier and lends BYD Seal a 3-box design attribute. It is a very interesting detail. Rolls-Royce adamantly swears by this 3-box design and even implemented it on Cullinan SUV. Other design features include stylish alloys and sharp creases that almost make it look German.With EV designs, it is always ‘form follows function’. This is to minimise air drag and extract as much range as possible. Speaking of air drag, BYD Seal boasts an air drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd. It ain’t no Mercedes-Benz EQS at 0.2 Cd. But it is still impressive nonetheless. On the inside, there is minimalism of knobs and buttons.BYD Seal Electric IndiaA giant center touchscreen and a wide instrument screen dominate the interior. Seats get quilted patterns and extend to door pads as well. Windscreen and roof are separated unlike in Tesla vehicles. But BYD Seal gets a giant glass roof, which doesn’t open. BYD Seal EV features flush door handles and smart-looking LED tail lights. More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Xiaomi MS11 Electric Car Photos Leak Ahead Of Global Debut

      by

      Well known for its electronic gadgets, Xiaomi MS11 is the company’s maiden electric car and is set to be unveiled soonXiaomi MS11 Electric CarElectric cars are currently all the rage. There are a tonne of new players springing in every once in a while. EV sales are on the rise and the industry is booming too. Mainstream carmakers like Maruti who didn’t fall into this headfirst, are now embracing EVs. With an infinite potential, tech giants want a piece of the pie too.We’re talking about tech behemoths like Google, Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, and even Sony. Speaking of Sony, this Japanese tech giant recently revealed an electric vehicle sub-brand named Afeela, under a JV with Honda. Google (Waymo) and Apple (Titan) are making electric cars too.Afeela and Waymo have entered the prototype phase. But there is another tech giant who’s actively testing its EV and near production-spec vehicle’s pictures have now leaked online. We’re talking about Xiaomi and its infamous MS11 EV. Let’s take a look.Xiaomi MS11 Maiden Electric CarRight off the bat, Xiaomi MS11 is a blend of other EVs out there. It bears an uncanny resemblance to BYD Seal. That in itself bore uncanny resemblance to Porsche Taycan. In effect, Xiaomi MS11 seems to be a copycat of a copycat. Unlike BYD Seal, there is no aggression with MS11. Body lines are a lot smoother.Xiaomi MS11 Electric CarThe car in pictures looks fairly production-ready. At front, we have a neatly tapering bonnet and interesting headlight assemblies with four LED projectors. Under headlights, we can see air scoops that are likely to feed air to cool its brakes. There are C-shaped elements inserted into the lower front bumper flanking its air intake.This is a four-door electric sedan with flush door handles and a coupe-ish rear-sloping profile. The entire roof is one single pane of glass, found in Tesla models and there are interesting alloy wheel designs too. Rear tail lights remind me of the ones found on a Dodge Dart, but inverted.There is a bulb on its roof housing various LIDAR, radar and other sensors. Something similar was found on Volvo EX90 and reminds me of London Black Cabs. MS11 was spotted winter testing on Chinese roads before. A Weibo user has reportedly leaked pictures ahead of official unveiling by Xiaomi.Xiaomi MS11 Electric CarChinese EVsRight now, China is like a pit of Lithium protected by a fire-breathing dragon. Estimates suggest China is the largest Lithium reserve. And it is no wonder why a majority of batteries are from China. Where electronic gadgets are concerned, Xiaomi has a reputation for aggressive pricing strategies, posing a lucrative proposition.If the same aggressive pricing strategies are applied to the EV segment, Xiaomi might have an upper hand in the near future. Not a lot is known about Xiaomi MS11. It has been spotted with Wilwood braking hardware finished in Yellow and that’s it. We should soon witness a showcase of a prototype by Xiaomi and a full launch may happen in 2024. It will have a fat brochure and on paper, will be neck-n-neck with stalwarts. More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Electric Cars

      New Mahindra XUV700 Electric, BEVs India Debut 10th Feb – Official Teaser

      by

      First unveiled in the UK, Mahindra Born Electric SUVs feature a futuristic design language underpinned by VW-sourced MEB platformMahindra XUV.e9 – All electric SUV coupe based on XUV700After launching the XUV400 EV last month, Mahindra is now getting ready to showcase their range of future electric SUVs in India for the 1st time. First unveiled at M.A.D.E. HQ (Mahindra Advanced Design Europe) in the UK, BE series are now en-route India.Mahindra India has shared official teasers on their social media handles. BE range of electric SUVs will be showcased at Mahindra EV Fashion Festival in Hyderabad on February 10th, 2023.Mahindra Born Electric SUVs India PremiereThe BE range from Mahindra sits beside XUV.e range of electric SUVs. Both are based on INGLO platform. INGLO means IN-dian by heart and GLO-bal by standards. This platform is a derivative of Volkswagen’s MEB platform being used on a few Ford vehicles too. MEB means Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten. It is a modular and scalable EV platform outsourced to OEMs for procuring under a license.This platform is found in Audi’s Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, and Q5 e-tron. Cupra’s Born, upcoming Urban Rebel and Tavascan. Skoda’s Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupe iV. Ford’s two upcoming EVs for Europe. Volkswagen’s ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo as well. Lastly, Mahindra XUV.e8 (XUV700 Electric), XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07, and BE.09.The future begins now. Stay tuned for the grand homecoming of our born electric SUVs at the Mahindra EV Fashion Festival in Hyderabad on 10th February 2023. #BE #Mahindra #BornElectricVision pic.twitter.com/r49zXGdOKy— Mahindra Born Electric (@born_electric) February 2, 2023Mahindra is procuring electric drives, battery systems and unified cells from VW. Part of electric drive is VW’s proprietary APP310 PMDC motor which MEB platform supports. The number 310 means it will have 310 Nm of peak torque. APP310 motor weighs only 90 kg and is mated to a 1-speed gearbox. Mahindra has revealed INGLO platform will feature LFP cells which are likely to be prismatic ones.BEV LineupBE is abbreviated to Born Electric and signifies that it doesn’t share its body with other ICE-based vehicles. XUV.e lineup gets ICE spinoffs and vice-versa. When Mahindra said GLO-bal in standards, the company means it as this platform is also found in global cars. Battery will range between 60 kWh to 80 kWh in capacity. RWD setup will feature 170 kW (228 bhp) and AWD setup will feature 250 kW (335 bhp). Reports from UK states Mahindra’s INGLO platform is range tested too.Range is around 675 km in Indian testing cycles and 430 km in WLTP cycle. These figures are not specified in relation to battery capacity and respective vehicles in the model range. Speaking of model range, Mahindra’s electric SUVs come in two lineups. BE and XUV.e. BE lineup includes BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09, while XUV.e lineup includes XUV.e8 and XUV.e9.This is the first time these electric SUVs will be setting foot in India. Mahindra EV Fashion Festival is taking place in Hyderabad, Telangana state. The event is set to happen on 10th of February, 2023. Of these new EVs, it is the XUV.e8 that will launch first. It is XUV700 electric version, due for launch in 2024. More