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      Mahindra XUV400 Electric Sets New Record – 751 Kms, 24 Hrs, Sub 0 Temp

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      Agility and smoothness of XUV400 on Manali-Leh highway reveals that driving dynamics could be even better that powerful ICE-based SUVsMahindra XUV400 ElectricMahindra has been creating one bestseller after another and the next big launch is XUV400 Electric. It debuted last year in September and prices are expected to be announced sometime this month.Base-spec variants of XUV400 could be offered at around Rs 17 lakh or even lower to improve competencies against primary rival Tata Nexon EV. XUV400 technical specs are better than Nexon EV across dimensions, range, battery capacity, etc. A tough battle can be expected ahead and it will be interesting to see who wins eventually.Mahindra XUV400 Electric – New RecordMahindra has revealed that the XUV400 Electric has set a new record. It has become the first ever electric vehicle to cover a distance of 751 kms within 24 hours, in sub-zero temperatures. The drive started from Kyelang, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh and covered a distance of 751kms in 24 hours.Automotive enthusiasts who saw XUV400 in the steep inclines of the sub-zero terrain said that the electric SUV can be seen effortlessly zig zagging across steep inclines. It is quite remarkable, as negotiating inclines at high altitudes is a challenging task for any vehicle. XUV400 can be seen smoothly accelerating and overtaking other cars without any jerky motions. It goes on to show its power and refined performance.Mahindra XUV400 Electric – New drive record in sub-zero temperaturesXUV400 will be utilizing a 39.4 kWh battery pack that has 112 Ah capacity rating. The battery pack has NMC (nickel, manganese and cobalt) electro-chemical composition. Gross vehicle weight is 1,960 kg, of which, the battery pack itself weighs 309 kg. But as evidenced with the spotted test mule, XUV400 has impressive acceleration.Mahindra XUV400 Electric – New drive record in sub-zero temperaturesOfficially, XUV400 can achieve 0-100 kmph in 8.3 seconds. This makes it the fastest passenger vehicle to be produced in India, excluding the non-luxury segment. XUV400 has a top speed of 150 kmph, which is applicable in both laden and unladen conditions. Dimensionally, XUV400 is 4,200 mm long, 1,821 mm wide, 1,634 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. These numbers are higher than XUV300, although both SUVs are based on the same platform. Users can expect roomier interiors for all passengers. Boot space is also pretty good at 378 litres.XUV400 range, specsXUV400 has a certified range of 456 km, as per AIS 040 (Rev. 1) standard. In comparison, Nexon EV Max has a certified range of 437 km (ARAI). As there’s not much difference between the two in terms of certified range, it’s the real-world range that will determine if XUV400 can triumph over Nexon EV. Powering Mahindra XUV400 is an AC – synchronous motor that churns out 110 kW (147.5 hp) of max power at 5,500 rpm and 310 Nm of peak torque. In terms of 30 minutes peak power, XUV400 is rated at 60 kW (80 hp) at 4,000 rpm.Mahindra XUV400 Electric – New drive record in sub-zero temperaturesTo keep costs in check, XUV400 will be using in-house manufactured batteries. These will be manufactured by Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd. in collaboration with Mahindra. However, the battery controller and electric motor will be imported from China. Valeo Siemens eAutomotive (Changshu) Co. Ltd. will be manufacturing the electric motor and battery controller for XUV400.To ensure it succeeds, XUV400 will be getting a range of segment-first and best-in-class features. Some key highlights include a large touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, dual zone climate control, 7-airbags and adjustable steering wheel. There will be drive modes of Fun, Fast and Fearless, which will utilize unique combinations of throttle, steering and regen. Another interesting feature is ‘Lively’ mode, especially designed for negotiating heavy traffic. More

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      Sony-Honda JV Electric Car – First Afeela EV Prototype Debuts

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      Apart from Afeela EV brand under Sony-Honda joint venture, Honda will prepare its own EV lineup as wellSony-Honda JV Electric CarWe all know that Sony is a stalwart when it comes to batteries, electronic gadgets, audio, optics, entertainment, displays, televisions and a lot more appliances. At the 2020 CES event, Sony stunned the world by showcasing an electric sedan concept named Vision S. Sony assured that it was only experimental and had no intentions to launch.Vision S was a stunning vehicle as a concept car. With extremely limited expertise in making cars, Sony couldn’t have built an EV on their own. But Sony pulled a Bazinga card when it partnered up with Honda and has now unveiled a new EV brand named Afeela. The Afeela prototype is also an electric sedan just like the Vision S concept.Sony-Honda Joint VentureThere are a lot of eyebrow-raising features on this car including PlayStation integration and a digital display that stretches across the width of the car’s interior. Yeah, Playstation 5 deliveries are still scarce worldwide and Sony is set to integrate one with their cars.Entertainment being one of its primary businesses, Sony knows the importance of subscription services. Something similar is said to be implemented on Afeela cars as well. A lot of highlight features could be based on a subscription model, just like Tesla cars which come with Autopilot hardware as standard, but unlocked via software after payment.[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of design, it is honestly a mixed bag. The bottom half of the car is extremely straight and minimal and the roof line tapers down aggressively to form a coupe shape. A lot of inspiration has been drawn from Porsche and Lucid cars. This is evident throughout the car’s design including the front LED light bar as well.It is said that Sony had a hand in the design and development process as well. Unlike Apple and Google cars where the respective companies are said to only make software. Apart from Afeela cars with Sony, Honda is preparing itself for an EV future as well. We saw it with the launch of NSX hybrid supercar and Honda e small electric hatchback.Prologue will be Honda’s first-ever long-range electric vehicle which is made in partnership with General Motors. There will also be an EV under Honda’s Acura brand and both will be underpinned by General Motors’ Ultium platform.Sony-Honda JV Electric CarSpecs & PricingNot a lot is known about the Afeela electric sedan prototype. A large battery with around 100 kWh of capacity with around 500 km of range from a single charge and an electrifying acceleration is expected. High-tech sensors, cameras, LIDAR sensors and radar modules are placed at key locations which enable semi-autonomous driving and fully autonomous driving in the future.Afeela cars are said to be produced at one of 12 manufacturing facilities owned by Honda in North America. Bookings will commence from 2025 and launch is in 2026. After that, JDM and Europe are likely to see the launch of Afeela-branded EVs by Sony-Honda joint venture.Production-spec version of Afeela sedan EV is already under testing and will go head to head with luxury electric sedans like Mercedes-Benz EQS, Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, Lucid Air. Prices are expected to be north of $100,000 (Approx Rs. 82 lakh) for top-spec models. More

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      Maruti Electric SUV To Rival Tata Nexon EV – Up To 500 Km Range

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      Expected to be launched in early 2025, Maruti EV will take on upcoming EVs from Tata Motors and MahindraImage for illustration. Credit – Power RacerAlthough late in the race, Maruti Suzuki appears to be finally stepping-up focus in EV segment. India’s largest carmaker will reveal its first all-electric model, codenamed YY8, at upcoming 2023 Auto Expo. It will be the company’s hero concept for 2023, on the same lines as Future-S was in 2018 and Futuro-e in 2020.Maruti YY8 will be manufactured at Suzuki’s production facility in Gujarat. The EV will cater to domestic as well as international markets. Around 50% of the production is expected to be allocated for exports. YY8 is being developed in collaboration with Toyota that is likely to launch its own rebadged version of the EV.Maruti YY8 electric SUV range, specsTo ensure a better fit for a broader segment of users with varying needs and preferences, Maruti YY8 electric SUV will be offered with 48 kWh and 59 kWh battery pack options. Respective certified range is expected to be around 400 km and 500 km. Power output is expected in the range of 138 hp to 170 hp. Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive option will be available. AWD will be available for export markets, but not certain if it will be offered in domestic market.As compared to Tata EVs that use conventional LFP cylindrical cells, Maruti YY8 EV will be using LFP blade cell batteries. It will be sourced from BYD, a leading China-based automotive manufacturer. Blade cell technology claims to be superior, in terms of its range, weight and space utilization. As more cells can be packed within the available space, blade battery can deliver higher range.Maruti Suzuki Gujarat PlantBYD also claims blade battery to be a lot safer than other battery technologies. It has passed the nail penetration test, with surface temperature being limited to 30 to 60° Celsius. Other extreme tests have also been performed such as crushing the battery, bending it, overcharging it and heating it in a furnace. Even then, BYD claims no fire or explosions were recorded.Focus on spacious interiorsMaruti YY8 electric SUV will be based on the 27PL born-electric skateboard architecture, which is derived from Toyota’s 40PL global platform. Its long wheelbase of around 2,700 mm will ensure spacious interiors and ample room to accommodate a large battery pack. YY8 will have short overhangs, in line with design trends seen in EV segment. Wheels will be placed towards the edges, as far as possible, which will allow for more space on the inside.It is expected that Maruti YY8 will be over 4.2 meters long, which is close to Creta’s 4.3 meters. It will have a futuristic design, unlike anything imaginable with the current breed of Maruti cars. As there will be quite a few rivals by 2025, Maruti will ensure that YY8 is equipped with a comprehensive range of hi-tech features.Launch price of Maruti YY8 electric SUV and its Toyota version is expected to be in the range of Rs 13 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. At this price point and loaded with features, YY8 has potential to emerge as another Maruti bestseller. However, competition will intensify significantly by 2025, as both Mahindra and Tata are working on their born-electric range.From the current set of electric SUVs, this new Maruti e-SUV will rival the likes of Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV400, etc. At 2023 Auto Expo, Maruti will also showcase other products such as YTB SUV (Baleno based coupe SUV cross) and the 5-door Jimny. WagonR’s flex fuel prototype will also be in attendance. More

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      Citroen eC3 Electric Interiors Spied – New Details Before Launch

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      Citroen eC3 will be unveiled at 2023 Auto Expo – Launch is expected soon after, which is when prices and range details will be revealedCitroen eC3 Electric InteriorsIf we look at the Indian electric car market, there is one brand that has firmly established itself. We are talking about Tata Motors. They have a diversified portfolio including an electric hatchback, an electric sedan and an electric SUV. Tata’s modern day EV journey started with the Nexon EV in Jan 2020. And today, they also offer Tigor EV, Nexon EV Max and now Tiago EV.There is no imminent challenger to Tata Motors in the entry level electric car market. Closest rivals could be MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona EV, BYD Atto 3, etc. But these are a segment or two above Tata’s EV offerings.Citroen eC3 Electric InteriorsCome 2023, we will have more rivals to Tata’s electric cars. Mahindra will have the XUV400 electric to rival Nexon EV, MG Air EV will take on Tiago EV. Another rival to Tiago EV will come in the form of Citroen eC3, which has been spied again. But this time, we get a closer look at the interiors, dashboard of the Citroen electric car. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Chandrakanth Reddy M for sharing the exclusive spy shots.Speaking about external design, Citroen C3 electric test mule looks identical to its ICE counterpart. However, production-spec eC3 is likely to get new highlights, EV badge – helping it easily differentiate from its ICE counterpart. Tata Motors follows a similar path and offers blue highlights and EV-specific colour shades to help identify it apart from its ICE counterparts.Citroen eC3 Electric InteriorsInteriors of eC3 are similar to petrol version. It gets the same touchscreen infotainment system, steering wheel with controls, AC vents, etc. What is different is the missing gear lever. Citroen eC3 gets a drive mode selector with RND option along with an ECO mode button.C3 Electric Specs, RangeCitroen eC3 specs are not yet made official. That said, sources reveal that it is likely to come with a 30.2 kWh battery. This is a bigger battery pack as compared to Tiago EV long range variant’s 24 kWh. The motor on Citroen eC3 is said to make 86 bhp of power and 143 Nm of torque as opposed to 74 bhp and 114 Nm on Long Range models.Tata Tiago EV offers a range of up to 315 km on a single charge with Long Range version. One can expect that Citroen eC3 will offer a real-world range close to 300 km from its larger battery. Mechanically, suspension will be tuned differently or stronger struts will be used to accommodate heavier batteries.Citroen C3 Electric Charging next to Nexon EVBy keeping the exteriors and interiors of ICE and EV versions similar, Citroen will be able to save significantly on development costs. This will help bring overall costs down and launch eC3 at an aggressive price tag. Launch price of Citroen eC3 could be in the region of Rs 10 lakh. More

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      Tata Motors 50,000th EV Delivered To Tata Chairman – Nexon Electric SUV

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      Tata Nexon Electric car delivered to Tata Group Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran is the 50,000th EV from Tata MotorsTata Motors 50,000th EV Delivered To Tata ChairmanWith EV sales being noticeably higher through 2022, most companies are reporting growth. And some are posting new milestones. Where electric cars are concerned, the market isn’t bustling with activity. Because not all manufacturers offer an electric car yet. Some don’t sell a single electric car. On this front, Tata Motors has in a few short years grown its EV portfolio in a phased manner.And before you can say Jack Robinson, Tata Motors has reached a significant milestone. The auto manufacturer has now delivered its 50,000th EV. And who better, that to Tata Group Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran.Tata Nexon EV salesOf this, a majority contribution is attributed to Tata Nexon EV. Sales for which had surpassed the 35k unit mark at the start of the month. Tata Motors is yet to launch an electric car built from the ground up. For now, it has done well to maximise the reach of its current portfolio by introducing electric variants in a timely fashion.Nexon EV has nothing to prove and dominates as the top selling EV in India. Tata Tigor EV too has been available for a few years now. Most recently, Tata Tiago EV was launched. This has allowed the manufacturer to build its EV portfolio across segments, and price points. It’s smaller car Punch will soon be seen in its electric avatar, with a launch expected later in 2023.Tata Motors 50,000th EV Delivered To Tata ChairmanFor now, Tata Motors is advancing leaps and bounds in the EV segment. And while growing its EV network, it continues to reach newer domestic markets to make electric cars a part of the personal mobility ecosystem.As far as the electric car segment is concerned, there hasn’t been any major announcement from most manufacturers. And this paints a picture of what to expect, and what not to expect in the near future. Tata Tiago EV, the manufacturer’s most recent launch has already garnered 20k bookings. And deliveries are scheduled to get underway in January 2023.Electric cars expected to be at 30 percent by 2030In supporting electric mobility, government goals are focused on public transport advancements. Here too, Tata has been setting trends. This apart, in recent months, a range of new manufacturers have embraced the electric scooter market. E-commerce companies are focused on small electric CVs to complete deliveries. And electric rickshaws too have soared ahead, depending on the city.Where passenger cars are concerned, most conversations these days revolve around Tata Motors’ offerings. With the electric car market in India expected to grow noticeably by the turn of the decade, this is a space that should be closely competed in the years to come. EV sales penetration for passenger cars is expected at 30 percent by 2030. More

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      Kia EV9 Electric SUV Teased – India Debut 2023 Auto Expo

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      Hyundai SEVEN concept (production name – Ioniq 7) is underpinned by the same E-GMP platform like Kia EV9 conceptKia EV9 Electric SUV Teased For IndiaMost cars falling under Hyundai’s umbrella, have vertical integration across their sub-brands. We have seen this in India as well with Creta-Seltos and Venue-Sonet. In global markets, Hyundai takes this platform sharing a notch above by bringing its luxury brand Genesis to the mix as well.The same concept sticks with Kia and Hyundai’s concept vehicles. If there is a Hyundai concept, it will likely spawn a Kia as well. There will be major differences in styling, though. Same is true with Hyundai SEVEN concept and Kia EV 9 concept. Speaking of, Kia EV 9 concept is now teased for India and will be showcased at 2023 Auto Expo taking place in Greater Noida next month.Kia EV9 Electric SUV TeasedAt Kia Motors pavilion at 2023 Auto Expo, there will be a lot going on. The most awaited of them all is Seltos facelift with more tech (ADAS) and features (panoramic sunroof) along with a new 1.5L turbo petrol engine. This engine replaces the 1.4L turbo petrol unit and packs in more punch with up to 160 PS of power.Kia could also showcase a new generation of Kia Carnival (globally sold as Sedona) and Sorento SUV. India still gets the 3rd generation model, while the 4th generation model has been on sale since 2020. An update to the Carnival was long overdue and along with that, we will get to witness Sorento SUV as well, for the first time in India.[embedded content][embedded content]The star of the show will obviously be the Kia EV9 concept. With radical design and boxy silhouette, Kia has playfully integrated butch and boxy designs of yesteryear with modernity and a lot of drama. Hyundai’s counterpart of this concept is Ioniq 7 which takes a swoopy approach to its concept. Kia EV9 concept looks like a buff version of Kia Soul EV on steroids.Test mules of production-spec version Kia EV9 have been spotted in South Korea before. Most of the boxiness and butch appeal is carried over to the production-spec model. We saw a glimpse of this large barge of an SUV at LA Auto Show 2021. Now, it will be showcased at Kia Motors pavilion at 2023 Auto Expo.Specs & DimensionsKia EV9 concept vehicle is Telluride sized. In simple terms, it will be slightly over 5m in length, almost 2m in width and over 1.7m in height. Kia Telluride has a 2,900mm long wheelbase. Technical specifications of the Kia EV9 concept are not yet out. On the inside, this concept vehicle gets an interesting setup with three seating modes; Active, Pause and Enjoy. For driver, there is an ultra-wide 27 inch HD display.2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUVA large fixed glass roof dominates the roof. It is based on E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), just like Hyundai SEVEN (production-spec name is Ioniq 7). A 100 kWh battery pack with up to 500 km of range from a single charge, is a possibility. Production-spec Kia EV9 will get both 2WD and 4WD options as well. More

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      New Gen Tata Nano Electric Render – Reborn For Glory

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      While an official statement has not been issued, it is likely that Tata Nano Electric will be utilizing an entirely new platformNew Gen Tata Nano Electric RenderNano was an ambitious project, aimed at providing a safer alternative to families using two-wheelers. Two adults with two or more children packed in a small space and riding on two wheels has been a common sight on the roads. Nano wanted to bring about a change, but somehow it didn’t generate the numbers, as needed to be viable from a business perspective.Tata Nano was discontinued in 2018, even though it had garnered decent response at the time of its launch in 2008. While it failed to meet balance sheet requirements, it did manage to create a high brand recall. One can still find some of these on the streets and the car’s unconventional dimensions and cute profile are difficult to overlook. This is why there’s scope for Nano to be reborn in electric format.Tata Nano electric design – RenderWhile it may take some time for Nano electric to hit the road, automotive design artist Pratyush Rout has come up with an exciting concept design of the micro-EV. The silhouette is familiar, but overall styling looks a lot more modern and fluid. Use of large glass panels creates an airy, likeable feel for the car. An all-glass top could work even better, but it may not be viable from a cost perspective.Nano electric can be seen with large eyelid-shaped DRLs and compact headlamps. The bumper section has a smiley effect, which complements the car’s friendly vibes. Side panels have a sculpted look and feel and front doors have flush handles. Rear doors have the handles integrated into the C-pillar. Wheels are placed at the extreme edges, which ensures a longer wheelbase and spacious interiors.New Gen Tata Nano Electric RenderWith Nano electric, Tata may be aiming for the first-mover advantage in micro-EV segment. This space has been witnessing massive growth in international markets like China. Something similar can be expected for India, where currently entry-level hatchbacks dominate the numbers game.New Nano EV rangeTata has been successful in creating electric versions of its popular cars like Nexon, Tigor and Tiago. Nano EV could be part of the same strategy. Tata is also getting ready to launch electric version of Punch in 2023.However, with Nano electric, Tata may utilize a different approach. Nano electric could be based on a born electric platform and pack in more modern design aesthetics. Likely to be positioned as Tata’s most affordable electric car, Nano EV could have a range of around 200 km.It will primarily cater to city commutes and can emerge as a preferred choice for folks who care about the environment. If sales numbers meet expectations, Nano electric could also be instrumental in reducing some of the smoke from heavily choked cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, etc. More

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      Citroen C3 Electric Spied At Charging Station – Next To Nexon EV

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      It will be interesting to see if Citroen C3 Electric (eC3) can match affordability of Tiago EV that is India’s first mainstream sub-10 lakh electric carCitroen C3 Electric Charging next to Nexon EVAfter C5 Aircross and C3 hatchback, Citroen is getting ready to foray into EV segment with the electric version of C3. As revealed in teasers, Citroen’s first EV for India is likely to be named eC3. It is expected to debut at the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo.While ICE-based C3 hatchback has emerged as a popular choice, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to its electric version. Tiago EV has set high standards – being affordable as well as offering a comprehensive range of features. Citroen eC3 will also need to be prepared against upcoming MG Air EV. In the latest spy shot, the new Citroen eC3 can be seen at a charging station next to Tata Nexon EV, at Relux Charger Tindivanam, near Chennai. Spy shots are credited to Harikrishnan Pisharody.Citroen C3 electric (eC3) SpiedCitroen C3 electric can position itself as a better product than Tiago EV by offering improved performance and higher range. It could also introduce some segment-first or best-in-class features. Tiago EV’s pricing will be tough to beat, as it already appears to be at a discounted price range. It is one of the key reasons why Tiago EV has received an overwhelming response, with 10k bookings recorded in just 24 hours.While details about C3 electric have not been revealed officially, it is expected to get a 30.2 kWh battery pack. The electric motor will generate 86 bhp (63 kW) of max power and 143 Nm of peak torque. In comparison, Tiago EV medium range variants have 19.2 kWh battery whereas long range variants have 24 kWh battery pack. Power and torque output of top-spec variants is 74 bhp (55 kW) and 114 Nm, which is lower than Citroen C3.Citroen C3 Electric Charging next to Nexon EVBattery pack onboard C3 electric is likely to use LFP cells that are considered safer, long-lasting and better suited for extreme weather conditions. Citroen could be sourcing the battery pack from Svolt, a Chinese supplier. Citroen C3 electric range is expected to be around 300 km in real world driving conditions. In comparison, Tiago EV has a certified range of 250 km for medium range variants and 315 km for long range variants.Citroen C3 electric featuresBased on the same platform as ICE-based C3 hatchback, Citroen C3 electric will have the same set of features and equipment. It will help reduce development and production cost, which will allow Citroen to launch eC3 at a competitive price point. The EV will be manufactured at CK Birla facility, located in Thiruvallur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Some of the key features onboard Citroen eC3 electric could include 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, C-Buddy smartphone connectivity suite, voice commands, remote keyless entry, 12v socket and USB charging ports.Safety kit will include features like ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, engine immobilizer and speed sensitive auto door lock. To make it more attractive, Citroen can introduce some entirely new features with C3 electric. More