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      Electric SUV Breaks Down 10 Hours After Delivery – Owner Demands New Car

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      Tata Nexon EV breaks down on delivery dayAlthough such cases are rare, the one at the receiving end is bound to experience a lot of anger and frustrationWhen things don’t work out as expected after taking delivery of a car, the trust that one has in the brand is deeply shaken. A Tata Nexon EV owner in Ahmedabad had to go through a similar experience recently. As the matter has not been resolved as per the expectations of the owner, he has shared his experience on his Twitter handle. Hopefully, all stakeholders should be able to come to an agreeable solution in the coming days.Nexon EV breaks down after deliveryAccording to the owner, he had taken delivery of Tata Nexon EV from Progressive Cars in Ahmedabad on July 14, 2023. The owner has mentioned the time of delivery at 1:30 PM. After taking delivery, the owner drove the car for around 15 to 20 km. At around 11 PM on the same day of delivery, the vehicle experienced a breakdown. The owner has posted an image of the car’s instrument console, which shows a ‘Critical Alert’ notification. The message also asks the user to contact the service centre.Tata Nexon EV breaks down on delivery dayThis sudden breakdown was surprising, as the battery indicator was still showing an available range of 201 km. The notification did not provide any more details. As there was nothing the owner could do to fix the issue, the car had to be towed to the car dealer workshop. The next day, the dealer informed them that they had identified and fixed the issue. The problem was with the PSA, which had to be replaced.Owner demanding new car or full refundAlthough the problem has been fixed, the owner does not want to keep the car anymore. He has stated that he does not want to drive a car that developed problems in just 10-11 hours after taking delivery. For the owner, it is more of a psychological issue than anything else. It happens when one’s expectations are shattered.Tata Nexon EV breaks down on delivery dayThe Tata dealership had tried to assure the owner that there is no longer any issue with the car. They even offered extra perks and benefits and requested the owner to take delivery. But the owner has refused such offers and insists on a new car or full refund.As of now, the car is parked at the dealership and waiting for the owner to take delivery. It appears to be a stalemate, even after more than 20 days of the breakdown incident. Tata Nexon EV comes with 8 years / 1.6 lakh km of battery and motor warranty. This is good enough to ensure complete peace of mind for users.It remains to be seen how things work out in this case. It will be tough for the dealership to provide a new car or issue a refund, as the delivered car will then instantly become a second-hand car. Users can probably look at the bigger picture and ignore small issues and obstacles that may come along the way. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Exter Electric Spied For The First Time – Launch In 2024 ?

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      Hyundai Exter Electric SpiedHyundai Exter electric will primarily rival upcoming Tata Punch EV, while also taking on Citroen eC3 and MG Comet EVAfter Tata Punch’s dominance in micro-SUV segment, Hyundai has created a strong challenger in the form of Exter. It was launched in July 2023, at a starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh. This battle will soon be played in the EV space as well.While Punch electric test mules have been spotted earlier, this is the first time Exter electric has been spied on road tests. The sense of urgency is clearly evident, as Hyundai hasn’t wasted any time in starting the trials for Exter EV. Launch is likely to take place next year.Hyundai Exter EV range, specsExter EV will be Hyundai’s first entry-level electric car in India. As of now, the company only offers premium range EVs in India such as Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric. In international markets, Hyundai offers a range of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars. Hyundai is currently working on Casper EV, which could have similarities with Exter EV.Exter has larger dimensions in comparison to Casper EV. It could get a higher capacity battery pack. For reference, Casper EV is expected to be equipped with a 40-kWh battery pack. Exter EV is likely to get a battery pack of around 25-30 kWh. Range is likely to be around 300-350 km.Hyundai Exter Electric SpiedFor example, Citroen eC3 offers range of 320 km, whereas MG Comet EV can travel 230 km on a full charge. Tiago EV has two variants, one with 250 km range and the other with 315 km range. Upcoming Punch EV is likely to have a similar range. An intense battle is expected between Hyundai Exter EV and Punch EV, as both will try to outdo each other in terms of range and performance.Exter EV styling, featuresExter EV will be largely the same as its ICE sibling in terms of its styling. There could be some changes at the front, along with exclusive EV badging. As evident in the spy shots, Exter EV can be seen with new wheels. Much of the features on the inside will be same as ICE Exter.The SUV is equipped with 1st in segment features such as voice enabled smart electric sunroof, dashcam with dual camera, paddle shifters, rear AC vents, footwell lighting, wireless phone charger, 12 language support and Alexa voice commands. Safety kit also includes 1st in segment features such as 6-airbags standard, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist control, rear view camera with dynamic guidelines, electronic stability control and vehicle stability management.Pricing will play a key role in deciding who takes the lead in micro-SUV electric segment. ICE models of Exter and Punch are closely priced. But in CNG, Punch has taken a lead with starting price of Rs 7,09,900 lakh. In comparison, Exter CNG starts at Rs 8,23,990. Hyundai is likely to follow an aggressive pricing strategy for upcoming Exter electric. More

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      Mahindra Thar Electric Official Teaser Confirms New Design

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      Mahindra Thar.e name teasedMahindra is getting ready to unveil exciting new concepts later this month at an event in South AfricaWith over 50,000 bookings pending, Thar is one of the most popular SUVs in India right now. Popularity is off the roof and most of the newfound demand is due to the newer RWD model. One could only imagine how much more popular a new version of Thar might be.We’re not talking about 5-door Thar, which will debut in 2024. Instead, we’re talking about Thar’s electric version that will debut on August 15th in South Africa. Latest teaser reveals that Mahindra is calling it Thar.e and the company is highly likely to showcase it in concept form.Mahindra Thar Electric ?? teaser ? pic.twitter.com/hpvdseO4yJ— RushLane (@rushlane) August 5, 2023Mahindra Thar.e Concept Global DebutFrom the teasers we can see a new design language on board. This will help Mahindra market their Thar as a global SUV and not restricted to a few countries, as is the case with current Thar. In the teaser we can see a concept vehicle with a lot of design flamboyance. It is likely to get Mahindra’s new INGLO EV platform shared with BE and XUV.e series of future electric vehicles.As of now, Thar gets a rugged ladder frame chassis. Electrifying a ladder frame chassis is tedious and poses production challenges, but it is not impossible. Mahindra is reportedly working on a cost-efficient and feasible way of electrifying a ladder frame vehicle. Toyota is at it too, with electric Innova Crysta.Mahindra Thar.e name teasedMahindra Thar.e could feature either a monocoque or ladder frame. Teasers confirm the Thar.e name and nothing more than that. The company will reveal more details on August 15th. It will be India’s first fully electric lifestyle vehicle. Until MG’s Yep eSUV arrives, of course.2023 Mahindra Scorpio Pickup renderScorpio N PickupApart from Thar electric, Mahindra will also be unveiling Scorpio N pikup truck at the same event on 15th August 2023. This will be a global product and will feature a longer wheelbase than standard Scorpio N to accommodate a load bay. Scorpio N pikup could be launched in global markets before India. Engine options will be similar to Scorpio N while prices could be comparatively lower than its SUV counterpart. More

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      Tyre Killer Speed Bump Fail – Wrong Side Drivers Have No Fear

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      Tyre Killer Speed Bump FailThe ones installed in Pune and Noida were removed soon and “tyre killer” speed breakers in Ahmedabad hardly workTraffic violations and virtually non-existent traffic discipline are plaguing all major cities in India. People usually resort to taking wrong roots to save time and fuel, not realizing that their lives are priceless. This puts them in grave danger of hurting themselves and putting other road-goers as well.Tyre killer speed bumps are a stunning idea to keep this activity in check. For all vehicles going in the right direction, this is just a regular speed breaker. But god forbid, if someone goes the wrong way, integrated spikes will penetrate tyres, making them unusable. But such speed bumps in Ahmedabad tell a different story altogether.Tyre Killer Speed BumpsWhat are tyre killer speed bumps?One has to understand how this system works. This type of speed breaker has integrated spikes in them. These spikes are spring-loaded and they contract when vehicles pass through them the right way. If someone stumbled on them from the wrong way or opposite direction, it will not contract and said spikes will stay put.These sturdy spikes should then pierce through tyres of said vehicles and render them useless. These spikes not just create a puncture that could be repaired. But looking at their size, could leave the tyre destroyed, once and for all. This should have created enough fear in civilians to not break traffic rules. Because tyres ain’t cheap.[embedded content]Pune was the first city to get these tyre killer speed breakers. Pune is a large city with a large repository of personal and commercial cars, motorcycles and other commercial vehicles. The first tyre killer speed breaker could be seen near Amanora.No damageSoon, Delhi-NCR jumped into this bandwagon with Noida implementing it at multiple locations at once. Ahmedabad followed too. This should have been an epitome of traffic rules enforcement in India. But instead, both Pune and Noida removed these breakers. The ones in Ahmedabad hardly work too.Tyre Killer Speed Bumps In Ahmedabad – Do they even work?As covered by News18 Gujarati, these speed breakers hardly work. When motorcycles, cars or trucks come from the opposite direction, the spikes in these speed breakers should stay put and cause damage to tyres. In reality, these spring-loaded spikes are retracting inside even when the vehicle is coming from the opposite direction.Close up of mechanismThis odd behavior has given road users the confidence that these “tyre killer” speed breakers don’t even bite, let alone kill. As seen in the video, we can see all sorts of vehicles going on these breakers like nothing and cross it with no damage. Even though this is a very good idea, there are a few drawbacks. If there is a newcomer to the city, who is not aware of these, he might potentially lose his tyres in the best case scenario. In the worst case scenario, there could be a fatal crash with casualties as well. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Pininfarina’s Pura Vision Concept: Sculpting A Glass-Roofed Masterpiece

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      Pininfarina Pura Vision concept debutsPininfarina Pura Vision e-LUV Concept: An Electric Symphony of Luxury and TechItalian car design firm and coachbuilder Pininfarina has unveiled Pura Vision concept in official pictures. This is a baseline on which Pininfarina’s new electric SUV will take shape. The Luxury SUV market is an active space with legacy manufacturers craving for a piece of this pie. Mahindra owned Pininfarina just joined this race.It will go up against Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga and legacy SUV maker Land Rover’s flagship Range Rover as well. Cab-rear proportions stand out from the current crop of luxury SUVs.From Canvas to Road: Pininfarina Pura Vision Paints a Luxurious TaleThe company has showcased this electric SUV concept in official images. Pininfarina Pura Vision concept will debut at Monterey Car Week in August, alongside recently revealed Battista Edizione Nino Farina Hyper GT and another production-spec vehicle. Pininfarina calls Pura Vision concept as e-LUV (electric Luxury Utility Vehicle).It has an unmistakable presence which makes it stand out in current crop of luxury SUVs. Even in its concept phase, the striking images look like a piece of art from every angle. This dynamic identity is enhanced by a narrow glass house and wide wheel track. Body panels around its chassis channel air efficiently.Pininfarina Pura Vision concept interiorsPininfarina’s 94 year old design heritage pays off with Pura Vision concept. The roof is predominantly glass and almost reaches the rear in a single-piece fashion. The front fascia has a wide appeal with distinctive nano-fibre LED strands less than 1mm each. Window line is super aggressive, and combines sharp lines with swooping curvaceous panels.Pininfarina’s Tri-Opening Lounge Doors: A Nod to the Past, a Leap to the FutureFlared wheel arches and wide haunches scream understated aggression. Windows seem to be small in height. But it creates a futuristic appeal about Pininfarina Pura Vision. The most flashiest part of this car has to be its doors.There are three parts for the door. Pininfarina calls them tri-opening Lounge Doors and drew inspiration from Lancia Florida Sedan, which Pininfarina’s founder Battista Farina penned down. Base doors open horizontally with a rear suicide door type. While top part of the door opens like a gullwing door.In all fairness, these doors are reminiscent of Europe-bound Hiphi Y electric SUV revealed at Shanghai Auto Show recently. It’s a 2+2 seating arrangement. Pininfarina has taken care of creating an exquisite and opulent interior for its e-LUV by achieving perfect harmony between symmetry and boldness.Tri-opening Lounge DoorsIn terms of dimensions, Pininfarina Pura Vision e-LUV measures 5,215 mm in length, 2,147 mm in width (including ORVMs) and stands 1,641 mm tall. The 23″ wheels look dapper and add a lot of appeal. The chassis is carbon fibre monocoque with interesting pillar designs, which should lend sporty handling. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Made in India Tesla electric car could be priced from Rs 20 lakh

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      Tesla India Factory could soon be realityAfter failed negotiations from last year, new report reveals that Tesla India factory could soon be a realityTesla is in talks with the Indian Government to set up a manufacturing facility here. A recent report mentions that Tesla is highly likely to set up a plant here instead of just importing vehicles for sale.Last year, Tesla intended to get special incentives in import taxes from the Indian Government. This was to import Tesla cars to India from abroad, most likely from their nearest manufacturing plant in China.Tesla India Factory – Could be a reality soon!Now Tesla not only intends to manufacture vehicles in India, but to make its Indian plant a global export hub. The narrative from last year and now, seems to be the result of a high-level meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA, last month.After this meet, Elon Musk expressed that Narendra Modi is pushing the company to invest heavily in India. He clarified that Tesla intends to invest in India and was figuring out the timing. He assured that Tesla would be operational in India as soon as humanly possible.Because Tesla’s newest plans are aligned with the “Make In India” initiative, we could see “Made In India” Tesla vehicles exported to multiple markets. Reports mention a potential production capacity of 5 lakh units per annum with starting prices from as low as Rs. 20 lakh (probably ex-sh).What to expect?If we look at Tesla’s current portfolio, which include Model S, 3, X and Y, there are no vehicles at the Rs. 20 lakh price point. Their most affordable currently, is Model 3 which starts from USD 40,240 which roughly translates to INR 33 lakh with today’s conversion rates. Tesla is working on launching a smaller electric car, which will sit below the Model 3.It is likely that India will get this car. So, if the Rs. 20 lakh price point turns out to be a reality, we could be looking at an India-specific vehicle that will be the company’s most affordable. This could be a new milestone for Tesla and could benefit the brand in other ASEAN countries too. To get its maiden vehicle at this price point, Tesla could heavily invest in local battery manufacturing as well.India’s charging infra could see a huge boost if Tesla intends to invest in its Supercharger network too. All in all, India is climbing up the ranks and becoming a global automotive hub.Source More

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      MG Launches Upgraded ZS EV: A Game-Changer in the Electric SUV Segment

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      2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedMG Motor Introduces India’s First Pure-Electric Internet SUV – ZS EV with Autonomous Level-2 (ADAS)MG Motor India, known for its British heritage, has launched an upgraded version of its ZS EV, making it India’s first pure-electric internet SUV with Autonomous Level-2 (ADAS) capabilities. Priced at Rs. 27.89 Lakh for a limited time, the ZS EV combines electric power, internet connectivity, and autonomous features, offering an exceptional driving experience.Enhanced MG ZS EV: Redefining Electric Mobility in India with Advanced ADAS TechnologyThe ZS EV’s ADAS technology comes with 17 features categorized into three levels of sensitivity and warning, providing assistance and safety in various driving situations. The Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) ensures a smooth driving experience in congested traffic, while the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver of potential collisions and applies autonomous deceleration if necessary.2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedThe Speed Assist System (SAS) prevents overspeeding, and the Lane Functions help prevent unintentional lane deviation. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhances convenience and safety by maintaining a proper distance from the vehicle ahead.According to Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director of MG Motor India, the ZS EV with ADAS underscores the company’s commitment to electric mobility and a sustainable future. By offering an attractive and accessible electric SUV, MG Motor India aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and support the EV ecosystem in India.[embedded content]The ZS EV features an evolved battery that meets stringent safety and performance requirements. It complies with IP69K for better dust and water resistance, and it has a UL2580 Safety Management System and an ASIL-D Enhanced Safety Integrity Level rating. The SUV also offers versatile charging options, including DC Super-Fast Chargers at dealerships, AC Fast Chargers for home and office installation, and charge-on-the-go with RSA (Roadside Assistance).2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedEmbracing the Future of Electric Driving: MG ZS EV with ADAS and Prismatic Battery TechnologyWith its advanced prismatic battery, the ZS EV delivers a range of 461 km on a single charge, offering an extended driving range and confidence for longer journeys. The SUV’s total cost of ownership is competitive, with running costs as low as 60 paise/km, leading to substantial savings over three years compared to SUVs with internal combustion engines.The ZS EV showcases a futuristic design with full LED Hawkeye headlamps, R17 Tomahawk alloy wheels, and an array of colors to choose from. Inside, the SUV offers a comfortable and aesthetic cabin with features like a full digital cluster, a segment-leading HD touchscreen infotainment system, and a first-in-segment rear AC vent.2023 MG ZS EV with Level 2 ADAS – LaunchedIn terms of safety, the ZS EV provides a 360-degree around view camera, rear parking sensors, Hill Descent Control (HDC), six airbags, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and hill-start assist.The ZS EV is powered by an 8-layer hairpin motor delivering 176PS of power and offering three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. To enhance the ownership experience, MG Motor India offers the MG e-SHIELD program, which includes warranty extensions, RSA extensions, and maintenance plans at competitive prices.With the launch of the enhanced ZS EV, MG Motor India aims to provide a compelling electric vehicle option in India, promoting eco-friendly mobility and meeting the evolving needs of Indian consumers. More

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      Electric Car Gets Stranded – As Battery Pack Falls Off While Driving

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      Electric car battery falls on roadMost new technologies take years to perfect, which seems to be the case with battery swapping systems in use with EVsWhen evaluating all that can go wrong with an EV, the first thoughts are about the vehicle catching fire. It’s only natural, as such cases are reported frequently. The other most common fear is about getting stranded with a drained battery pack.Now, a new problem seems to have emerged for EVs that rely on swappable battery tech. This latest incident involves a Geely Cao Cao 60 SUV that dropped its battery pack on the road while driving on a busy highway. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident. However, it raises questions about the safety of EVs that use swappable battery tech.Electric car battery falls on roadEV ejects battery pack while driving – what went wrong?This latest EV incident occurred in Chengdu on the Second Ring Road. It involved a Cao Cao 60 electric SUV. These EVs are being used as part of Geely’s ride-hailing service named Cao Cao Mobility. The battery pack can be seen lying on the road, while the SUV is left stranded in the middle of the highway. There’s nothing the driver can do except wait for assistance. Both the SUV and the battery pack will probably need to be transported to a repair shop or the nearest swapping station.There can be multiple reasons that could have caused this incident. The battery pack’s top and bottom surfaces seem to be using thick sheets of metal. It could also be a composite carbon fibre material to achieve a lightweight profile. Multiple holes can be seen, which indicates that the battery pack is secured to the EV’s underbelly using fasteners. It could even be a quick release clamping system to achieve faster battery swaps.[embedded content]It is likely that the battery swapping was not performed as per the instruction’s manual. The fasteners could be loose, which could have eventually loosened further due to vibrations. EV battery packs are quite heavy, which can put significant stress on the fasteners. For reference Tesla Model S battery pack weighs more than half a ton.Major accident avertedAn EV losing its battery pack while driving on a busy highway could have led to a serious accident. There could have been a multiple vehicle collision, as the SUV came to a halt in the middle of the highway. The large battery pack lying on the road is another risk factor. Thankfully, no such incidents happened.Battery swapping offers benefits such as quick refuelling. Users don’t need to pay for the cost of the battery pack. Battery swapping allows taxis to spend more time on the road, rather than waiting at a charging station. Hopefully, this case of the battery falling off while driving is just a one-time anomaly. Geely will probably find a permanent fix, after conducting the necessary investigations. More