More stories

  • in

    Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Car India Launch This Year – Official

    New Ioniq 5 is a part of Hyundai’s plans to launch a minimum of six new EVs by 2028Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric for IndiaWhile Kia India gears up for launch of the EV6, Hyundai is set to bring in the new Ioniq 5 electric car to India. Launch date has not been announced, but Hyundai India confirmed that the launch will take place in the 2nd half of this year. Expect Hyundai Ioniq 5 India launch around October, around Diwali festive season.Hyundai Ioniq 5 is World Car of the Year (WCOTY) 2022 winner and marks the beginning of Hyundai’s BEV expansion plans in India. The term IONIQ is a combination of “ion” and “unique”. It will be built on the company’s highly acclaimed Skateboard Platform, E-GMP – Electric Global Modular Platform, under the company’s ‘Beyond Mobility’ aegis, while its interiors have been designed using several eco-friendly materials further enhancing the company’s sustainability endeavours.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – SpecsHyundai Ioniq 5 is the second electric vehicle from Hyundai after the Kona EV. Features include a U shaped dual LED lighting system, swooping bonnet, pop out door handles and LED tail lamps in a rectangular shape. It also gets 20 inch wheels, an integrated spoiler, shark fin antenna and raked glass at the rear.The interiors boast of the brand’s Sensuous Sportiness philosophy with a spacious and minimalistic design. Premium interior features include a HUD, twin screens of 12 inches each with BlueLink connectivity while seats and other parts are made with eco-friendly material.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric for IndiaHyundai Ioniq 5 is offered with two battery packs of 72.6 kWh and 58 kWh. The 72.6 kWh battery offers a maximum range of 481 km while the smaller battery offers a maximum range of 385 km. Its 2WD variant gets a rear axle mounted electric motor offering 217 hp power and 350 Nm torque. The AWD variant sports two electric motors, each powering one axle, generating 305 hp power and 605 Nm torque.Hyundai Ioniq 5 is likely to be launched as a CKD. If that is the case, it will be assembled at their plant located on the outskirts of Chennai. Production could commence by late September ahead of its October 2022 debut while pricing is expected around Rs 35-45 lakhs ex-showroom. Hyundai is also planning to launch a small electric SUV in India.Hyundai Ioniq 5 PlatformElaborating further on this new E-GMP platform that will not only make its way onto the new Ioniq 5 but will also spawn the next generation of electric vehicles from Hyundai, it is built on 4 key pillars.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric for India1. Modularity – this platform can be used for varying body types and will sport a modularized battery system thus creating greater synergies with BEV component sharing.2. Reliability – It comes in with a low center of gravity, made of Ultra High Strength Steel and receives 8-point battery mounting.3. Usability – The E-GMP platform gets a flat floor allowing for flexible seating layout with innovative interior space, a sliding console and sliding 2nd row seats.4. Performance – With a large battery capacity, improved handling and capability the E-GMP allows for a top speed of 260 km/h. More

  • in

    5,000 Tata Tigor Electric Xpress T EVs For Employee Transportation

    Tata Motors signs a MoU with Lithium Urban Technologies to deploy 5,000 XPRES T EVs for employee transportationTata Tigor Electric for fleet – Xpress T EVWith sustainable mobility being a keynote, with each passing day, a large number of corporates are getting onboard. This transition however will take time depending on supporting infra, government policies that are in alignment, and affordable budget.Tata Motors has announced a partnership with Lithium Urban Technologies. The latter is an EV based urban transportation service provider. Through the arrangement, 5,000 Tata Tigor Electric Xpress T EVs will be deployed nationwide. Tata electric car fleet will be specifically used for employee transportation. Tata Motors will deliver the scheduled lot in phases, and the target number of cars will be delivered by 2023.Tata Electric – Leading From The FrontThis has been an essential move by Tata Motors as the manufacturer was for long keen on not letting its passenger vehicles become part of taxi fleet services. When it comes to electric cars, Tata Motors has been leading from the front in an industry that’s pretty much dominated by it.With other manufacturers still awaiting an opportune moment, Tata Motors is one of the first movers in the industry. It helps that the brand obviously sells the most number of electric cars in the country currently. It enjoys a market share of 87 percent in FY’22. Over 24,000 Tata EVs are on road till date in personal and fleet segment.Tata XPRES T EVFast charging solutionShailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “Targeted at mobility services, corporate and government fleet customers, the XPRES-T EV offers an optimal battery size, captive fast charging solution, which will ensure outstandingly low cost of ownership in addition to safety and passenger comfort, making it a comprehensive and attractive proposition for fleet owners and operators.”Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Krishnan, Founder & CEO of Lithium Urban Technologies said, “Our relationship with Tata Motors dates back to 2019 when we placed the first order for 500 vehicles. We are delighted that Tata Motors has brought to market a portfolio of vehicles that cater to the entire application spectrum of Corporate and Business travel needs.”Tata XPRES-T electric sedan variantsTata Motors launched the ‘XPRES’ brand in July 2021. It caters to only fleet customers. XPRES-T EV being the first vehicle under this brand. Tata XPRES-T electric sedan is available in 2 range options. They are available with a drive range of 213 km and 165 km (ARAI certified range under test conditions). Depending on variant, battery pack of 21.5 kWh or 16.5 kWh is used. Tata XPRES-T electric sedan can be charged from 0-80 percent in 90 mins and 110 mins, respectively.Apart from fast charging, normal charge is possible through a 15 A plug point. The latter is easily available and convenient. With a commitment to zero tail-pipe emission, the single speed automatic transmission sedans are fitted with dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across variants. A black theme interior is matched with electric blue accents. The accents are visible on the exterior too. The electric sedan features standard automatic climate control. The specific blue exteriors will help differentiate the fleet car from other Tata passenger cars. More

  • in

    Maruti Jimny Electric SUV Imagined As A Render – Up To 400 Kms Range

    A fully electric Maruti Jimny is still a distant dream – We might have to wait for next gen version, before Jimny goes ElectricMaruti Jimny Electric SUV Render by SRK DesignsSuzuki Jimny has a very large fan base across the globe, including India. The cute little SUV, contrary to its miniature size, is a very competent off-roading vehicle. Its launch in India has been speculated for a long time, but it could take a while before we actually get a taste of the compact off-roader on Indian roads.Meanwhile, the boxy SUV has been digitally imagined as an electric SUV. This digital rendering has been created by SRK Designs and a video of the same has been uploaded on YouTube. As seen in the video, the pint-sized SUV undergoes a lot of changes on its skin giving it a completely different look.Maruti Jimny Electric SUV RenderFor starters, the rendered SUV gets a front fascia which features twin LED bars on both sides instead of the conventional circular retro-shaped halogen headlamps. A horizontal closed-off grille has replaced the signature vertical five-slatted grille while retaining the Maruti Suzuki logo at the centre.The front bumper has been reprofiled and now sports a redesigned skid plate and vertical LED elements on both sides of the bumper. Side profile remains more or less similar to the 3-door Jimny seen in international markets which feature flared wheel arches and a distinct character line running across its shoulder.[embedded content][embedded content]Alloy wheel designs are different with blacked-out machine-cut units making the SUV look even more premium. The flat roof and wing mirrors have been given a grey colour that provides a nice contrast to the overall styling. Range could be in the region of 300-400 kms on full charge.As much as we would love to see a similar fully electric version of Jimny reach production, there are no plans by the Japanese carmaker to electrify this compact off-roader. In fact, it doesn’t even feature a fully hybrid powertrain. But with the automotive world going electric, there is a possibility to see a Maruti Jimny Electric on the road. Upon launch, it might not have any rivals – unless Mahindra decides to launch Thar Electric.5-door Jimny DetailsMaruti is currently developing a new 5-door version of Jimny with a longer wheelbase. This version of the compact off-roader will be introduced in India and other international markets as well. Currently, the three-door version of Jimny is being manufactured at the company’s Gurgaon-based facility for export purposes only.The five-door Jimny is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that produces 104 bhp and 138 Nm of peak torque. This unit should be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox with the option of an automatic gearbox also likely to be available. International markets could receive a more powerful 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol engine with a mild-hybrid tech dishing out 128 bhp and 235 Nm of peak torque. A 4×4 drivetrain along with a low-range transfer car will also be offered as standard. Expect it to make its debut sometime next year. More

  • in

    New Tata Electric Car Global Debut On 29th April – Is It Altroz EV?

    Tata Motors will be unveiling an electric car later this month and it could be either Altroz EV or an updated Nexon EVTata Altroz Electric Render by Pratyush RoutTata Motors is going big on its electric mobility ambitions with multiple new products on the anvil. The company recently took the wraps off the Curvv Concept which will take the form of a Coupe-style electric SUV in 2024. Now, they have teased a new electric car debut for 29th April.Although Tata Motors hasn’t shared any specific details regarding the launch of this upcoming EV, we can hazard a guess that this model could be the upcoming Altroz EV or the larger battery version of Nexon EV.Tata Altroz EV- Expected Specs & FeaturesOriginally unveiled as a pre-production concept back at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Altroz EV was then showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, where it was one of the most eye-grabbing models. It flaunted the same exterior design as the regular IC engine-powered Altroz but sported blue highlights on its exterior and interior along with different alloy wheels. The production version expected to be revealed on April 29 will not look too different either.Specifications for Altroz EV are still a mystery as Tata Motors has remained tight-lipped about its battery and powertrain details. We expect the upcoming battery-powered version of the premium hatch to feature the Ziptron powertrain technology which performs duties on Nexon EV and Tigor EV. Tata Motors would be aiming for a driving range of at least 300 kms.Tata Motors teases global debut of new electric carAltroz EV could be offered with fast charging capability as well which will allow it to be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just 60 minutes. In terms of features, the fully electric hatch will be laced with all the niceties offered in the standard Altroz like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and connected car tech.Nexon EV – More Range, Power on offerThe other possibility is the updated iteration of Nexon EV which will feature a larger battery pack. This will result in a higher estimated range of around 400-450 km which should translate to a real-world range of around 300km on a single charge. Test mules of the updated Nexon EV have been spied on multiple occasions in recent times.While exterior design of the 2022 Nexon EV is expected to remain unaltered for large parts, spy shots have revealed that it will boast disc brakes on rear wheels. This suggests that Nexon EV could witness a boost in its power output from its powertrain which can be a result of a stronger motor in place. However, specific details can be confirmed only when the EV is officially unveiled.Tata Motors is the leader in electric car salesCurrently, the electric crossover is powered by the brand’s Ziptron EV powertrain technology which draws energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. The battery gets an 8-year standard warranty. In its current avatar, Nexon EV is priced between Rs 14.54 lakh and Rs 17.15 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    Kia Plans Small Electric SUV For India – Sonet EV To Rival Nexon EV?

    Kia is expected to launch its premium electric crossover- EV6 in India later this year, it has already been spotted testing on Indian roadsKia Sonet Modified By Bozz Concepts – Render for referenceKia has seen tremendous success within a limited span in this country. Within three years, it has broken into top five carmakers in India. While the South Korean brand has already laid out groundwork for its first pure electric offering in the country, it also wants to enter the entry-level EV space in future with a small electric SUV.As per latest reports, development work for a small electric SUV codenamed AY has been started by Kia. This SUV is likely to be built exclusively in India for the company’s international markets and could hit roads by 2025. The report further mentions that this model will not be based on a pure EV platform.Kia Entry-Level Electric SUV – Sonet EV?Instead, it will be underpinned by a flexible platform that will also offer Kia a space in the mass market entry-level petrol SUV segment. Kia already retails an entry-level SUV in the form of Sonet but the brand wants to solidify its position in this space with multiple new products.The Korean car major will enter the EV space in India with EV6 later this year. The fully electric crossover made its global debut in March last year and has already been spotted testing on Indian roads on a couple of occasions. It is based on the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that also underpins the new Hyundai Ioniq 5. The latter is also slated for a launch in India later this year.Kia EV6 GT Electric Car in India. Image – Automobili ArdentWith two new EVs offered at both ends of the spectrum, Kia will be able to cater to a wider segment of buyers looking for a battery-powered SUV. However, there are no specific details regarding the entry-level SUV yet and it will take some time before any notable development is made in this regard.Late last year, Kia’s cousin Hyundai India had also announced to launch an entry level SUV. Just like Kia, Hyundai too had not revealed details, but they did say that it will be a small electric SUV. Considering the huge demand for Nexon EV, it is possible that Hyundai and Kia could be working on electrifying Venue and Sonet for India.Kia EV6- Powertrain SpecsComing back to EV6, internationally it is offered in two variants- GT Line and GT, available in 2WD as well as all-wheel-drive configurations. Further, Kia will be offering two battery pack options in both variants of the upcoming electric crossover– 58 kWh for standard range and 77.4 kWh for long range. The base GT Line trim with the smaller battery pack offers 170 bhp in RWD format and 235 bhp in AWD layout.When paired with the larger battery pack, GT Line trim produces 229 bhp in a single-motor (RWD) setup and 325 bhp in a dual-motor (AWD) setup. While the rear-wheel-drive variant has a 0-100kmph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds, AWD variant of EV6 GT Line can attain this in 5.2 seconds. On the other hand, the top-spec GT trim is only offered with a dual-motor setup paired exclusively with a 77.4 kWh battery.Powertrain in EV6 GT returns a peak output of 576 bhp and 740 Nm of torque. This enables a 0-100kmph sprint in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed capped at 260 kmph. Kia will be offering EV6 as a fully imported CBU model in India which is expected to be available in its fully loaded GT trim.Source More

  • in

    Tata Motors To Manufacture 2 L Electric Cars, EVs At Ford India Plant

    Tata Motors will be investing Rs 2,000 crore in the Sanand-based manufacturing facility in Gujarat previously owned by Ford IndiaImage – National GeographicTimes of India claims that Tata Motors has taken over the Ford India plant in Sanand. Tata Motors has not yet officially announced the take over. As per the report, Tata Motors has acquired Ford India’s manufacturing facility based out of Sanand in Gujarat for an undisclosed amount.There have been talks of the Indian automaker taking over the American auto giant’s plants in India. The latter quit retail and manufacturing operations in the country in September last year. Tata Motors is planning to invest an additional Rs 2,000 crore in the newly acquired facility. The homegrown carmaker intends to manufacture two lakh electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026 at the Sanand factory. Ford also owns a vehicle and engine manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu.Tata Motors Acquiring Ford India’s plantAs a part of this takeover, Tata Motors will not be laying off any of the existing employees of Ford in this facility. The facility has given employment to as many as 23,000 personnel either directly or indirectly. The company already owns a manufacturing facility in Sanand, built to manufacture Tata Nano. Ford India plant is just opposite the Tata Motors plant in Sanand.This plant currently serves as a manufacturing hub for the brand’s EVs and other models like Tiago and Tigor. As of now, Tata Motors produces 10,000 EVs per year, at its existing Sanand-based factory. This facility has an overall production capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum. Tata Motors was one of the first major automakers to enter Sanand with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore to build India’s most affordable car in the form of Nano.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptConcessions sought by Tata MotorsTata Motors has also sought concessions in land transfer rate where it has proposed to pay 20% of jantri rate of the land which translates to Rs 66 crores. It has also asked for balance eligible incentives which were promised to Ford till 2030. Report further reveals that the state government has given its nod to these concessions sought by Tata Motors.Earlier this year, both Tata Motors and Ford India submitted a consent proposal for transfer of ownership of the latter’s manufacturing plant to the former. The high-powered committee met recently and gave a nod to this proposal including concessions sought by Tata Motors as part of this deal. The proposed takeover is expected to become a major landmark in EV production in the country.Tata Motors as an EV manufacturerTata Motors is currently the largest EV manufacturer in the country with two mass-market products in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon. In February this year, the brand sold a total of 2,264 units of battery-powered vehicles. The company recently previewed an upcoming Coupe Electric SUV in the form of Curvv Concept which is expected to go on sale by 2024.Source More

  • in

    Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV Will Not Enter Production

    While Toyota Innova Electric Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks, it won’t go into series productionToyota Innova Electric ConceptA few days ago Toyota showcased a concept prototype of an all-electric Innova at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets where Innova is a very well-known brand.While the Japanese carmaker is investing heavily in future electrified powertrains, a fully electric Innova isn’t part of the plan. This has been confirmed by the Indonesian arm of Toyota despite showcasing a full-fledged battery-powered prototype of the MPV which looked so close to being production-ready.Toyota Innova ElectricSpeaking to a local automotive publication, Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region.It should be noted that Toyota has established a new engineering and development department for Asia-Pacific markets which will work for both Toyota and its subsidiary brand Daihatsu. Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is merely a study. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community.[embedded content][embedded content]EV Platform ChallengesThe IC engine-powered Innova Crysta is underpinned by the IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains. Incorporating battery packs and an electric motor in this platform is a major packaging challenge thanks to the long members and horizontal arms of the chassis that restrict space for battery.Further, additional weight of frame will increase the vehicle’s overall weight by a huge margin which will not be feasible for performance as well as range. Although it has not been built for mass production, the Toyota Innova EV Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks.Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV previewed a few days earlier was almost identical to its IC engine sibling barring a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs. To further highlight its EV nature, Innova Electric featured blue highlights all over its exterior body. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.New-Gen Innova CrystaWhile the current Innova Crysta is still a strong seller in India, the company has already started developing a new-generation model of the MPV. Camouflaged test units of the upcoming Innova have been spotted on Indian roads on a couple of occasions. The new-gen Innova is expected to come with a wide range of updates including a new platform which is expected to be a monocoque chassis underpinning Toyota Avanza.Source More

  • in

    Kia EV6 GT Electric Car Spied Testing In India – Launch Soon

    This flagship GT version of the Kia EV6 crossover commands a range of 510km and top speed of 260 km/hKia EV6 GT Electric Car. Image – Automobili Ardent IndiaKia EV6, the most powerful and quickest vehicle in the company lineup, is getting ready for India launch. Making its global debut last year, this electric crossover is the company’s first all-electric vehicle.Kia EV6 shares its E-GMP platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform) with the Hyundai Ioniq, which is also planned for India launch. EV6 is built on the company’s new Opposites United design philosophy which is based on the 5 pillars of Bold for Nature, Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life and Tension for Serenity.Kia EV6 GT Electric Spied In IndiaKia’s EV6 is offered with 2 powertrain configurations – 77.4 kWh for long range and 58 kWh for standard range. It will be offered in two variants of GT Line and GT and will be available in both 2WD and AWD options.The new Kia EV6 GT comes in with a dual motor set up along with a 77.4 kWh battery pack which together offer 576 hp power and 740 Nm torque. This allows the EV6 GT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and to hit a top speed of 260 km/h. This speed and power puts it in a higher category as compared to the Porsche Taycan 4S.Kia EV6 GT Electric CarUpcoming Kia EV6 is offered in a choice of two battery sizes of 77.4 kWh and 58 kWh. In its non GT stance the larger battery offers 229 hp power in a rear wheel drive format and a combined 325 hp with AWD. The rear wheel drive variant gets a range of 510 kms on the WLTP cycle while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.2 seconds.The 58 kWh battery pack is also presented in two configurations of 170hp RWD and 235hp AWD with acceleration of 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. It is not clear as to which battery variant will be launched in India. Kia EV6 will come in as a CBU.Where features are concerned, the upcoming EV6 will get a new Kia logo, large headlamps and a Tiger Nose front grille. It features an aerodynamic design with swept back windshield, angular DRLs, sloping C pillars and a roof spoiler. Interiors will see the latest in technology with an HD screen, slim dashboard and instrument cluster, and the latest in technologies and car connectivity.Battery Charging TimeKia EV6, positioned on the EGMP platform, gets an 800V charging architecture allowing charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. In just 4.5 minutes of charging, the Kia EV6 can deliver up to 100 kms range. The EV6 also comes in with a ‘vehicle-to-load’ function to offer up to 3.6kW of power to external devices including other EVs. India launch is likely to take place in June 2022.Source More