More stories

  • in

    Small Hyundai Electric Cars: Casper EV, followed by Exter EV?

    From Casper EV Launching in 2024 to Exter EV: The Next Big Thing in Electric Cars from HyundaiHyundai Casper EV Spied – Likely to spawn into Exter Electric in India
    Hyundai has been a frontrunner in electric vehicle technology. The latest Hyundai Casper EV spyshots throw light on realistic possibilities. Hyundai Exter small car is set to launch in India later in 2023. It’s highly likely that it will also have an EV variant shortly after.
    Shifting gears to the Casper EV, it’s exciting to see that Hyundai Casper is likely to use a 40 kWh battery and a driving range of over 300 km. This is a significant improvement compared to previous compact EV models (Ray EV and Spark EV) that struggled with limited driving range, and high prices. With the petrol-powered Casper model priced below 20 million won (Rs 12.5 lakh), Casper EV is expected to be priced between the high 20 million won to mid-30 million won (Rs 18.8 lakh) range, making it a more affordable option.
    Hyundai Casper EV Spied: The Ideal Choice for Korean Consumers Seeking Sustainability
    The compact/micro EV would offer a value proposition as a highly attractive option for consumers looking for an affordable electric car. Furthermore, as per Korean subsidy parameters, it’s likely that Casper EV will be eligible for subsidies, making it an even more attractive option for potential buyers.
    Although Casper EV spyshots are veiled in camouflage, there’s enough to glean info from. Daytime running lights and light design elements are familiar to its ICE counterpart. The side camo pocket indicates that it is a space for electric charging. Similar to the Kona EV, it’s likely that the Casper EV will have a charging port on one side.
    Hyundai Casper EV charging port in the front
    Are You Ready for the Future with Electric Cars? Hyundai Exter EV Might Just Be It
    It’s unlikely that the Casper EV will be twinning in design with the current model, so it’s exciting to speculate what the grille will look like. The wheels on the car were 17 inches, which suggests that they have not yet developed EV-specific wheels. Tail lights also appeared to be the same as the current Casper model. There were no visible exhaust pipes on the bottom, as expected for an EV model.
    [embedded content]
    Why are we excited about the Casper EV? Because of Hyundai Exter, which in probability, is based on K1 platform. It’s the same as seen on Hyundai Casper sold abroad, and Nios i10 here. Hyundai Casper and Exter are small cars.
    And small cars are more likely to switch to an electric powertrain sooner due to their lower power requirements and more efficient operation. Additionally, as the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric mobility, it would make sense for Hyundai to offer an EV variant of the Exter. This would bolster competition in a new segment in India.
    Hyundai Casper EV spied
    The list of Best Electric Cars for Indian Urban Commuters is fast Expanding
    It would be a smart move for Hyundai, as the Indian market has been showing increasing interest in electric vehicles. And as the government has set its own goals for electric car adoption by 2030, the EV push has begun.
    If the Exter EV is anything like the Casper EV, we can expect it to have a similar driving range and competitive price point. A price competitive EV for Indian consumers looking for an affordable electric car. With its compact size and efficient operation, Exter EV could also be a popular choice for urban commuters looking for a practical daily mode of transportation. Much like the MG Comet EV ready to make its India debut this week. More

  • in

    Maxus Mifa 7 Electric MPV Photos Leak – To Get Swappable Battery

    Maxus Mifa 7 electric MPV is smaller than Mifa 9, showcased at 2023 Auto Expo in IndiaMaxis Mifa 9 Electric MPVNew Maxus Mifa 7 electric MPV images have leaked online. It is the brand’s newest electric MPV. It slots below Mifa 9 electric MPV, launched mid-2022 in China and Europe. Mifa 9 electric MPV was showcased at 2023 Auto Expo and is rumoured to be evaluated for India’s electric car space as well.Maxus Mifa 7 Electric MPV – Smaller Than Mifa 9We hope Mifa 7 makes it to our shores instead because it has one thing which Mifa 9 doesn’t. Swappable battery tech. There will be two versions for Maxus Mifa 7. A BEV and a BEV with a swappable battery. Maxus brand falls under SAIC-GM-Wuling JV. We don’t expect every vehicle made by this JV to hit our shores.Wuling Air EV is announced as MG Comet for India. Chances are that the Maxus Mifa 7 and Baojun Yep e-SUV could make it to our shores under MG branding. Like Maxus D90 sold as MG Gloster and Baojun 530 sold as MG Hector. Mifa 7 will sit above BYD e6 in terms of pricing, features and size.Speaking of size, Maxus Mifa 7 measures a length of 4907 mm, a width of 1885 mm, a height of 1756 mm and a wheelbase of 2975 mm. On the outside, we have a sleek MPV design with sliding doors. Futuristic facia and aerodynamic wheels grab attention. Side beltline reminds me of Honda Odyssey. Rear profile is kept minimal. Smoked clear lens for tail lights add character.Maxis Mifa 9 Electric MPVMaxus Mifa 7 interior images do nor reveal most details in the leaked photos. Six-seat and seven-seat layouts are to be on offer. Images suggest that Maxus will offer a Black roof option too. Notable elements are roof rails and an optional panoramic sunroof. Unlike Mifa 9, Mifa 7 is less likely to get electric sliding doors.Swappable Battery TechUnlike Mifa 9, Mifa 7 is likely to get a swappable battery option. Mifa 7’s battery size is not known. Mifa 9 gets a 90 kWh CATL battery with a claimed range of 560 km per charge (CLTC testing). But Mifa 9 measures 5270/2000/1840/3200 (length/width/height/wheelbase). Mifa 7 is a smaller vehicle, expected to get a smaller battery.Maxus Mifa 7 electric motor makes 180 kW (241 bhp) and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Even though battery size is unsure, it will have NMC ternary battery from CATL-SAIC JV. Kerb weight is impressive at 2,220 kg. For reference, a Tata Hexa without heavy EV components, weighs more than that.Maxis Mifa 9 Electric MPVSwappable battery tech is currently hot in China. Nio (maker of EP9 electric hypercar) currently operates 1330 battery swapping stations in China and 12 in Europe. Chinese-State-owned SAIC has teamed up with CATL regarding the same. Starting with Rising Auto R7, Roewe, MG and Maxus brands are soon to get battery-swapping tech. The company hopes to establish 300 battery-swapping stations by the end of 2023 and 3000 by the end of 2025.Source More

  • in

    Electric Car Sales FY 2023 – Tata, MG, BYD, Hyundai, Mahindra, Kia

    Retail sales of electric passenger vehicles has seen outstanding growth, recording 130 percent YoY and 153 percent in FY2023Image – Bharat BhatiAs per data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Electric PV sales improved by 153.47 percent during the FY 2023 period to 47,102 units, up from 18,583 units sold in FY 2022. Every OEM on this list has reported sales growth.Electric Car Retail Sales FY 2023It was Tata Motors that topped the list with 38,322 units sold during the FY 2023 period, up 144.54 percent when compared to 15,671 units sold in FY 2022. MG Motor sales also improved by 119.94 percent to 4,511 units in FY 2023 from 2,051 units sold in the same period last year. It was followed by BYD India with 2565 percent growth to 1,066 units in FY 2023 from just 40 units sold in FY 2022.Electric Car Sales FY 2023Hyundai also saw its electric passenger vehicle retail sales improve by 497.73 percent to 789 units in FY 2023 from 132 units sold in FY 2022 and Mahindra sales were higher by 196.79 percent to 463 units in FY 2023. BMW India electric PV retail sales grew by 4188.89 percent to 386 units from just 9 units sold in FY2022 and Kia India entered the fray with 312 units sold in FY 2023.Citroen is a newcomer to the segment with 202 electric cars sold in FY 2023. Mercedes Benz electric sales increased by 671.88 percent in FY 2023 to 247 units from 32 units sold in FY 2022. Mercedes-Benz currently has four electric vehicles on sale in India including EQS, EQB, EQC, and EQS AMG and plans launch of four new electric vehicles in India over next 8-12 months. Volvo electric car sales also increased by 2700 percent in FY 2023 to 140 units from 5 units sold in FY 2022 while others in this segment added 664 units to total retail sales, up 36.34 percent from 487 units sold in FY 2022.Electric Car Sales FY 2023Electric Car Retail Sales March 2023Electric car sales in March 2023 stood at 8,566 units, up 130.39 percent from 3,718 units sold in March 2022. It was also an 87.85 percent growth on a MoM basis from 4,560 units sold in Feb 2023. Tata Motors has the highest number of electric passenger vehicles on sale in India and hence it is no wonder that it recorded the maximum sales in March 2023. Tata electric sales in the past month stood at 7,137 units, up 107.23 percent YoY from 3,444 units sold in March 2022 while it was a MoM growth of 89.01 percent when compared to 3,776 units sold in Feb 2023.Electric car sales March 2023 – YoYNo other automaker could record sales above the 500 unit mark in March 2023. MG Motor sales improved by 420 percent YoY to 494 units from 95 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales were higher by 43.19 percent over 345 units sold in Feb 2023. The company currently sells the ZS EV in this segment while it plans to introduce the MG Comet EV later this month.BYD India electric car sales zoomed 1461.11 percent YoY to 281 units in March 2023 from 18 units sold in March 2022 while MoM sales were higher by 23.25 percent from 228 units sold in Feb 2023. Mahindra electric car sales in the electric PV segment improved by 1216.67 percent YoY and by 3285.71 percent MoM to 237 units.Electric car sales March 2023 – MoMCitroen added 202 units to total electric car sales last month while BMW India electric car sales were at 51 units in March 2023, up 466.67 percent YoY from 9 units sold in March 2023. It was however, a 5.56 percent MoM de-growth over 54 units sold in Feb 2023.Hyundai (46 units), Volvo India (46 units), Mercedes Benz (29 units) and Kia India (20 units) also found mention on this list. There were others that added 23 units to total electric car sales in March 2023 down 78.10 percent as against 105 units sold in March 2023 but up 76.92 percent when compared to 13 units sold in Feb 2023. More

  • in

    Kia Carens Electric Spied Testing For The First Time

    As part of its electrification roadmap, Kia will be introducing born-electric BEVs as well as launch electric versions of its ICE modelsKia Carens Electric Spied. Image – NewcarscoopsKia recently showcased EV5 Concept that appeared quite similar to Carens in terms of its design and size. Now, a new Kia test mule has been spotted in South Korea, which appears to be Carens electric. It is a close match to ICE-based Carens sold in India.Kia Carens electric spied for the first timeAs ICE Carens is already manufactured in India, the electric version could also be manufactured here. Carens has emerged as a popular MUV and there’s certainly scope for its electric version. Apart from India, Carens Electric could also be introduced in select Southeast Asian markets.Kia Carens Electric SpiedSide profile of the test mule is largely the same as existing Kia Carens sold in India. The positioning of the pillars, belt line, wheel arches and the slightly sloping roofline are some of the key similarities. Alloy wheels are specially designed for drag reduction. Core silhouette of front and rear section also appears to be same as ICE Carens. These sections are heavily camouflaged, so finer details are hard to guess.Carens electric will be getting the usual set of updates to the front fascia, as is the case with conversions of ICE cars to electric. Changes to the front grille, air dam and lighting setup are likely. A similar treatment could be utilized for the rear section as well. Carens electric could also get some new colour options. ICE Carens is available in 8 monotone colour options.Kia Carens Electric SpiedInside, Carens electric could be using a new colour theme and refreshed upholstery. Interiors could be spruced up to match the MUV’s electrified underpinnings. A significant percentage of features will be carried forward from ICE Carens.It could include ventilated seats, premium BOSE sound system, wireless charging, ambient lighting, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, leatherette wrapped door trims and Kia Connect connected car tech. Carens electric could get an integrated infotainment and instrument cluster, something similar to that of EV5.Kia Carens electric – battery and range specsKia Carens electric could have a range in the ballpark of 400-500 km. Details about battery pack and electric motor are not available, but overall performance is expected to be similar to ICE Carens. Just for comparison, Kia’s upcoming electric flagship EV9 has range of 541 km with the RWD Long Range variant. It has a 99.8 kWh battery pack and generates 201 hp of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. EV9 AWD variant delivers 380 hp and 600 Nm. Kia Carens electric prices could be in the range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.Before Carens electric arrives here, Kia might be launching Carens facelift later this year. It is expected to get updates such as refreshed front fascia and ADAS. Inside, Carens facelift could be equipped with a new touchscreen infotainment system and instrument console. Panoramic sunroof option can be introduced with top-spec variants. Powertrain options will be same as earlier for Carens facelift.Source More

  • in

    Baojun Yep Jimny Rival Electric SUV Spied – Heading To Dealer

    Baojun cars are on sale in India under the MG branding – Will we get the new Yep small car next?Jimny Rival Electric SUVSuzuki Jimny is one of the hottest vehicles in multiple global markets. SAIC-GM-Wuling JV are developing a rival that will solely get an electric powertrain. Baojun Yep EV is its global name. 59,800 Yuan (rumoured) is the leaked starting price, which is about Rs 7.12 lakh, making it a rather tempting proposition.Baojun Yep SUV is expected to make its global debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, to be held between April 18 and 27, 2023. Ahead of that, new spy shots have leaked online, which reveal the production version in an undisguised state for the first time. It is seen getting transported to dealer showrooms ahead of launch.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWhat To Expect From MG’s Jimny Rival, Yep?Baojun Yep is a small SUV with 3-door, 4-seat layout. Apart from executing duties in your day to day city life, it is also meant to perform during weekend camping excursions among other lifestyle activities.Yep measures 3381 mm in length, 1685 mm in width and 1721 mm in height. Wheelbase measures 2110 mm and kerb weight is surprisingly low at 1006 kg. Considering that it is an EV with a heavy electric powertrain, low kerb weight should ensure peppy performance. A new teaser video shows the mini electric SUV drifting in the snow.[embedded content][embedded content]Speaking of electric powertrains, Baojun Yep is powered by a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate, LFP) battery. The sole drivetrain is a 50 kW (68 bhp) and 140 Nm single motor with RWD architecture. Baojun Yep claims a range of 303 km under CLTC test conditions. There are reports suggesting a dual motor layout with AWD and even 5-door versions in the future. This will deliver more power and performance.Jimny Rival Electric SUVInspirations Drawn From Jimny SUVOne look at Yep is enough to see that it is shooting for Jimny’s design. Even colours are somewhat similar. We can spot design elements inspired by Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and Land Rover Defender. Front fascia gets projector headlights, quad-pod LED DRLs, a gloss black grille and a radar module for ADAS functions.At the sides, stylish alloy wheels denoting either an ‘x’ or ‘+’, flared wheel arches and boxy silhouette catch attention. Roof rails and squared-off rear section lend a rugged aura around it. Previous spy shots revealed twin horizontal displays. These take center stage on the inside.Jimny Rival Electric SUVWill It Launch In India?MG cars on sale in India, were first launched in China. These were then re-engineered for launch in India. Hector, Astor, Gloster, ZS EV as well as the soon to be launched Comet EV, are on sale in the Chinese market.But that does not mean all cars sold by MG’s parent in China are on sale in India. Only those cars which make sense to the Indian market, will be launched. Considering that India has been reporting exponential growth in electric car space and popularity of lifestyle products like Jimny and Thar is exploding – Yep makes an exciting proposition for India. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding a launch in India. More

  • in

    MG Cyberster Electric Spied With 3 Screen Layout – Scissor Doors

    After almost 13 years of absence, MG is getting ready to enter the two-seat sports car segment once againMG Cyberster Electric Spied. Images – Tycho de FeijterMG Motor will be launching an all-new sports car based on Cyberster concept, which was first unveiled in 2021. Global debut is expected to take place later this month, at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. Ahead of that, some new undisguised spy shots of the MG Cyberster interiors have leaked online.Upcoming MG Cyberster Gets Mesmerising DesignDespite most of the design elements of the concept car being watered down, MG Cyberster is still a looker. Spy shots reveal a handsome two-seat electric sports car with a convertible fabric top. The automated soft top roof gracefully tucks away behind its roll hoops.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedWe can also see the presence of scissor doors – commonly referred to as Lamborghini doors. Overall design is swoopy and curvaceous in typical British fashion. In the front, we have a sleek fascia with some similarities to the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Rear profile, as executed, reminds me of Ford GT-40.The 3D LED tail lights shaped to resemble arrows might split some opinions. But they add a touch of sophistication and create a unique identity. At the rear, a large diffuser takes center stage. Large alloy wheels, wide rear haunches and sharp side skirts are further eye-catching elements.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedFuturistic Interiors For a Futuristic EVInside, a driver gets a steering yoke, and three displays pointed toward them. This steering yoke might come off as inconvenient, but it allows an unobstructed view of the three displays.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedThe V-shaped center console houses various vehicle controls. Boot space at the rear could be slightly compromised due to the convertible roof mechanism. Since it is an electric vehicle, there could also be a front luggage compartment.Powertrain & Potential Rivals When LaunchedNot much is known about this. So, it is anyone’s guess at the moment. Base version of MG Cyberster could be equipped with a single-motor layout, to offer a lower entry-level price point. A dual motor layout with AWD is expected with the top trims.MG Cyberster Electric SpiedThe concept version claimed to deliver 800 kms on full charge. That might not be the case with the production version. Upon launch, MG Cyperster will compete with electric two-seaters from Toyota, Lotus, Porsche and more. Will it launch in India? Only time will tell. More

  • in

    The State of India’s Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23

    Overview of Indian Electric Vehicle Industry in FY 22-23TVS iQube electric scooterIn its recent fiscal year report, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) stated that India witnessed growth. Sales growth of electric vehicles (EVs) during the FY22-23, including electric buses, cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.Total number of EVs sold was 1,152,021. Indicating a significant milestone for the Indian EV industry, which is striving to achieve the Government-mandated EV goals. This trend is expected to continue in the future. Concerns have been raised regarding the slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2W).Electric vehicle sales in India FY 2022/23Slow Adoption of High-Speed E2Ws: Challenges, Solutions, OpportunitiesAccording to industry experts and stakeholders, slow adoption of high-speed electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) in India isn’t due to a lack of consumer demand. But due to issues related to subsidies and compliance with government norms. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have already passed on over Rs. 1200 crore in subsidies to their customers.However, the pretext of delays in localization has led to the withholding of subsidies. Allegations of under-invoicing by premium OEMs for FAME subsidy have resulted in a shortage of working capital. This amounts to Rs 400 crore of OEM money. And Likewise, it affects business operations and the growth of the industry.EV Sales FY 22 / 23Key factors that can strengthen the EV ecosystem in India include improving the supply chain for essential components such as motors and batteries. There must be clarity on the continuation of the FAME scheme. A direct subsidy mechanism can be implemented to avoid discrepancies. Moreover, phasing out subsidies gradually after achieving a certain threshold and promoting local manufacturing of EV components can reduce dependence on imports. Together, this can make the EV ecosystem self-sustaining.EV sales in India FY 17 to FY 23Growth of Electric Two-Wheeler Sales in India – Strengthening the EV Ecosystem in IndiaDespite challenges, growth of electric two-wheeler sales in India is noteworthy. In FY23, 7,26,976 high-speed e-scooters and 1,20,000 low-speed e-scooters were sold. As were 50k units of e-cycles and 2,85,443 units of low-speed e-rickshaws. Total e3W sales are reported at 4,01,841 units. Electric 4W (E4W/electric car) sales is reported at 47,217 units. E-Bus sales are reported at 1,904 units. Total e2W sales stood at 8,46,976 units.In FY22, this number stood at 3,38,000 units – 2,52,543 units for high speed e-scooters, and 75,457 units for low speed e-scooters. However, it’s worth noting that growth rate in the High Speed electric two-wheeler segment slowed down in the latter part of the fiscal year. Consequently, it resulted in annual estimates being in the red by over a quarter (25 percent shortfall) as per research organisations and Niti Aayog. Estimates stood at 10,00,863 units.EV Sales projectionEV Industry in India Grows Exponentially: Challenges Remain for High-Speed E2WsSohinder Gill, DG SMEV, said, “While all the earlier schemes since 2015 had negligible effect on the EV adoption, the revised FAME2 in late 2021 had a dramatic effect on E2W adoption as it decreased their prices by around 35%.This started attracting the component supply chain that had earlier shunned anything to do with E2WS because of extremely low volumes and it is only in the late 2021, suppliers started queuing up to OEMS to show their eagerness of developing EV components. It took most of these suppliers 12 to 18 months, the usual time that it takes to localise and now most of them have started setting up sufficient capacities.” More

  • in

    Kia EV9 Electric SUV First Real World Photos – New Colours Spied

    With its massive size and muscular body panelling, Kia EV9 has a dominating street presenceNew Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia had showcased the EV9 concept at 2023 Auto Expo, whereas the production version had debuted on March 15. Based on the E-GMP platform that also underpins EV6, Kia EV9 will be the company’s new flagship SUV. It will pack in a comprehensive range of features and rival upcoming electric SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.EV9 is part of Kia’s ‘Plan S’, wherein a target has been set to introduce 13 born-electric cars over the next four years. EV9 will be one of the biggest Kia models, with dimensions similar to that of US-spec Telluride SUV. It will also be the most expensive Kia car sold globally. Ahead of its launch, Kia EV9 has been spotted undisguised inside a parking lot.New Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia EV9 features new gen styling – Likely to be seen in all Kia electric cars in the futureMuch of the features seen with the concept version have been retained in the production model. However, there are some changes such as smoothed edges and creases and 21-inch wheels replacing the 23-inch units seen with the concept model. Apart from these, there are no other major changes between the concept and the production version.EV9 will have compelling colour choices in both glossy and matte finish. Options include Snow White Pearl (SWP), Panthera Metal (P2M), Aurora Black Pearl (ABP), Flare Red (C7R), Pebble Gray (DFG), Ivory Silver (ISG), Ocean Blue (OBG) and Iceberg Green (IEG). Matte colour options include Ocean Blue (Matte), Ivory Silver (Matte), Iceberg Green (Matte) and Panthera Metal (Matte).New Kia EV9 Electric SUVEV9 utilizes a futuristic design philosophy with angled panels all across. It seems familiar to the panelling used on tanks and stealth aircrafts. Other notable aspects include the star constellation-inspired LED lights at front and rear, flat closed-off grille and Kia’s signature tiger nose effect on the skid plate. Viewed from the side, EV9 could be mistaken for an armoured car. Some key highlights include quirky alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, thick body cladding, chunky door panels, blacked-out pillars, smart door handles and tinted windows.New Kia EV9 Electric SUV Smart KeyInside, Kia EV9 has a clutter-free dashboard layout and cockpit area. Much of the controls are accessible via the massive integrated digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Interiors are designed for roominess and optimal user comfort. Both 6-seat and 7-seat versions are expected to be available.EV9 performance, range – Best in class?Kia has not revealed any significant details about EV9. However, it is known that EV9 will have a range of 543 km. Based on its size and max range, battery capacity could be around 100kWh. It is expected that EV9 will have fast charging, allowing users to load up around 100 km in approximately 6 minutes. Based on the E-GMP platform, EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have similar capabilities. Kia EV9 is expected to get option of both rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive.EV9 is unlikely to make it to India anytime soon. However, Kia has plans to launch multiple new mass-market EVs, specially designed for India. These will go up against upcoming born electric SUVs from Mahindra and Tata Motors. More