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      Tata Nexon Electric Updated With New Alloys, Infotainment System

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      2021 Tata Nexon Electric Updated
      Tata Nexon Electric is offered in three trims- XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux in the price range between Rs 13.99 and Rs 16.56 lakh (ex-showroom)
      Tata Motors recently brought in a few updates for Nexon a few months ago. The subcompact UV got a fresh set of alloy wheels and also an updated infotainment unit. These updates have now been extended to its battery-powered sibling Nexon Electric.
      New Alloy Wheels
      The new alloy wheel design is an exact replica of the alloys which made their debut in the IC engine-powered Nexon earlier this year. The new 5-spoke alloy wheel designs have replaced the older V-shaped alloy design which frankly looked unique, bolder and better.
      The 5-spoke diamond-cut design looks conventional and has probably been introduced to cut down some costs. The wheel sizes remain identical at 16-inches. These alloy wheels have been made available in XZ+ and XZ+ Lux variants of Nexon Electric while the base-spec XM trim gets steel rims with wheel caps. The new units will start reaching dealerships in a few days.
      Physical Buttons Deleted
      Another crucial update made is that the physical buttons for the infotainment system controls have been removed. These buttons were located just below the central air-con vents and were offered with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is available with XZ+ and XZ+ Lux trim.
      2021 Tata Nexon Electric Updated
      The physical buttons that have been removed include Home, Favourites, Back, Smartphone and Next / Previous. The rotary dials for volume and tuner have also been removed. The available space now has the ‘Nexon’ logo.
      The functions of these physical buttons have been integrated into the touchscreen, making it a completely digital experience. The 7.0-inch infotainment unit houses Tata’s Connect Next OS with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It is also compatible with the Zconnect App that has over 35 connected car tech features.
      While physical buttons do make clutter in the centre dashboard, some people prefer buttons and rotary dials for an old-school charm. They are also far more convenient to use. Prices for the Nexon EV remain unchanged with the base variant offered at Rs 13.99 lakh and top-end trim available at Rs 16.56 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Detailed walkaround video of updated Nexon EV can be seen below, credit to TheCarsShow by Arsh Jolly.
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      Powertrain Specs
      Nexon Electric is powered by Tata’s Ziptron powertrain technology which features a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque and a claimed range of 312km on a single charge. The battery takes around 8 hours to fully replenish using a home wall box charger. Using a fast charger, the battery could be juiced up 0-80 percent within 60 minutes. More

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      Electric Cars, Scooters To Get Highest Subsidy In Gujarat – Nexon EV, Ather

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      Image – Anubhav ChauhanState-level subsidy in addition to FAME-II will help boost electric vehicle sales
      It’s good to see that states have started doing their bit to promote use of electric vehicles. The latest update comes from Gujarat where the state government has chalked out a detailed plan to boost EV usage. Gujarat’s new EV policy covers various aspects such as subsidies, encouraging startups and manufacturers to set up operations, and augmenting charging infrastructure.
      Double subsidy
      Over the next four years, Gujarat government aims to increase electric vehicle count in the state to 2 lakh units. A number of steps will be taken to achieve that goal. One of the key policy decisions is to increase subsidy for EVs registered in the state. The state government has stated that it will offer double the amount of subsidy in comparison to other states. This will be applicable on a per kilowatt basis.
      For two-wheelers, subsidy of up to Rs 20,000 has been approved. For three-wheelers and four-wheelers, the subsidy amount will be up to Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively. This will be in addition to the subsidy already available under FAME-II scheme launched by the central government.
      This means that the electric scooters like Ather, Okinawa, Hero, Ampere, etc and electric cars like Tata Nexon Electric, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona electric – will get even more cheaper in Gujarat. This new policy will basically make electric vehicles cheapest in the state of Gujarat, as compared to anywhere else in India.
      Ather Electric Scooter
      The subsidy amount being offered by the state will be transferred to the buyer’s bank account via direct benefit transfer (DBT). This will eliminate any possibilities of fake subsidy claims or fraudulent operations. In other incentives, EVs registered in Gujarat will not be required to pay registration fee.
      Manufacturing and infrastructure ramp-up
      Gujarat government is aiming to make the state a hub for manufacturing of EVs and related parts and components. The government will also be encouraging investors and startups, who could contribute towards the development of better products in the EV space.
      On the infrastructure front, 250 new charging stations will be setup in the state. The state already has 278 charging stations. To setup more charging stations, the government has plans to use the space available with petrol pumps. Charging stations are also planned to be setup at housing societies and commercial complexes.
      Fuel savings and pollution control
      Within four years of implementing Gujarat’s new EV policy, several crores worth of fuel will be saved. Another key benefit will be 6 lakh ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
      With this new EV policy, EV sales could soon witness a boost in the state. Subsidy amount available under FAME-II has also been increased. With both subsidies combined, the price gap between EVs and fossil fuel powered vehicles could be reduced. Constantly rising prices of petrol and diesel is another factor that may motivate people to switch to electric. More

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      SsangYong Korando eMotion Debuts – New J100 Electric SUV Teased

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      SsangYong J100 Electric SUV TeaserSsangYong has been incurring heavy losses for past few years and future electric products hold key for this foreign Mahindra entity
      Ssangyong has officially introduced its first electric vehicle (EV) in the form of Korando e-Motion. The battery-powered electric SUV is slated to go on sale in international markets later this year. It is based on the same Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform which is also set to underpin the upcoming Mahindra XUV300 Electric.
      The subcompact electric UV was first showcased by the Indian carmaker at the last edition of AutoExpo in 2020. Apart from these two models, the MESMA platform will also underpin SsangYong’s new Tivoli EV which was spotted testing last year. It should be noted that the regular XUV300 is based on the IC engine-powered Tivoli.
      SsangYong Korando Electric
      Specifications & Features
      The modular MESMA architecture boasts a low-set, lithium-ion battery pack that can support multi-motor configurations. SsangYong Korando Electric SUV will be powered by a 61.5kWh battery pack supplied by LG Chem. The Korean carmaker claims a range of 420km on the outdated NEDC cycle in a single charge. As per the new WLTP cycle, the electric crossover is expected to offer a more humble single-charge range of 322km depending on the conditions and driving style.
      While exact specifications of the electric motor are yet to be revealed, it is said to deliver an output close to 190 bhp with SsangYong promising ‘best-in-class’ acceleration and a top speed around 152kph.
      SsangYong J100 SUV teaser sketch
      The battery-powered Korando is expected to offer a spacious cabin, along with a host of creature comforts such as a multifunctional steering wheel, auto climate control and a touchscreen infotainment console with support for the latest connectivity facilities. In terms of safety, the SUV will offer multiple airbags, parking sensors, ABS with EBD, a rear-view camera and crash sensors.
      Exterior Styling
      Coming to its exterior styling, Korando e-Motion wears an uncanny resemblance with the XUV300 Electric prototype showcased at Auto Expo last year. It gets some styling tweaks to distinguish itself from its ICE-powered sibling. These include a closed front grille to aid aerodynamics, a muscular hood and a smooth flowing front bumper.
      Other notable highlights include blacked-out B-pillars, roof rails, designer alloy wheels, vertically stacked fog lamps and circular black wheel arch cladding. However, the most attractive highlights are the blue detailings sprayed across the lower front bumper, indicator-mounted ORVMs and bottom of the rear door panels.
      SsangYong J100 SUV teaser sketch
      Expected Price
      The new Korando Electric is expected to go on sale in European markets starting August this year, followed by United Kingdom. In UK, it is expected to carry a price tag of around £30,000 (approx. INR 31 lakh). Production of the electric crossover commenced on June 14 but due to the ongoing crisis of shortage of semiconductor chips, its home launch had to be delayed. It will rival the likes of Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV.
      Next Electric SUV
      SsangYong will continue to launch more electric vehicles in the future. The next in line is codenamed J100, sketches of the same can ben seen in images above. Launch is scheduled for 2022 and will sit below the larger Rexton SUV. This will be followed by the launch of electric pickup truck by 2023/24. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Kia Soul Trademark Filed In India – Could It Be Electric?

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      2021 Kia SoulWith bestsellers like Seltos and Sonet, Kia can confidently think about launching new products
      Kia Soul had started its journey in 2008 as an ICE powered subcompact crossover SUV. Later in 2014, an electric variant Soul EV was also introduced in international markets. Kia may be planning to bring the car in India, as trademark application for Soul name has been filed in the country. However, it’s not certain if it will be the ICE powered Soul or its EV version.
      Kia Soul design and styling
      Featuring a tallboy design, Kia Soul is quite quirky and distinctive in comparison to other products in its class. Some of the key features include sleek full-LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a large front grille, trapezoidal fog lamp casing, and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the car features boomerang-shaped LED tail lights and centrally positioned dual exhaust with chrome tips.
      On the inside, Kia Soul is spacious and packs in a comprehensive range of features. Higher trims come with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
      Other key features include USB ports, wireless phone charger, sunroof, steering mounted controls, head-up-display (HUD), auto AC, mood lighting, power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and heated steering wheel.
      New Kia Soul name registered in India
      Kia Soul gets top marks for safety, as it’s equipped with several advanced features. Some of these include forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision warning, lane change assist, and smart cruise control.
      Other safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), ABS with EBD, hill start assist control, and tire pressure monitoring system.
      Kia Soul powertrain
      In international markets, Kia Soul is offered with a 1.6 litre MPi petrol motor that is capable of generating 123 ps of max power at 6,300 rpm and 150 Nm of max torque at 4,850 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s a 2.0 litre MPi petrol motor also that makes 149 ps / 179 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed manual CVT unit. There’s a 1.6 litre turbo petrol version as well, which makes 204 ps / 265 Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed DCT.
      Talking about Kia Soul EV, the second-gen model utilizes a 64 kWh battery pack. This was a major upgrade from the earlier 30 kWh unit. The battery utilizes a liquid cooling system. The electric motor generates 201 hp / 395 Nm and can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.6 seconds. EPA range is 243 miles (390 km) whereas WLTP range comes at 452 km on a full charge. More

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter To Tata Nexon EV To Get Cheaper As Govt Proposes No Registration Fees

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterThe draft notification proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is open for comments from public and stakeholders within 30 days
      Government of India has been vigorously pushing towards adoption of electric vehicles in the country over the last few months. From concession on road tax for consumers and added concessions for local battery and components manufacturers in India, the Central Government has been pushing hard to adopt cleaner sources of power in automobiles.
      As per the latest development, the government has drafted a proposal that exempts all battery-powered vehicles from registration charges in a bid to promote electric mobility in the country. This development comes at a time when demand for electric vehicles and transition to cleaner sources of mobility is slowly gathering momentum in India.
      More Details
      While issuing a draft notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed to exempt all Battery Operated Vehicles (BOV) from payment of fees for registration of a new vehicle as well as renewal of registration.
      It also mentions exemption of fees for the assignment of a new registration mark. A copy of the above notification draft has been uploaded on the road and transport ministry’s official Twitter handle.
      Tata Nexon EV.
      The notification further stated that comments from the general public and all stakeholders have been sought within 30 days from the date of issuance. The draft proposes an amendment to Rule number 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 which states the various fees chargeable to consumers including issue and renewal of trade certificate for vehicles, issue of registration certificates, transfer of ownership and more.
      Speaking of registration of EVs, India sees higher cases of registration of vehicles running on three wheels, although two-wheelers have also gained prominence ever since new EV brands have come into picture.
      If this proposal is implemented, more customers will be drawn into buying EVs. This will help increase the demand for EVs in India which will, in turn, prompt manufacturers to make batteries in India thereby reducing the cost of battery manufacturing.
      EVs in India
      At present, building batteries requires huge capital for all manufacturers which forms the bulk of the final cost of an EV. Two wheeler segment is led by the likes of Okinawa, Ampere, Hero Electric, Ather, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube and many others. The passenger vehicle segment in India, as of now, has very few options when it comes to cleaner sources of power. Tata Motors has two in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon EV which serve as entry-level models.
      Going higher in the segment, there Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV, both electric crossovers which are locally assembled in India. Apart from this luxury marques such as Mercedes Benz and Jaguar have launched their EV lineup with EQC and I-Pace respectively. Other makers such Audi and Volvo will also be launching new EVs in India in the coming few months. More

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      Ford EV Plans For Future Revealed – Bronco Electric Could Be A Possibility

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      Ford EcoSport Electric In Bronco Styling – RenderThe upcoming lineup of Ford EVs will comprise battery-powered versions of Explorer, Aviator and maybe Bronco as well
      With future of the global automotive industry heavily dependent on battery-powered solutions, automakers worldwide have started planning their future ahead accordingly. One of the largest auto manufacturers Ford recently held a Capital Markets Day presentation which was mostly dedicated to future electric vehicles to be rolled out by the company.
      The American carmaker announced that it will be launching new dedicated electric vehicle platforms and will develop new IonBoost batteries for future EVs. The company estimated that almost 40 percent of its global sales will be EVs by the year 2030. Laying the groundwork for its next decade of vehicle production teased several new products and services.
      Future EV Platforms
      The Blue Oval brand announced that it will be spending more than USD 30 billion on electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company had previously committed USD 22 billion toward electrification.
      Furthermore, it went on to add that it currently possesses five global vehicle platforms but with EVs coming into picture, these architectures need to be reimagined to meet required conditions. Cars based on these new platforms will be able to share motors, gearboxes, battery packs and battery management systems across the lineup.
      Ford Electric Platform
      This is in addition to other cross vehicle technologies which will enable Ford to share up to 80% of a vehicle’s components across its portfolio. The company also previewed its upcoming RWD / AWD BEV Flexible Architecture which will underpin several new generation models of high-volume battery-powered vehicles between now and 2030 including some ‘rugged SUVs’.
      Prospective Ford EV Lineup
      While Ford didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that the upcoming platform will be available in two derivatives- one for 2- and 3-row crossovers, cars and SUVs and the other mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The former category will comprise models such as electric versions of Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Although the American carmaker didn’t specifically mention it, we also expect an electrified Bronco underpinned by the same architecture in future.
      The second derivative will underpin the F-series pickup trucks for example the next-gen F-150 Lightning which could arrive as early as 2025. The first-gen model made its debut a few days back and is expected to go on sale in the coming months, it is also expected to form bases for electric versions of Expedition and Navigator.
      Ford Electric Platform
      The electrification of the pickup segment is critical for Ford since it expects about 1/3rd of full-size pickup trucks to be fully electric by 2030. This would mean around 800,000 electric pickup trucks will be produced annually.
      Battery Development
      Ford also shed light on its battery manufacturing segment and revealed that the BlueOvalSK joint venture will develop battery packs and arrays at two different facilities in the US. The next generation of batteries from Ford will be called IonBoost+.
      The company also unveiled its plans would include development of IonBoost lithium-ion batteries, IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries (for commercial vehicles), and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries. The carmaker finally added that it will be expanding its commercial vehicle business by nearly double to $45 billion by 2025. More

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      Maruti WagonR Electric Car To Be Sold As Rebadged Toyota Hyryder ?

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      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
      Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
      The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
      Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
      However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
      Exterior Design
      Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
      Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
      Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
      If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
      Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
      Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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      Tata Motors Bags Rs 44 Crore Contract For 300 New Electric Cars

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      Tata Nexon EV. Image for reference.Tata Motors is also expected to launch a mild facelift version of Tigor EV soon
      When it comes to fully electric vehicles in the passenger vehicle segment, there are only a handful of options. The choices get further streamlined if you are looking for an EV that has been locally manufactured. Tata Motors with two offerings in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon EV enjoys the status of the highest EV seller in the country.
      Unsurprisingly, the homegrown automaker has been able to bag such a large order from Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). Under this order, Tata Motors will supply 300 units of electric cars with a warranty of three years to CESL.
      More Details
      The total cost of this contract is worth Rs 44 crore and is a part of the Scaling up Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project which is being financed by the Asian Development Bank line of credit to CESL. The letter of award forwarded by CESL to Tata Motors states that these 300 four-wheeler electric cars will have a length of less than 4 metres and a single-charge range equal to or more than 250km.
      While both Nexon EV and Tigor fulfil the size criteria, the sedan falls slightly short in terms of its range at 213km. It is also to be noted that Tata is working on launching an updated Tigor very soon. This facelifted Tigor Electric could come with a larger battery pack, which will result in increased range.
      Tata Tigor electric facelift spied
      The said tender will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will consist of procurement of 300 vehicles with a three-year warranty at a base price of Rs 14.33 lakh per unit, exclusive of GST. The second phase will involve inland transportation including loading, unloading, transfer to a designated location, transit insurance, and other costs liable to delivery of vehicles. This phase will incur a cost of Rs 21,000 per unit.
      Commenting on this development, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors is committed to supporting the Government’s vision of actively embracing e-mobility and we are delighted to partner with CESL once again. Purposeful collaboration amongst stakeholders is key to accelerate the mass adoption of environmentally-friendly solutions.”
      Nexon EV Specs
      Nexon EV is powered by a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which is paired with a 30.2kWh lithium-ion and a liquid-cooled battery pack. This powertrain combination returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque.
      The battery pack comes with IP67 certification and the company claims a single-charge range of 312km. The car is bundled with a 3.3kW charger which could charge 20-100 percent in eight hours. It is also provided with a 25kW fast charger which could rejuvenate the battery in just 60 minutes. More