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      in Electric Cars

      MG Maze Electric Car Concept – No Steering Wheel, Only Touchscreen

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      MG Maze Electric Car Concept
      The MG Maze Concept is an electric two-seater car, aimed at next generation of users – Could be controlled via a smartphone over internet
      MG Motor has showcased the Maze Concept for 2021 which supposedly has been inspired by video games. It is a fully electric car concept that has been designed and conceptualised by London-based SAIC Design, a European design studio owned by MG parent company SAIC.
      Same folks also designed the MG Cyberster which was revealed earlier this year at the Shanghai Motor Show. The concept is a mere design illustration as of now which has been envisioned keeping future electric vehicles in mind. This would appeal to the next generation of car buyers.
      The company says it has been designed in recognition of three key principles: “Play is important. Discovery is important. Adventure is important.” The Maze concept is a result of blending the worlds of motoring and gaming.
      SAIC Design has revealed that it wanted to capture the “at-home gaming scenario” and bring it to life inside a car. As mentioned earlier, it remains a digital rendering and has no plans of becoming real for now.
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      Video Game-Inspired Cockpit
      Maze has been designed to take part in a ‘real-world treasure hunt’ of digital art installations in cities. It takes the form of a points-based rewards system for drivers which operates in a similar fashion as any computer or console-based video game.
      Entry to the cockpit can be accessed through a vertically opening glass canopy. The vertical glass canopy takes less space as compared to a normal side-opening door when open.
      On entering the small cabin, one is welcomed by a pair of zero-gravity seats, a video game controller and a screen, which are more reminiscent of a personalised gaming room than a car. Instead of a steering wheel, the car is controlled by the user’s phone. Even the exterior of Maze takes inspiration from gaming with its transparent shell, exposed componentry and LED backlighting emulating the look of a high-end gaming PC.
      MG Maze Electric Car Concept
      Exterior Design
      The short overhangs and extremely compact dimensions ensure great maneuverability in a congested environment. The view outside the cabin from the cockpit is clear and unobstructed thanks to the canopy glass opening. Since it is just a digital illustration, details of its hypothetical underpinnings stay under wraps.
      SAIC has revealed that this concept would feature multiple electric motors coupled with a swappable battery pack. However, the carmaker did not divulge any performance figures yet. While the Maze Concept may not be seen on roads in the coming future, it does reveal what future mobility could look like. Even though the design sounds and appears whimsical, it will gather some traction on the internet. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Motors EV Sales Crosses 10k Milestone – Nexon Electric, Tigor EV

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      Image – Car DuniyaTata Motors currently retails two electric cars under its roof- Nexon EV and Tigor EV, the latter being the most affordable electric car in the country
      Tata Motors is celebrating the success of its battery-powered vehicles in the country by notching a sales volume of 10,000 units. In the process, the homegrown automaker became the first company to retail 10K EVs in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This has been attributed to the success of Nexon EV in the market.
      The company also retails Tigor EV in its PV portfolio that was recently updated with revised styling and a much powerful powertrain. Tata Motors has admitted that the first 10,000 EVs have mostly been bought by early adopters while also underpinning that the carmaker remains committed to the vision of making EVs for the mass market.
      On achieving the 10k sales volume, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said that the numbers are a strong testament to the company’s innovative electric vehicles which are resonating well with customers. He further added that these customers have laid a strong foundation for EV ownership to further expand and have created a path for other prospective buyers to follow.
      EV Market Share of 70%
      Through a press release, Tata Motors has revealed that it commands over 70 percent market share in the ongoing financial year in the EV passenger car space. The brand registered a volume of over 1,000 electric cars in the month of August this year and reported a strong order book. The carmaker has also teamed up with its sister company Tata Power in order to set up a wide charging infrastructure with 700 plus installations in 120 cities across India.
      Tata Electric Cars
      Nexon EV Specs
      Powered by the brand’s Ziptron technology, Nexon EV features a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which derives its energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. The battery pack offers a claimed range of 312km on a single charge.
      Using a fast charge, the battery could be charged from Nexon EV in just 60 minutes. It is offered in three trims namely XM, XZ+, and XZ+ Lux with prices starting from Rs 13.99 lakh and going up to Rs 16.85 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
      Tigor EV Specs
      On the other hand, the updated Tigor EV which was launched recently is also powered by Ziptron technology but features a slightly smaller battery pack with a capacity of 26kWh. This returns an output of 74 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque and a range of 306km on a single charge. The EV can be charged from 0-80 percent in 8.5 hours using a standard wall charger and in 60 minutes using a fast charger.
      Tigor EV is available in three trims namely XE, XM, and XZ+ which are priced between Rs 11.99 lakh to Rs 13.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The manufacturer also launched an updated Tigor EV for the fleet market with a new name X-Pres T-EV. Without many rivals in the entry-level electric PV segment, Tata enjoys a significant advantage which is likely to grow stronger with the addition of new models. More

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      Audi e-tron GT Electric Launch Price Rs 1.8 Cr – Up To 500 Kms Range

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      Audi e-tron GT India Launche-tron GT adds to the growing line-up of electric cars from Audi India – Its RS variant has also been launched
      After launching the e-tron SUV earlier this year in India, Audi has today announced the launch of e-tron GT and e-tron GT RS. It is priced at Rs 1.8 crore and Rs 2.05 crore respectively. It sits above the e-tron SUV range, which is available from Rs 1 cr to Rs 1.17 cr. All prices are ex-sh.
      Design
      e-Tron GT is a Coupe-style electric four-door saloon that is meant for grand touring in comfort. Although it is not as sporty, quick or luxurious as its cousin from Porsche it is certainly distinctive and equally impressive in its design. Following a Coupe style, e-Tron GT gets a heavily sloping roofline with a broad shoulder line and low bonnet.
      Upfront, the sedan features a signature Audi hexagonal-shaped grille which is flanked by familiar matrix LED headlights in combination with Audi laser light. The front bumper features air curtains which improve aerodynamic efficiency.
      LED taillights at rear get an animated function which is one of the distinct highlights of the car. Along the side profile, it gets aggressive creases, a chrome finish on door sills and diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels which aptly makes it look luxurious.
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      On the inside, you get Air Quality package, Nappa leather upholstery, 18 Way adjustable Sports seats Pro with Massager and Seat Ventilation in the front, ambient Lighting package, 3-zone air-conditioning and Comfort key. Also on offer is Audi Virtual Cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with touch, B&O Premium Sound System with 3D sound, Audi Smartphone Interface and Audi Phone Box with wireless Charging.
      Power on tap
      The main highlight of e-Tron GT is what propels the sedan forward. e-Tron GT is powered by a dual-motor setup, which derives energy from an 83.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In the standard variant, the powertrain churns out a cumulative output of 530 hp and 630 Nm of peak torque. In the top-spec RS trim, it puts out a massive 646 bhp and 830 Nm of torque.
      While the standard trim offers a maximum range of 500 kms on a single charge, the more powerful RS variant peaks out at 481 kms – as per the WLTP cycle. Respective top speeds of e-Tron GT and e-Tron GT RS are pegged at 245 kmph and 250 kmph while claimed 0-100kmph acceleration times for both variants are reported to be 4.1 seconds and 3.3 seconds respectively.
      Audi e-tron GT and RS Specs for India
      Both derivatives feature Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system since each axle is powered by a dedicated electric motor. However, since there is no mechanical link between the axles, the sedans are also equipped with an electronic control system to coordinate the drive between the axles and wheels. Bookings are already open online at the company website or at their authorized showroom. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata XPRES T EV Launch Price With Subsidy – Tigor Electric For Fleet Customers

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      Tata XPRES T EVTata XPres T is basically the facelifted Tigor electric sedan for commercial market – It will receive two battery pack options of 16.5kWh and 21.5kWh
      Tata Motors has launched a new sub-brand called ‘Xpres’ in India which will cater exclusively to fleet customers – Government, Corporates and Mobility Services. With this new brand, the company now has two ranges of passenger vehicles Xpress and New Forever lineup and the first vehicle under this will be the Xpres-T EV which is essentially a facelift Tigor EV.
      Tata Tigor EV called Xpres T, is a part of the automaker’s Xpres brand which is exclusive for fleet customers. It is offered in a choice of four variants, two each for its two battery options. XpresT 165 XM variant is priced at Rs 9.54 lakh, while the XZ variant costs Rs 10.04 lakh. XpresT 213 XM+ is priced at Rs 10.14 lakh while XZ+ trim costs Rs 10.64 lakh. These are Net Prices with Fame Subsidy.
      Tata XPRES T EV Prices
      Design Elements
      Where its design is concerned, the XPres-T borrows much from the facelifted Tigor. It however gets blue accents on its now closed off front grille and dashboard to signal its electric power. Other than this differentiating factor, the rest of the exterior features are identical with EV badging on its front, sides and rear.
      It gets an all-black interior colour scheme, a Harman sourced infotainment system, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic climate control. Safety is via dual air bags, rear parking sensors, power windows and two modes of Eco and Sport. ABS and EBD are offered as standard. The interiors also remain unchanged with a 2 DIN infotainment system, electrically adjustable ORVMs and remote locking system.
      2021 Tata Tigor Electric Facelift Xpres-T EV delivery starts
      Battery Options
      Tata XPres-T electric sedan will be offered with two battery options that include 16.5 kWh and 21.5 kWh. Power will be via a 72V, 3 phase induction motor offering 40 hp power and 105 Nm torque. ARAI has certified range at 165 km and 213 km respectively with single speed automatic transmission. The battery can be charged from 0 to 100% via a 15A domestic plug in just under 12 hours. Fast charging from 0 to 80% with 15 kW charger can be done in 110 minutes.
      True to the Government of India’s Green initiative, Tata Motors has over 1,700 electric sedans operating in the fleet segment. This new Xpres-T EV sedan, will further create a new benchmark for urban shared mobility with comprehensive captive charging solution provided by Tata Power. Tata Motors plans to further its electric vehicle portfolio with 10 new EVs by 2025.
      Increase In EV Demand
      The Maharashtra EV Policy 2021 has been announced. It offers many incentives for adoption of electric vehicles in the state which includes 2, 3 and 4 wheelers along with buses and transport vehicles. Each of these will get incentives at a rate set at Rs 5,000 /kWh battery capacity. These incentive plans would also help to accelerate development of charging infrastructure in the state.
      Electric vehicles come in with lower cost of ownership as compared to their IC engine powered counterparts. They also entail minimum maintenance and are especially in demand now with the rising fuel prices. These EVs are ideally suited for intra-city mobility services. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept Makes Global Debut

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      Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept
      Upon its launch, the electric G Wagon from Mercedes Benz will rival other electric off-roading SUVs such as GMC Hummer EV and electric Ford Bronco
      One of the most popular lineups of cars from Mercedes Benz has been re-envisioned in a whole new avatar. The G-Wagon nameplate from the German marque needs no introduction as it is considered one of the purest forms of SUVs still in production. Recently, the carmaker took a giant step towards electrification of its entire lineup.
      Mercedes Benz has officially unveiled a concept of what could become the first fully electric G Class SUV in future. Officially referred to as Concept EQG, it made its maiden public appearance recently at the IAA Mobility Show 2021 in Munich. The company says that the EQG Concept is a vision of what an electrified G-Class will look like.
      A final production version of an electric G Wagon is expected to make its debut in 2025 which will be based on the EQG Concept. Speaking of its design, Concept EQG unmistakably looks like a G-Class with close visual relations with its IC engine-powered sibling. However, the battery-powered G Wagon comes with a series of styling revisions that mirrors the design of futuristic electric vehicles.
      Mercedes G Class Electric – Exterior Styling
      The exterior overhaul of the SUV is subtle with a similar dual-tone paint scheme used in other EV models from Mercedes such as the EQS luxury sedan. The entire exterior has been installed with illuminated trim elements which include a solid black panel with a 3D star pattern replacing the front grille. Upfront, the faux grille is flanked by round LED headlights circled by integrated LED DRLs.
      Mercedes G Class Electric SUV Concept
      The SUV stands on large 22-inch aluminium wheels while in place of a spare-wheel carrier, it features a storage box. The storage box has been designed to look like the charging station which consists of the port and charging cables. Concept EQG carries the signature G Class boxy silhouette and is still underpinned by a ladder-on-frame chassis that sits on an independent suspension in front and a solid axle at the rear.
      Powerful & off-road capable
      While exact specs of its powertrain haven’t been revealed, it has come to light that the SUV will be powered by four electric motors each mounted close to the four wheels. Mercedes says that each of these motors can be operated independently to provide “unique driving characteristics.” These motors will be connected via a two-speed gearbox which effectively offers low-range and high-range gearing thus fulfilling its off-roading requirements.
      Mercedes says instant torque provided by an electric powertrain will further enhance the SUV’s off-roading capabilities with enormous pulling power and controllability. The battery is integrated into the ladder frame to ensure a low centre of gravity. While exact battery specs, range and performance figures have not yet been revealed, it will certainly eclipse the present IC engine-powered G Wagons.
      Current IC Engine G Wagons
      Currently, G Wagon is offered in two iterations in India- the regular G350d and the more powerful AMG G63. The latter is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 petrol motor which dishes out a mammoth 577 bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque. The AG G63 sprint 0-100kmph in just 4.5 seconds making the fastest G Wagon. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV Prototype With 54 kWh Battery Pack

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      Mahindra XUV700 Render By zephyr_designzEven though Mahindra has readied an electric prototype of XUV700, it is not expected to undergo production anytime soon
      Earlier this year, Mahindra laid out a comprehensive roadmap for its passenger vehicle segment which featured a number of electric vehicles (EVs). Given the race towards electric mobility, Mahindra’s future EVs hold great significance for the auto market in India and the company might actively start its emission-free innings in a year or two.
      Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV
      Mahindra has developed a battery-powered prototype of the recently launched XUV700. The homegrown automaker has already finished developing an electric prototype of the SUV, however, it is not roadworthy yet.
      Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV Prototype features a 54kWh battery pack. The electric powertrain is expected to be equipped on board the XUV700 as and when there is decent demand and charging infrastructure available across India.
      This means there is still a lot of time before we can actually see an electric XUV700 going into production. Meanwhile, Mahindra is reportedly developing XUV900 which is essentially a 4-door Coupe SUV based on XUV700.
      Mahindra XUV700 render
      XUV700 Other Details
      The IC engine-powered XUV700 will get two engine options- a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit and 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol mill. Both units will be paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
      Higher variants will also offer the option of an all-wheel-drive setup otherwise power will be sent to the front wheels. Prices of XUV700 will start at Rs 11.99 lakh and it is expected to go on sale in a few weeks.
      Mahindra’s Other EV Projects
      Mahindra is working on a range of battery-powered vehicles, the first of which is expected to launch in 2023. This will most probably be the eclectic version of XUV300 which will be called eXUV300. A pre-production concept prototype of the same was revealed last year at the Auto Expo. However, multiple delays mainly due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic meant that it is yet to undergo series production.
      Mahindra XUV700 render
      The electric SUV is expected to feature a 40 kWh battery which will return an output of 130 bhp and a range of 300 kms in a single charge. Previous teaser images suggest that it is slightly longer despite sharing the same MESMA 350 platform, developed by Mahindra Electric completely in-house. ‘MESMA’ stands for ‘Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture’.
      Initially, the carmaker was planning on re-entering the EV space in India with eKUV100 which is a battery-powered derivative of KUV100 micro UV. Recently, it also made a brief appearance on the official website of Mahindra Electric. However, its launch too has been hit by various speed breakers throughout its course of development.

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      in Electric Cars

      Opel Rocks-E Is A Rebadged Citroen Ami Electric Car With 75 Kms Range

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      Opel Rocks-EOpel Rocks-E is expected to make its debut in Germany later this year followed by other European markets by early next year
      Badge engineering is a common phenomenon in the global automotive industry. This enables automakers to maximise their profits without having to invest much. Over the recent past, we have witnessed many such cross badged models (Maruti Baleno – Toyota Glanza). However, Opel Rocks-e could be the first instance of a badge-engineered electric car.
      Essentially the same vehicle as Citroen Ami, it would be incorrect to classify it as an electric car, at least in Europe where it will be mostly focused on. It is an electric quadricycle which essentially means it is a four-wheeled vehicle running on an electric motor. It is similar to what we have in our country in the form of Bajaj Qute which runs on an IC engine.
      Exterior Shape & Design
      Its appearance is as diminutive as its size yet it would surely grab eyeballs once it is on the road. Front and rear end of the vehicle is dominated by black bumpers which attempt to give it a macho look. The driver’s side door comes rear-hinged while the doors are almost as wide as the wheelbase.
      Yellow detailing under the door sills and bumpers create a nice sport contrast with the black and grey colour scheme. The quadricycle rolls on attractive 14-inch wheels with X-shaped alloys. Other exterior highlights include simple round reflector headlamps, circular tail-lamps and a large windscreen. In terms of dimension, Rocks-e measures 1.39 metres wide and 2.41 metres long.
      Opel Rocks-E
      The quadricycle’s miniature size benefits in tight city traffic as it receives a very impressive turning radius of 3.6 metre. This makes it very manageable in tight road conditions. Being such a small vehicle, Rocks-e weighs just 425kg which is even lighter than its donor model and it does have a positive impact on the former’s battery backup.
      Interiors
      The funky yellow highlights have been carried from the exterior to inside the cabin as well which wears a minimalist look. Speaking of the cabin, it hosts basic minimum features like a small digital driver display and has space to host only two occupants including the driver. There’s a place on the dashboard to mount one’s phone in addition to a handy storage area running behind the dashboard.
      Powertrain Specs
      Since it is a rebadged Citroen Ami, Rocks-e gets the same electrical and mechanical specs as the former. This includes a 5.5kWh battery pack which feeds energy to a 6kW electric motor that delivers an output of 8 bhp. The battery pack returns a maximum range of 75 km (47 miles) on a single charge. A top speed of 45 kmph can be achieved on this quadricycle.
      It takes more than three hours for the battery to get fully rejuvenated. Due to its friendly specifications, Rocks-e could even be driven by 15-year olds across Europe. Opel has revealed that the EV will be offered in three trim levels- base, Klub and TeKno. Prices of Rocks-e haven’t been revealed yet but it is expected to cost nearly the same as Ami which is pegged at €6,000 (approx. INR 5.20 lakh). More

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      Tata Tigor Electric Launch Price Rs 12 L – 4 Star Safety, Range 306 Kms

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      2021 Tata Tigor Electric LaunchedTigor EV is the second Tata car powered by ZipTron technology – It is also the first Indian EV to have crash test rating
      The new Tata Tigor EV has been launched and initial examples move into company dealerships to be made available for private buyers. The new Tigor EV, is based on the 2020 Tigor facelift. It is being presented in three variants of XM, XZ+ and XZ+ DT. It will borrow new Ziptron powertrain from the Nexon EV. Pre-bookings have commenced via the company online portal or at company dealerships.
      Tata Tigor EV XE variant is priced at Rs 11,99,000 while the XM trim comes in at Rs 12,49,000. The top of the line XZ+ and XZ+ dual tone carries a price tag of Rs.12,99,000. All prices are ex-sh.
      2021 Tata Tigor Electric Launched
      Exterior Design
      As has also been seen on the Xpres-T EV, the Tigor EV also receives a new front fascia, updated headlamp units and a sharper front fascia. A new glossy black panel takes the place of a traditional grille with electric blue coloured accents while blue highlights are also seen on its headlamps. LED DRLs get integrated into the front bumper while the Tigor EV rides on 15 inch wheels. Two colours are on offer – Blue and Black.
      The cabin arrangement follows a similar design as that seen on the standard Tigor save for its blue accents that set it apart. Variant wise features on the XE see crystal inspired LED tail lamps, front power outlet, fully automatic climate controls and tilt adjustable steering wheel along with front power windows.
      2021 Tata Tigor Electric Launched
      The Tigor EV XM variants receive full wheel covers, interior lamps with theater dimming features, a next gen Harman sound system with 4 speakers and 4 tweeters, speed dependent with auto lock feature and day and night IRVMs. It also sports all power windows and manual central car lock.
      First Indian electric car to get crash tested. Scores 4 safety rating.
      The top of the line XZ+ and XZ+ Dual Tone sports hyperstyle wheels, piano black shark fin antenna, signature headlamps with LED DRLs, a premium kitted roof liner and premium Harman sound system and touchscreen infotainment system. Features also include rear parking camera, rear defogger, cooled glovebox, electric boot unlock and driver seat adjustments.
      The Tata Tigor EV, the first Electric Vehicle (EV) ever tested by Global NCAP achieved four stars for both adult and child occupants. It is also the first Indian electric car to get a safety rating.
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      Powertrain and Charging
      Tata Tigor EV gets a new Ziptron powertrain that also powers the Nexon EV. This advanced Ziptron high voltage 300V motor uses permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 75 hp power and 170 Nm torque, allowing for acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h in 5.7 seconds thanks to its 26 kWh lithium ion battery pack.
      This battery pack has an IP 67 rating, capable of withstanding all types of weather conditions and comes in with 8 year/1,60,000 km warranty. Fast charging is possible via a 15A plug which means that the Tigor EV can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in under 60 minutes or via a home charger in 8.5 hours. This electric sedan will offer a claimed 306 km range on a single charge. More