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      2022 Nissan X-Trail Debuts With New Hybrid Electric Powertrain

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      2022 Nissan X-TrailLike its American counterpart, the new Nissan-Trail will be offered in multiple seating configurations
      The latest edition of the Shanghai Auto Show in China has been a showcase to many highly anticipated international models. One of them is the fifth generation Nissan X-Trail which was recently unveiled at the biennial motor show. From the first look, it can be witnessed that the upcoming SUV has undergone quite a few changes both above and underneath its skin.
      Nissan’s flagship SUV in its latest form is based on the CMF-C crossover platform that has been co-developed by the Japanese manufacturer along with its alliance partners Renault and Mitsubishi. The upcoming SUV already went on sale in the US market as ‘Rogue’ a few months back.
      Exterior Design
      The new-gen X-Trail is based on Nissan’s 3.0 design philosophy which results in a plethora of exterior updates. This includes a more butch appearance at front with a new split lighting setup, oversize trapezoidal front grille and aggressive front bumper.
      Blacked-out roof, ORVMs, pillars and side body claddings provide the necessary sporty appeal to the premium SUV. At rear, it features a pair of wraparound LED taillights and a muscular bash plate along with striking design lines.
      2022 Nissan X-Trail
      Interior Layout & Features
      Although dimensions are yet to be revealed officially, if it follows its American sibling then the new X-Trail is likely to be 38mm shorter and 5mm lower than its predecessor. Inside the cabin, things don’t change much as the upcoming model continues to offer a three-row configuration with folding seats in the third row.
      As far as features are concerned, it will be offered with a larger touchscreen infotainment system that houses various connectivity features, wireless charging, ventilated front seats and a bunch of driver-assist functions.
      New powertrain on offer
      The most notable highlight lies under the SUV’s hood. The new-gen X-Trail gets an e-POWER technology featuring a VC Turbo 300 petrol motor that is solely used to charge a battery powering a DC electric motor mounted on the front axle.
      This hybrid powertrain results in an output of 201 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. Like the fully electric Nissan Leaf, 2021 X-Trail also features a one-pedal operational ability called ‘e-Pedal’. This system offers enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions in comparison to its conventional IC engine-powered counterparts.
      The upcoming SUV will also be available with Nissan’s 4×4 Intelligent AWD system that sends power to all four wheels. This new iteration of X-Trail is expected to go on sale in international markets later this year. While the current third-gen X-Trail never made it to India, we hope Nissan gives it some consideration this time around. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept Debuts – Name Trademarked In India

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      Toyota bZ4X Electric ConceptToyota has already filed trademarks for other bZ models such as bZ1X up to bZ5X in India
      Slowdown in the global automotive industry hasn’t impacted the process of automakers transitioning to electrified powertrains. Toyota has announced that it will be adding as many fifteen fully electric vehicles (EVs) in its global lineup out of which seven will wear the branding of bZ which stands for ‘Beyond Zero’.
      The first of the bZ lineup has now been revealed in a pre-production concept form called bZ4X which is loosely based on Toyota’s mid-size SUV RAV4. Given RAV4’s popularity in international markets, it was a no-brainer for the Japanese carmaker. The crossover has been built on e-TNGA platform in partnership with Subaru.
      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
      Exterior Design
      As expected, the bZ4X Concept takes a number of styling inspirations from its IC engine-powered cousin. It is similar in shape and size to RAV4 but sits a little lower and is slightly longer than the latter.
      At front, it gets a small hexagonal grille in the lower section of the face with small vertical inlets in the corners. Otherwise, the front end has no openings with a trapezoidal nose. The headlight clusters have four projector LED beams and a strip of LED DRLs at top of each.
      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
      Moving to its side profile, it gets swift character lines flowing backward giving it the impression of a scooped-out section. Lower part of the door kinks upward at the rear fenders while a rear spoiler and high beltline add a sporty element to its design. Like RAV4, the C-pillar has a steep coupe-like rake while glossy black wheel arches and multi-spoke tubeless alloy wheels accentuate the crossover’s sporty appeal.
      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
      At rear, LED illumination comprising boomerang-shaped taillights and a full-width strip across the tailgate gives it a premium appeal. Overall, the bZX4 concept grabs the attention by its bold and futuristic looks. Its interior, though premium and modern, fails to complement the exterior.
      Interior Layout & Features
      The cabin features a bulky steering column with a digital instrument cluster almost stuck to the windscreen glass. The dashboard flaunts a wide touchscreen infotainment unit extending up to the centre console finished in piano with rotary dials for toggling assistance systems and drive modes.
      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
      It also receives a touchpad with a blue glow that can be used to operate the infotainment screen. Other highlights include multi-zone climate control, USB charging ports and a dual-tone interior theme.
      The rear seat seems fairly spacious thanks to the lack of a drivetrain hump and a wide cabin which should accommodate three adults abreast. Toyota hasn’t yet revealed the exact powertrain specs. The e-TNGA platform is suited for both single motor and dual motor setups.
      Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
      The former can be opted in either front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive layouts while the latter comes with all-wheel-drive capabilities. A single-motor variant called bZ4 should also be included in the lineup. Basically, the ‘X’ in the model name refers to all-wheel-drive vehicles.
      Toyota has trademarked BZ, BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 and BZ5 in India
      A rebadged crossover under Subaru branding shall also be developed. Expect production version of bZ4X to start reaching markets by mid-2022. Toyota intends to launch all seven bZ models by 2025 which will also include an electric pickup truck. Production of the electric crossover is expected to be carried out in Japan and China. More

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      Ford Evos Electric Debuts With 27 Inch 4k Infotainment Screen

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      Ford EVOS
      Upcoming Ford Evos will replace Mondeo in European and Fusion in North American markets
      Ford Evos Concept made its maiden appearance a decade ago back in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, the American carmaker has revealed Evos in its final production-spec model at the Auto Shanghai event of 2021. The crossover is the first product of a joint venture between the Blue Oval brand and Chinese automaker Changan.
      Evos is essentially a crossover between an SUV and Coupe, and is believed to succeed the outgoing Ford Mondeo/Fusion. It has been largely developed by a team of Changan and will initially be manufactured at the joint venture’s facility in China. The SUV is most likely to go on sale in China later this year followed by other international markets.
      Exterior Styling
      The front face of Evos is reminiscent of another China-specific model which recently went on sale- Equator. It features a low-set bonnet along with super-thin LED headlamps that are connected to each other by a thin LED strip. The light strip extends into daytime running lights and the headlight clusters merge with a wide, octagonal and blacked-out radiator grille.
      Move to its side, its coupe-like silhouette, pop-out door handles and flat-sloping D-pillars remind us of Mustang Mach-E. Other highlights from the side profile include black body claddings, sleek window area and sharp crease lines in the upper portion.
      Ford Evos
      At rear, the most attractive piece of highlight are C-shaped LED taillights connected via a full-width LED light strip. Exhaust pipe has been kept discreet which suggests that this car might be available in an electric powertrain as well. Other styling elements include 19-inch blacked-out alloy wheels, ‘EVOS’ written in bold lettering at rear and two-tone paint schemes with a black roof.
      Interior Styling & Features
      Coming to interiors, the cabin of Evos is simple and minimalist yet highly digital and very futuristic. Interior of the upcoming SUV gets a sporty black treatment enhanced by orange accents on the dash, centre console and steering wheel.
      Almost the entire dashboard is divided into two display screens- one for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the other a 27-inch 4K ultra-wide infotainment screen. The infotainment Operating system (OS) runs on Ford’s localized SYNC+ 2.0 with Baidu’s AI tech which it refers to as a virtual personal assistant.
      Ford EVOS
      Ford hasn’t let out any specifications of its powertrain or dimensions as of now but it is expected to feature a hybrid as well as a fully electric power source. More details regarding the crossover will be revealed in months to come. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Honda HRV Inspired Electric SUV Prototype Debuts

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      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      The production model based on Honda SUV e: prototype is expected to go on sale by spring of 2022
      Auto Shanghai 2021 being held from April 21-28, 2021 has the all new Honda SUV e-prototype on display. It is being showcased at the upcoming all electric model from the brand that will go on sale from Spring 2022.
      The new SUV, which currently goes by the codename e-prototype, is the first of 10 such electric vehicles being planned by Honda for launch over the next 5 years. It bears a striking resemblance to the e:concept which was shown off at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show but in a more production ready format.
      Exterior Inspired by new HR-V
      Where its exterior styling is concerned, the new Honda e:prototype borrows design inspiration from the new HR-V. It gets a thin LED strip in the front, LED eye shaped headlamps, thin LED strips at the top and slim side mirrors. The LED logo in the front hides the panel which is its charging port.
      On the sides are black body cladding, retractable front door handles and at the rear there are tail lamps linked by a light bar and the Honda logo in the center. Twin light strips are also seen on the rear bumper and it gets a prominent tailgate spoiler and contrasting black roofline to offer a floating roof effect.
      New Honda HRV is being planned for India launch
      Third Gen Honda Connect
      Honda E:Prototype comes in with third generation Honda Connect. It will also receive Honda’s ADAS next gen advanced safety and driver assist system. ADAS allows driver to experience new technologies with better safety and comforts of mobility.
      Honda Connect offers advanced functions like connectivity, smartphone link and OTA – Over-the-Air updates based on voice recognition interface. Besides being offered with the e:Prototype, Honda Connect will also make its way onto other Honda models in the second half of this year.
      The AI powered system also offers users connectivity to smart home appliances and online shopping and also supports digital key via the smartphone. No details of powertrain or any other technical spec were revealed and will be announced once the model enters production.
      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      At Auto Shanghai 2021, Honda also unveiled the Breeze PHEV which is based on the Honda CR-V. This is the company’s first plug in hybrid model and is based on Honda’s Sport Hybrid i-MMD hybrid system. It offers an impressive electric range and promises to go on sale by later this year. Breeze PHEV is being introduced by GAC Honda (Guangqi Honda or Guangzhou Honda), a JV between GAC Group and Honda Motor Company. More

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      Electric Vehicle Sales At 1.34 Lakh For FY21 – Cars, Scooters, 3 Wheelers

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      Ather electric scooter sales start in DelhiEV segment appears to be on path of recovery after a challenging last year
      Data published by CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) on its electric mobility dashboard reveals that close to 1.34 lakh EVs were sold in FY21. This is lower than the numbers in FY20 and FY19. However, when we look at percentage share of EVs in total vehicle sales of India, the figure is 0.88%. This is the highest ever in a financial year. Cumulative sales of EVs since FY12 have crossed 6.38 lakh units.
      Category wise EV sales
      Three wheeler EVs continue to lead in terms of sales numbers in FY21. A total of 88,378 units were sold, which is 66.04% of total EV sales. Two wheelers are next with sales of 40,837 units. Share in sales is 30.51%. 4-wheeler EVs are placed at third place with sales of 4,588 units. Percentage share in sales is 3.43%. Goods vehicle EV sales were just 28 units in FY21.
      EV Sales FY 2021. Data – CEEW-CEF
      Comparing the data with previous years, three wheeler EVs have lost quite a bit of their sales. Three wheeler EV sales in FY20 were close to 1.41 lakh units. In comparison, both two wheeler and 4-wheelers have registered significant YoY growth in FY21. As for goods vehicle EVs, their sales have been declining since FY18.
      4-wheeler EV segment is expected to register strong growth in the near future, as more than 23 new products are scheduled for launch by FY22. CEEW-CEF’s dashboard also reveals the savings one can make by switching from petrol to an electric vehicle.
      Tata Nexon EV is India’s best selling passenger electric car.
      In Delhi, if a user shifts from petrol sedan to EV sedan, the cost savings work out at Rs 30,000 per annum. In case of two wheeler EVs, the savings work out at around Rs 8k per annum.
      EV sales – statewise data
      Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka are the top three states, based on their contribution to EV sales in FY21. Uttar Pradesh alone contributed close to a quarter of overall EV sales. A total of 31,584 EVs were sold in the state in FY21. The top ten states in EV sales contributed around 88% of the overall EVs sold in FY21.
      Data on FAME-II subsidy scheme reveals that there’s a lot more potential to be unlocked in EV space. Only 4.25% of sales targets have been achieved under FAME-II. It is possible that many buyers are still not aware of the various subsidies and benefits available under FAME-II.
      By 2030, total EV sales in the country are expected to cross 14.8 million units. To get there, all stakeholders will have to make efforts to resolve the current set of issues such as range anxiety, lack of readily available charging stations, high upfront cost of EVs, and limited finance options. More

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      2022 Mercedes Benz EQS Electric Debuts With 770 Kms Range

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      2022 Mercedes EQS ElectricThe EQS has one of the best aerodynamics with the lowest drag coefficient in its segment of 0.20
      With demand shifting to non-fossil fuel energy sources gaining momentum in the last few years, the German carmaker has a string of new electric cars ready for launch within its dedicated EV sub-brand ‘EQ’. However, the marque isn’t going to compromise on a few things that have earned it the brand image the company enjoys today, one of them being luxury.
      S-Class stands at the top-end of Mercedes Benz’s global lineup and is the epitome of luxury on wheels. The carmaker has now taken the covers off the fully electric version of the luxury sedan called EQS. The electric sedan will be offered in two variants- 450+ and 580 4Matic and is expected to go on sale by the end of this year.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Exterior Styling
      EQS is based on the Vision EQS concept that made its maiden appearance in 2019, however, sports a few differences in its actual production form. Its appearance is commanded by Mercedes’ “one-bow roofline” design philosophy that essentially forms a projectile roofline.
      The roof arches back to a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate giving the sedan a sportier appeal than its fossil-fueled sibling. At front end, it gets a black faux grille panel flanked by angular headlights on both sides with a “three-dimensional star pattern”.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      The headlight clusters are themselves joined by a horizontal light bar. The electric sedan’s body is made of aluminium making it very light for its size and wrapped by a two-tone colour scheme with a contrasting upper half.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      It features a fixed clamshell bonnet that doubles up as front wheel arches. The doors are frameless as expected from this range of cars and feature the same flush door handles as its IC engine-powered counterpart.
      The electric S-class is built on the brand’s new dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform that will also underpin the upcoming EQE. At a length measuring 5265mm, it is closer to the long wheelbase version of S-Class rather than the standard S-Class. Other dimensions read as 1,926mm wide in width and1,512mm tall while the wheelbase measures a staggering 3,210mm. Despite the enormous size, Mercedes claims a very low drag coefficient of only 0.20.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Powertrains specs & Performance
      The 450+ trim comes powered by a single rear-wheel biased motor while the 580 4Matic trim comes with a dual motor setup providing all-wheel-drive functionality. The former returns an output of 329 bhp and 458 Nm of peak torque and is capable of sprinting 0-100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds. The latter receives a combined output of 516 bhp and 856 Nm of peak torque while 0-100 kmph acceleration time reduces to a meagre 4.3 seconds.
      However, top speed on both variants have been capped at 210 kmph which results in a more than an impressive driving range of 770km on a single charge as per WLTP cycle. The motors are fed by a 107.8kWh battery pack but Mercedes says it will also offer a smaller 90 kWh battery at the time of launch. The company has also revealed that a more powerful 715 bhp AMG version of the sedan based in the same twin-motor setup as 580 4Matic is in making.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Interior & Features on offer
      Step inside the cabin and one would feel that he/she has time travelled to future. The biggest highlight (literally) is the new digital Hyperscreen dashboard which contains three screens, eight CPUs, 24GB of RAM and the latest MBUX software. The cabin is a proper definition of opulence and comes with all bells and whistles one receives in a modern-day car and much more.
      Some feature highlights include a Burmester surround sound system comprising 15 speakers, a rear-wheel steering system, OTA software updates, a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control to name only a few. Safety kit on offer features driver-assist technologies such as lane-keeping assist, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      EQS is slated for an international launch in the US towards the end of 2021 at an expected price of USD 100,000 that translates to approx INR 75 lakh. Indian market is also likely to see EQS on the roads at some stage next year maybe. In India, it will be sold as a CBU. More

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      2021 BYD e6 Electric MPV Spied Testing In India For First Time

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      2021 BYD e6 Electric MPVThe second generation e6 which recently went on sale in Singapore is retailed at a price of S$116,888 (equivalent to INR 65,68,162)
      With a wind of new electric vehicles (EVs) slated to make their debut in India at a later stage, the future of mobility is set on the path of electrification. Another prospective EV, BYD e6 has spotted testing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu recently. The electric MPV is expected to hit showrooms in India towards the end of this year.
      Initially, it is expected to be brought as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) under the rule that allows import of 2,500 units per year without the need for homologation. For reference, BYD is a Chinese automotive brand whose shareholdings include American conglomerates General Motors and Berkshire Hathaway owned by Warren Buffet.
      2021 BYD e6 Electric MPV
      The test mule in the latest set of spy shots belongs to the new-gen e6 which recently went on sale in Singapore. The first-gen e6 made its global debut back in 2010 and the new e6 is an advancement over the outgoing model, at least in terms of its styling. The new e6 sports a typical MPV stance with a large window area instead of a boxy silhouette of the previous iteration.
      Exterior & Interior Highlights
      The LED headlights as well as the wraparound taillights are connected through a thick strip of chrome while the front end has been given a perforated treatment. Front bumper is aggressive with a blacked-out skirt and side vents. It gets a sloping roofline with blacked-out pillars giving the MPV a nice contrast.
      2021 BYD e6 Electric MPV
      Inside the cabin, BYD e6 provides a rich experience for driver and fellow passengers with premium features such as a floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen could be manually rotated by 90-degrees to switch between portrait and landscape modes. Take detailed look in the walkaround video below.
      [embedded content]
      Other features on offer include a six-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats and an electronic parking brake. Safety kit onboard offers four airbags, ABS with EBS, traction control, hill-start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. With third-row seats down, it can offer up to 580 litres of luggage space.
      Expected Specs
      Coming to its specifications, e6 will be powered by the carmaker’s 41 kWh Blade battery pack paired with an electric motor. This powertrain is expected to return a power output of 136 bhp, a sizeable bump from 121 bhp on offer in the first-gen model. It is expected to offer a range of around 500km on a single charge significantly higher from the 400km range of the last iteration.
      BTD will offer a 40 kW AC on-board charger with e6 that has DC charging capability. The lithium-iron phosphate battery can be replenished from 0 to 100 percent within just 90 minutes. Upon its launch in India, it is expected to be priced around Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom). E6 is one of the three EVs that e6 intends to launch in India.

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      Tata Nexon Electric Records 4k Sales Milestone – Threefold Increase Over FY20

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      Image – HemankTata Motors was among the early entrants in the nascent EV space
      Launched last year in January, Tata Nexon EV has emerged as the top selling electric car in the country. It does not have any direct rival in its price range, which gives it a definitive advantage in this segment. Other EVs such as MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona are both priced above Rs 20 lakh. Nexon EV is available in three variants, priced in the range of Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom).
      Tough year, yet strong sales
      Even when car sales were badly hit by Covid-19 lockdown and related restrictions, Nexon EV has been able to regain its momentum in the subsequent period. Cumulative sales since the time it was launched have already crossed the 4k mark.
      In FY21, total sales stood at 4,219 units. This is a threefold increase, as compared to sales in FY20. In 2021, Nexon EV also created the record of highest ever monthly and quarterly sales. These were recorded in March 2021 (705 units) and Q4 FY21 (1,711 units).
      If we look at 2020 numbers, Nexon EV had topped the list with sales of 2,602 units. Second bestselling EV in 2020 was MG ZS with sales of 1,243 units. Kona EV was placed at third with 183 units. Tata Tigor EV and Mahindra e-Verito had sales of 100 units and 9 units, respectively. Looking at Q4 FY21 sales numbers, it is likely that Nexon will continue to maintain its lead in 2021.
      Tata Nexon Electric
      Nexon EV features and specs
      While Nexon EV’s competitive pricing is one of the key reasons for its popularity, it also scores high in terms of design, performance, range, creature comforts and safety features.
      At the core of Nexon EV is the advanced Ziptron technology that is equipped with an integrated motor controller. Ziptron utilizes a liquid cooled architecture, which ensures consistent performance across varied operating temperatures. Nexon EV packs in a 30.2 kWh li-ion battery that is IP67 certified. The battery has undergone rigorous testing for more than one million kilometres.
      The battery pack sends power to a 3 phase permanent magnet synchronous motor that is capable of generating 129 ps of max power and 245 Nm of peak torque. Nexon EV can reach 0 to 100 kmph in 9.9 seconds and 0 to 60 kmph in 4.6 seconds.
      Nexon EV offers ARAI certified range of 312 km on a full charge. However, the actual range may vary based on variables such as traffic, use of AC, outside temperature and driver skills. To take care of range anxiety, Tata Motors has already installed charging stations at various locations across the country. Several more of these are expected to come up in the future. More