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    EV-First Eicher Truck debuts at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024

    EV-First Eicher TruckEicher Trucks and Buses Unveils Electric Commercial Vehicle at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles, has taken a significant leap into the Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment with the global unveiling of its EV-First Eicher Truck at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. The Pro Business Pro Planet range, spanning from 2T to 3.5T GVW, is poised to revolutionize city and near-city distribution, transforming last-mile logistics.Entering New FrontiersVinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, highlighted the strategic move into the SCV segment, stating, “As India grows in the Amrit Kaal, the SCV segment will be driven by rapid urbanization, booming e-commerce, increased personal consumption, and the rise of the hub-and-spoke distribution. Our upcoming range will play a pivotal role in this transformation with its Pro Business, Pro Planet approach.”EV-First Eicher TruckThe electric variant of the SCV is slated for customer trials in April 2024, and commercial rollout is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, Eicher will initially introduce the electric model, progressively expanding into clean CNG and diesel variants. The vehicle is designed and developed in India, reflecting the brand’s alignment with the Make in India initiative, and will be manufactured at the state-of-the-art facility in Bhopal.Aggarwal added, “Eicher has a track record of delivering energy-efficient trucks, and with this announcement, we reaffirm our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions crucial for India’s sustainable growth in the coming years.”EV-First Eicher TruckTo ensure an unparalleled aftermarket experience, all Eicher vehicles will feature 100% connectivity through the innovative Uptime Centre. This advanced system utilizes AI for remote diagnostics, minimizing downtime and enhancing efficiency. Integrated with ‘My Eicher’ fleet management, the trucks will deliver valuable performance insights.Green Mobility Priority – Made in IndiaThe extensive service network comprises 850+ touchpoints, including 425+ authorized service centers and 8000+ retail centers. Additionally, ‘Eicher Site Support’ at 240+ locations will offer seamless assistance. Eicher remains committed to comprehensive truck support, providing training, ensuring prompt parts delivery, and facilitating convenient annual maintenance contracts.Eicher’s entry into the SCV segment and the launch of the EV-First Eicher Truck mark a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable and technologically advanced transportation solutions. As the global automotive industry continues to evolve, Eicher is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation and environmental consciousness. More

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    Hero Surge can be an Electric Scooter or Rickshaw – 2 in 1 Convertible EV

    Hero Surge convertible EVBy offering both an electric rickshaw or an electric scooter in one EV, Hero Surge S32 claims to be the first class-shifting vehicleHero MotoCorp owned Surge startup has revealed their maiden S32. This is a modular vehicle, which is an amalgamation of an electric scooter and a 3W electric 3W vehicle to carry cargo or ferry passengers and support self-employed individuals. This is the first time in India a manufacturer has pursued such an idea and shows Hero’s relentless approach towards innovation.Hero Surge S32 – What is it?Ever seen Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight and wished to own a larger vehicle that spits out a 2W for convenience? Well, that concept has become a reality now. Except for the fact that it doesn’t cater to billionaire vigilantes. But caters to real-world self-employed warriors who intend to own a fully modular vehicle.Hero Surge convertible EVThus giving them an electric scooter or an electric 3W rickshaw in the same package. This way, a self-employed individual can get two vehicles for the cost of one. Surge calls it a “class-shifting vehicle”. Where users/buyers can elevate their earning potential and their overall lifestyle.Hero Surve EV – 2 in 1 convertible EVThe idea behind Surge S32 is that users/buyers can shift between classes while owning a single vehicle. After their daily endeavours and hardships, owners/buyers can now evolve into more comfortable and presentable individuals by taking the electric scooter out. Surge claims dismantling the scooter from the 3W setup should take 3 minutes.[embedded content]This way, Surge S32 is both their daily bread asset (3W electric vehicle) and their upmarket personal transportation means (electric scooter) in one modular product. Surge S32 promises conversion between 3W vehicle and scooter can happen on any terrain and there are adaptive controls and fail-safe operations to ensure a smooth transition.Hero Surve EV – 2 in 1 convertible EVSpecs and featuresAt first glance, Surge S32 looks like any 3W electric cargo vehicle or rickshaw. There is a front passenger cabin that has its own windscreen, headlights, turn indicators, windscreen wipers and everything. There are no doors, though, and there is a possibility that Surge will offer removable and zippered soft doors for weather protection.Hero MotoCorp Surge EVOn a press of a button, the front windshield section lifts vertically and the seat console on the inside opens and reveals an electric scooter. 3W vehicle’s cabin gets a spring-loaded double-stand like mechanism that is deployed down. Electric scooter’s rear suspension now rises to its intended position and it can now be pulled out of the 3W vehicle’s cabin. Scooter gets its own LED headlights and turn indicators too. Scooter is the only one to get speedo and switchgear and connects to 3W vehicle’s components, powertrain and battery with an electric interface that should be manually operated.Hero MotoCorp Surge EVBattery and powertrain are split between 3W vehicle and 2W scooter. Power is 10 kW (13.4 bhp) for 3W and 3 kW (4 bhp) for 2W. There is an 11 kWh battery for 3W and a sizeable 3.5 kWh battery for 2W. Top speed for 3W is 50 km/h and the scooter is slightly faster at 60 km/h top speed. Load carrying capacity for 3W is 500 kg, which is decent. Surge will offer 3 variants of cargo models and 1 variant to carry passengers (e-rickshaw). More

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    Tata Intra EV Interiors Patented – Is This Missing V40 In Intra Lineup?

    Image for reference onlyAs opposed to the Ace EV, Tata Intra EV is likely to come with a larger battery with more performance and range for various applicationsWhere commercial vehicles are concerned, Tata Motors currently leads the Indian CV segment. That said, the LCV segment is currently in Mahindra’s grasp. Where Mahindra sold around 25,000 LCVs in October 2023, Tata sold close to 15,000 units at the same time. Tata is likely to counter Mahindra with more electric LCVs and Tata Intra EV is likely to be that vehicle.Tata Intra EV Interiors PatentedFor starters, Tata’s Intra lineup is an upmarket and more capable vehicle as compared to Ace lineup. As of writing this article, Tata has multiple models to choose from within Intra LCV lineup. These are V10, V20, V30 and V50. While Intra V20 is exclusively CNG+petrol powertrain, V10, V30 and V50 are exclusively diesel.Maybe the model starting with an even digit like V20 have eco-friendly powertrains than the odd-digit counterparts like V10, V30 and V50 with diesel engines. Going by this logic, V40 could be another eco-friendly pickup truck for Tata Motors. Amidst these speculations, Tata Intra EV interior patent design has been leaked.We say Intra EV because the patented design shows an automatic gear selector on the dashboard where a manual stick shifter is, in every single Intra vehicle. Further fueling these deductions, is a free-standing infotainment screen that might be there to display crucial electric powertrain related information.Tata Intra EV interiors patentedThis information could include estimated range, state of charge, nearby charging stations, navigation for intra-city last-mile operations and more. As of now, Tata only has one electric LCV – Ace EV with 154 km of claimed range from a single charge. Tata’s Evogen architecture on Ace EV has a single motor setup delivering 36 bhp and 130 Nm from 0 RPM.Tata’s famed Fleet Edge fleet management suiteBeing a cut above Ace, Tata Intra EV or Intra V40 can be specced higher with around 200 km of range from a single charge, up to 50 bhp for zippy performance and slightly greater load-bearing capacity. On the inside, buyers can expect creature comforts like manual AC and infotainment screen, among others.Tata Motors stressed 100% uptime with Ace EV. Same ethos will be on offer with Intra V40 or Tata Intra EV as well. The company’s famed Fleet Edge fleet management solution is known to be effective in even managing large fleets at one’s fingertips.Tata Intra EV interiors patent leakedWith Intra EV, Tata Motors will take longer strides in achieving zero emission cargo mobility goal. Primary demographic for a product like this, are B2B and B2C business models along with last mile mobility, logistics and even custom applications like food trucks and more. More

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    TVS King Electric, King Kargo Electric Trademarks Registered

    Image for reference onlyWheels of Change: TVS Aims to Electrify the 3W Market. TVS King Electric, King Kargo Electric likely to feature the same powertrainBajaj and TVS are some of the leading 3W manufacturers but aren’t present in the top Electric Three Wheeler manufacturers list. Bajaj has developed and launched electric 3Ws, CV and electric Rickshaw (tuk tuk) in India already. So, it is obvious that TVS would want to sell e3Ws. Two electric 3W CVs from TVS are in development.TVS currently sells King Rickshaw and King Kargo 3W CV in India. Both without an electric variant. However, TVS King Electric and King Kargo Electric are trademarked as seen in the images below. Status for said trademarks state ‘Formality Chk pass’ and is likely to go live soon.TVS King Electric trademarkTVS King Electric, King Kargo ElectricOf the traditional name brands, Mahindra is the leading name in electric 3W segment with 18,608 units sold in FY 2023. Bajaj has launched Bajaj RE E-TEC 9.0 electric rickshaw and Maxima Kargo E-TEC 9.0 electric 3W CV in India with an 8.9 kWh battery. Also, Maxima XL Kargo E-TEC 12.0 with an 11.8 kWh battery.Mahindra is fortifying its 3W EV portfolio too with recently launched e-Alpha Super along with e-Alpha, Treo and Zor Grand, e-Alpha Cargo range. If TVS eyes the electric rickshaw and electric 3W CV segment, it would go up against these mainstream 3W EV manufacturers, and an ocean of startups.TVS King Kargo Electric trademarkConsidering the primary rivals, we would wager that TVS will have to compete at the highest level to make an impact in this space. For example, Bajaj’s E-TEC 9.0 range gets an 8.9 kWh battery, a 2-speed automatic gearbox for enhanced range and an onboard charger for convenience.Speaking of range, E-TEC 9.0 platform promises 178 km of range from a single charge, while E-TEC 12.0 platform promises 183 km of range on a single charge. Mahindra’s products are much more modest with range between 80 km and 130 km from a single charge.TVS Charges Up: Expected range, features and pricingAnticipate the TVS King Electric and King Kargo Electric to showcase a practical range tailored for intracity last-mile mobility tasks. Potentially up to 150 km—coupled with the inclusion of an onboard charger. Availability of a choice between a soft top or a hard top for the King Electric rickshaw are expected.Additional attributes such as high-profile tubeless tyres, weather-proofing, comfortable seat cushioning, decent instrumentation could feature. Potentially a handful of rudimentary telematics features for remote powertrain monitoring.Load capacity ranging from approximately 300 kg to 500 kg for the King Kargo Electric would be logical. As for pricing, it could be introduced at a starting point of around Rs. 1.5 lakh for a variant with a smaller battery and limited features, while a version equipped with an ample battery and more features might be positioned around Rs. 3 lakh. The anticipated timeline places the launch in the year 2024. More

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    Mahindra Electric Rickshaw e-Alpha Gets ‘Super’ With 20% More Range

    Mahindra e-Alpha SuperThe battery on Mahindra e-Alpha Super offers 18 months of warranty while the vehicle gets 12 month warrantyLike in 2W and 4W segments, EVs also have greater acceptance in the 3W realm. This effect is on-point, considering multiple new startups are springing up to meet the demand. Mainstream 3W manufacturers have a hand in this growth too. Mahindra is one of the highest selling electric 3W manufacturers in India.Just last month, Mahindra sold 6,481 3W vehicles including electric ones. Such is the popularity that Bill Gates drove a Mahindra Treo electric rickshaw recently when he visited India. In FY2023, Mahindra sold 18,608 electric 3W and e-Alpha played a major role in this sales success. Mahindra is launching e-Alpha Super with an extended range of Rs. 1.61 lakh (ex-sh).Front viewMahindra e-Alpha Gets ‘Super’M&M’s Last Mile Mobility (LMM) is the company’s three and four wheeler passenger and cargo vehicle division aiming at last mile mobility and last mile delivery models. This consists of electric-only Treo range and Zor Grand range, Jeeto 4-wheeler range and Alfa range which consists of both ICE and EV vehicles.As of now, there are more than 50,000 e-Alphas on the road and Mahindra is extending functionality for new e-Alpha buyers with an option of e-Alpha Super. The Super model gets an extended 95+ km of range from a single charge. Which is 20% more than regular e-Alpha.soft top modelMahindra promises their new self-employed customers higher range, best-in-class safety and comfort features. Higher range enables higher operating time, which could directly translate into higher earnings and profits. Higher range also ensures less frequent charging as well, increasing longevity of its electric powertrain.e-Alpha Super comes with a superior 18A charger and an impressive 12 month warranty. Battery gets an 18 months warranty and the vehicle itself gets a 12 month warranty. Mahindra’s 1150 touchpoints offer an assurance of OEM after-sales service. Customers also get access to 10,000 charging stations nationwide.Range 20% higher than beforeAt Rs. 1.65 lakh (ex-sh), Mahindra e-Alpha Super makes a lot of sense with the increased range. It has a 140 Ah battery (voltage not mentioned) and the motor generates 1.64 kW (2.2 bhp) and 22 Nm of torque. Mahindra offers e-Alpha Super owners free accidental insurance worth Rs. 10 lakhs for drivers.Red colourSuman Mishra, CEO, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility said, “In a world with rising demand for clean mobility, our e-Alfa Super rickshaw offers superior range and earning potential. This allows our driver partners to increase their entrepreneurial incomes and reduce environmental impact, while being supported with the trust and reliability of the Mahindra brand.” More

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    Tata Electric Double Decker Bus Patent – India

    Tata electric double decker busSwitch already supplies double-decker electric buses for BrihanMumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) – Now Tata Motors Joins the Electric Bus RaceDouble decker buses have proved to be one of the smartest mobility solutions as they take almost twice the passengers that their single-deck counterparts can seat. In a number of cases our single-deck buses are already hauling almost twice the passengers as compared to their official seating capacity.There is a novelty factor in a double-decker bus and will prove to be quite an attraction as well. Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer is betting on this genre too and has patented its design in India. Let’s take a look.Double Decker: The New Face of Urban MobilityWe recently saw Switch EiV22 electric double-decker bus that BrihanMumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) procured. The name is Switch EiV22 and it pays tribute to iconic red double-decker ICE buses of Mumbai. For India, Switch didn’t just import an electric double-decker bus from UK and call it a day.Instead, Switch transformed a 9m single-deck bus into a double-decker with extensive re-engineering of chassis, suspension and body. It is highly likely that Tata Motors will take a similar approach with its first double-decker electric bus.Tata electric double decker bus patent detailsTo have a baseline, Tata Motors already has multiple 9m and 12m electric buses in its Indian lineup. These buses are available within Ultra, Urban and Starbus range of Tata Buses. These lineups further have AC and non AC variants along with low floor options. Tata offers both 400mm low floor height variants and 900mm floor height variants as well.A couple of years ago, Tata made headlines suggesting development of quad axle buses for ultimate comfort. But the patent image shows only two axles. The patent image doesn’t look like a 12m bus. So, a 9m length bus with a double-decker layout is highly likely. The colour is red, which is a nice touch.What to Expect: Double the Space, Smart Design, Smarter CommuteA wheelbase of 4,920mm, a floor height of 900 mm, and overall width of 2,340mm is highly possible. Switch EiV22 is a 9m bus with 900mm floor height as well. So, this is likely to be a sweet spot for India and what Indian bus manufacturers seem to be aiming at. Powertrain options will probably be similar to Tata Ultra electric buses too.We’re talking about 245 kW peak power (329 bhp) and 145 kW (194 bhp) continuous power along with 3000 Nm peak torque and 1145 Nm continuous torque from its motor/generator. A large 124 kWh battery with 150 km of range and 75 km/h top speed like its Ultra 9m electric bus is probable.Tata’s 12m Starbus lineup offers 250 kWh battery with 200 km of range. Tata Electric double decker bus batteries will be scalable and Tata will offer bespoke solutions depending on orders. Export potential is high too. More

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    Electric 3W Sales FY 2023 Cross 4 Lakh – Mahindra, Piaggio, YC, Saera

    Image for illustration purpose only.Mahindra and YC Electric along with Saera and Dilli commanded the E3W segment in March 2023
    Electric three wheeler sales, like electric two wheelers and passenger vehicles, has seen outstanding growth over the past two years. This industry is on an up-swing with the electrification trend set to create a cleaner and greener future for the country. Apart from big players such as Mahindra and YC Electric along with Saera and Dilli, there are several new-comings jumping into the fray to gain a share in the electric three wheeler segment.
    Electric 3W sales hits 4.04 lakh units in FY 2023
    Taking into account electric three wheeler sales during the FY 2023 period, it was a 118.25 percent growth to 4,04,143 units in FY 2023 from 1,85,173 units sold in FY 2022. YC Electric was the best-selling 3 wheeler maker during the past financial year with 29,902 units sold, up 75.41 percent over 17,047 units sold in FY 2022. It was followed by Saera with 22,259 unit retail sales in FY 2023, up 151.83 percent over 8,839 units sold in FY 2022.
    Electric 3W sales FY 2023 – FADA
    Mahindra and Dilli also posted triple digit sales growth at 278.44 percent and 148.73 percent in FY 2023 to 18,608 units and 16,909 units respectively. Mahindra retail sales of electric three wheelers also surged by 107.54 percent to 16,682 units in FY 2023 from 8,038 units sold in FY 2022. There was also Champion Poly Plast with 14,012 units sold last financial year, up 86.13 percent from 7,528 units sold in FY 2022 and Mini Metro with 12,174 units sold in FY 2023, up 182.39 percent from 4,311 units sold in FY 2022.
    Retail sales list of electric three wheelers in FY 2023 also included Unique (10,761 units), Piaggio (9,664 units), Terra Motors (8,101 units), JS Auto (8,086 units) and Energy Electric (7,254 units) with each posting YoY growth. Other OEMs in the electric three wheeler segment added 2,29,731 units to total retail sales in FY 2023 up 112.77 percent when compared to 1,07,972 units sold in FY 2022.
    Electric 3W sales FY 2023 – FADA
    Electric 3W Sales in March 2023
    Sales of electric three wheelers saw an 82.21 percent YoY growth in March 2023. Sales which had stood at 24,823 units in March 2022 surged to 45,229 units in March 2023. It was also a MoM growth of 26.81 percent from 35,667 units sold in Feb 2023.
    Electric 3W sales March 2023 vs March 2022 – YoY Analysis. FADA
    Mahindra was a lead seller in this segment with 3,538 unit retail sales in the past month. This was a 312.84 percent YoY growth from 857 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales also improved by 71.83 percent from 2,059 units sold in Feb 2023. Following close behind at No. 2 was YC Electric with sales of 3,095 units in March 2023. This was a YoY growth of 27.95 percent over 2,419 units sold in March 2022 and a MoM growth of 19.82 percent from 2,583 units sold in Feb 2023.
    At No. 3 was Saera Electric with 2,244 units sold in March 2023, up 74.09 percent from 1,289 units sold in March 2022. There had also been 1,839 units sold in Feb 2023 relating to a 22.02 percent MoM growth. Retail sales of Dilli Electric also increased greatly by 115.14 percent YoY and 34.88 percent MoM to 2,061 units while sales of Piaggio also improved by 194.65 percent YoY and 35.86 percent MoM to 1,432 units in March 2023.
    Electric 3W sales March 2023 vs Feb 2023 – MoM Analysis. FADA
    Lower down the order was Champion Poly Plast (1,310 units), Mini Metro (1,265 units), and Unique International (1,149 units), each posting outstanding YoY and MoM growth in electric 3W sales. De-growth was reported by Mahindra Reva to 937 units in March 2023, down 22.50 percent when compared to 1,209 units sold in March 2022. MoM sales also dipped 41.84 percent over 1,611 units sold in Feb 2023. There was also Allfine Industries (863 units), JS Auto (829 units) and Hostage Corp (782 units) each of which have reported YoY and MoM growth in retail sales. There were others in this segment that contributed 25,724 units to total retail sales last month. This was an 80.20 percent YoY and 29.15 percent MoM growth from sales in March 2022 and Feb 2023. More

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    Bill Gates Goes Local – Drives Mahindra Electric Rickshaw In India

    Decarbonization of the transportation industry – the humble electric rickshaw, companies like Mahindra contributeBill Gates driving electric rickshaw in India
    Mahindra Last Mile Mobility outlines a range of options including the popular Treo auto, versatile Treo Zor, and spacious Zor Grand. Mahindra’s efficient and sustainable last-mile electric three wheelers are efficient little vehicle’s. Perfect for navigating crowded city streets. And are reliable and an economical choice for short trips and daily errands. E3W applications are wide ranging – from deliveries and haulage to passenger transport.
    Bill Gates opts for Mahindra Treo in India
    Ergonomic seating and spacious interiors help manoeuvre the bumpiest roads, and feel these city roads. All the while reducing your carbon footprint and helping to build a greener future. Bill Gates says, “India’s passion for innovation never ceases to amaze. I drove an electric rickshaw, capable of traveling up to 131km (about 81 miles) and carrying up to 4 people. It’s inspiring seeing companies like Mahindra contribute to the decarbonization of the transportation industry.”
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    Exploring the Benefits of Electric 3-Wheelers for Last-Mile Transportation
    Three-wheelers, popularly known as tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws, have been a preferred mode of transportation in many countries, especially in South Asia. With the advent of electric 3-wheelers, their success has only increased, and they are being increasingly adopted for last-mile connectivity. One of the significant advantages attributed to electric 3-wheelers is their eco-friendliness.
    As cities across the world look to reduce their carbon footprint, electric 3-wheelers offer a viable solution. These vehicles emit zero emissions, making them ideal for use in areas with high pollution levels. They are also noiseless. And a boon for elderly or disabled passengers who may have difficulty getting in and out of other modes of transportation.
    Bill Gates driving electric rickshaw in India
    e3W – Environmentally-Friendly Solution for Urban Mobility
    But the benefits of electric 3-wheelers do not end there. These vehicles are also low maintenance, with fewer moving parts, which translates to reduced maintenance costs for operators. The batteries used in electric 3-wheelers are also long-lasting, with some models having a range of up to 130 km on a single charge, making them suitable for long-distance travel as well.
    Cost of operating and maintaining these vehicles is relatively low, making them an attractive option for drivers. Additionally, electric 3-wheelers are exempt from several taxes, making them a financially viable option for operators. Electric 3-wheelers are easy to operate, making them an attractive option for drivers who may not have the necessary qualifications or experience to operate larger vehicles. They are also relatively easy to park, reducing the time and effort required to find parking in congested urban areas.
    The Rise of Electric 3-Wheelers in Last-Mile Connectivity
    Electric 3-wheelers are ideal for last-mile connectivity. They are compact and can navigate through narrow streets and alleys, making them perfect for use in congested urban areas. They are also faster than traditional bicycles and offer a more comfortable ride, making them an attractive option for passengers.
    The success of 3-wheelers, tuk-tuks, and auto-rickshaws can be attributed to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, suitability for last-mile connectivity, and versatility. With the availability of electric 3-wheelers, their popularity has only increased. As cities continue to look for sustainable and efficient modes of transportation, electric 3-wheelers offer a viable solution. More