Electric Vehicles

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Subscription Plan Related Top 5 Questions – Answered

      by

      Subscription plan allows you to enjoy the benefits of owning a new car, with comparatively lesser hassles
      Image – Car Director

      In global markets, leasing of cars is quite a common phenomenon and this concept has also entered the Indian automobile markets in recent times. In India, the car renting and leasing system was at around 4 percent in 2019. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and commuters hesitant to take cabs, car pooling and other forms of shared mobility, the concept of car leasing is taking on a new meaning.
      Recently Maruti Suzuki initiated the car subscription and leasing service in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad offering on all its vehicles sold via Arena and Nexa outlets. Currently, similar subscription schemes are also being offered by Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai and Jeep in India.
      Tata Motors has also introduced the Tata Nexon EV subscription plans, starting at Rs.34,900 per month and is for a period of 12, 24 and 36 months. To offer more insight into this Tata Nexon EV subscription plan, we bring your five of the most asked questions regarding the Tata Nexon Electric Subscription scheme; and their answers for a better understanding.
      1 – Subscription plan details
      The Tata Nexon EV XZ+ variant via the subscription can be used for upto 1,500 kms per month and 18,000 kms per year. It comes with an 80 km/h speed limit. The company offers this model with an EV charger box and installation at the users home or office premises with 15 meters of wiring.
      Tata Nexon EV Fast Charging
      All registration, road tax, road side assistance, insurance and maintenance / service charges are included in the monthly rentals. However, this does not include any expenses which could occur due to driver’s negligence. The company arranges for door-step pick up and drop facility and the user is entitled to access to petrol/diesel cars and discount coupons. All expenses with regard to road tax and registration, insurance renewals, servicing, maintenance, etc, will be undertaken by Tata Motors for which it has partnered with Orix Auto.
      2 – Subscription plan tenure and costs
      There are three tenures for this subscription plan. The Standard monthly subscription rates stand at Rs.41,900, Rs.44,900 and Rs.47,900 for the 12, 24 and 36 month plans respectively. These have been recently revised to 34,900, 37,500 and 41,500 respectively. These prices are inclusive of taxes. Revised rates are valid only till 30th November.
      Tata Nexon Subscription Plan Rates and Tenure
      It is to be noted that Tata Motors is offering special revised rates only to the first 100 subscriptions, valid till 30th November 2020. Under this special scheme, the 18 month tenure can be selected at a monthly subscription rate of Rs.41,500 while the 24 month scheme can be had at Rs.37,500 and the 36 month plan is for Rs.34,900. These also include a 5 percent GST charge.
      3 – Refundable deposit
      Those opting for the Tata Nexon EV subscription plan will have to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs.50,000 and a token amount of Rs.5,000 for the subscription application. This token amount will be adjusted against the refundable security deposit while the monthly charges have to be paid a day prior to delivery of the vehicle.
      4 – Buy-Back option
      While other automakers offer the user a buy back option at the end of the lease tenure, Tata Motors does not offer this benefit to its customers. The company, however, allows the customer to extend the subscription period.
      5 – Target Customers For Nexon EV Subscription Plan
      Tata Nexon EV subscription plan will benefit corporate users who lease company vehicles. It is also designed for people who undergo frequent intercity job transfers while expatriates who visit the country for a particular tenure could also find benefit in this scheme. These users will be offered a brand new Tata Nexon EV on a monthly rental basis and will also not have to bother about expenses such as road tax, registration, insurance and service etc.
      Buyers who prefer the outright ownership route can get the Tata Nexon EV XM variant at 13.99 lakhs, the XZ+ at Rs 15.25 lakhs and XZ+ Lux at Rs 16.25 lakhs. Prices were increased earlier this week by Rs 26k for the top 2 variants. Base variant price remain unchanged. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Electric Cars

      2021 Renault Kwid Electric Debuts As Dacia Spring EV – 295 kms Drive Range

      by

      What will be launched in India as the Renault Kwid electric car, has been globally unveiled as the new Dacia Spring EV today
      2021 Renault Kwid Electric

      The Dacia Spring Electric small car will be launched in Europe through car sharing service first, and retail sales for private customers will begin later in 2021.
      The Dacia Spring, essentially the fully electric European-spec Renault Kwid, has been unveiled at Renault EWays event. The French automaker describes it as the most affordable electric vehicle in the old continent. The micro-crossover is expected to become the best selling Dacia in due course.

      Dacia Spring EV / 2021 Renault Kwid Electric
      The Dacia Spring carries forward the Renault Kwid’s basic design but incorporates sportier elements. The Dacia badge sits on a revised front grille which also houses sleek LED DRls. Faux skid plates, low-mounted headlamps, high ground clearance gives the compact car a crossover appeal.
      [embedded content]
      The Dacia Spring EV is presented in the car sharing version at the Renault EWays event. Series production model will be ready for Europe next year. The profile is identical to the India-spec Renault Kwid while the rear fascia receives revised LED taillights and a new bumper with prominent silver skid plates.

      Powertrain
      The Dacia Spring EV is powered by an electric motor which is rated at 33 kW and 125 Nm of torque. The 28.6 kWh battery is claimed to offer 225 km of range as per WLTP driving cycle. As per WLTP City cycle, the vehicle has a claimed range of 295 km.
      Using the Wallbox charger, the battery can be fully charged in 4 hours and 27 minutes. The optional DC fast charging cable will allow you to charge 80% of the battery in 50 minutes using a fast charging column. The car can also be charged using domestic socket.

      Features
      The Dacia Spring EV receives a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3.5-inch color MID, assisted and camera parking, power windows and remote lock. It also gets LED headlights and 14-inch alloy wheels.

      Launch Timeline
      The Dacia Spring will be available first through car sharing services across Europe from early 2021 with Zity being one of the launch partners. The private customers will be able to book their cars in summer 2021 with deliveries starting in spring 2021. There will also be a cargo version with 800 liters (with a payload capacity of 365 kg) of storage volume for zero emission last mile delivery.

      Coming to India?
      With the popularity of electric vehicles steadily increasing in India, the Renault Kwid EV is likely to be introduced in our market a few months after its European debut. The car will compete with the likes of Mahindra eKUV100, Maruti WagonR EV, new Citroen EV, Tata HBX EV in the domestic market. Expect price to be in the Rs 8-10 lakh range. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon Electric Gets Its First Price Hike – New Prices Oct 2020

      by

      Nexon EV, even after the price hike, is the most affordable EV in the passenger vehicle segment

      Tata Motors has increased the prices of its Nexon EV. The sole electric car on Tata Motor’s portfolio for normal consumers now costs Rs 26,000 more. It is to be noted that Tata Motors also retails the Tigor EV for fleet and cab operators in select cities.
      Updated Prices
      The electric SUV is offered in three variants- XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux. However, prices have been increased for the top two trim levels only as the base XM trim’s remains untouched. After the price hike, the Nexon EV is offered at Rs 13.99 lakh, 15.25 lakh and Rs 16.25 lakh for XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux respectively. All prices are ex-showroom.
      Tata Nexon EV New Prices Oct 2020
      Powertrain & Performance
      Tata Nexon EV is powered by the manufacturer’s Ziptron EV powertrain which consists of a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that has a rated output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. The battery pack comes with a standard 8-year warranty and IP67 waterproof protection. The company claims that the electric SUV can breach the 100 kmph from a standstill in just 9.9 seconds.
      Nexon EV has a claimed range of 312 km but in real world, it translates to roughly to 170-180 km on a single charge. On using a DC fast charger, it can be charged up to 80 percent within an hour or so. Using a conventional wall charger, it takes 8-9 hours to rejuvenate the battery to 100 percent. The car is also equipped with an energy regeneration function.
      Electric Car Sales India – April to Sep 2020
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, it gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple Carplay and in-car connectivity technology iRA. Other features include 7-inch fully digital multi-information display, automatic climate control, Voice Activated Commands, sunroof, rain sensing wipers, electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, LED projector headlights, LED taillamps and lots more. It also gets two driving modes- Drive and Sport. When it comes to safety, it offers features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control System, rear parking camera and ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts.
      Market Rivals
      As of now, it has only two rivals- Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. However, both of these electric crossovers are a segment above Nexon EV. Its direct rival in the market will be Mahindra eXUV300, the concept of which was showcased at this year’s AutoExpo held in Greater Noida. The electric version of Mahindra XUV300 is expected to make its way to showrooms sometime next year. More

    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Mercedes EQC 4×4 Squared Concept – Electric SUV For Off Roading

      by

      Mercedes Benz EQC 4×4 Squared is a more rugged utilitarian version of the standard EQC 400 Electric

      Future mobility is gonna take shape with the development of electric vehicles (EVs). It is being developed keeping sustainability, lower emission levels, convenience and affordability in mind. Strictly catering to these needs might not veer purists towards this direction.
      Automotive enthusiasts always want to have a bit of fun with their vehicles which don’t necessarily comply with electric cars on offer. While most of the modern electric cars have power on both axles thanks to a dual-motor setup, they can’t be termed as off-roaders.
      Keeping the interests of off-roading enthusiasts in mind, Mercedes Benz has developed a concept that might lay the foundation stone to future off-roading machines based on an electric powertrain. The German automaker has developed a concept based on the recently launched electric SUV- ECQ 400 which is meant to explore the unexplored terrains.

      Differences between EQC 400 and EQC 4×4² Squared
      The ECQ 4×4² Squared rides on higher grounds with better approach and departure angles. It is the third member of Mercedes’ 4×4² family. It still runs on the battery setup provided in the standard EQC. An 80-kilowatt-hour battery powers dual asynchronous electric motors, one on each axle, to generate a combined output of 402 bhp and 760 Nm of torque.
      To make it look like a proper off-roader, Mercedes has added a roof rack, fender flares, and a tow hitch. At 293mm of ground clearance, it stands way higher than the standard EQC 400 which stands at just 140mm. It gets 20-inch alloys wheels which are wrapped with 285/50 section of tyres. The revised approach, departure and break-over angles also come in handy at 31.8 degree, 33 degree and 24.2 degree respectively. Its water wading capacity stands at 400mm which quite considering it is carrying a battery pack.

      Improved off-road capabilities
      These improved numbers are thanks to the revised suspension setup. Instead of conventional suspension units, the EQC 4×4² Squared utilises a set of portal axles that allows the wheels to sit at a height much lower than the centre of axle owing to portal gears. The consequence of this that the wheel track is increased significantly therefore the need for makeshift wheel arch flares.
      This offset lends the vehicle way more ground clearance thus improving its off-road capability. Similar suspension setup is also seen in the G-Wagon, which is arguably one of the best off-roading machines currently around the globe. A new off-road mode has also been added which has been borrowed from GLC. While taking off on loose grounds, this off-road mode enables an improved torque curve with the help of targeted brake interventions.

      Future Electric Off-Road Vehicles
      Prior to the EQC 4×4² Squared, Mercedes had two products in this range- G500 4×4 Squared and a Squared version of the Mercedes E-Class All Terrain station wagon. The former even went into limited production. The German marque hasn’t yet confirmed whether this concept will enter into production or not. If not, then it could very well pave the path for the upcoming electric G-Wagon- the new generation G-Class 4×4 Squared which will be based on V-8-powered G550. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Citroen Plans Rs 8 L Electric Car For India – Tata HBX, WagonR EV Rival

      by

      Citroen has plans to enter the mass-market entry-level EV segment with eCC21 which is expected to be launched in 2022
      Citroen eCC21 Spied in India

      French automaker Groupe PSA is all set to enter into the Indian market through its brand Citroen. The company has already started testing its first product in India- the premium mid-size SUV C5 Aircross. The flagship product of the Citroen is being assembled at CK Birla Group’s facility in Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.
      Apart from conventional fuel-powered vehicles, Citroen also has plans to enter into the electric vehicle (EV) segment in India with a small electric car for the mass market, priced at around Rs 8 lakh. Internally codenamed as eCC21, this electric car is expected to be launched somewhere around 2022. It will be a mini crossover UV.
      New Citroen Electric Car India launch will be around the same time when Hyundai brings its first electric car to India. Other manufacturers like Mahindra, Renault, Tata and Maruti Suzuki are eyeing this segment of a mass-market electric car. Mahindra’s eKUV100, Renault’s Kwid EV and Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR Electric, Tata HBX EV all are currently in the developmental phase.
      Citroen eCC21 Electric mini crossover on test by ARAI. Launch price expected Rs 8 lakhs.
      WagonR EV has also been spotted testing on roads and was initially supposed to launch this year. However, things didn’t materialize as planned. There are reports that Tata Motors too is developing an entry-level EV in line of its upcoming small UV HBX. With all these major players vying for the entry-level EV segment, it is sure to pave the path for future EVs in India.
      Other upcoming products of Citroen
      Citroen has set itself a modest sales target of 3,000 units per annum for eCC21 in India with a mid-term plan of selling 1 lakh cars. Although before this electric UV, the French carmaker is slated to launch its flagship mid-size SUV- C5 Aircross in early 2021. This will be followed by a subcompact UV CC21– its first locally manufactured product in India, in the festive season next year. The latter too has already been spotted testing recently.
      As per reports, the CC21 will be based on a flexi-fuel system. It is said to utilise a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Though being a petrol engine, this motor can run on petrol as well as ethanol blends (from 27% to 100%) – making it India’s first biofuel car. Citroen expects that this small UV will be able to give them the edge of being the first-mover in the flexi-fuel segment in India. CC21 is the first product under Citroen’s ambitious smart car platform internally called the C-Cube program.
      Citroen CC21 Mini UV will be India’s first flexi-fuel powered car
      What is this C-Cube program?
      Citroen C-Cube is a program which has been specifically developed for emerging markets like India. Cars under this program are said to be based on CMP (Common Modular Platform), the same which underpins Peugeot 208, although CMP in India will have a high extent of localisation. The CC21 biofuel and electric versions will be followed by other cars in this program which includes a Kia Sonet / Hyundai Venue rivaling compact sub 4m SUV called CC24 in 2022; and a compact sedan the following year.
      Benefits of Ethanol-blended fuel
      The manufacturer has been developing a flexi-fuel system for India as the government has been encouraging the industry to adopt biofuels in order to reduce its fuel import bill. Ethanol-mixed petrol not only reduces CO2 emissions but only improves the octane value of the fuel, thus giving a better performance.
      As of now, oil companies in India have been able to attain only 5-7 percent ethanol blend. For ethanol blend content up to about 10 percent, no modifications are required in the modern internal combustion engines. However, for blends with higher ethanol content, the engine needs to be re-tuned accordingly.
      Source More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      GMC Hummer Electric To Debut On 20th Oct – New Teaser Out

      by

      After months of waiting, there is finally a date announcement – on which the Hummer Electric will make global debut
      Screenshot from new Hummer EV teaser

      Aiming to achieve supremacy in an all-electric future, General Motors will soon be launching several next-gen electric vehicles. One of these will be new Hummer EV, which has been scheduled for launch on October 20. GMC Hummer EV will debut on various prominent media such as American TV series ‘The Voice’ and 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series.
      As may be recalled, the ‘Hummer’ nameplate had remained dormant since 2010, when its production was discontinued. General Motors had tried selling the brand, but bankable deals did not materialize.
      While the original Hummer may never return, GM will be using the nameplate for its new electric pickup truck and SUV. These will be sold under the GMC brand, a division of GM, focused exclusively on trucks and utility vehicles.
      GMC Hummer EV design & features
      Just like original Hummer, the Hummer EV has a rugged, boxy design. Key features include a short bonnet, steeply raked windshield, roof mounted spoiler, and knobby tyres. It comes with a unique open-air design, wherein the roof panels and the front T-bar can be easily removed.
      [embedded content]
      The experience will be similar to that of a convertible. In the wild, the open-air design will allow users to experience the great outdoors in its truest form. It will also enable panoramic views of the skies, something that would be difficult to achieve with a standard sunroof.
      GMC Hummer EV power and torque
      Powering Hummer EV will be the advanced Ultium batteries that have been developed in-house by GM. Ultium batteries are unlike any other in the industry, as they provide the flexibility to stack battery cells vertically or horizontally. This allows efficient space utilization and customization in accordance with the design of the vehicle.
      GM has revealed that Hummer EV’s powertrain will be capable of generating up to 1000 hp of max power and 15,590 Nm of max torque. It will offer super-fast acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 miles per hour (96.5 kmph) in just 3 seconds.
      Although exact battery specs are not available at this point of time, GM had earlier revealed that Ultium batteries will be available in the range of 50 to 200 kWh capacity. Estimated range of these batteries is up to 400 miles (~ 640 km). Ultium batteries will come with fast-charging option.
      Crab mode
      An industry-first feature of Hummer EV will be Crab mode that allows the vehicle to move diagonally. When activated, all four tyres move in the same direction, allowing diagonal movement. This feature could come handy in an off-road environment.
      New Hummer EV will take almost an year to reach production stage after its unveil in October 2020. However, bookings will be open at the time of launch. Deliveries are expected to commence soon after production begins. In addition to US, GMC Hummer EV will also be sold in select international markets. More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Hyundai Kona Electric Recalled in US and Korea over Battery Fires

      by

      A world-wide recall of Hyundai Kona electric is expected in due course

      Incidents of electric cars catching fire are more common than they should be. The temperature dependence of battery packs, dynamically varying load demand, complex chemicals and several other factors make the battery and other electrical and electronic systems in a modern day electric car very sensitive and potentially volatile.
      While the highly sophisticated battery management system ensures things are kept well within limits, there still are some instances where an EV finds itself in an unfavourable circumstance and before you know it, it’s up in flames.
      Hyundai Kona electric recall
      According to Reuters, South Korea’s transport ministry has issued a statement confirming that Hyundai will voluntarily recall Kona electric in the country over a possible short circuit which could pose a fire risk. It is being reported that neither Hyundai, nor the battery supplier LG Chem were able to ascertain the exact cause of the Kona electric’s reported fire incidents so far.
      Hyundai Kona electric is also sold in India – but there is no update regarding recall for India-spec Kona EV yet.
      Worldwide, there have been thirteen reported incidents of fire involving the South Korean electric compact crossover including one each in Canada and Austria. Speaking about the voluntary recall, Hyundai said, it is a “proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles, which may have contributed to the reported fires.” The OEM added that it will work towards identifying the cause of the fire and address customers’ needs.
      Following the announcement in Korea, Hyundai has initiated a filing for voluntary recall process in the US with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is being reported that the recall will cover vehicles manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020. Over 100,000 units of the Hyundai Kona electric have been sold worldwide.
      Responding to the potential fire risk, LG Chem stated that the reenactment experiment conducted jointly with Hyundai did not lead to fire and hence it could not be attributed to faulty battery cells. However, the battery giant acknowledged that exact cause of the fire could not be determined. LG also stated that it will actively participate in further investigation with the OEM to identify the actual cause of the fire.
      Will there by a worldwide recall including in India?
      With the cause not determined, every Hyundai Kona electric on the road across the world should be considered as a potential fire hazard. The company is expected to announce a comprehensive recall program covering all the markets including India in due course. The fix is likely to involve a software upgrade, inspection and replacement, if necessary, of the battery pack.
      Source More

    • 138 Shares129 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra Treo Becomes First Electric Rickshaw To Cross 5k Sales Milestone

      by

      Mahindra Treo electric rickshaw range is priced from about Rs 3.5 lakhs, ex-sh

      Mahindra Electric Mobility has announced a milestone for its lithium-ion battery powered electric 3-wheeler, Treo. The E-SCV has surpassed the 5,000 units sales target. Cumulative drive time of all units sold have breached the 35 Million+ kms (3.5 crore kms) mark on Indian roads. Putting that in perspective, it’s the same as as a two-way journey between earth and moon 45 times.
      Mahindra Treo value proposition
      Drive by Wire tech helps with ease of driving, and has found takers in women drivers too. Treo range relies on advanced Lithium-ion Battery tech with a life of 1.50 lakh+ kilometres. Maximum power is reported at 8kW, and peak torque of 42 Nm. Longest wheelbase in its segment means the cabin is spacious. Gradeablity of 12.7 eases slope climbs. Standard warranty on offer is of 3 years/ 80,000 kms, with option of an Extended Warranty of 2 years/ 1,00,000 Kms.
      When it comes to electric vehicles, it’s the range of electric rickshaws that people are most familiar with, that too in the unorganised market. A field that relies on flatpack vehicles that are quickly reconstructed, and a range of mechanics who have easily learnt just how to keep the vehicles in working condition.
      With the organised sector now pushing back, this market can be expected to gain from the umbrella of organisation, akin to growth being observed in the electric two-wheeler market. Mahindra Treo could very well establish segment maturity owing to its wide range of benefits.

      Mahindra Treo electric rickshaw features
      Mahindra views the organised 3-wheeler market as being ‘economically, environmentally and socially sustainable’. From a customer standpoint, there are those who have clocked up to 265 kilometres in a single day, aided my convenience of charging, and well-planned charging breaks.
      Mahindra Treo is currently sold in over 400 districts across India. It’s operational cost enables a Treo customer to save up to Rs 45,000 a year. Treo’s value proposition gets further boost for being a ‘smart first and last mile mobility’ choice.
      Mahesh Babu, MD and CEO, Mahindra Electric said, “Cumulatively, the Treo has travelled a distance of over 35 Million kms on Indian roads, saving 1,925 metric tonnes of CO2 tailpipe emissions, equivalent to planting 87,500 trees to absorb the same emissions.”
      Post FAME subsidies, Mahindra Treo E3W costs Rs 2.7 lakhs. With top speed of 55 kmph speed, going from 0-20 kmph takes about 2.3 seconds. A single charge affords drive range of 130 kms. The fearless offering features automatic transmission, and is clutch-less and presented as vibration-free. Available with a portable charger, Treo can be fully charged with a 15 A socket. More