More stories

  • in

    Triton EV Plans To Launch Electric Car In India This Year – To Rival Tesla

    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    With growing interest in electric cars in India, a number of products have been launched in recent times

    After Tata Nexon EV, Tigor EV, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS EV, world’s leading EV manufacturer Tesla has also set up its office in India. We are also witnessing a number of startups in this space, who are currently working on their respective prototypes.
    Triton-EV N4
    The newest entrant is American company Triton-EV that has announced plans to launch its first product in the Indian market. Named N4, the electric sedan will be rivalling Tesla Model 3 in the Indian market. However, N4 will be a lot cheaper at a starting price of Rs 35 lakh.
    In comparison, Tesla Model 3 is expected to be launched in India at around Rs 50 lakh. Pre-bookings for Triton-EV N4 sedan are currently open at the company’s website.
    From a visual perspective, Triton-EV N4 looks futuristic with its aerodynamic, fluid design. Some of the key features include sleek headlamps with DRLs, blacked-out grille with Triton logo, sporty red accents on the front bumper, sculpted bonnet, edgy rear tail lamps and stylish rear bumper. However, the car’s design is currently in development phase. So, production variant could be different from what we can see right now.
    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    On the inside, N4 will pack in a fully digital instrument console that seamlessly connects to the wide touchscreen infotainment system. The sedan will offer all the luxuries and comforts that one can expect from a premium electric car.
    Other key features include a panoramic sunroof that will have integrated solar panel. The power generated from the solar panel can be used for on-board systems and for charging the battery.
    Triton-EV N4 powertrain
    Customers will have the option to choose a 75Kwh or 100 Kwh battery pack, with range of 523 km and 696 km, respectively. The car will support fast charging, allowing zero to 80% charge in around one hour.
    Triton Electric Car Sketch
    Triton-EV N4 will be produced in USA and there will be a total of four variants on offer. A high-performance GT edition will also be launched, which will be limited to just 100 units.
    For the Indian market, the company is looking to collaborate with Bharat Electronics Ltd. If the deal goes through, the two companies can work together to develop electronic systems and batteries for N4 and other EVs planned for the Indian market.
    It is to note that Triton EV is a subsidiary of New Jersey based Triton Solar, a leading player in solar panels, battery technology and portable lighting. The company caters to renewable energy requirements of both households and enterprises. More

  • in

    Balan Engineering Launches 6 New Electric Vehicles – Rickshaw, Loader, Push Cart

    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    The vehicles are currently produced at the company’s Bengaluru plant but production will soon shift to a larger manufacturing facility in Bagalkot District, Karnataka

    Balan Engineering, a Bengaluru based automaker has introduced 6 electric vehicles in various segments. These EVs are designed for individuals and companies with special focus on cargo transport, agriculture and civic amenities.
    The 6 electric vehicles were unveiled by Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Shri.Jagdish Shettar at Hotel Lalith Ashok, Bengaluru while Shri. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers, Govt. of India and Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Minister of MSME, Govt. of India attended the launch virtually.
    Balan Engineering New Bagalkot Plant
    The 6 electric vehicles launched include a Loader-Vishwas, Garbage Vehicle-Swach Rath, Passenger Rickshaw B5, a Sanitizing Vehicle, Fumigation Vehicle and Push Cart-Kamala. Each of these vehicles will play a major role in boosting rural economy. They are durable and sturdy for taking on challenging road conditions and all come in with 4 year company warranty on battery and motor controller.
    The Bengaluru production plant currently has capacity of 300-400 units per month. With Balan Engineering set to enter into manufacture and assembly of a range of electric vehicles, the company plans to set up operations in Bagalkot in Karnataka from where production will commence once the factory is competed in the next 6-9 months.
    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    Once production shifts to Bagalkot which is spread over a land are of 25 acres, the Bengaluru facility will be used exclusively for servicing of vehicles. Investment into the Bagalkot plant is at Rs.50 crores being allotted in two phases. Initial capacity is set at around 25,000 units per annum which can be extended to 50,000 vehicles. The Bagalkot plant will help generate around 200 direct and 300 indirect jobs initially.
    The company will not only use this facility for the production of EVs under their own brand but is also in talks with other EV makers for a tie up for production under their names.
    Balan Engineering EVs
    The EVs being produced by Balan Engineering include cargo, transport and rickshaws for rural population. The Garbage Vehicle-Swach Rath will be used for garbage collection while electric push carts will be beneficial to fruit and vegetable vendors and the sanitizing and fumigation vehicles will take care of civic amenities in rural areas.
    Balan Electric Vehicles Launched
    Each of these vehicles are Made-in-India products and in line with the Government of India’s Atmanirbar Bharat. Balan Engineering has also entered into alliance with reputed motor and battery suppliers. The location of the Bagalkot plant is such that it is at the tri-junction from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Maharashtra and will help the company focus on these and other south Indian markets. More

  • in

    MG ZS Electric Subscription Offer Launched At Rs 50k Per Month

    MG ZS Electric Subscription
    One of the best selling electric car in India, MG ZS EV is now available via subscription

    To make it easier for customers to experience its pure electric SUV without the hassles of ownership and paperwork, MG Motor has launched subscription plans for ZS EV. This is part of ‘MG Subscribe’ platform, which already has Hector SUV available on subscription.
    Addition of ZS EV on the subscription platform is in line with the company’s focus to provide dynamic mobility solutions to customers. It is part of MG’s long-term strategy of CASE (Connected – Autonomous – Shared – Electric), which is designed to suit evolving customer needs and industry trends.
    MG ZS EV subscription plan details
    Subscription plans for MG ZS EV have been launched in partnership with Zoomcar and Orix. A self-drive car rental company, Zoomcar has presence in 45 cities across India. It will be providing high-end technology solutions that will power the ‘MG Subscribe’ platform.
    Orix will function as MG’s vehicle deployment partner and will make available ZS EV to customers on subscription. It is to note that Orix is India’s largest shared mobility platform.
    MG ZS Electric Subscription
    Initially, subscription plans for MG ZS EV will be available in four cities – Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune. Based on market response, the service can be introduced in other cities as well.
    Customers who subscribe soon stand to gain, as the subscription plans for ZS EV are currently available under an inaugural offer of Rs 49,999 per month in Mumbai. This is applicable on 36-month subscription plan. Similarly, there are flexible tenure options of 12, 18, and 24 months.
    Customers will have the option to choose between self-use subscription plans and shared subscribe. In the former, customers will be using the car for their own use and bear the entire cost of subscription. In shared subscribe, customers can share the car with others when they are not using it. This will allow them to reduce their monthly subscription fee in a proportionate manner.
    MG ZS EV subscription plan – key benefits
    Subscription plans for MG ZS EV are designed to eliminate all the hassles of owning and operating a car. That means no worries about insurance, maintenance, vehicle taxes, and paperwork. Customers don’t even have to pay down-payment when they choose the subscription plan. They also don’t have to stress about things like selling a used car. Moreover, users can avail tax benefits on the monthly amount paid as subscription fee.
    With evolving customer preferences, car subscription plans are gaining popularity across the country. As of now, most carmakers such as Tata Motors (Nexon EV subscription starts from Rs 30k per month), Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Mahindra, Renault, Volkswagen, and Hyundai have dedicated subscription plans for their customers. More

  • in

    Ozone Alice Electric Car Teased Ahead Of India Debut In 2021

    Ozone Electric Car Prototype
    Yet another Indian startup is getting ready to showcase a made in India electric car this year

    In what could be a game changer for the electric car segment in the country, Ozone Motors will be unveiling its first product in 2021. Named Alice Urban, the EV has been especially designed for urban commutes.
    Ozone Alice electric car promises to solve the current set of challenges in this segment such as high cost of acquisition and long charging time. It has been in development for the past few years, and now the first teaser of the prototype has been shared.
    Ozone Motors Alice Urban design and styling
    As can be seen in the teaser image, Alice Urban has a compact, aerodynamic design. The front grille stretches all the way to the edges, where it is flanked by LED headlamps and boomerang shaped LED DRLs.
    As the focus is more on practicality, Alice Urban is expected to have a minimalistic look and feel. It is likely to use lighter alloys and composite materials to reduce weight and extract more miles from the battery. More details about the electric car will be revealed in the coming days.
    Hat tip to Rushlane Infolane member Bhargav Patel
    Ozone Motors Alice Urban tech specs
    As compared to other electric cars available for sale in the country, Alice Urban has relatively modest numbers in terms of range and top speed. The top speed is rated at 70 km/h whereas range is 150 km. This has been purposely done to keep the pricing affordable.
    As of now, the cheapest electric car available in the country is Tata Tigor EV, which retails in the range of Rs 9.58 lakh to Rs 9.90 lakh. Top selling Tata Nexon EV is available at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh. Others like MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona are priced above Rs 20 lakh. The high pricing of these cars has made them inaccessible to a large number of customers who may be interested in buying an EV.
    Alice Urban can be expected to be offered at lower prices. The price difference would be significant enough to motivate customers to switch to an electric vehicle. With lower cost of acquisition, Alice Urban will also appeal to first time car buyers as well as youngsters who are more willing to contribute to environmental causes.
    Ozone Electric Car Prototype
    With its smaller battery setup, Alice Urban has a faster charging time. It can achieve a full charge in just 180 minutes. This will be useful when charging the vehicle at a recharging station in the city.
    Advanced tech features
    Alice Urban will be equipped with a range of internet connected smart features. Below is a short video of the Ozone Alice electric car early prototype in action.
    [embedded content]
    Ozone Motors is a leading provider of vehicle tracking and safety systems and it will be an easy job to equip Alice Urban with the same set of features. Expect Alice Urban to have smart features such as real-time vehicle tracking, vehicle speed monitoring, vehicle location update, remote engine on/off, unauthorized vehicle movement detection, and SOS button. More

  • in

    Maruti Dzire Electric Modified By Owner – Range 250 Kms, Petrol To EV Conversion

    Maruti Dzire Electric by – Hemank Dabhade / Northway Motorsport EV
    On a full charge, the modified DZire EV can do 250 kms when driven at moderate speeds

    The electric vehicle culture in India is on the rise as every automaker is making some headway into this segment. Tata Motors Nexon EV has crossed the 2,200 sales mark since launch and the MG ZS EV got 200 bookings just in December 2020 alone. The Hyundai Kona Electric has also seen its share of success in Indian markets.
    Maruti Suzuki is yet to launch any electric vehicle in the country. There was some talk of Maruti WagonR EV some time last year but there have been no further updates even as the company had been actively testing the model in India. In international market, Suzuki already sells the electric WagonR.
    Maruti Suzuki DZire VXI Electric
    Northway Motorsport EV has now modified a brand new Maruti Dzire into an all electric car. The car was purchased last year, only to modied as an electric car. The company has been noted for converting several other petrol and diesel powered vehicles into electric models, but this DZire VXI by far excels them all.
    Developed in-house, the Maruti DZire now receives a 15 kW motor that can peak upto 35 kW. It produces 170 Nm torque that goes up to 842 Nm at the wheels. Even as the team has developed several battery packs, the DZire received 3 options each mounted on the fuel tank, transmission tunnel and extension exhaust area respectively.
    Maruti Dzire Electric
    The pack on the fuel tank is at 13 kWh while that in the tunnel stands at 15 kWh and at 1 kWh in the exhaust area. The Maruti DZire is water sealed at IP67 rating and receives a 5 speed manual transmission. Yes, a manual transmission. This is the first electric car in India to have a manual transmission.
    Modifications made to the vehicle for conversion to electric power sees a reduction in overall weight by 3 kgs from 950 kgs to 947 kgs. This changes see a lighter fly wheel and usable reverse gear. The new DZire also gets VCU compatibility and full integration with all CAN functions.
    Apart from minimal changes, all other features such as instrument cluster, throttle peddle and power steering along with safety equipment of ABS, EBD and airbags remain unchanged. For its air conditioning system, the DZire EV uses a Brushless Direct Current Motor (BLDC).
    [embedded content]
    The radiator fan works to keep battery and other electronics cool and he instrument cluster now gives off all vital EV information. The tachometer indicates motor RPM and the fuel gauge details the battery level. Temperature gauge shows off the temperature of the battery while charging level is also indicated on the instrument cluster when the engine is switched off.
    DZire EV Charging and Top Speed
    The new Maruti Suzuki DZire EV can be charged via a CCS 2 Port. It is positioned in the place of the fuel nozzle behind the fuel filling lid. Charging from 0-100 percent is done via a 15 Amp socket in 8 hours while the team is also devising a fast charging system.
    Top speed is at 160 kmph while the EV can also take on a gradient of 34 percent and can tow a 3 tonne vehicle with free rolling. In full charge, the EV claims a 250 km range when driven at moderate speeds.

    Source More

  • in

    Nio ET7 Electric Car Launched To Take On Tesla – Claims 1,000 Kms Range

    Nio ET7 Electric car
    NIO’s ET7 all-electric ET7 sedan to take on Tesla Model S in China

    Tesla faces some serious competition in China as NIO has launched the ET7 electric sedan that promises an every higher range as compared to Tesla’s Model S. The new ET7 electric sedan was unveiled at the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu by NIO’s Chief Executive William Li Bin. Bookings are now open.
    The ET7 electric sedan will be ready for delivery from 2022. Pre-orders open in China with the company not yet confirming launch in other markets. ET7 is offered in Standard, Premium and Extended Editions and priced at 448,000 Yuan (approximately $69,160) or at 378,000 Yuan without the battery.
    Driving Range
    The Standard Edition offers a range of 500 kms with a 70 kWh battery pack which is around 7 percent higher than that offered by the Tesla Model S. This goes up to 700 kms on the Premium Edition with a 100 kWh battery while the Extended Edition has a range of 1000 kms with a 150 kWh battery.
    These figures are as per China’s NEDC testing standards while on Europe’s WLTP test it could give a lower figure. The Premium Edition is priced at 536,000 yuan while no price details of the Extended Edition have been revealed as on date.
    Nio ET7 Electric car
    ET7 Design
    The ET7 is a large sedan measuring 200.7 inches in length making it around 5 inches longer than the Tesla Model S. It comes in with a single screen serving as an instrument cluster and one with a portrait orientation serving as an infotainment hub. This can be controlled via a digital assistant known as “Nomi’.
    NIO ET7 gets Nio autonomous driving or NAD with a self-driving system with sensing technology, control software and computing power. The system consists of 33 sensors with radar, lidar and high resolution cameras along with 4 NVIDIA Drive Orin computers and vehicle to infrastructure communication and a capability to process 8 gigabytes per second. Buttons are very few and the steering wheel sports a two-spoke design.
    Battery And Motor Options
    NIO’s ET7 electric sedan will be powered by a single powertrain. This dual motor system offers a combined 644 hp power and 626 lb/ft (850 Nm) torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 3.9 seconds.
    Nio ET7 Electric car
    As is also seen with other NIO electric vehicles the battery of the ET7 can be swapped via the company’s network or power battery stations. The owner can drive into any of the stations wherein the automated system handles the swap.
    The NIO ET7 is the company’s first electric sedan. They already have ES8 and ES8 models in the SUV segment. The ET7 electric sedan is aimed squarely at the Tesla Model S, and could be launched in global markets to take on the US electric car giant. More

  • in

    Tata Nexon Electric Discount Offer To Celebrate 1st Anniversary

    Tata Nexon Electric
    An exchange bonus of Rs.15,000 is being offered on the purchasing the Nexon EV

    Tata Motors has announced their discount offers for January 2021. These are across product range and in the form of cash discounts, exchange benefits and corporate discounts. The Tata Tiago and Tigor can be had at a cash discount of Rs.1,000 and corporate benefit of Rs.3,000 while exchange bonus is at Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively.
    Buyers of the Tata Nexon petrol variant do not receive any cash discount or exchange benefit but corporate buyer receive a Rs.3,000 discount. The diesel variant is being offered at an exchange bonus of Rs.15,000 and corporate discount of Rs.3,000. The Tata Harrier gets the highest discounts at cash discount and exchange bonus at Rs.25,000 and Rs.40,000 respectively.
    Discount on the Tata Nexon EV
    The Tata Nexon EV, which completes its 1st anniversary, is at a special discount at company dealerships with an exchange discount of up to Rs.15,000. The Nexon EV also receives 8 years/1,60,000 km battery and motor warranty.
    It is priced from Rs.13.99 lakhs onwards and has emerged as the best-selling electric car in India in 2020. Sales in the past year stood at 2,529 units making the Nexon EV a leader in its segment. The MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV were at second and third position with sales of 1,142 units and 223 units respectively.
    Tata Nexon Electric Discount Offer
    Not only is the Tata Nexon EV the most sold electric car in India but it is also the most affordable electric SUV in the country. The Nexon EV was launched on 28th January 2020 and celebrates its first anniversary in the next week.
    Tata Nexon EV is presented in variants of XM, XZ, and XZ+ Lux and priced from Rs.13.99-16.25 lakhs. This makes it the cheapest electric SUV in India and another major attraction is the fact that the company also offers the Nexon EV at a subscription plan of Rs.29,500 for a 36 month tenure.
    Tata Nexon EV- Power and Performance
    The Tata Nexon EV boasts of a long list of features. It receives a semi digital instrument panel, 7 inch touchscreen system, automatic AC and a dedicated Nexon EV app called ZConnect which offers a total of 35 connectivity features that include charging station locator, driving behaviour analytics, vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, etc.
    Tata Nexon EV is powered by a 30.2kWh battery and a 3 phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor that offers 127 hp power and 245 Nm torque. It claims to deliver range of 312 kms per charge and is capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Charging is via a standard 15A power output which can charge the Nexon from 20 to 100 percent in 8 hours or from 0 to 80 percent in 1 hour via a fast DC charger. More

  • in

    Renault Kiger LED DRLs Teased – New Electric Car Prototype Unveiled

    2021 Renault Kiger SUV – Teaser
    Along with teasing the upcoming Kiger small SUV in production spec form, Renault has also revealed their new electric car prototype

    With global debut set for 28th Jan 2021, the new Renault Kiger has now been officially teased in production ready form. From the teaser image, it is clear that the production ready Kiger carries the LED DRL and projector headlamps from the concept which was revealed back in November.
    Kiger Debut
    With compact and subcompact SUVs being highly popular in the Indian markets, automakers are heralding in various models in this segment. Kiger will be based on the same platform as the Magnite, which has met huge sales success in India.
    The Renault Kiger and the Nissan Magnite will be produced at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s production base in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. The Kiger will enter the sub 4 meter segment wherein it will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, etc in terms of competition.
    Renault 5 Electric Car
    Renault has unveiled its upcoming retro-styled electric car called ‘5’. Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car gives a look into the future small EV from Renault, which is set to go on sale by the middle of this decade. The car takes its design and styling cues from the R5 hatchback which was in production from 1972 to 1996. It is among the fourteen new models which are expected to hit showrooms by 2025.
    Renault 5 Prototype carries numerous references to the original model including the R5 Turbo versions and cult classic Supercinq albeit in a modern touch
    Seven of these fourteen models are going to be fully electric vehicles. The new concept blends with its namesake’s boxy proportions with a modern and contemporary design which includes high-tech displays, LED lighting signatures and sculpted side surfaces expected out of a modern car.
    Exterior Design Highlights
    Upfront, the B-segment concept car features LED headlight clusters flanked by the French brand’s diamond-shaped emblem with no radiator grille. It gets a clean front bumper which features thin square-shaped LED DRLs and ‘RENAULT’ in bold lettering.
    The bonnet air intake is neatly hidden with a charging hatch on the company’s logo on the front nose. The small impression of the French flag on its rearview mirrors shows its nationalistic pride.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    At rear, the LED taillights feature aero flaps with an illuminated reflector strip running around the roof lining to the A-pillars which seem to pay tribute to Renault 5 models of the 1980s. Side profile’s centre of attraction are the large alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tyres.
    Overall, the concept’s design looks very clean and simple yet feels a modernised version of the original R5 with references such as boxy wheel arches, flat sides and a tilted C-pillar. There is also a nod to the original ‘5’ with impressions on its wheels, rear logo and side grid.
    Renault 5 Prototype Electric Car
    Other Details
    Details are very sparse at the moment with the automaker yet to reveal its expected specifications or even its interior images. All we know is that it will be based on a modular EV architecture that has been developed by Renault and its alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dubbed as CMF-EV, this platform will underpin most small and medium-sized cars from the alliance brands, for instance, the upcoming Nissan Ariya crossover.
    While no definite timeline has been set for its production to commence, new Renault 5 Concept could replace the highly successful Zoe EV as the brand’s compact electric hatchback. The carmaker has also announced that its performance range of cars which will carry the nametag of Alpine, will be an all-electric range of cars and the 5 Prototype could very well be part of this lineup. More