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      Audi E-Tron Electric SUV Booking Opens In India At Rs 5 Lakh

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      Audi eTron
      Upon its arrival in India, Audi e-Tron will compete against other luxury electric SUVs such as Mercedes Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace
      After a long and arduous wait, Audi will launch its fully electric SUV e-Tron in India on July 22, 2021. Bookings for the upcoming EV have officially opened from today, at a token amount of Rs 5 lakh.
      Two differed body styles
      e-Tron is Audi’s first brand of fully electric cars and the company will be launching three variants of the car in the country which will incorporate two body styles. It will be available in 50, 55 and 55 Sportback variants with the first two being SUVs and the last one being a Coupe-style SUV.
      Audi was expected to launch e-Tron much earlier but plans got deferred mainly due to outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. Like most modern EVs, Aufi will utilise a skateboard architecture. All variants will be equipped with two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, one at each axle thus offering Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. e-Tron will be brought to India as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU).
      Exterior Design
      Speaking of its design, e-Tron flaunts a massive octagonal single-frame grille with vertical struts upfront. It is flanked by Matrix LED headlights on both sides featuring four horizontal struts that form e-tron-specific signatures in LED DRLs.
      Audi eTron
      At rear, the SUV sports wraparound LED taillights connected to each other across the tailgate by a strip of LED light. In addition, the slats in the large diffuser is an attraction since it does not get an exhaust tailpipe.
      Other exterior highlights include glossy black claddings, diamond-cut alloy wheels and e-Tron logo on brake calipers and charging flap which truly stand out in its orange colour. The only difference between SUV and Sportback style is that the latter gets a coupe-like sloping roofline as opposed to a conventional roofline in the former.
      Specs
      In terms of specs, e-Tron 50 forms the entry-level variant with slightly lower specs whereas e-Tron 55 and e-Tron 55 Sportback share the same specifications slightly higher than the base variant. e-Tron 50 features a 71kWh battery pack which is paired to a dual-motor setup and cranks out 308 bhp and 540 Nm of peak torque. e-Tron 55 gets a larger 95kWh battery pack powering the same dual motor setup.
      This powertrain pumps out 355 bhp and 561 Nm of peak torque. These figures could be boosted up to 403 bhp and 664 Nm for a short instance. The base variant is offered with a claimed single-charge range of 341 km and a top-speed capped at 190kmph. The top-spec variant is offered with a range of up to 441km on a single charge and a top speed limited to 200kmph. Prices of e-Tron SUV is likely to start around Rs 1.0 crore and go up to Rs 1.30 crore for the top-spec 55 Sportback. More

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      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV Spied Testing For The First Time

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      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV
      Kia hasn’t yet revealed its plans for battery-powered vehicles in India
      While Kia has a long list of models in its global portfolio, the utility vehicles are the ones on which we should be focussed since the Korean carmaker had earlier confirmed that it will concentrate only on UVs- SUVs, crossovers and MPVs for the Indian market. The brand has chalked out a plan for future battery-powered vehicles, most of which belong to the UV segment.
      The company currently has only one electric UV in its international lineup in the form of the flagship EV6 while another entry-level electric SUV named Niro EV has already been revealed. Kia is reportedly planning to bridge this gap by introducing its third electric SUV slotted in between them.
      More Details
      This upcoming SUV is likely to be based on Seltos and test mules of the electric crossover have already been spotted somewhere in South Korea. This upcoming electric car is expected to wear the nameplate of either EV4 or EV5 (most probably the former). It will measure about 4.3 metre in length which is similar to Seltos thus placing it in the compact C-segment category for the Indian market.
      There are no confirmed details regarding the specs of the upcoming electric SUV as of now but we can expect it to be offered with options of single- and dual-motor configurations along with multiple battery sizes and power outputs up to 239kW.
      Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV
      The EV shown in the spy shots is seen wearing heavily wrapped camouflage with an upright stance, a sporty rear bash plate and a rising window line. The real-world images are in line with a shadowy teaser released earlier this year, depicting a small electric SUV with compact dimensions and a boxy silhouette.
      Future Kia electric models
      Kia has promised to launch as many as eleven new EVs by 2027 and this could be one of them. Out of these eleven, seven models will be based on E-GMP architecture while out of these seven models four of them will be SUVs or people carriers. Further details on the upcoming electric SUV are expected to surface online in the coming few months.
      Reports also speculate that the upcoming EV4 (or EV5) might even launch before Niro EV in 2022 as the latter’s launch has been pushed to 2023 according to local Korean publications.
      The South Korean brand will also launch a couple of hybrid models in 2022. The upcoming EV spotted in these images is very unlikely to launch in India in the near future. If Kia were to introduce an EV in the near future in India it will most likely be in the subcompact segment which would serve as an entry-level vehicle. Niro EV thus fits the picture better for the Indian market.
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      Tata Motors To Launch 10 New EVs By 2025 – Electric Altroz And HBX Planned

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      Image for reference
      Green plates will be much easier to spot on the streets in the coming years
      As the automotive industry begins its transition to an all-electric ecosystem, carmakers are working proactively to utilize available opportunities in the best possible manner. Tata Motors is one such company that has outlined an aggressive strategy to strengthen its presence in EV space. The company enjoys the first-mover advantage in EV segment and already has the top selling Nexon EV in its portfolio. That’s a solid base to further build its electric portfolio.
      10 EVs by 2025
      While many automakers are still focused on fossil fuel cars, Tata Motors has decided to lead the charge in EV space. In its 76th annual report, the company’s chairman N Chandrasekaran has stated that 10 new BEV vehicles will be included in the Group’s portfolio by 2025.
      Tata Motors will also be working on developing charging infrastructure across the country. This will help promote greater acceptability of EVs among customers. Another area of focus is sourcing battery packs. For this, the company has started searching for the right partners in India and Europe.
      In FY2021, more than 4k units of Nexon EV were sold. That’s around 2% of the company’s overall sales. The company believes that share of EVs in its portfolio will increase exponentially in the coming years. The company has plans to launch Altroz EV, HBX EV, etc.
      Tata Altroz Electric at Auto Expo 2020
      Tata Motors will also be focusing on future disruptions in the EV space such as autonomous, connected and shared mobility. For that, an automotive software and engineering vertical could be set up within the company.
      JLR to become fully electric by 2036
      Internationally, the shift to electric will be led by Jaguar Land Rover. JLR has plans to achieve a fully electric portfolio by 2036. Jaguar will achieve that target much earlier by 2025. In case of JLR, 60% of the company’s sales are expected to come from BEVs by 2030. Tata Group will be working to develop sustainable business models that will help achieve these ambitious EV goals.
      Tata Motors believes that the company could emerge as one of the world leaders in sustainable mobility. It has a global presence across 150 countries. It employs more than 750,000 people and has a customer base in excess of 650 million. The company has the resources and intelligence to become a leader in EV space.
      Pointing out to immediate challenges, Chandrasekaran said that some delays could be expected due to on-going Covid-19 pandemic. Global shortage of semiconductors could also hold back production. However, the company is hopeful that things will become much better by next year and beyond. More

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      Ampere ELE Electric Rickshaw Gets A New Website – Detailing Specs, Price, Savings

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      Ampere Electric RickshawThe company claims that as compared to the conventional petrol powered auto rickshaw, Ele e-rickshaw will relate to savings up to Rs 2 per km
      Ampere Electric has launched a new website, which draws attention to the company’s new-rickshaw brand ELE, which targets B2B customers especially in semi urban and rural areas. The website lists out details of products with emphasis on smart driving, sustainability and lower cost of operation along with lower maintenance cost and added saving to buyer.
      It has helped to offer added employment in the smaller towns and cities across India in Q4 2021 recorded 104 percent growth over the same period last quarter. Demand is particularly noteworthy in North and North Eastern markets boosted by a strong network of 165 dealerships across the country.
      Savings
      Ampere Electric claims that the ELE e-rickshaw is highly cost effective and when compared to conventional auto rickshaws, saves owners upto Rs 2 per km. It is convenient for last mile shared mobility solutions offering employment to auto drivers, rickshaw pullers, migrant workers and also to the youth in rural areas and smaller towns and cities.
      The ELE e-rickshaw helps to reduce upto 4 lakh metric tons of CO2 emissions and is currently rated among the top 3 brands with over 10,000 units sold to date and clocking use of over 374 kms over the years. The ELE e-rickshaw segment has seen outstanding growth over the past year.
      Ampere Electric Rickshaw
      As the company focuses on expanding its share in this segment, new initiatives are being planned. New dealership applications are being fast-tracked and the company has entered into alliance with several financing companies to offer buyers attractive financial options with easy EMIs and low down payments.
      With ELE e-rickshaws, Ampere is also showing its support to the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat by helping people at the bottom of the pyramid. You can take a look at the new website here.
      Ampere Two Wheeler price cut
      Following the recent revision in the FAME II subsidy, Ampere has cut prices of its electric bike range upto Rs 9,000. The revised prices now stand at Rs 59,990 and Rs 65,990 for Zeal and Magnus Pro model respectively. The company stated that the Ampere scooters are being used extensively during the second wave of COVID-19 in particular for home delivery of essential goods and services.
      This year, Greaves Cotton Limited, plans on spending Rs 110 crores on its electric two wheeler plant in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu from where the company plans to roll out roll out two wheelers by the end of this year. According to company’s statement, initially, the plant production capacity could be around 1 lakh units annually to be increased to one million units gradually. More

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      Tata Nexon Electric Updated With New Alloys, Infotainment System

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      2021 Tata Nexon Electric Updated
      Tata Nexon Electric is offered in three trims- XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux in the price range between Rs 13.99 and Rs 16.56 lakh (ex-showroom)
      Tata Motors recently brought in a few updates for Nexon a few months ago. The subcompact UV got a fresh set of alloy wheels and also an updated infotainment unit. These updates have now been extended to its battery-powered sibling Nexon Electric.
      New Alloy Wheels
      The new alloy wheel design is an exact replica of the alloys which made their debut in the IC engine-powered Nexon earlier this year. The new 5-spoke alloy wheel designs have replaced the older V-shaped alloy design which frankly looked unique, bolder and better.
      The 5-spoke diamond-cut design looks conventional and has probably been introduced to cut down some costs. The wheel sizes remain identical at 16-inches. These alloy wheels have been made available in XZ+ and XZ+ Lux variants of Nexon Electric while the base-spec XM trim gets steel rims with wheel caps. The new units will start reaching dealerships in a few days.
      Physical Buttons Deleted
      Another crucial update made is that the physical buttons for the infotainment system controls have been removed. These buttons were located just below the central air-con vents and were offered with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is available with XZ+ and XZ+ Lux trim.
      2021 Tata Nexon Electric Updated
      The physical buttons that have been removed include Home, Favourites, Back, Smartphone and Next / Previous. The rotary dials for volume and tuner have also been removed. The available space now has the ‘Nexon’ logo.
      The functions of these physical buttons have been integrated into the touchscreen, making it a completely digital experience. The 7.0-inch infotainment unit houses Tata’s Connect Next OS with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It is also compatible with the Zconnect App that has over 35 connected car tech features.
      While physical buttons do make clutter in the centre dashboard, some people prefer buttons and rotary dials for an old-school charm. They are also far more convenient to use. Prices for the Nexon EV remain unchanged with the base variant offered at Rs 13.99 lakh and top-end trim available at Rs 16.56 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Detailed walkaround video of updated Nexon EV can be seen below, credit to TheCarsShow by Arsh Jolly.
      [embedded content]
      Powertrain Specs
      Nexon Electric is powered by Tata’s Ziptron powertrain technology which features a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric motor. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque and a claimed range of 312km on a single charge. The battery takes around 8 hours to fully replenish using a home wall box charger. Using a fast charger, the battery could be juiced up 0-80 percent within 60 minutes. More

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      SsangYong Korando eMotion Debuts – New J100 Electric SUV Teased

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      SsangYong J100 Electric SUV TeaserSsangYong has been incurring heavy losses for past few years and future electric products hold key for this foreign Mahindra entity
      Ssangyong has officially introduced its first electric vehicle (EV) in the form of Korando e-Motion. The battery-powered electric SUV is slated to go on sale in international markets later this year. It is based on the same Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA) platform which is also set to underpin the upcoming Mahindra XUV300 Electric.
      The subcompact electric UV was first showcased by the Indian carmaker at the last edition of AutoExpo in 2020. Apart from these two models, the MESMA platform will also underpin SsangYong’s new Tivoli EV which was spotted testing last year. It should be noted that the regular XUV300 is based on the IC engine-powered Tivoli.
      SsangYong Korando Electric
      Specifications & Features
      The modular MESMA architecture boasts a low-set, lithium-ion battery pack that can support multi-motor configurations. SsangYong Korando Electric SUV will be powered by a 61.5kWh battery pack supplied by LG Chem. The Korean carmaker claims a range of 420km on the outdated NEDC cycle in a single charge. As per the new WLTP cycle, the electric crossover is expected to offer a more humble single-charge range of 322km depending on the conditions and driving style.
      While exact specifications of the electric motor are yet to be revealed, it is said to deliver an output close to 190 bhp with SsangYong promising ‘best-in-class’ acceleration and a top speed around 152kph.
      SsangYong J100 SUV teaser sketch
      The battery-powered Korando is expected to offer a spacious cabin, along with a host of creature comforts such as a multifunctional steering wheel, auto climate control and a touchscreen infotainment console with support for the latest connectivity facilities. In terms of safety, the SUV will offer multiple airbags, parking sensors, ABS with EBD, a rear-view camera and crash sensors.
      Exterior Styling
      Coming to its exterior styling, Korando e-Motion wears an uncanny resemblance with the XUV300 Electric prototype showcased at Auto Expo last year. It gets some styling tweaks to distinguish itself from its ICE-powered sibling. These include a closed front grille to aid aerodynamics, a muscular hood and a smooth flowing front bumper.
      Other notable highlights include blacked-out B-pillars, roof rails, designer alloy wheels, vertically stacked fog lamps and circular black wheel arch cladding. However, the most attractive highlights are the blue detailings sprayed across the lower front bumper, indicator-mounted ORVMs and bottom of the rear door panels.
      SsangYong J100 SUV teaser sketch
      Expected Price
      The new Korando Electric is expected to go on sale in European markets starting August this year, followed by United Kingdom. In UK, it is expected to carry a price tag of around £30,000 (approx. INR 31 lakh). Production of the electric crossover commenced on June 14 but due to the ongoing crisis of shortage of semiconductor chips, its home launch had to be delayed. It will rival the likes of Hyundai Kona electric and MG ZS EV.
      Next Electric SUV
      SsangYong will continue to launch more electric vehicles in the future. The next in line is codenamed J100, sketches of the same can ben seen in images above. Launch is scheduled for 2022 and will sit below the larger Rexton SUV. This will be followed by the launch of electric pickup truck by 2023/24. More

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      New Kia Soul Trademark Filed In India – Could It Be Electric?

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      2021 Kia SoulWith bestsellers like Seltos and Sonet, Kia can confidently think about launching new products
      Kia Soul had started its journey in 2008 as an ICE powered subcompact crossover SUV. Later in 2014, an electric variant Soul EV was also introduced in international markets. Kia may be planning to bring the car in India, as trademark application for Soul name has been filed in the country. However, it’s not certain if it will be the ICE powered Soul or its EV version.
      Kia Soul design and styling
      Featuring a tallboy design, Kia Soul is quite quirky and distinctive in comparison to other products in its class. Some of the key features include sleek full-LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a large front grille, trapezoidal fog lamp casing, and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the car features boomerang-shaped LED tail lights and centrally positioned dual exhaust with chrome tips.
      On the inside, Kia Soul is spacious and packs in a comprehensive range of features. Higher trims come with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
      Other key features include USB ports, wireless phone charger, sunroof, steering mounted controls, head-up-display (HUD), auto AC, mood lighting, power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, and heated steering wheel.
      New Kia Soul name registered in India
      Kia Soul gets top marks for safety, as it’s equipped with several advanced features. Some of these include forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision warning, lane change assist, and smart cruise control.
      Other safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), ABS with EBD, hill start assist control, and tire pressure monitoring system.
      Kia Soul powertrain
      In international markets, Kia Soul is offered with a 1.6 litre MPi petrol motor that is capable of generating 123 ps of max power at 6,300 rpm and 150 Nm of max torque at 4,850 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s a 2.0 litre MPi petrol motor also that makes 149 ps / 179 Nm. It is mated to a 6-speed manual CVT unit. There’s a 1.6 litre turbo petrol version as well, which makes 204 ps / 265 Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed DCT.
      Talking about Kia Soul EV, the second-gen model utilizes a 64 kWh battery pack. This was a major upgrade from the earlier 30 kWh unit. The battery utilizes a liquid cooling system. The electric motor generates 201 hp / 395 Nm and can reach 0-100 kmph in 7.6 seconds. EPA range is 243 miles (390 km) whereas WLTP range comes at 452 km on a full charge. More

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      Ford EV Plans For Future Revealed – Bronco Electric Could Be A Possibility

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      Ford EcoSport Electric In Bronco Styling – RenderThe upcoming lineup of Ford EVs will comprise battery-powered versions of Explorer, Aviator and maybe Bronco as well
      With future of the global automotive industry heavily dependent on battery-powered solutions, automakers worldwide have started planning their future ahead accordingly. One of the largest auto manufacturers Ford recently held a Capital Markets Day presentation which was mostly dedicated to future electric vehicles to be rolled out by the company.
      The American carmaker announced that it will be launching new dedicated electric vehicle platforms and will develop new IonBoost batteries for future EVs. The company estimated that almost 40 percent of its global sales will be EVs by the year 2030. Laying the groundwork for its next decade of vehicle production teased several new products and services.
      Future EV Platforms
      The Blue Oval brand announced that it will be spending more than USD 30 billion on electrification of vehicles by 2025. The company had previously committed USD 22 billion toward electrification.
      Furthermore, it went on to add that it currently possesses five global vehicle platforms but with EVs coming into picture, these architectures need to be reimagined to meet required conditions. Cars based on these new platforms will be able to share motors, gearboxes, battery packs and battery management systems across the lineup.
      Ford Electric Platform
      This is in addition to other cross vehicle technologies which will enable Ford to share up to 80% of a vehicle’s components across its portfolio. The company also previewed its upcoming RWD / AWD BEV Flexible Architecture which will underpin several new generation models of high-volume battery-powered vehicles between now and 2030 including some ‘rugged SUVs’.
      Prospective Ford EV Lineup
      While Ford didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that the upcoming platform will be available in two derivatives- one for 2- and 3-row crossovers, cars and SUVs and the other mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The former category will comprise models such as electric versions of Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Although the American carmaker didn’t specifically mention it, we also expect an electrified Bronco underpinned by the same architecture in future.
      The second derivative will underpin the F-series pickup trucks for example the next-gen F-150 Lightning which could arrive as early as 2025. The first-gen model made its debut a few days back and is expected to go on sale in the coming months, it is also expected to form bases for electric versions of Expedition and Navigator.
      Ford Electric Platform
      The electrification of the pickup segment is critical for Ford since it expects about 1/3rd of full-size pickup trucks to be fully electric by 2030. This would mean around 800,000 electric pickup trucks will be produced annually.
      Battery Development
      Ford also shed light on its battery manufacturing segment and revealed that the BlueOvalSK joint venture will develop battery packs and arrays at two different facilities in the US. The next generation of batteries from Ford will be called IonBoost+.
      The company also unveiled its plans would include development of IonBoost lithium-ion batteries, IonBoost Pro lithium iron phosphate batteries (for commercial vehicles), and long-range, low-cost solid-state batteries. The carmaker finally added that it will be expanding its commercial vehicle business by nearly double to $45 billion by 2025. More