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      Okinawa e-scooters booked online are backed by a Rs 6,000 voucher

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      Okinawa Electric Scooters have announced a new Independence Day offer
      Independence Day is upon is, and with it comes a slurry of offers design to sweeten the deal. Okinawa India has curated offers to encourage online booking for its complete electric scooter range. Okinawa is offering gift vouchers worth Rs 6,000 to buyer who make an online booking. Once booking, and purchase is confirmed, the 6k voucher is to be delivered to the customer at the time of vehicle delivery at the showroom.
      Okinawa Independence Day Offer

      Gripped by Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are increasingly integrating digitalisation to ensure for a handsfree business approach. With physical distancing being a key focus, concluding processes online bodes well. Okinawa recently renewed focus on online booking through its website. The Rs 6,000 voucher deal is valid until Independence Day, 2020, i.e., today, and tomorrow.
      With MoRTh announcing policy revision sin raged to how electric two-wheeler sales can be repackaged, Okinawa takes solace in the development. Policy now permits selling electric vehicles without batteries. The development bring flexibility to EV sales and pitch for a more realistic upfront vehicle cost.

      Okinawa electric scooter dealer
      Removing the battery element not only reduces the cost of a scooter but also retrain sone to view battery cost in reference to fuel cost. The scope for swappable batteries increases, and with further development one needn’t necessarily buy a battery, but simply rent, swap, repeat, thus widening the scope for manufacturers and buyers, both.
      Recently introduced Delhi EV Policy offers guidance on how the EV industry will progress in the state over next 3 years. However, at present, the policy doesn’t define benefits for lithium battery e-scooters with speeds upto 25km/hr. All benefits are reserved for high speed electric scooters and bikes.
      When browsing the Okinawa digital platform, prospects could pick from custom theme painted scooters from a wide range of options. The range focuses on hand designed highlights of particular scooter details. Alongwith custom selection, one may opt for further personalisation by getting their initials painted on the scooter. Wide ranging themes include Crystal, Chameleon, Superhero, etc.
      Okinawa Sales
      Following resumption of ops, Okinawa reports increase in demand and sales. Currently, 75 percent of its dealerships are operational. Despite operational limitations, the brand has delivered upward of 2,000 EVs since the government announced lockdown relaxation.In July 2020, Okinawa delivered upward of 400 high speed two-wheelers.
      “Okinawa has been promoting electric mobility in India. We believe that it is a gradual process to switch from ICE to EVs. However, over the period we have seen the acceptance for EVs grow among the buyers. Our festive campaign and offers are another step towards creating more awareness around EVs. The more people try EVs, the more trust we will build in the electric technology,” said Mr. Jeetender Sharma – MD and Founder, Okinawa. More

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      Tata Nexon Electric modified with Bigger Slotted Brakes – Video

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      Pune-based Northway Motorsport has major plans to make a factory-fresh Tata Nexon EV “better” in terms of performance and dynamics
      At the moment, the Indian automotive market has three ‘proper’ electric four-wheelers: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona. Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra has reached the final developmental stages of its eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric. Showcased at Auto Expo 2020 as a concept, the upcoming Mahindra eXUV300 will be a direct rival to the Tata Nexon EV.

      Priced from Rs 13.99 lakh ex-showroom, the Tata Nexon Electric debuted with the Indian automaker’s all-new Ziptron electric architecture. It comes in three trims: XM, XZ+ and XZ+ Lux. As per the newly formed Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, the all-electric sub-four-metre crossover is eligible for an incentive summing up to Rs 1.5 lakh in the capital city. The government is really pushing towards cleaner and emission-free modes of transportation, especially in densely populated cities.
      Powering the Tata Nexon EV is a ~95kW (127bhp) PMSM electric motor coupled to a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Peak torque is rated at 245Nm. In ideal conditions, the EV boasts of a range of 312km (ARAI figure) on full juice. It can hit 100km/h from a standstill within 10 seconds. A fast-charger helps the battery attain 80 per cent charge in about an hour’s time. Tata Motors recently introduced a subscription plan for the Nexon EV.
      Tata Nexon Electric mod by Northway Motorsport
      Pune-based EV specialists Northway Motorsport has acquired a Tata Nexon EV with the aim to “make it better”. Hemank Dabhade, Director of Northway Motorsport, states that he is quite impressed with what the EV has to offer in stock avatar. Still, he believes that there is room for improvement.

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      Dubbed ‘The Best Nexon EV Project’, the entire build will be documented on his YouTube channel, Hemank Dabhade. Over the months, we have shared quite a few interesting projects from Northway Motorsport such as Chevrolet Beat diesel-EV conversion, Honda Activa Electric and most recently, Maruti 800 Electric.
      Mods & upgrades planned
      The very first set of mods include better brakes and bigger wheels since the vehicle has (relatively) high torque characteristics. The stock front ventilated disc brakes (single-piston callipers) were swapped with bigger slotted rotors with six-piston callipers. Of course, this was not a direct fit and hence, a custom-made bracket was required. To house the new pair of discs, bigger rims proved a necessity. Hemank chose a set of 17-inch five-spokes shod with Ultramile UM R5 tyres.
      The higher unsprung mass might take a toll on the Tata Nexon Electric’s original performance but Northern Motorsport has several upgrades in the pipeline to make up for it. Furthermore, this could soon be the very first performance-enhanced Tata Nexon EV in the country. More

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      Jawa Electric Motorcycle Imagined – Royal Enfield Classic Electric Rival

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      The electric motorcycle project by Classic Legends is not expected to be ready before 2022
      Soon after news about a possible Jawa electric motorcycle broke out, new media reports emerged suggesting that Classic Legends electric motorcycle project will make use of Yezdi brand. Just like Jawa, Yezdi evokes nostalgia among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. The idea of an Yezdi electric motorcycle with retro-classic design certainly sounds interesting.
      Will Jawa introduce an electric motorcycle?

      Considering that Classic Legends owns the rights to both Jawa and Yezdi brands, its upcoming electric motorcycle project could spawn two distinct flavours. However this is purely a speculation at this moment and we will have to wait and see how things develop.
      Meanwhile, here is a speculative rendering of a Jawa electric motorcycle created by Sreejith Krishnan on behalf of ElectricVehicleWeb. While accommodating the electric powertrain and the massive battery pack requires grounds up approach to chassis engineering, you can see that Jawa’s classic design gels well with the new age powertrain.

      The designer has envisioned the Jawa electric motorcycle to feature the charging socket on the pseudo fuel tank and a rear hub-mounted motor. The traditional telescopic front suspension and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers have been carried forward. The spoke wheels go a long way in giving the motorcycle an old-world charm.
      Powertrain
      It is too early to talk about the finer details of Classic Legends’ electric powertrain. It is being reported that, unlike the existing Jawa products which were engineered with inputs from parent company Mahindra, the new electric motorcycle will be developed fully in-house. The two wheeler manufacturer is expected to source most of its critical components locally although there could be some percentage of imported content.

      It is to be noted that Royal Enfield is also working on an electric motorcycle to target the same segment. Classic Legends’ project is still at early stages and we don’t expect the final product to be ready before 2022. The company’s track record when it comes to keeping up with timelines are not great to begin with, and to make the matters worse, the pandemic is proving to be a significant disruption.
      Classic Legends’ current status
      Classic Legends managed to sell only 569 units of Jawa motorcycles in July 2020 which is over 60 times lower than what its primary rival Royal Enfield has managed. Suffice it to say, the existing Jawa and the upcoming Yezdi products have their work cut out.
      Source More

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      Electric two wheelers and three wheelers can be sold without a battery

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      MoRTH now permits sale and registration of Electric Vehicles without the battery
      While it seems absurd at first, the move is in fact a clever one. If one moves beyond comparing an EV to a mobile phone, then the battery conundrum is clearer to understand. The battery cost from hereon is to be compared with potential fuel expense over a comparable period. What this does is makes the EV more affordable, and at a comparable price to ICE vehicles.

      A green signal from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) means one can register a new EV without the cost of pre-fitted batteries factored in. A letter to Transport Secretaries outlines sale of EVs without batteries. Registration of the same is guided by type approval certificate issued by the Test Agency.
      Furthermore, for the purpose of registration, there’s no requirement to specify Make/Type or any other battery details. While such specifications are not mandated. what is required is type approved products by test Agencies specified under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

      Bajaj Chetak electric scooter. Image for reference.
      Which means, the prototype of the electric vehicle, and the battery (regular battery or the swappable battery) need to be type approved. The policy expands on making EVs accessible to one and all, and needs to be supported with dependable EV infra that lets EV owners charge and swap batteries as required.
      Announcements in the recent past has outlined vehicle electrification goals but blueprints on how these targets are to be achieved are difficult to access, and thereby understand. Across the EV spectrum, especially where two wheelers and scooters are concerned, the presence of new manufacturers piques interest, but electric two-wheeler sales remain limited.
      DELHI EV Policy 2020
      The recently announced Delhi EV policy on paper appears to be a push in the right direction. The state is committed to creating a special arm to make decisions regarding EVs, and also fund such projects. Delhi will approve subsidies and waivers for all EV purchases, and look into charging infra development among other aspects that can help ease EV adaption.
      There’s a notion that EV adaption will help reduce vehicular pollution, and will have far reaching effects in environment protection. The oil import bill will also benefit with reduction of oil imports. To reach such a goal, it’s imperative that the fledgeling Indian EV industry gathers steam. To promote and encourage use of electrical two-wheelers and three-wheeler vehicles, delinking cost of battery is a new approach.
      MoRTH takes into account the fact that 30-40 percent of total vehicle cost is in reality battery cost. With vehicles now permitted to be sold without the battery, the Ministry perceives that upfront cost of electric 2 wheelers (2W) and 3 wheelers (3W) would be lower than ICE 2W and 3W retail price. Of course, the battery will most likely be purchased or rented from the OEM separately, or as proposed, by the energy service provider. More

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      Detel Easy moped launched at Rs 20k – Cheapest electric two wheeler

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      The electric moped has a top-speed of 25 kmph and does not required registration or license
      Let’s talk about Detel, the consumer electronic firm before we proceed to their latest foray into the burgeoning world of e-mobility. Founded in 2017, the brand describes itself as a value-for-money startup that manufactures affordable electronic gadgets.

      Detel seems to be fascinated by the tag ‘the world’s most economical’ as evident from its world’s most economical feature phone priced at INR 299, the world’s most economical LED TV at INR 3,999, and now, the world’s most economical electric two wheeler at INR 19,999.
      Detel Easy
      The Detel Easy is a low-cost electric moped that has one primary objective – to be affordable to buy and run. The compact electric urban runabout prefers function over form. The company says that the Easy moped is characterized by low maintenance, quick charging and an easy-to-use product.
      Targeting ‘teenagers and people to wish to travel short distances or run errands’, the Detel Easy is powered by a hub-munted 250 W electric motor. With a top-speed of 25 kmph, one doesn’t require driving license or vehicle registration to ride this moped.

      Supported by a 48V 12 Ah Lithium iron phosphate battery pack, the Detel Easy has a claimed range of 60 km under ideal conditions. The battery takes 6-7 hours to achieve full charge through a regular power socket. The company is offering a free helmet with the purchase of its moped.
      The skinny step-through features circular headlamp, a compact foot board which also houses the battery pack, a single piece saddle and a narrow pillion seat complete with backrest. The front telescopic fork is related more to mountain bicycles than a scooter. The Detel Easy is also equipped with pedals, so if you ran out of charge, you can still find your way home without too much trouble.
      Apart from the cheapest price tag, salient features include steering mounted front turn indicators, alloy wheels, drum brakes and a front-mounted luggage basket.
      How to buy one?
      The Detel Easy is being sold online at www.detel-india.com for private buyers. Resellers, trade partners and people ordering in bulk can buy the moped on www.b2badda.com, an online e-distribution platform. The company has not revealed any details about aftersales service operations.
      The electric two wheeler is available in three color options – Pearl White, Jet Black and Metallic Red. The Easy is pitched as a much more affordable alternative to similar electric mopeds such as the Gemopai Miso and Saathi Electric. More

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      Skoda Enyaq iV electric crossover SUV debut on Sep 1 – Official sketches

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      The upcoming Skoda Enyaq crossover SUV employs Volkswagen Group’s MEB (Modular Electrification Toolkit) architecture
      Czech-origin automaker Skoda Auto, under Volkswagen Group, has released a fresh set of sketches or renders of its upcoming all-electric crossover SUV, Enyaq iV. The official debut will happen in Prague on September 1, 2020. Sporting Skoda Auto’s latest design and styling principles, the new Enyaq will be the first product to come out of Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. Translated to English, MEB expands to Modular Electrification Toolkit.

      The company states that the Skoda Enyaq marks a new era in its timeline. According to the design team, the crossover SUV showcases “emotive lines and balanced, dynamic proportions” in addition to a “generous interior”. It is claimed to offer a “sustainable yet fun driving experience”.
      Global OEMs are heavily concentrating on all-electric powertrains across a wide price segment. Due to their immense demand, SUV or crossover body styles have become the go-to choices for newer electric products.

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      Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at Skoda Auto, has given a brief overview of the Enyaq’s vision and styling philosophy. The ‘emotive Skoda design language’ is already familiar to the world thanks to the new-gen Scala hatchback, Kamiq subcompact crossover and Octavia compact sedan (as per European standards).
      Fresh styling philosophy
      The upcoming Skoda Enyaq features sculpted lines, clear surfaces as well as crystalline elements inspired by Bohemian crystal art. Unlike existing Skoda SUVs and crossovers, the Enyaq has a shorted front end alongside an elongated roofline. Karl Neuhold comments that this unique trait gives the EV “a very dynamic look” and transforms it into a “proverbial space shuttle”. Large wheels and high ground clearance further strengthen its ‘SUV presence’.
      Being an all-electric product, the Enyaq does not need a large front grille for cooling or induction purposes. However, the signature ‘butterfly grille’ has always been one of the most significant bits on modern-day Skodas and hence, could not be easily omitted. On the new Enyaq, the grille component is set further forward and upright, blending well with the full-LED headlamps flanking it on each side.
      Functional design
      Compared to a mainstream ICE model under Volkswagen Group (employing MLB architecture), MEB products differ significantly in terms of height and overhangs. The battery pack rests inside the floor panel and demands taller body styles. The relatively long wheelbase of the new Enyaq hides this fact. Shorter overhangs were possible since the electric powertrain and its components take much lesser space than a conventional ICE example. Furthermore, the Skoda Enyaq iV boasts of an impressive drag coefficient of 0.27. More

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      Tata Nexon EV to become cheaper by Rs 1.5 lakh in Delhi – New policy

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      The Delhi government will provide a price cut of Rs 10,000 for each kWh of an EV’s battery capacity
      Decades ago, it was believed that by 2020 we would have flying cars as the ‘new normal’. Clearly, we are considerably far away from that aspirational dream. Instead, we are even struggling with a relatively poor adoption rate of EVs in the country.

      However, the latest guidelines from both central and certain state governments seem to be on the right path to help India accelerate EV adoption. Recently, the Delhi government rolled out an all-new Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy (read more) through which it intends to promote emission-free vehicles in the PV (passenger vehicle) segment. Under this policy, the government intends to provide an incentive of Rs 10,000 for each kWh of battery capacity. The overall applicable incentive is capped at Rs 1.5 lakh.
      Currently, India has three ‘proper’ EVs in the four-wheeler category: Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV. The Tata Nexon EV has a battery size of 30.2kWh. Hence, it will be eligible for incentives up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Similarly, prospective MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona buyers will also receive price cuts up to Rs 1.5 lakh on the original ex-showroom price.

      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      To further sweeten the deal, the Delhi government has completely waived off registration fees and road taxes for EVs. But there is a catch: these benefits are applicable only to the first 1,000 private EV buyers in Delhi’s jurisdiction. Customers will receive the benefits once their EV’s proof of purchase is submitted to the regional transport authority. Electric vehicles purchased under Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy will wear a sticker highlighting the same.
      It is good to know that the new policy from the Delhi government is relatively holistic. In addition to incentivising EV buyers, it also covers supporting infrastructure — one of the major challenges in EV adoption.
      In the future, electricity DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) will work in tandem with the government and optimize load-sharing to accommodate EV charging. Furthermore, there will be a different metering system and special tariffs for charging infrastructure. As a start, the Delhi government will incentivise existing buildings with Rs 6,000 to purchase charging facilities. Upcoming projects will have to dedicate 20 per cent of their parking space for EVs while having appropriate charging infrastructure.
      The government plans to upgrade existing infrastructure to achieve at least one charger in a 3km radius, from any point in Delhi. It will be interesting to study Delhi’s EV sales charts in the months to come. More

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      Cricketer Robin Uthappa Takes Delivery of Ampere Electric Scooter

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      The scooter was presented as a part of Star Talk series on “IPL and the road ahead for India Cricket” via Webinar
      Ampere by Greaves presents “Sportstar Star Talk Series” a Webinar on the IPL Success Story and the road ahead for Indian Cricketers. The panel for this series includes Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Heath Streak, Dhiraj Malhotra- CEO of Delhi Capitals and KC Vijaya Kumar – The Hindu Sports Editor.

      It was at this meet that Ampere Electric wished the Indian Cricket Team and IPL great success in the future while Robin Uthappa – Indian Cricketer and holder of the 8th highest run score at the IPL was presented with an Ampere Magnus Pro electric scooter. Robin came with his family to receive the scooter which was a proud moment indeed for the bike maker and the recipient.
      Ampere Magnus Pro electric scooter is priced at Rs.73,990. It is powered by a 1200W motor allowing for acceleration from 0 to 40 km/h in 10 seconds and a top speed of 55 kmph. It offers a range of 100 km while in Eco Mode and 80 km in Cruise mode with its removable lithium battery. Charging is possible in 5-6 hours upto 100 percent. Suspension and braking is via telescopic front fork and twin shock absorbers at the rear and drum brakes at both ends with CBS offered as standard.

      Ampere Magnus Pro electric scooter is built on the same a modified chassis as seen on the Zeal scooter. It is available in four colors of Metallic Red, Golden Yellow, Bluish Pearl White and Graphite Black and designed for use both by male and female riders with a total kerb weight of 82 kgs.
      On board features include LED headlamp, an LCD instrument cluster, apron mounted storage with an integrated UBS port, underseat boot light, keyless entry, and sits on 10 inch wheels at both ends fitted with tubeless tyres. Even if battery power dips below 10 percent, the rider can travel upto 10 kms using Limp Home Function.
      In the electric scooter segment, the Ampere Magnus Pro competes with the Gemopai Astrid Lite, and the Okinawa Ridge. In the same price range, it competes with petrol powered scooters such as the Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access 125 and Hero Maestro Edge 125.
      Ampere Electric retails the Magnus Pro via its 200+ dealerships while buyers can also opt for online booking along with a range of finance schemes which the company has made available for customers. There is the battery subscription plan wherein customers can pay as less as Rs.49,990 by selecting the monthly battery subscription option of Rs.1,990 while those not opting for this plan can pay the full ex-showroom price of Rs.73,990. More