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      Hero MotoCorp investment in Ather Energy crosses Rs 400 crores

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      Ather Energy is one of the biggest start-ups in the Indian auto industry, which started journey back in 2016
      Today, Hero MotoCorp has announced an investment of Rs 84 crore (US $11 million) in Ather Energy. The latest finance push brings Hero MotoCorp’s shareholding in Ather to 34.58 percent. Prior to the fresh cash infusion, Hero MotoCorp’s shareholding in Ather Energy was 31.27 percent.

      Hero MotoCorp has been associated with Ather since 2016 when it made its first investment as a part of Series B funding. The fund-raising measure had raised $27 million (Rs 202 crores) with Hero MotoCorp being a primary investor. The cash infusion was necessary to build a permeable charging infrastructure. Since the early days of the S340, Ather Energy has grown in many aspects.
      In October 2016, Hero invested another Rs 180 crore for a 26-30 percent stake in Ather. By May 2019, that investment had grown to more than Rs 330 crore. The current investment is is an extension of Ather’s Series C funding in May 2019 that raised $51 million from multiple investors, led by former Flipkart CEO, Sachin Bansal.

      Ather 450X electric scooter
      Electric two wheeler/scooter market in India
      The equity share increase is not altogether unexpected. While the country awaits an alignment of policies that boost EV adaption, manufacturers have already started making inroads. While electric cars are barely there, the electric scooter market is swelling. Traditionally, Hero MotoCorp is market leader when it comes to two-wheelers. But with sentiment softening towards environmentally sustainable options, Ather Energy proves to be just that.
      Established manufacturers are free work with new tech based EV initiatives or are beginning work in-house. Either way, this development is dependent on a sizeable investment. Ather Energy has a distinct identity in the melee of new EV manufacturers with a solid backing from multiple investors.
      Ather Energy is using funds for Ather 450X manufacturing, its currently solo offering in the market. Manufacturing will be increased to 100,000 units annually from a Hosur plant. Having started operations in Bangalore, and setting up the Ather Grid charging setups, the company then entered Madras. The company is headed to Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Coimbatore, and, other cities.
      Hero Motorcorp and Electric Vehicles
      Rajat Bhargava, Head of Emerging Mobility Business Unit (EMBU), Global Business & Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said “We are excited to see the growth of Ather Energy in the recent years. We see immense potential for them to expand their market even further, especially given the likely growth of electric vehicles (EV) in the near future. In addition to our efforts of developing a robust external eco-system for EVs, we are also aggressively working on our internal EV program. Our aim is to provide accessible electric mobility to customers across the globe. Sustainability and clean, green environment remain central to our vision to be the future of mobility.” More

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      in Electric Cars

      Pravaig Extinction – A homegrown Luxury EV with bespoke interior

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      The Pravaig Extinction EV is primarily aimed at hotels and luxury transport businesses
      Pravaig Dynamics, a company which was started in Jaipur to build offroad buggies, has now turned its attention towards luxury electric sedans. The Pravaig Extinction, contrary to its name, is the genesis of the brand’s EV aspirations. Pravaig Dynamics has set up a facility in Bangalore and its upcoming all-electric sedan has already reached Prototype Level 6 (‘Level 9’ implies production-readiness).

      One shouldn’t read too much into the somewhat odd and unfinished exterior design of the Pravaig Extinction, as it is still a prototype. The company says that the final version will have four doors; meaning the luxury electric car will look significantly different from the prototype phase shown here.
      The rear-wheel-drive Pravaig Extinction is based on a steel monocoque architecture. Interestingly, it will not have a fixed interior layout for series production as in conventional vehicles. Instead, Pravaig Dynamics will collaborate with architects, fashion and interior designers to come up with bespoke cabins to suit their clientele’s individual tastes. Here’s a video of its prototype doing test runs in Bangalore:

      Speaking of the clientele, Pravaig Dynamics is not targeting private buyers by setting up traditional showrooms and service centres. The Pravaig Extinction is aimed at fleet operators, hotels and other luxury transport businesses interested in emission-free choices. Naturally, the rear seat will be given utmost importance so much so that the front passenger seat will be an optional extra. A lounge-type rear seat that can allow the occupant to lie down almost flat is being worked upon. Brand advisor and shareholder Ram Divedi says that the homologated rear bench is expected to achieve a near-flat posture of around 165 degrees.
      Pravaig Extinction Specs & Features
      The all-electric luxury sedan will be coupled to a 96kWh battery pack, locally assembled by Pravaig Dynamics. Power comes from a 130hp electric motor capable of propelling the sedan to a top speed of 196km/h. The Pravaig Extinction boasts of an impressive range of 500km on a full charge (claimed).
      The final production model will get autonomous capabilities, high-efficiency particulate air filtration system, swappable battery and state-of-the-art connectivity features. Pravaig Dynamics will share more details on its list of equipment in the days to come.
      Pravaig Extinction Launch Timeline
      The desi electric luxury sedan is expected to be out by Q3 2021 which we think is a rather ambitious target. Pravaig Dynamics plans to make 250 units every month with Delhi and Bangalore as its first markets. Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune are also in the radar and each city will get its own service outlet. More

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      in Electric Cars

      SsangYong Tivoli E100 EV teased – Foreign Mahindra XUV300 Electric?

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      The SsangYong E100 and Mahindra eXUV300 are based on MESMA platform (Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture)
      South Korean automaker SsangYong Motor Company, under Mahindra & Mahindra group, has teased its new all-electric subcompact crossover, E100 a.k.a. Tivoli EV. SsangYong is already busy developing the bigger Korando e-Motion electric compact crossover; the ICE version of which was once expected to be Mahindra’s XUV500 replacement.

      Earlier this year, Mahindra & Mahindra had shared that it is looking for new investors to handle its Korean subsidiary. It was in 2010 that Mahindra bought a 75 per cent stake in SsangYong. Under it, we have received two Mahindra products: Alturas G4 mid-size SUV (badge-engineered Rexton G4) and XUV300 subcompact crossover (reengineered Tivoli).
      SsangYong Tivoli & XUV300 Electric

      SsangYong Tivoli Electric teaser
      The Mahindra XUV300 is a sub-four-metre crossover (or “compact SUV” in Indian buyers’ terms) while its original left-hand-drive Tivoli base crosses four metres in length. It remains uncertain whether the new SsangYong E100 would be sized the same as its upcoming Indian sibling, Mahindra eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric. Teaser images suggest that it is slightly longer despite sharing the same MESMA 350 platform, developed by Mahindra Electric completely in-house. ‘MESMA’ expands to ‘Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture’.
      Over the months, we have shared multiple spy shots of Mahindra’s ‘Tata Nexon EV rival’. The eXUV300 made its debut as a concept at Auto Expo 2020 (held in early February) with hints of significant styling differences. At least from the teasers, the Tivoli EV looks quite different.
      Mahindra XUV300 Electric – Facts To Know
      MESMA 350 incorporates a 350V powertrain that supports motor ratings in the range of 60kW to 280kW alongside battery capacities up to 80kWh. Dual motor configurations (all-wheel-drive) are also possible.
      According to Mahesh Babu, CEO of Mahindra Electric, the eXUV300 promises a range of more than 370km on a full charge. This translates to a real-life range of at least 320km.

      In comparison, the Tata Nexon EV returns an ARAI-claimed range of 312km (real-life figures would be in the 200s) with its 30.2kWh battery pack. It is powered by a 95kW (127bhp) motor producing 245Nm of peak torque. The Mahindra eXUV300, as well as SsangYong E100, would most likely pack more output.
      At the moment, the Indian automotive market’s electric four-wheeler segment is at a budding stage with limited options. In fact, there are only three EVs from mainstream brands: Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV and of course, Tata Nexon EV. Meanwhile, the Indian two-wheeler scenario is witnessing increased demand for e-scooters. More

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      Okinawa electric scooter dealer network to grow beyond 500 by March 2021

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      Okinawa plans to add 150 new dealerships to their network this year to take current 350+ dealership count upto a total of 500
      Electric scooter brand, Okinawa has ambitious plans for the current financial year. Issuing a press statement, the company has confirmed an added 150 dealers will be appointed during the period FY 20-21 to take its current dealership network from 350+ dealers to 500+. The company will also target sub dealers along with primary dealerships with special emphasis on sales of its electric two wheelers in the states of Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam and other eastern states.
      Increased Dealership Margin

      To help its current dealerships at this time when the coronavirus pandemic has had an adverse effect on sales, the company has also announced an increase in dealership margins. Dealer percentages have been increased from 8-11 percent. Despite the fact that only 30 percent of the company dealerships were operational, deliveries stood at 1000+ over a period of 30 days following the end of the lockdown as announced by the Government of India.
      Markets are expected to pick up in the months ahead and Okinawa hopes to see increased demand for electric vehicles as more persons will opt for personal travel over public transport in view of the increased risk involved. Expanding to more states in India will also ensure easy availability of products and services. Okinawa has gone the digital way for the application process for new dealerships.
      Okinawa Praise Pro

      Okinawa Praise Pro
      One of the best selling electric scooter from Okinawa, is the Praise Pro. It offers a range of 100-110 kms on a single charge, addressing the concerns of buyers of electric two wheelers. The Praise Pro is powered by a 1000 watt BLDC waterproof engine that offers 2500 watt peak power, a range of 100-110 kms and a top speed of 70 kmph.
      It is fitted with a 2 kWh detachable lithium ion battery which can be charged in 3 hours via a 5 amp plug, as is used to charge mobile phones. It gets hydraulic suspension at the front and double shock at the rear with double tube technology. Load capacity is at 150 kgs while storage space sees 7 liter under seat capacity.
      Okinawa Praise Pro is presented in three colours of Glossy Red Black, Glossy Sparkle Black and Glossy Blue Black, sits on aluminum alloy wheels and receives LED projector head lamp with DRLs and LED tail lamp. It has a digital speedometer, central locking system, keyless entry, anti theft alarm and Find My Scooter Function.

      Okinawa Praise Pro specs
      FAME II approval
      Okinawa Praise Pro is priced at Rs.79,277. It comes in with 3 year warranty on battery and motor and roadside assistance. Okinawa is the first company to receive FAME II approval in electric two wheeler segment in India. More

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      Kinetic Luna electric moped launch plans – Expected price less than Rs 50k

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      Modified Kinetic Luna by Slimline Customs

      The Luna electric is expected to derive its design inspiration from the original 2-stroke model
      It seems like Kinetic Motors is planning to revive its iconic Luna nameplate to take a shot at the electric vehicle industry. The super affordable and skinny Kinetic Luna moped which looked more like a motorized bicycle (it did have pedals like one) was responsible for putting several Indians on wheels.

      The 50 cc two-stroke moped was very easy to ride and returned good fuel economy. After decades of service, the Luna slowly faded into oblivion and Kinetic Group eventually took a sabbatical from two wheeler making by selling its infrastructure to Mahindra Two Wheelers. Kinetic Group now operates an EV subsidiary called as Kinetic Green which specializes in e-rickshaws, golf carts, etc.
      Prospects and possible specifications
      With the electric two wheeler scene in India bustling with activity in the recent months, Kinetic is reportedly gearing up to return to its two wheeler making days. The Kinetic Luna electric moped would be an interesting low-cost proposition with a classic appeal, targeting the numerous license-free low-speed electric scooters in the market.
      Financial Express reports that the Kinetic Luna electric is likely to employ a 1 kW electric motor which could be paired to a lithium-ion battery pack as most OEMs are leaving lead-acid battery technology behind. The lightweight electric urban runabout is estimated to have a range of around 80 km and a top-speed of 25 kmph. The reported specifications indicate that one would not require license to ride the new Luna electric.
      Design?

      Modified Kinetic Luna by Slimline Customs. Image for reference.
      As far as design is concerned, the modern day Luna is expected to adopt the typical bare bones moped styling of its ancestor but keeping with the trend, there could be LED lights, digital instrument console, USB port, etc. The electric motor is most likely to be a hub-mounted unit so we don’t expect the moped to feature pedals.
      The Kinetic Luna electric is expected to be priced under INR 50,000 (on-road). As of now, the only direct competitor it would have is the Gemopai Miso moped but by the time it is ready, there would be more rivals in the market. In the IC-engined world, TVS continues to sell its highly successful XL100 moped whose electric version could also be in the works.

      Kinetic Green will have to set up dealerships across the country in an aggressive manner to maximize the potential of its two wheeler vertical.
      Source More

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      in Electric Cars

      First PlugNgo electric car charging station launched in Delhi – Nexon EV, Kona, MG ZS

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      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi

      This if the first of 9 such public EV charging stations to be set up by BYPL in Delhi this year
      With an aim to get reduce pollution levels in Delhi, the govt plans to push sales of EVs. In order to do that, they first need to setup infrastructure to support EVs. As a step in this direction, new public electric vehicle charging stations are being set up in Delhi. This first such EV charging station was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Called PlugNgo, it has been formed under a partnership between BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and EV Motors India Private Limited.
      Location and App Based Digital Experience

      The new EV charging station is located at IP Extension, Patpargani, East Delhi and over the coming year 9 such charging stations is planned by the discom. The EV charging station is branded ‘PlugNgo’ and receives state-of-the-art central management system. The EV charger at the outlet is integrated to the PlugNgo mobile App available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing consumers to locate and operate chargers.
      With QR code based online payment facilities, users will be able to scan the QR code with their smartphone and pay for the charging session via the mobile app. The App also allows users to locate chargers, status of chargers in terms of availability and track charging and payment history. Customers can also opt for advance booking options which is also offered on the PlugNgo App on Google PlayStore.
      Capacity and Unit Price

      Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia launching ‘PlugNgo’ – the smart public EV charging station, at Patparganj, East Delhi
      The station can charge upto 4 vehicles at a time in 45 or 90 minutes depending on vehicle type. Initial cost is at Rs 10.50 per unit. This is higher than what you pay for electricity at your home. PlugNgo claims that their rate is currently the lowest among all public EV charging stations.
      Two Types of Chargers – 50 kW and 30 kW
      The public electric vehicle charging station is equipped with two types of chargers. The DC 50 kW charger with three guns (CCS2 + CHAdeMO + Type 2 AC) can be used for charging the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon Electric. The DC 30 kW with Guns (Both GB/T) can charge the Mahindra e-Verito and Tata Tigor. Two vehicles can be charged at the same time from each charger. The charging stations under PlugNgo will be able to charge 15-18 cars per day.
      Tentative Cost and Saving
      Depending on the make, an electric vehicle can offer running cost between Rs.1.25-1.50 per km. This when compared to a petrol/diesel/CNG vehicle is extremely competitive thus saving the user a substantial amount per km. Along with cost saving, an electric vehicle can also result in saving of over 30 tonnes of CO2 in a lifespan of 10 years. More

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      Gemopai electric scooters get 3 year service warranty – Rs 2k discount

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      Gemopai electric scooters are available through over 60 dealerships across India
      Gemopai Miso EV is now available at a discount of INR 2,000 for all bookings till July 25, 2020. The offer aims to lure prospective customers in favor of EV adoption in India through affordable EVs as personal modes of commute. Each of these operates a service centre.
      What is Gemopai Secure?

      Gemopai Electric has introduced 3-year service warranty for all its scooters. The manufacturer sells a product range that comprises of Miso, Astrid Lite and Ryder. Named ‘Gemopai Secure’, the service warranty scheme is applicable for 3 years, for 12 free services. In essence the scheme is curated to lower ownership cost.
      Current circumstances are such that for a while now public transport has become either unavailable, or largely limited. This presents good opportunity for new EV players in the market to boost their presence.
      Gemopai Miso electric scooter specifications

      Gemopai electric scooter
      Gemopai Miso is a mini electric scooter listed at a price of INR 44,000 (ex-showroom), pre-bookings for which began last month. Features include a Hexa headlight, and an LED battery indicator. The scooter runs on a 1 KW detachable Li-ion 48V, 17.5Ah battery. Power comes from a 250 watt motor, and the manufacturer says the Miso can go 75 kms on a single charge. It takes about 2 hours for a charge upto 90 percent. Miso weighs 45 kg with load capacity of 120 kg. Miso runs on 16-inch tubeless tyres, and features a LED display speedometer.
      You get what you see with no add ons, or hidden bits, a bit like the mopeds from a long time ago with single focus on being a daily electric commuter vehicle. No doubt finance schemes are available, and insurance isn’t a requirement.
      Gemopai Miso is available in four colour options – Fiery Red, Deep Sky Blue, Luscious Green and Sunset Orange. The small mobility medium sees riders not needing a license or RTO permit, and one can attain a top speed of 25 kmph. Miso micro-mobility is a single seat low power, limited speed scooter designed to get the job done.

      Amit Raj Singh, Co-Founder, Gemopai Electric, said, “The current ongoing pandemic amidst all the challenges it has created, is also fostering a growing awareness and sense of responsibility among consumers towards the environment. We have seen a surge in queries and interest in Electric Scooters. We want to ensure owning a Gemopai Scooter is hassle free and a cherished experience. Gemopai Secure offer is our way of supporting customers in their purchase decision for an Electric Mobility option.” More

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      Revolt electric motorcycle deliveries start in Chennai and Ahmedabad

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      Revolt RV400 has a top speed of 85 kmph and has a range of 150 km on a full charge
      With lockdown underway, and reinforcement of lockdown in regions where it has been lifted partially, business operations are being forced to be revised. When Revolt Intellicorp began business, they were going from city to city in a planned manner. Those plans too have had to be reassessed so as to function under current directives.

      Under current circumstances, Revolt has delivered its first batch of electric bikes to buyers in Ahmadabad and Chennai. In Ahmedabad, the EV brand operates out of Revolt Hub Naroda and Revolt Hub Himalaya Mall. The same is true for Chennai where the company operates out of Revolt Hub Velachery and Revolt Hub Anna Nagar.
      Revolt RV400 and RV300 delivery plans
      As part of expansion, Revolt Intellicorp was set to enter four new markets by March 2020. Initially the bikes were made available in Pune and Delhi in August 2019. While the company was all set to began dispatches of RV400 and RV300 to other cities, the lockdown in March put plans on hold. As per an update back then, the company was set to start ops in Ahmadabad on February 29, Hyderabad on March 2, Chennai on March 5, and Mumbai by end of March.

      Revolt electric motorcycle delivery start in Ahmedabad, Chennai
      At the time, the company had also spoken about reduction in RV400 waiting period from 5 months to just 90 days for orders taken in March. Of course, that estimate now stands revised with production having been hampered, and previous dispatches still being sorted.
      With curiosity around electric vehicles, in recent years it’s electric scooters that have made some headway when it comes to acceptance as compared to electric cars. While the electric scooter space has multiple competitors, and is shaping up as a scooter subset industry, electric motorcycles are somewhat of a concept with hardly any manufacturers. That is Revolt Motor’s USP.
      Revolt Electric – Price, Specs

      Revolt electric motorcycle delivery start in Ahmedabad, Chennai

      Revolt RV400 is offered with unlimited battery warranty (8 years or 150,000 kms), free maintenance benefits (3years or 30,000kms), product warranty (5 years or 75,000 kms) and insurance (1-year company owned, 5 years third-party). The bike runs on a 3.24 KWh 72V Lithium-ion battery, and has a range of 150 km on full charge. Top speed is pegged at 85 kmph. Revolt RV400 has a ground clearance of 215 mm. It’s portable battery is fully charged (0-100 percent) in 4.5 hours and uses 3 units of electricity through a 15 Ampere socket.
      With financing being a renewed concern in current times, Revolt had already introduced a subscription model that required no down payment. RV300 is available for Rs 2,999 per month and RV400 is on sale at 3,999 per month. More