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      EESL to procure 250 electric cars – 150 sub 4 m and 100 above 4 m

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      After scaling back the 10,000 electric car order by 70%, EESL is now set to procure 250 electric cars
      EESL tender states ‘Procurement of 250 Electric Cars with 3-years Standard warranty and comprehensive AMC up to Eight Years – Design, Manufacture, On site Supply and Maintenance Support for Electric Cars Pan India Basis.’

      The requirement is for 100 Nos. of 4-wheeler E-Cars with more than 4M Length & range equal to or more than 300 KMs and 150 Nos. of 4-wheeler E-Cars with less than 4M Length & range equal to or more than 250 KMs.
      At the time, it was noted, ‘Open Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with ADB’s Single Stage: Two-Envelope Bidding Procedure and there is no country restriction and universal procurement will apply.’ Submissions are to be completed by 3:00 pm, August 7, 2020.
      Bidder Restriction
      At roughly the same time, General Financial Rules 2017 was amended to impose restrictions on bidders from countries that share a land border with India on grounds of defence of India, or matters directly or indirectly related thereto including national security. The order defines that any bidder from such countries sharing a land border with India are eligible to bid if the bidder is registered with a registration committee to be constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Political and security clearance from Ministries of External and Home Affairs respectively is mandatory.
      As per the tender, length requirement specifications determine, which manufacturers can bid for which category. However, the smaller cars do not have a drive range of 250 kms. When EESL first began placing orders, it was the Mahindra eVerito, and Tata Tigor EV in the limelight.
      Then came Hyundai Kona. With a battery almost three times of available EV cars competing for the EESL tender, Kona has a low running cost, and is a comfy drive. Hyundai Kona EV was launched in June 2019, and by October last year, an order for 10 units had been placed by EESL at a reported cost of Rs 23.71 lakhs. At the time, 4 units had been delivered.
      The following month, EESL scaled back its electric car order by 70 percent to 3,000 units. This was attributed to cancellation from Andhra the biggest customer, as there had been a change of guard in governance. In January 2020 soon after launch, when delivering the first unit to EESL, MG Motor India said it had received orders for 5 MG ZS EVs.
      In 2017, Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) had placed an order for 10k e-sedans from Tata Motors (Tigor) and Mahindra (Verito) to be supplied by March 2019. Range issues and not so robust demand, meant the supply date was extended to March 2020. At the time, about 2,000 units were supplied.
      With extension to March 2020 deadline, it was decided whatever units would be delivered by timeline would close the order. 1,000-odd units were expected by March 2020. With Covid-19 pandemic lockdown announced in March end, it’s not yet known how many vehicles were delivered, and what the final order closed at. EESL is aware that existing and new players have planned EV launches at varying price points. More

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      Ampere Magnus Pro electric scooter price Rs 50k on road – Here’s how

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      Industry first battery subscription plan has been launched by Ampere electric scooter in India
      Only recently, Hero Electric announced its association with Autovert in introducing subscription plans. Now, Ampere Electric Launches announces a battery subscription plan at a starting price of Rs 1,990 in partnership with Autovert Technologies.

      The collab brings forth a battery subscription plan through an IOT backed platform. The plan makes electric scooters even more affordable. In its starting phase, the plan is being introduced with select dealers in Bangalore, and will be available in other cities in the next phase of expansion.
      Benefits
      A battery subscription plan on offer reduces cost of vehicle acquisition along with being an alternative choice to buyers to getting more from a financing option. Customers can choose the Magnus Pro e-scooter by paying as less as Rs. 49,990 on road when selecting a monthly battery subscription of Rs. 1,990. For those who do not want to opt for the subscription plan, will have to ex-showroom price Rs. 73,990.

      Magnus Pro Specs
      The plan helps address lifecycle management of the battery along with benefits including extended warranty of 5 years, full vehicle insurance, full vehicle service and maintenance for 24 months, attractive upgrade options, discounts on replacement battery, and more.
      Full vehicle subscription plans are available for the Magnus Pro and Zeal models, starting at Rs. 2,777 per month. With now and diverse subscription finance plans, Ampere electric scooter purchase process is designed to be accessible to interested buyers. The ease of ownership facilitates upgrading to another Ampere scooter once the fixed subscription tenure ends.
      Electric push
      The rough guideline is to see 30 percent of automotive sales being catered to by e-mobility by 2030. To achieve the goal, the need isn’t just to introduce updated EVs but to ensure accessible financing that nurtures faster EV adoption in the country. Ampere electric scooters are being retailed from 220 authorized showrooms in India. with a value proposition of 90 percent savings as compared to conventional scooters. The auto manufacturer says each Ampere electric scooter sold, is equivalent to planting 12 trees.
      While purchase of mass market two-wheelers isn’t as dependent on financing as big ticket purchases, the introduction of easy EMI offers, and subscription plans, helps ease the financial burden to a large degree. Easy upgrade options makes such purchases akin to consumer durable gadget purchases.
      P Sanjeev, COO, Ampere Vehicles said, “We are happy to partner with Autovert Technologies to introduce this unique battery subscription plan. With this association clubbed with special Ampere freedom offers, we are aiming to make Ampere Vehicles more affordable and accessible for the consumer.”
      Speaking on this announcement, Vinay Sharma, Co-founder and CTO of Autovert said. “The Battery subscription is possible, given the modular nature of the EV, which lends itself to decoupling the battery from the vehicle and specific services offered around its lifecycle. The EV ecosystem demands an alternative ownership model in order to drive faster adoption amongst an emerging customer base and we are happy to be in the forefront of this with our products and partners like Ampere to take it market.” More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric 1 year Service Cost is just Rs 1,043 – Owner shares details

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      Scheduled 10,000km service cost of the same Hyundai Kona EV (or Electric), done earlier, was zero rupees
      The Indian automotive industry is at a budding stage when it comes to all-electric powertrains. At the moment, two-wheelers (especially scooters) have the highest choices of ‘direct’ emission-free products. Bangalore-based Ather Energy has clearly set a high benchmark for made-in-India electric two-wheelers.

      On the other hand, India’s four-wheeler PV (passenger vehicle) segment has limited choices. The list currently includes Hyundai Motor India’s Kona Electric, MG Motor India’s ZS EV and Tata Motors’ Nexon EV. Mahindra & Mahindra is in the final stages of its eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric project. To the larger share of Indian buyers, electric vehicles still do not carry the desirability of a conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) option.
      One of the main reasons for this is high pricing (relatively). Furthermore, at least in the present market scenario, electric four-wheelers seem viable only in urban environments where there is enough supporting infrastructure. Yet it appears that EVs carry some less-discussed benefits over a regular ICE alternative.
      Surprising maintenance cost
      Arun Bhat S (@arunbhats on Twitter) has shared the one-year service cost of his Hyundai Kona Electric, proving that low maintenance charges could make up for an EV’s high initial cost. Trident Automobiles, a Hyundai dealership in Bangalore, charged him just Rs 1,043 for the electric crossover’s yearly maintenance.

      Hyundai Kona Electric Service Cost
      The bill breaks down to ‘tubeless repair seals’, consumables, calliper guide rod grease, sanitisation (Hygiene Care), general checkup and tyre puncture repair. Labour cost was set at Rs 118. If we consider only the mandatory items, one-year service cost for the Hyundai Kona EV hardly crosses Rs 500. This is still higher than the previous scheduled-maintenance cost since Arun paid absolutely zero for 10,000km service.
      An electric vehicle has far less moving and wearing parts inside its power plant. Auxiliary systems such as lubrication, cooling, belts and pumps are also minimal. Thanks to regenerative braking (also known as ‘brake re-gen’ or ‘energy recovery’), pads last longer as well. Certain EVs including Tesla models feature a ‘single-pedal’ mode which virtually eliminates the use of a brake pedal under normal city driving conditions. The energy recovery is strong enough to retard the vehicle’s motion.
      Hyundai Kona – Specs
      The Indian-spec Hyundai Kona, priced from Rs 25.30 lakh ex-showroom, employs a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Peak output stands at 134bhp and 395Nm while boasting of an ARAI-claimed range of 452km (289km on WLTP cycle). International variants now get a 64Wh battery unit capable of returning 449km range as per WLTP stats. The motor makes 201bhp. More

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      Ampere Electric Leasing Launched – Zeal Scooter At Rs 2,220 Per Month

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      Ampere Electric has announced its partnership with OTO Capital to offer vehicle leasing plans for buyers
      The partnership enables customers to access lease rental financing within 48 hours of applying for quick documentation process. Consumers can book a vehicle through the OTO Capital website or directly with Ampere Electric. One can also opt for home delivery of a new vehicle.

      A leased vehicle can after a duration be exchanged for another vehicle in the product lineup, though such details from Amprere and Oto are still awaited. The leasing option is available from August 1, 2020 exclusively in Bangalore. Services will be introduced in Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai and Cochin by 2020 end.
      Cost of Ampere Electric Leasing Plan
      Cost of monthly payments is significantly reduced for the owner. An Ampere Zeal electric scooter that would cost Rs 3,020 per month using other financial tools, can now be availed at an OMI (Ownership Monthly Instalment) of Rs 2,220 per month. As such, the initial financial commitment for the consumer is lower, making the financial tool easier to access.

      OTO Capital has witnessed an increase in buyer interest since COVID-19 outbreak. As public transport has come to a standstill in most parts, and ride-sharing apps and hailing cabs are not always an option, personal mobility at a reasonable cost in now a consideration as lockdown limitations are lifted in a phased manner, and folks begin returning to work. So an easy to ride, easy on the pocket offering could seem attractive to buyers.
      Ampere says its ‘scooters enable 90% savings as against conventional scooters’. With a long-term lease plan, a new fold of buyers will enter the market. Compared to an EMI based loan plan, a lease plan lets you borrow the vehicle without owning it. This offers great flexibility to buyers who don’t necessarily want to own the same vehicle for years at an end. As the burden of ownership is shifted, related costs too are shifted.
      Where vehicle purchases are concerned, there has always been great dependence on finial tools. With vehicle ownership changing in recent years, the need for wide-ranging financial tools stands in good stead for both, manufacturer and customer. Current Covid-19 pandemic related developments have burdened both buyer, and seller. The option of easy to access financial tools will ease some of that burden.
      Sumit Chhazed, Co-founder, OTO Capital, said “Entering the electric vehicle market is a big win for our company. The partnership with Ampere Electric has come at a time when consumers themselves are very conscious of the choices they make and the impact it makes on the planet. We hope to partner with all their dealers in the major cities to help buyers own their electric bikes at a lower cost.” More

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      Electric Hummer SUV and Pickup Truck teased – 15,591 Nm Torque

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      Hummer Electric SUV and Pickup truck claims 1,000 hp / 15,591 Nm ; 0-100 in 3 seconds
      The ongoing pandemic has impacted almost anyone and everyone around the world, including the unveiling plans of one of the most awaited car of the year, the 2020 Hummer. GM had teased the upcoming electric version of the iconic nameplate earlier towards the start of the year.

      The American manufacturer was supposed to unveil the new generation Hummer around May’20 but had to postpone it to Autumn of 2020 due to delays caused by the Corona Virus. However, the good news is that the company believes that it is on track to commence sales of the electric beast in Autumn 2021 as per initial plans.
      Out of the World Specs
      What makes the Hummer EV so interesting is its specs. It will have an electric power train which will be able to dish out 1,000 bhp and 11,500 lb ft (15,591 Nm) of torque. This high torque figure is the peak motor output and does not entirely translate to real-world performance (in terms of wheel torque). The powertrain will help the Hummer, the huge SUV, clock a 0 – 100 kmph in less than 3 seconds. It will be drawing power from GM’s new Ultium battery pack which will come along with Super Fast Charging and offer a commendable range of around 400 miles (643 kms) on a full charge.

      Hummer Electric battery pack
      Speaking about design, General Motors is planning to model the 2020 Hummer based upon the iconic Hummer H2 which went out of production in 2009, due to bankruptcy filings by GM. The 2020 iteration can be considered as a rejuvenation of the iconic brand, but with an electric power plant this time.
      More Details
      Latest teaser video has further given us more information about the 2020 Hummer. The top-spec Hummer will come along with a new feature called ‘infinity roof’ which will be a removable glass panel. This will help customers to get an open-air driving experience, whenever they wish.

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      The electric pick up will also have an Adrenaline mode, which can be compared with Tesla’s Ludicrous mode. Reports also reveal that GM is planning to add on a Crab mode which will provide some type of 4-wheel steering functionality, but more details are still awaited.
      Production Plans
      GM will be manufacturing the 2020 Hummer at its Detroit-Hamtramck factory in Michigan. GM has planned to invest a whopping 7.7 billion USD in next 4 years to upgrade its factories to build electric vehicles. The Detroit plant where the production of the 2020 Hummer EV is expected to commence is getting upgrades worth 3 billion USD. Production will start in the second half of 2021.
      Post launch, the Hummer EV will be priced to compete with yet to be launched rivals like Tesla’s Cybertruck and the upcoming Rivian R1S. More

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      Hyundai Kona Electric Wonder Warranty options now include 3, 4 and 5 years

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      Hyundai Kona electric is available in two variants with prices starting from Rs 23.85 lakhs
      Hyundai Kona EV was introduced in India in mid 2019. Here, Hyundai Kona features a 39.3 kWh battery pack and 136 hp electric motor. ARAI approved drive range is listed at 452 kms on full charge. The lithium-ion polymer battery is fully charged in 6 hours and 10 minutes through a AC charger. A DC fast charger takes 57 minutes to charge up to 80 percent. 0 to 100 kmph takes 9.7 seconds.

      This EV will cost you Rs 23.85 lakhs for single tone colour option and Rs 24.11 lakhs for the dual tone option. Warranty on offer till date was 3 years / unlimited kms along with battery warranty of 8 yrs / 1.6 lakh kms. Now, Hyundai India has today announced the launch of two more warranty options, under the Wonder Warranty program.
      Hyundai India is offering customized warranty packages for their new cars for some time now. This helps customers to chose the best warranty package for their driving needs. With the Kona, till date only 3 yrs / unlimited kms warranty option was on offer. But from today, customers will also be able to chose from either 4 years / 60,000 kms or 5 years 50,000 kms.
      Depending on how the owner plans to use the car, these customized warranty packages will help them maintain their car more effectively. No matter the warranty package you chose, price is included in the car’s price. Hyundai is also increasing the EV charging network in India. Till date they have installed AC 7.2KW chargers at more than 50 dealerships in 30 cities of India.
      Kona Electric 1 lakh Global Sales

      2020 Hyundai Kona
      Earlier this month it was announced that Hyundai Kona sales globally had crossed the 1,00,000 units mark. Sales totalled to 1,03,719 units by June 30, 2020. The feat was achieved in just over 2 years of sales. Kona EV popularity is widespread, with more than three-quarters total sales having been reported outside its home market, South Korea. Sales in Europe has been noteworthy
      Hyundai has plans to sell over 5,60,000 battery powered vehicles by 2025. Among Hyundai’s prodigious EV lineup, Kona electric SUV plays is destined to play a key role in achieving target sales. Going forward, Hyundai’s BEV platforms will focus on ultra fast charging, and long drive range models.
      2020 Hyundai Kona
      The 2020 model for Europe has an improved drive range, up to 484 kms from 449 kms. This is for the top-end model that features a 64 kWh battery pack and 204 hp electric motor. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic is charged with building the more powerful Kona EV for the European market. This is an important development and requirement to accomplish Hyundai’s EV targets over the next 5-years.
      Production in Europe helps manage delivery schedules to European customers in a more efficient manner. Kona EV supplies from its Ulsan plant to Europe will also be increased. Hyundai had targeted selling upward of 60,000 Kona EV units in Europe alone through 2020. Hyundai’s Czech Republic factory is capable of manufacturing 30,000 Kona EV units annually for the European market.

      Hyundai Kona getting charged at the PlugNgo electric car charging station in Delhi
      And while Europe is making a smarter and responsible choice that doesn’t hurt the earth further when choosing Hyundai Kona EV, in India the offering is a lifestyle product for those who can afford an ex sh price at just under 25 lakhs. The units are imported to India as CKD kits from South Korea.
      Localisation is being undertaken for non-critical components. This includes interior trims and select plastic bits. In 2019, 280 units were sold in India. Hyundai had aims to sell about 500 Kona EV units in 2020. However, under current pandemic conditions that number maybe revised. In tandem with a global move to switch to electric variants, India too harbours what for now appears to be a pipe dream. The electric shift dialogue doesn’t define a plan as to how the country is going to adapt to EVs. However, when such an outline is more definitive, Hyundai will expand its EV lineup in the country to include a sub-10 lakh electric vehicle. More

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      Hero Electric scooter Subscription plan launched from Rs 2,999 per month

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      Hero Electric has partnered with Autovert Technologies to bring subscription-based financing plans to customers
      This brings a range of alternative ownership models for Hero Electric scooter owners. Through the partnership, Autovert lets Hero Electric customers opt for subscription-based plans at an ‘all-inclusive price’. Subscription starts at Rs 2,999 per month. The all-inclusive subscription plans account for the vehicle itself; bundled services including comprehensive insurance, service and maintenance; loyalty bonuses; and upgrade options.

      Subscription plans on offer are curated to meet customer demand for alternative ownership options that come with added flexibility and features over traditional auto finance. Autovert will use its IOT based tech platform, Autovert Plug to manage the subscribed vehicle through its lifecycle. As a pilot project, Autovert Plug Subscription plan was introduced with select dealers in Bangalore prior to a national launch.
      Benefits
      With Hero Electric and Autovert coming together, those interested in electric scooters can now access a wider buying voice where financials are the focus. Both brands strive for a hassle-free EV purchase experience. Hero Electric has further plans to rejig customer experience.

      File photo.
      Electric vehicle adaption in India hasn’t seen much participation from passenger car buyers. Of course the electric car availability in the country is quite small. Scooters however is an altogether competitive space tough volumes are still small. Apart from electric public transport vehicles, and e-rickshaws, electric scooters are beginning to shape a segment.
      Curating convenient finance plans will help customers access wide-ranging finance options. Electric vehicles are not yet mainstream discussions but that doesn’t hamper people’s natural curiosity and affinity for cleaner vehicles. Traditionally, the Indian two-wheeler market is a humongous one. As such, seeing demand, it’s not difficult to foretell that the electric scooter segment will one day come into its own. The space is an epitome of diversity with manufacturers of pedigree, new manufacturers, local and foreign tech, fin and tech companies all trying to get a slice of the pie.
      Financing for EVs
      Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “Ease and convenience are one of the most valued aspects of buying any vehicle. Unfortunately, EV sector does not experience much ease and joy when it comes to financing. Through our collaboration with Autovert, we are determined to offer singular experiences of buying and owning Hero Electric vehicles without much fuss. While we are witnessing a growth in the EV sales, it is of utmost important to also offer rich experiences to our customers and make their experience of owning an electric vehicle hassle free.
      As sales volumes rise, this partnership with Autovert will simplify and facilitate EV sales in India while giving Hero Electric buyers the ease that is priceless. We are glad to have partnered with Autovert to bring the power of IoT backed finance asset monitoring and management and be a pioneer in this ecosystem of re-imagining auto finance.” More

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      KTM EMotion Electric Scooter Concept Sketch – Looks Sharp

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      The European-funded EMotion research project will use two technology demonstrators to develop a versatile, scalable and cost-effect EV architecture
      A sketch of what is purported to be Bajaj Chetak-based KTM electric scooter is doing rounds on the internet. While it does have KTM branding on it and clearly derives its design inspiration from the manufacturer’s E-Speed electric scooter concept, it is certainly not related to Chetak.
      KTM EMotion Concept – Background

      The project EMotion is a European-funded research project which involves 11 partners with Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) taking the lead. KTM Technologies GmbH and KTM AG are also part of this 3-year research project which aims to develop inexpensive, energy-efficient and comfortable electric two-wheelers belonging to European Category L electric bicycles. What you see in the sketch is merely a representation of one of the technology demonstrators which will be realized during the course of the project.
      The project aims to develop zero-emission two wheelers for young (16-18 years) and older (50+ years) generations with reduced footprint and improved environment friendliness compared to conventional two wheelers.
      EMotion Research Project – Key Focus Areas

      The research project will attempt to eliminate the weaknesses of current electric two wheelers by developing modular, scalable and highly efficient electric drives and batteries, with specific focus on reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Several technologies will be explored to maximize energy efficiency in addition to improving stability and handling.
      The research objectives are split into three areas namely, 1. innovative lightweight construction and component arrangement, 2. highly efficient electric drive and charging components, and 3. user-oriented human-machine interface together with a novel on-board information system.
      Next Plan
      Two technology demonstrators (one 4 kW and one 8 kW unit) are slated to be built in the first 8 months of the project. With KTM being the only two wheeler OEM among the 11 partners, we expect both the EMotion demonstrators to be built by the Austrian firm. The test prototypes will undergo pilot trials for 8 months in urban and rural environments around Salzburg area.
      So, to recap, the KTM EMotion is not a product but a research platform which is expected to spawn several commercially viable technology solutions for compact zero emission mobility. Most of these solutions can be expected to be implemented on future KTM electric vehicles. The European research project is scheduled to conclude in February 2023.
      Bajaj KTM synergy on electric scooters
      KTM is indeed working on several electric two wheeler projects most of which will be made by Bajaj Auto in India. Bajaj will also develop its own versions based on the KTM electric two wheeler architecture. So, we won’t be surprised if we find solutions developed by EMotion research project on board future Bajaj EVs.
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