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      Maruti To Launch Entry-Level EV In 3 Years – Tiago EV Rival

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      Suzuki eWX ConceptUnlike some OEMs that have initially relied on ICE to EV conversions, Maruti will start its EV journey with a born-electric platformAlthough late in the EV game, Maruti Suzuki had mega plans for this segment. More than 10,000 crore investment has been earmarked for localization of EVs. The first product will be eVX compact electric SUV, expected to be launched in late 2024. Later in 2026-2027, Maruti will target the entry-level EV space, currently dominated by Tata Tiago EV.Maruti small EV detailsA few years back, Maruti was working on an ICE to EV conversion project in the form of Wagon R EV. That project was scrapped due to cost and technical aspects. Maruti is now developing a born-electric EV architecture (codenamed K-EV) that will be used for its compact electric vehicles.Suzuki eWX ConceptIt is different from the eVX that will spawn the Creta EV rivalling compact EV. Both these platforms will be used to develop multiple new EVs. Having two platforms will help add more variety and fulfil cost, efficiency and performance requirements.Similar to the strategy followed by Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki will also focus on achieving a high level of localization. Suzuki has tie-ups with Denso and Toshiba for manufacturing battery packs. For the upcoming eVX, Suzuki will be sourcing the blade cells from BYD. However, the battery supplier for K-EV small EV could be a different entity.Suzuki eWX ConceptMaruti targeting half a million EV sales by FY31Maruti has plans to ramp up its EV operations at a fast pace. By the end of this decade, Maruti is looking to add at least 6 new electric cars. By FY2031, Maruti EV sales will comprise around 15% of its overall sales. That’s around half a million units per annum. Maruti’s EV portfolio will have a wide range of options including hatchbacks, SUVs and MPVs. All EVs will be born electric and there won’t be any ICE to EV conversions.To achieve a high level of localization, Suzuki has committed an investment of more than Rs 10,000 crore. The funds will be used for localization of cells as well as for production. Maruti EVs will compete with Tata EVs across both pricing and features.As of now, Tata dominates with a market share of more than 70%. Entry-level Tiago EV is a key contributor, averaging sales of around 1,000 to 1,500 units per month. Tata will also launch Punch EV, which is expected to provide a significant boost to the company’s EV sales.EV prices to match ICE-car prices in coming yearsAs of now, electric vehicles are sold at a premium. In the case of ICE Tiago and its EV version, the price difference is around 35%. Such price gaps are expected to reduce in future, as production volumes increase and battery prices fall. It will allow a faster transition from ICE to EVs. It will still be a long journey, as EV share in overall PV sales in 2023 was just around 2 percent.Source More

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      Punch EV Off-Roading Capabilities, Dual-Display Revealed – Launch Soon

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      Tata Punch EV off-roading teaserTo be positioned above the Tiago EV, Tata Punch.ev will rival the likes of Citroen eC3 and upcoming Hyundai Exter EVTata’s early foray into the EV segment with products like Nexon EV has turned out to be a spectacular success. The company currently commands more than 70% market share in EV space. With new products like Punch EV and upcoming Harrier EV, Safari EV and Curvv EV, Tata will be looking to maintain its dominance.Punch.ev off-roading capabilities revealedA recent Instagram post uploaded by Tata reveals the off-roading capabilities of Punch.ev. The mind generally perceives electric cars as relatively fragile in comparison to their ICE counterparts. However, as revealed in the video, Punch.ev is seen conquering a wide variety of extreme off-road tracks. Punch.ev easily drives across the uneven track test, articulation test and mud and gravel dirt track. Punch EV also aces the water crossing test, dispelling any doubts that people may have about the safety of electric cars.[embedded content]Unlike other Tata electric cars like Tiago EV, Tigor EV and Nexon EV that are largely ICE to EV conversion projects, Punch EV is based on an entirely new pure EV architecture named ‘acti.ev’. Many of the off-roading capabilities that Punch EV has could be made possible with this new EV platform. Acti.ev is designed with focus on performance, technology, modularity and space efficiency.It uses an orthogonal, high density battery pack for optimal space utilization and performance. The battery pack cells have been tested in compliance with advanced global standards. The acti.ev platform can support various body styles, offering a range of 300 to 600 km. All three propulsion options, FWD, RWD and AWD, can be accommodated. The platform supports up to 150 kW fast charging. Users will be able to add around 100 km in just 10 minutes.Tata Punch EV interiors – Dual screen setupPunch EV will be available in Standard and Long Range versions. But the exact range is yet to be revealed. As Punch has a pure EV architecture, its range could be higher than its siblings and rival offerings.Punch EV new interior details revealedPunch EV’s equipment list has several components borrowed from Nexon EV. For example, dual 10.25-inch displays will be available with the Empowered+ variant. The Empowered variant will have a single 10.25-inch infotainment and a 7-inch digital instrument console.The dashboard has been refreshed and there’s a new touch sensitive AC control panel. Just like Nexon EV, Punch EV also gets the new 2-spoke steering wheel with backlit Tata logo. Other details revealed include new dual-tone upholstery. It is likely that Punch EV will have more interior theme options based on the variant.Tata Punch EV interiors – new themePunch.ev is expected to be launched by the end of this month. Initial offer price could be around Rs 12 lakh. In comparison, Citroen eC3 starts at Rs 11.61 lakh. It will be interesting to see how Hyundai responds with the Exter EV that is scheduled for launch later this year. More

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      Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger Reserve – Fatal Accident Reported

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      Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger ReserveThe accident claimed the lives of four individuals, including two forest rangers, while a woman warden remains missingA tragic incident marred the testing phase of an electric vehicle by Bangalore-based startup Pravaig Dynamics, resulting in a high-speed crash within Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The vehicle involved was undergoing a trial run when the devastating crash occurred.Speeding inside a Tiger reserve – Consequences of the AccidentIn an official statement released by Pravaig Dynamics, the company expressed deep sorrow and confirmed its collaboration with investigative authorities to provide comprehensive details regarding the unfortunate event. The incident has been caught on video.STORY | Trial EV accident: EV company deeply saddened; driver says was forced to speed, overloadFour people, including two forest rangers, died after their trial EV met with an accident in Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve on Monday evening. The accident was recorded in the… pic.twitter.com/7xObtnfVFZ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 10, 2024The driver of the vehicle, Ashbin Biju, a BE Mechanical Engineer, has provided a separate statement shedding light on the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash. Biju clarified that he was not under the influence of any substances nor fatigued during the trial. The first phase of the test, sanctioned by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand, proceeded without incident in the morning. However, complications arose during the subsequent demonstration in the afternoon.According to Biju’s account, forest officials insisted on overloading the vehicle, accommodating nine individuals—exceeding the recommended seating capacity of eight, including the driver. Despite his reservations, he alleged pressure from the officials to accelerate the vehicle beyond planned parameters.Pravaig Electric Car Testing in Rajaji Tiger ReserveDriver’s Account: Details UnfoldBiju recounted, “I refused to comply 2-3 times and did not accelerate the speed beyond 30-40 (kmph).” However, yielding to persistent insistence, he briefly increased the acceleration, causing the electric vehicle to unexpectedly surge to a speed of 70 kmph due to its inherent rapid acceleration. The unstable terrain, with loose mud and hazardous rocks, led to a tire burst, resulting in the loss of control and a collision with a tree and embankment wall.Pravaig Electric CarAccidentTragically, individuals positioned in the rear of the vehicle, including forest personnel, were thrown off during the crash and suffered fatal injuries. Those in the front seats, who had their seat belts on, survived the impact.Pravaig Electric CarAccidentPravaig Dynamics Official StatementPravaig Dynamics, in their official response, conveyed their profound distress regarding the incident, clarifying that the vehicle was undergoing an authorized trial run in collaboration with the Forest Department of Uttarakhand. The company started receiving reports of the accident and attributed it to a tire burst. They assured cooperation with investigative agencies and their distributors to furnish additional pertinent information.Pravaig Dynamics Official StatementThe accident within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve has sparked widespread concern, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and raising questions about safety protocols during vehicle trials within protected environments. More

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      New Mahindra Electric SUVs Spied In Ladakh – BE.05 and XUV.e9 Coupe

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      New Mahindra Electric SUVs spied in Ladakh. Credit – Bunny PuniaMahindra Testing Upcoming Electric Vehicle Lineup: XUV.e9 and BE.05 in LadakhMahindra is gearing up to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its newest electric offerings. Recent sightings of test models in Ladakh give us a closer look at two highly anticipated EVs: the XUV.e9 and the BE.05, both poised to redefine the standards of electric mobility. Spy shots are credited to Bunny Punia.Mahindra XUV.e9: Redefining Electric SUVsThe XUV.e9 emerges as the coupe version of the acclaimed XUV700. Distinguishing itself from its donor, the XUV.e9 showcases an assertive design language, marked by a pronounced bonnet featuring muscular creases and power bulges. Notably, a full-width LED light bar, more sophisticated than previous iterations, adorns the front cavity below the bonnet, enhancing its visual appeal.Mahindra XUV.e9 is electric coupe version of XUV700While the prototype retains makeshift headlights, indicative of the forthcoming production-spec units, other striking features include a seamless grille owing to its electric powertrain and substantial body claddings enveloping the mid-size SUV. Notably, the XUV.e9 opts for a strict 5-seater configuration and promises a premium powertrain experience.Performance-wise, expectations soar with an anticipated 80 kWh battery pack delivering a substantial 500 km range on a single charge. The dual-motor setup aims to generate 300 bhp, enabling an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and a top speed of 200 km/h. Industry enthusiasts speculate on a potential launch scheduled beyond 2025.Mahindra XUV.e9 is electric coupe version of XUV700Mahindra BE.05: Embracing Futuristic DesignSimultaneously, the BE.05 captivates attention with its futuristic design language. During its UK showcase, Mahindra hinted at the production model’s faithfulness to the concept’s striking attributes, a promise upheld in recent spy shots.Mahindra BE.05 is an all new electric vehicle based on Mahindra BE platformThe front fascia boasts colossal LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), an unprecedented design aspect that occupies a significant vertical space, setting it apart from competitors. The rear fascinates with wild and avant-garde tail light LED signatures, signaling a departure from conventional designs. The sporty roof spoiler above a small rear windshield amplifies its aerodynamic appeal.From the side, the angular profile and expansive windshield exude a futuristic silhouette. The design team, led by Pratap Bose, has intricately infused cuts and creases into the BE.05’s sheet metal, crafting an attention-grabbing exterior.This audacious design direction marks Mahindra’s departure from conventional design norms, echoing their commitment to pushing boundaries in the EV landscape. However, while pushing innovation, the brand remains cautious not to veer into convoluted designs, a balance they aim to strike with the BE.05.Source More

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      New Punch EV Features Detailed – Which Variants Get What?

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      Tata Punch EVAs of now, Tata Motors has not revealed expected features list of Smart+ trim among new Punch EV features detailedTata Passenger Electric Mobility is expected to launch a new superstar in the form of Punch EV (sold as Punch.ev). The company’s current darling for sales charts is Tiago EV, which is India’s most affordable 5-door EV. Punch EV, however, has all the qualities to be TPEM’s new best-seller. Let’s check variant-wise features.New Punch EV Features DetailedBookings for Punch EV have commenced and a glitch in Tata’s system has revealed price quotations to booked customers too. So, Punch EV cost is likely to be well under Rs. 17 lakh (ex-sh), while price for Nexon EV’s top-spec variants go till Rs. 20 lakh (ex-sh). The company has only revealed a few key features with trim levels ahead of launch.Speaking of, Tata Punch EV will be sold in 5 trim levels – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+. These trims will further spawn variants with LR (Long Range) and regular along with a sunroof and 7.2 kW charger being popular variable attributes. It is to be noted that Smart and Smart+ trims are not bundled with LR models.Buyers choosing Punch EV LR model get Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+ trim levels to choose from. While regular Punch EV buyers get all five trims, or Personna, as Tata calls them. Smart and Smart+ only get Pristine White shade. From Adventure onwards, Seaweed DT, Daytona Grey DT and Fearless Red DT are added.New Punch EV features detailedEmpowered and Empowered+ get an additional Empowered Oxide DT shade. Base Smart trim gets LED headlights, DRLs, multi-mode regen, ESC and 6 airbags. Upgrading to Adventure trim adds cruise control, LED fog lights with cornering function, a 7-inch touchscreen by Harman, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and an optional sunroof.Adventure LR model gets additional features like an electronic parking brake and jeweled control knob. We wish Tata had given alloy wheels with Adventure trim, but that isn’t the case.What is offered with top-spec variantsSpeaking of alloy wheels, Empowered trim offers it. These are 16 inches in size and get a diamond-cut finish. Other than that, Empowered also get a built-in air purifier, auto folding ORVM, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen by Harman, SOS function and an optional sunroof.Kudos to Tata Motors for offering a sunroof as an option even with top-spec Empowered+ trim. We would encourage more automakers to follow a similar approach. Lastly, we have Empowered+ trim that adds leatherette seats, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, ventilated front seats ( a Godsend), Arcade.ev app suite, wireless phone charger and a larger 10.2-inch instrument screen.Tata has not yet revealed the features list of Smart+ trim. The launch could happen by the end of this month. Although, a definite date is not yet announced. More

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      Hyundai To Invest Rs 6,180 Cr In Tamil Nadu – EV Battery And Car Manufacturing

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      Hyundai India at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024Hyundai commitment towards a sustainability and a green future sees the company earmark an additional Rs 6,180 crores investment in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 held on January 7 and 8, at Chennai Trade Centre has wooed investors from various segments and from across the globe. It was at this meet that Hyundai Motors, a leading automaker in India, has announced investment to the tune of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu and an MoU to this effect was also signed between Hyundai Motor India and Guidance Tamil Nadu.Hyundai Signs MoU of Rs 6,180 Crore Investment in Tamil NaduThe MoU was signed between Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited and Mr. V Arun Roy, IAS., Secretary to Government, Industries Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. Thiru M K Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, and Dr. T R B Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce were present at the signing.Hyundai India signs an MoU to establish a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub,’ at IIT – Madras with an investment of Rs. 180 croreAlong with this investment and signing of MoU, Hyundai also signed another MoU with IIT Madras to set up a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub’. The auto maker also showcased its fuel cell electric vehicles at the NEXO and ADAS Experience Zone at the show.Out of this investment of Rs 6,180 crores in Tamil Nadu, Hyundai Motors has set apart Rs 180 crores towards a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub along with IIT Madras. This is in addition to Rs 20,000 crore investment which will be spread over 10 years in the development of electric vehicles, setting up of charging infrastructure and generating employment and developing skill in the region.Hyundai has been specially concentrating on investments in Tamil Nadu over the past 27 years. With this new investment, the company continues to show their support towards the state, both in terms of socio economic development and self-reliance. Hyundai continues to pay special attention to project the state of Tamil Nadu in terms of the hydrogen technology ecosystem in its aim towards achieving a milestone of becoming a $1 trillion economy.Hyundai Showcase Fuel Cell Electric VehiclesHyundai Motor and Kia are set to incorporate advanced PEM technology into next-generation fuel cell systems for passenger cars. Apart from passenger vehicles, the company is also actively expanding its fuel cell business to include commercial vehicles, marine vessels, aerospace applications, power generation, etc.Hyundai recently showcased its Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) NEXO and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Engagement Zone at Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024. NEXO is the company’s initiative towards a cleaner and greener environment with hydrogen fuel cell engine generating electricity. It combines oxygen with compressed hydrogen to emit only water. Visitors to the show were also shown Hyundai SmartSense (Level 2 ADAS) technology which has been integrated and demonstrated using an immersed experience with Gaming. More

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      Tata Motors EV Sales Growth At 59% – Almost 70k Electric Cars Sold In 2023

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      New Tata Nexon EVTata Tiago EV, launched in January 2023, has been instrumental in raising company’s EV sales substantially over the past yearTata Motors foray into the electric vehicle segment has been a game changer for the company. Its endeavour to venture into a more sustainable avenue with environmentally friendly products towards a greener and cleaner future has led the company to outstanding success in CY 2023. During the past year, the company has seen a 59 percent increase in EV sales and Tata Motors continues to add more products to their EV range with the new Tiago launched last year.What has aided the company in its growth is the fact that these electric vehicles are being offered in three body styles of hatchback (Tiago EV), sedan (Tigor EV), and SUV (Nexon EV), thus appealing to customers both in the premium and mass market segments.Tata Motors’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales PerformanceTalking about Tata Motors EV sales during the past calendar year, sales touched 69,153 units in CY 2023, a 59 percent YoY growth over 43,451 units sold in CY 2022. EV sales contributed to 12.55 percent of the company’s passenger vehicle sales that stood at 5,50,883 units in CY2023, relating to a growth of 8 percent over sales in CY 2022.Monthwise EV sales have seen positive results through the past year. Sales stood at 4,133 units in Jan 2023, up 39 percent over 2,982 units sold in Jan 2022. February 2023 sales escalated to 5,318 units while in March and April sales touched 6,509 units and 6,516 units respectively.Tata Motors EV sales in 2023 vs 2022Sales of EVs were the highest to date in June 2023 at 7,025 units relating to a 95 percent YoY growth while in the following months sales dipped marginally but yet posted sales growth as compared to corresponding months in CY 2022. Tata Motors’ EV sales averaged at 5,762 units in CY 2023 up from an average of 3,720 units sold in CY 2022. Even in terms of electric vehicle retail sales, Tata Motors has seen outstanding success with a 118 percent increase to 81,000 units in CY 2023.Tata Motors – EV Market LeaderTata Motors is a market leader in the EV segment in India with a 70 percent share. It is the company’s endeavour to have its EV range command a 50 percent share in its portfolio by 2030. A major portion of its sales are seen for the Tigor EV which is also offered in X-Press T fleet only EV. Tata Motors has also found more demand from rural areas and outside of the top 20 cities while preferred by first time owners and 24 percent by women buyers in the country.As on date, the company has an EV portfolio of the Tata Nexon EV, Tata Tiago EV and Tata Tigor EV while the new Punch EV is also set to roll out soon. Along with its range of electric vehicles, the company is also actively testing Harrier and Safari EVs, both of which will be flagship offerings positioned above the Nexon EV. More

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      Gensol EV Spotted Testing For The First Time – 3W EV Will Pack ADAS, Auto Park

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      Gensol EV spotted testingConsidering Gensol EV spotted testing has three wheels, it might be sold as a motor tricycle and may require just a motorcycle licensePrimarily known for its solar business, Gensol Group is now foraying into electric car business. The company aims to provide urban mobility solutions to reduce city congestion. Last month, the company teased Gensol EV online and the car is now spotted in testing — hat tip to automotive enthusiast K Pratham who spotted this test mule in Chakan, Pune.Gensol EV Spotted Testing For The First TimeThe electric car startup, Gensol Electric Vehicles PVT LTD, has set up a base in India’s biggest auto cluster, Pune. The HQ seems to be in Mundhwa, Pune and the manufacturing facility is in Chakan, boasting production capacity of 30,000 units per year. The test mule is running temporary registration provided by Chinchwad RTO and the plates read ‘on test’.Gensol aims at affordable EV category that has very few action. We’re talking about a segment that will sit below MG Comet EV in terms of pricing and above PMV. Refreshing your memory, PMV has launched a mini electric car in India for Rs. 4.79 lakh (ex-sh). It is a four-door, two-seater (back-to-back) electric car with interior parts from Honda cars.Other players are toying with launch plans in this segment too. We’re talking about Ligier Mygi, a French contender, running for this segment whose test mules have been spotted in India too. Renault is planning Kwid EV that will end up in this segment as well. So, this is a potent segment for Gensol to target.Gensol EV 3-Door TeasedBut there is one oddity with the Gensol EV which is absent in the expected rivals we just mentioned. Which is, Gensol EV is a 3W vehicle, something that even PMV is not. The 3W architecture has two wheels at front and one at the back. So, it doesn’t look like a rickshaw or a Reliant Robin (Jeremy Clarkson would approve).How the seating arrangement could be?Considering Gensold EV spotted testing is aimed at affordable urban electric mobility, we might see a small battery pack capable of 200 km claimed and 150 km of real-world range and a single motor FWD layout, driving both front wheels. Top speed is claimed to 80 km/h. Gensol EV may provide seating for four adults (three in comfort) and a decently sized boot space.Doors are limited to just two and then a tailgate. Gensol is going for a tallboy design, which might be concerning to prospective buyers. High centre of gravity and three wheels are like oil and water. Gensol is developing ADAS tech and auto parking features too, that will be offered with their maiden EV. On the inside, there are two electric windows, manual AC, Android-based touchscreen infotainment (likely aftermarket), a single-pane sunroof and more.Gensol EV DashboardThis particular test mule had basic halogen reflector-style tail lights. Looking at rear section, Gensol might be using axle braking instead of wheel braking for rear single wheel. There might be RWD setup too looking at all the camouflaged components around rear wheel. Launch might happen around 2025 and the price might be below MG Comet’s. The main question remains, though – Can we drive it with a motorcycle license? More