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    Maruti Suzuki Electric Car Launch In FY 2025 – Price Range Rs 10 Lakh

    Maruti Suzuki Electric Car RenderSuzuki will be launching its first EV for the commercial mass market by FY 2025 – Interestingly, the EV will make its global debut in the Indian market
    News of a Maruti Suzuki EV coming to India have been in the market for the last few years now. Speculation and spyshots had suggested that the first EV from Maruti would be the Electric WagonR, which was spotted testing in multiple locations across the country.
    However, later Maruti had clarified that there were no immediate plans to launch the Wagon R EV. With increasing push and support from the Indian Government, most OEMs in India have started taking their initial steps towards venturing into the Indian 4-wheeler EV market, which is still in its preliminary stage.
    New Maruti Electric Car – Suzuki’s First
    Tata, MG Motor, Hyundai and Mahindra already have/have had some kind of EV offering for the Indian market. Maruti, being the largest automaker in the country certainly doesn’t want to be left behind.
    New report now confirms that Suzuki will be releasing its first all-electric vehicle for the mass markets by FY 2025. The vehicle will be making its debut in India and will be later introduced in the European and Japanese markets. After taking into account the Government subsidies, the EV is expected to be priced around the $13,700 mark, which would roughly translate into INR 10 lakhs.
    Maruti Suzuki Electric Car Render
    Maruti WagonR EV which is currently on test in India, comes with updated styling. It receives revised bumpers and side profile. It also gets a new front fascia, sports LED lighting at the front and rear, gets fog lamps and vertically stacked tail lamps. It borrows 15 inch alloy wheel design from the Ignis. Other features also include a high mounted stop lamp, body coloured door handles and black cladding on windows and rear bumper.
    Challenges Ahead
    Till date, Maruti’s dominances in the Indian market has been majorly due to its heavy market share in the small car segment. While models from its NEXA range do command a premium over their Arena counterparts, Maruti is still associated as a budget-friendly car manufacturer.
    Venturing into the EV market could be difficult as the entry-level price tag would fall around the INR 10 lakhs+ mark. Also, Maruti would have to ensure that it is able to crack the code on improving the overall range per charge, without compromising on the space and Value For Money quotient.
    Governmental Policies
    The Indian Government had set itself a target of ensuring that around 30% of the new cars which are purchased in 2030, are electric. To further push the customer preferences, the Government had rolled out multiple incentives on purchase of EVs, which summed up to INR 100 Billion. The initial plan for the support was for a 3 year period which started in 2019. However, due to a muted response and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Government decided to extend the incentive policy by additional 2 years.
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    2021 Tata Tigor Electric XPres T EV Launch Price Rs 9.75 L – Delivery Starts

    2021 Tata Tigor Electric Facelift Xpres-T EV delivery starts
    Xpres-T EV is a facelifted Tigor EV is now available to fleet consumers in two trims- XM+ and XT+
    Tata Motors recently unveiled its new sub-brand focused on electric vehicles (EV) called Xpres which will cater to the demand of fleet consumers exclusively. The homegrown auto company has now launched its first model under this new sub-brand called Xpres-T EV which is based on the facelifted battery-powered Tigor.
    The electric sedan is now available for booking at selected dealerships across the country. Deliveries have now started with first batch delivered to Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., in Kolkata. Price starts from Rs 9.75 lakhs for the XM+ variant and goes to Rs 9.9 lakh for the XT+ variant. All prices are ex-sh.
    The new Xpres branding on the car’s body panels will distinguish itself from the Tigor EV sold for private buyers. The new Xpres T-EV carries a set of visual updates over the current Tigor EV whose test mules were spotted on multiple occasions recently.
    Exterior highlights
    Xpres-T EV flaunts an updated front face with a new headlight setup along with a new sharper nose featuring a glossy black grille consisting of tri-arrow patterns on each side. The front grille is contoured with a blue-coloured strip underneath. Additionally, the charging socket is now housed in the front grille itself. Other exterior styling highlights include projector LED headlights, LED DRLs and redesigned fog lamp housings. It also gets a revised bumper with a wider air intake.
    2021 Tata Tigor Electric Facelift Xpres-T EV delivery starts
    Interior Highlights
    Interiors of Xpres-T EV will be in line with the standard IC engine-powered Tigor barring the blue highlights which remind us of its electric powertrain underneath. The air-con vents are surrounded by similar blue highlights. Features added to the latest iteration of the electric compact sedan are a larger touchscreen infotainment unit, a digital instrument display and a multi-functional steering wheel.
    Specifications
    Coming to its specification, Xpres-T EV will be offered in two derivatives depending on battery configuration- standard and extended. The former is available with a 16.5kWh high energy density battery which delivers an acclaimed range of 165km (ARAI) on a single charge. Whereas the latter is equipped with a 21.5kWh battery pack rated to return a claimed range of 213km (ARAI) on a single charge.
    Both variants are powered by a 70V three-phase induction motor which has been tuned to deliver an output of 40 bhp and 105 Nm of peak torque, identical figures to the pre-facelift Tigor EV. Using a standard AC wall charger, the battery could be replenished 0-100 percent in eight hours and 11.5 hours for 16.5kWh and 21.5kWh battery packs respectively.
    While using a 15kW DC fast charger, the battery packs could be charged 0-80 percent in 90 minutes and 110 minutes respectively. The facelifted Tigor EV for private buyers is also expected to be available for bookings after some time. More

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    Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – Bajaj, Piaggio, Mahindra, TVS, Electric Vehicles

    Image – Technical WingsAuto Rickshaw and 3 Wheeler sales increased 21.98 percent YoY in June 21
    As per retail sales figures released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), auto rickshaw and three wheeler registrations in India stood at 14,732 units. This was a YoY increase of 21.98 percent over 12,077 units sold in June 20. However, comparing last month’s sales with that of June 19, a 69.82 percent de-growth was noted. The figures are collated as on 6th July 21 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India and gathered from 1,295 out of 1,498 RTOs.
    Bajaj, Piaggio YoY De-Growth
    Two and three-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto Limited noted registration of 4,925 auto-rickshaws and three wheelers in June 21. The company held a market share of 33.43 percent. However, sales were better in June 20 when 4,996 units had been sold while market share held stood at 41.3 percent.
    Piaggio Vehicles, another leading three wheeler maker in India, also suffered a YoY de-growth both in terms of retail sales and market share. Ongoing pandemic, lockdowns across various states, increasing fuel prices and subdued buyer sentiments could all be reasons for this negative impact.
    Noting good demand for the Ape E-Xtra FX and for the 2021 version of its passenger e-three wheeler, Ape E-City, sales in the past month stood at 2,258 units with market share of 15.33 percent. However, this was marginally lower as compared to 2,346 units sold in June 20 when the company also held a higher market share of 19.43 percent.
    Three Wheeler Sales June 2021 – FADA
    Mahindra was the third best-selling OEM in terms of three wheeler retails. June 21 sales were at 657 units up from 293 units sold in June 20. Market share also increased from 2.43 percent to 4.46 percent YoY. The current month could see sales increase as Mahindra has collaborated with Magenta, electric mobility solutions provider. The company is set to deploy 100 units of Treo Zor three-wheeler in Bengaluru for last-mile delivery of both essential and non-essential items.
    Lower down the order was Rajkot-based three-wheeler maker Atul Auto Ltd with 594 three wheelers sold in the past month, up from 93 units sold in June 20. Market share jumped from 0.77 percent to 4.03 percent YoY.
    Electric Three Wheeler Sales June 2021
    Automobile dealers’ body FADA data shows that YC Electric Limited accounted for 539 unit sales of three wheelers in June 21, holding a market share of 3.66 percent. Though sales were lower in June 20 at 473 units, market share in that month had been higher at 3.92 percent. YC Electric offers the Yatri Auto E Rickshaw, with 4 seater capacity.
    Delhi based Saera Electric contributed 295 units to this segment, commanding a market share of 2 percent in June 21. Sales in June 20 had stood at 282 units with market share of 2.34 percent. In the electric vehicle three wheeler space was also Mahindra Reva with 273 units retailed in the past month, up from 203 units of June 20 while Champion Poly Plast (269 units) and TVS Motor (226 units) also contributed a few units to total three wheeler sales along with JS Auto ( 03 units), Dilli Electric (192 units) and Best Way (170 units) in the past month. Others in the same segment saw total retails at 3,976 units, holding a market share of 26.99 percent, up from 2,788 units sold in June 20 with market share of 23.09 percent. More

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    Ford EcoSport Copycat Electric SUV Debuts In China

    Image – China PEV
    Ford is currently testing a new facelifted version of EcoSport in India expected to make its debut by end of this year
    Some automakers are quite notorious for ripping off designs from models retailed in international markets. This time it is Ford EcoSport which has been the ‘inspiration’ behind Yuan Pro EV manufactured by BYD. One glance at the compact all-electric SUV and you can easily conclude that it is yet again a cheap knock-off of a famous car.
    Yuan Pro EV has been positioned as a budget electric vehicle for less affluent consumers. However, it isn’t all cheap when you get to know what it offers. For its low price, Yuan Pro Ev is extremely well-kitted and practical. It has been designed on the lines of what the company terms as ‘Dragon Face 3.0’ philosophy.
    External Design
    The overall external appearance of Yuan Pro, barring a few details, shares an uncanny resemblance with the subcompact crossover from the American brand. When viewed from its side profile or rear, readers are bound to mistake it for EcoSport. It gets a similar shoulder line with roof rails, character lines, black body claddings and alloy wheel designs.
    The electric car even flaunts a similar tailgate-mounted spare wheel just as EcoSport. The crossover, however, distinguishes itself with an EV-specific closed-off grille and sleeker headlamps at front. At 4.37 metres, Yuan Pro EV is more than 400mm longer than its inspiration. It also offers a longer wheelbase of 2,535mm.
    Ford EcoSport Copycat Electric SUV
    Interior Design & Features
    Step inside the cabin and one would realise it is not a complete knock-off with a distinct interior layout. It also offers a decently equipped cabin which is not cheap by any stretch of imagination.
    The SUV gets a pleasant dual-tone interior theme with an all-black dashboard and off-white upholstery. The cabin looks minimalistic yet very functional. It gets a similar shaped 10.1-inch touchscreen unit slightly larger in size.
    It also gets an 8-inch digital instrument display and rear parking camera housed inside the spare wheel mounted at rear. Top-spec trims are offered with safety features such as ABS with EBD, Electronic brake assist, Electronic safety program, traction control and more.
    EV Specs
    Yuan Pro EV is available in three variants and two battery options. The base trim is offered with a smaller 38.9kWh battery which claims a delivery range of 301km (NDEC) on a single charge. Other two variants are equipped with a larger 50.1 kWh battery that promises a range of 401km (NDEC) on a single charge. The battery feeds energy to an electric motor mounted on the front axle which delivers an output of 136 bhp and 210 Nm of peak torque. More

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    2021 Tata Dark Editions Launched – Nexon, Altroz, Harrier, Nexon Electric

    Tata Nexon EV DarkApart from launching new Dark Edition models of Nexon, Nexon EV and Altroz, Tata Motors has updated the existing Harrier Dark Edition model
    After witnessing an immense success of Harrier Dark Edition, Tata Motors has now introduced similar Dark Edition models of Nexon, Nexon EV and Altroz. All these models sport a similar all-black exterior theme as the flagship trim of the midsize trim.
    Bookings of the cars have already commenced and units of the special edition model have started reaching dealerships across the country. Like Harrier, Dark Edition models of Altroz, Nexon and Nexon EV have been painted in a black colour scheme with a glossy treatment and have been offered at starting prices of Rs. 8.71 lakh, Rs 10.40 lakh and Rs 15.99 lakh respectively (ex-showroom).
    Tata Nexon Dark
    Exterior Updates
    Nexon and Altroz are both highest-selling models for Tata Motors and strong sellers in their respective segments of subcompact UV and premium hatchback. Nexon EV is currently the best-selling electric car in India.
    The glossy black finish on the exterior body panels help enhance the premium appeal of Dark Edition models. On all these models, the front radiator grille and air intake vents on the lower bumper also receive a blacked-out treatment with dark grey inserts.
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    These dark grey inserts could also be found on the boot and below window line. A contrast grey finish is further added to the front and rear bash plates giving it a sporty appeal. Similar to Harrier, Dark Edition trims of models mentioned above flaunt a chrome badge with the letters ‘DARK’ on front fenders. In addition, all cars get bold chrome lettering spread wide across their tailgates.
    Tata Altroz Dark
    Premium appeal of the car is further accentuated by 16-inch gloss black alloy wheels. Nexon EV also carries forward a similar exterior theme but retains some of the blue coloured elements seen on the regular variants.
    Interior Updates
    Like the exterior, the interior of the cabin of all Dark Edition models wear a Granite Black interior theme with a glossy black finish for the centre applique. The leatherette upholstery with deep Blue Tri-arrow perforations and deco blue stitching further add a nice contrast to the cabin. The front headrests feature Dark embroidery whereas the mid-panel of the dashboard gets a piano black finish. The centre console now houses a darkened branding unlike the chrome version in the regular variants.
    Tata Harrier Dark
    Updated Harrier Dark Edition
    Along with the new additions, Harrier Dark Edition has also been updated. The special variant of the mid-size SUV wears a new Oberon black colour with a tinge of deep blue on its exterior. It rolls on larger 18-inch Blackstone Alloys which complement its sporty stance. Rest of the cosmetic updates in Harrier Dark Edition are in line with its smaller Dark Edition siblings. The all-black Harrier is now offered at a starting price of Rs 18.04 lakh (ex-showroom).
    Harrier Dark Edition has been made available in three trims XT+, XZ+ and XZA+ whereas Nexon Dark Edition is offered in XZ+, XZA+, XZ+(O) & XZA+(O) variant of both in both petrol & diesel fuel options. All-black models of Atroz and Nexon EV are available in XZ+ and XZ+ Lux variants. More

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    Tesla Offered 1,000 Acres Of Land By Gujarat Govt – To Setup Electric Car Plant

    Rendered image. Credit – Backstage With MillionairesTesla would enter the Indian auto market with the likely launch of Model 3 electric sedan slated later this year
    Tesla has already established its entity in India with its India headquarters based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It has also decided to set up shops in three different cities of the country- Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru. The electric car manufacturer is currently scouting for a place where it could establish the company’s first assembly line.
    While it has been reported that Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat are all keen to welcome the American brand with open arms, the Gujarat Government has meanwhile offered 1000 acres of land to Tesla to build its local production facility. The company is presently scrutinizing all available options.
    Tesla Playing Out All Options
    According to a senior Gujarat government official, Tesla is undecided whether to opt for Gujarat or dig deep in Karnataka. The official quoted, “There is little or no social life in Gujarat, while it is not so in Bengaluru. They are trying to negotiate with both Gujarat and Karnataka governments.” The American EV brand officially set its foot in India on January 8, 2021, when it registered itself as Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited in Bengaluru.
    The recent further discloses that the Maharashtra Government has also offered a piece of land in the state for the purpose of building its local plant. However, talks didn’t materialize ever since.
    Tesla Model 3 Spied Testing In India
    It has come to light that Tesla officials wanted a big web of charging stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as well as near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, the port where the cars will land following imports. Tesla has partnered with 27 vendors in India out of which 20 are said to belong from Maharashtra.
    Since their last interaction in 2020, Tesla hasn’t responded to the Maharashtra Government. Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister had proclaimed that the carmaker will set up its factory and R&D facility in his state shortly after it registered itself with the Registrar of Companies with a Bengaluru address. However, the Karnataka CM later deleted that tweet that contained this information.
    Gujarat Likely Host
    Meanwhile, Gujarat has offered land both inside and outside Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) in Mundra. APSEZ has an area of 8,400 hectares out of which around half is lying vacant. SEZs are designated duty-free enclaves where the Indian customs law does not apply. What also holds in favour of Gujarat is its new EV policy introduced a few days ago that not only offers subsidies on purchase of EVs but also provides setting up of necessary charging infrastructure.
    Additionally, land in Gujarat is far cheaper than that in Karnataka. Reports claim that the Gujarat government is looking to build an electric vehicle hub in Mundra and, therefore, has also proposed to allocate land for ancillary units that would assist Tesla. This would include land for an EV battery manufacturing unit as well as other component manufacturers.
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    Audi E-Tron Electric SUV Booking Opens In India At Rs 5 Lakh

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

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    Kia Seltos Based Electric SUV Spied Testing For The First Time

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