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    Ola Raahi Electric Rickshaw To Be Unveiled Soon – Treo, Ape Rival

    Ola electric rickshaw testing?When launched, there could be a cargo version of Ola Raahi electric rickshaw as well, to cater to growing 3W commercial vehicle segmentIndia’s leading electric mobility solutions provider, Ola Electric, is expanding its operations to incorporate CVs in the near future. The company started from operating cabs in major cities and stepped into the electric vehicle realm by buying Etergo e-scooter firm. Now, the envelope of Ola Electric’s operations will soon expand to incorporate commercial vehicles.Ola Raahi Electric Rickshaw To Be Unveiled SoonA recent report suggests that Ola Electric is just days short of unveiling its first-ever commercial vehicle. People in the know at Ola Electric  have revealed company’s future plans. This involves Ola Electric’s advancements in e-autorickshaw industry which is currently on the rise.Ola electric rickshaw testing?With Ola Electric led by the enthusiastic CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, we can expect aggressive pricing and a well executed end result. Just like Ola Electric rose to lead the electric 2W segment, there is a possibility they replicate their success in the electric 3W segment. As of now, Mahindra is the leader with about 5k units sold every month.Speaking of launch, Ola Electric is likely to unveil its maiden electric auto rickshaw by the end of this month. At the launch, Raahi name will be finalised for this vehicle. As of now, there are no name trademarks filed by Ola Electric for the word “Raahi”. This product has been under development for years, as part of Ola’s larger scheme of things.Ola Raahi Electric Rickshaw Patent FiledSometime back, Ola had patented its upcoming electric rickshaw in India. The most interesting aspect of this patent was that it featured solar panels on the roof to extend driving range. At launch we will get to know if Ola stuck with that design or ditched it for cost efficiency.Ola Raahi Electric Rickshaw Patent InfoIn addition, there may be a cargo version of Ola Raahi electric rickshaw, to appeal to a broader audience. Rickshaw version could feature seating for three passengers, along with a driver at the front. Weather protection might be a standard. Also, Ola Electric’s Gigafactory is likely to be operational in the coming months.State of electric 3W industryIn the year 2023, a total of 5,80,000 electric 3W vehicles were sold in India. A number that increased YoY by 66% over sales figures in the year 2022. Statistics also show that more than 50% of total 3W vehicle sales in that time period packed electric powertrains over ICE powertrains.If we take electric 3W vehicle sales numbers from February 2024, the segment accounted for a total of 53,298 units with 54.45% MoM growth and a slight 7.33% YoY decline. Currently, Mahindra is the leading electric 3W industry with an 8.78% market share. Other leading players in this space are YC, Saera, Piaggio, Dilli EV and Bajaj. TVS is keen on joining this race, with King Electric and King Kargo Electric names already trademarked.Source More

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    Ather Electric Scooter Battery Drop Test From 40 Ft – Does It Survive?

    Ather Rizta Battery DroppedAther is getting ready to launch a new electric scooter next month – Ahead of that, they us battery drop test of this new scooterElectric 2W mobility solutions in India have been on the rise. Many OEMs are springing up to cater to this increasing demand. Ather is one of those OEMs and is currently one of the best-selling electric 2W vehicle manufacturers in India. The company’s upcoming Rizta family scooter will feature over-engineered batteries as demonstrated in a video.Ather Rizta Battery Dropped From 40 FeetNot only is the upcoming Rizta Ather’s first family scooter, but it will be the most affordable Ather scooter as well. Up until Rizta, Ather was primarily focused on catering to enthusiasts and tech-savvy thrill seekers. Now, expanding their portfolio to cater family oriented scooters will expand their appeal and sales envelope.Ather Rizta Battery DroppedCurrently TVS iQube is India’s best-selling family electric scooter and is in Ather Rizta’s immediate crosshair. Also, Ola S1 X+ is another offering that Rizta will compete with. Folks at Ather Energy have an immaculate sense of humour and have been engaging in innovative and amusing strategies.Ather Energy co-founder Swapnil Jain took to social media posting a new video about their upcoming Rizta scooter. Their recent innovative strategy involves dropping their battery pack from a height of 40 feet. Surely, this is an overkill of a demonstration. However, the witty way Ather Energy demonstrates their engineering capability is always entertaining and confidence-inspiring for the intended audience.Crane At 40 FeetIn the video, we can see Shreyas Seethapathy operating a mobile crane held at 40 feet from the ground. From this height, Ather Rizta battery is dropped with a loud thud. As shown in the video by Ather, the battery remains “rock solid”.Shreyas loves destroying batteries and he comes up with his own crazy ways of testing them. Last time he was seen baking his battery eating ice-cream. This time he saw a crane and got excited and wanted to test strength of our batteries.So he decided to drop it from 40 feet.… pic.twitter.com/a2LB78WT2e— Swapnil Jain (@swapniljain89) March 12, 2024What does this test signify?This demonstration signifies that Ather’s batteries are designed to withstand any or most impacts a user can face on the road in real-world conditions. Impacts from stones, illogical speed bumps, direct impacts from other objects and many more. Ather’s battery casings are built with high-pressure die-cast aluminium tech.The main takeaway from this battery drop test is that if Ather’s battery can withstand an overkill 40 feet drop, it is capable of withstanding any or most real-world impacts. In case of drops, the impact force is distributed across the battery and is not the same as a concentrated impact from sharp objects or nail penetrations.In a previous video aired last year, Shreyas Seethapathy was seen eating a tub of ice cream while sitting on an autoclave baking one of their battery packs. Ather Rizta scooter will be unveiled at Ather’s Community Day on April 6th, 2024. Practicality is the mantra here and Rizta will feature a large and accommodating seat too. AtherStack 6 OTA update and a smart accessory are other anticipated launches from Ather on Community Day. More

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    Mahindra XUV.e9 Full Screen Dashboard and Frunk Area Spotted

    Mahindra XUV.e9 ful dash touchscreen and Frunk AreaWhen compared to the flamboyant interiors of BE range of electric SUVs, XUV.e range share most of their interiors with XUV700 ICE vehicleAfter the first wave of electric cars in the form of e2O, e2O Plus and e-Verito, Mahindra has re-entered electric mobility business with XUV400. But the company has huge ambitions of dedicated BEVs and we will witness many born electric cars. Mahindra XUV.e9 is among them and recent spy shots reveal more information about this upcoming coupe SUV.Mahindra XUV.e9 Massive Frunk Area SpottedOne appreciable trait of a dedicated electric vehicle is that there will be quite a lot of space under the bonnet owing to platform optimization. On a derived electric vehicle most of the components are shared with their ICE counterpart and relocating them requires extensive re-engineering, which could prove a costly affair.Mahindra XUV.e9 InteriorsThe same is true with Mahindra’s EVs as well. XUV400 is a derived electric vehicle sharing most of its components with XUV300. Hence there is no Frunk (Front Trunk) or a Froot (Front Boot). The same can’t be said about Mahindra’s new wave of dedicated EVs in the form of XUV.e8, XUV.e9, BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09 or the XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XO.BE.05, XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 have been spotted testing already. In the recent spy shots of XUV.e9 test mules credited to APK Kavaskar, we can get a sneak peek under the bonnet. We can see generous empty space that Mahindra can engineer into a Frunk or Froot.Mahindra XUV.e9 FrunkWe can spot a few rubber sealants on the bonnet hinting that Mahindra is thinking of implementing a small front cargo area. Looking at this area, we would reckon that Mahindra will implement a shallow, but wide and large Frunk or Froot with neat plastic trim. This particular vehicle seems to be an AWD unit and there will be more Frunk or Froot area with RWD model.Mahindra XUV.e9 FrunkWhat else can we deduce?Other notable attributes we can spot on this XUV.e9 test mule are twin hydraulic bonnet struts. XUV700 doesn’t get hydraulic bonnet struts even today, which is a shocking omission considering Duster offered it for almost half the price. We can’t ignore the massive road presence of this vehicle.The Coupe SUV shape grabs a lot of eyeballs, lending a stylish and sophisticated appeal. In one of our previous spy videos, we can see the massive triple-screen layout on the dashboard along with similar AC vents to XUV700. There is a new two-spoke steering wheel too and Mahindra could implement an illuminated logo like revealed in concepts.Mahindra XUV Coupe full dash length touchscreen spotted pic.twitter.com/nwsqF52MOP— RushLane (@rushlane) March 13, 2024Other notable attributes include large wheels that might be at least 19-inchers, Goodyear tyres, flush door handles, rear door handles on C-pillars, massive rear LED tail light signature, and large fascia with massive animalistic LED DRLs. The born electric INGLO platform offers battery options between 60 kWh and 80 kWh in capacity along with single-motor and dual-motor AWD drivetrain. Launch is expected by Dec 2024. More

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    Maruti Suzuki eVX Electric SUV Spied Up Close – New Details Revealed

    Maruti EVX Electric SUV SpiedPrimary rivals for Maruti Suzuki eVX spied up close include upcoming Creta EV, Curvv EV, BE.05, eC3 Aircross along with ZS EV and XUV400India’s best-selling car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, is exploring electrification route with its upcoming e-SUV. Maruti Suzuki is among the last OEMs to explore BEV options, while aiming at a bigger splash with hybrid vehicles. Despite that, the company has commenced testing of its maiden eVX electric vehicle and new spy shots reveal interesting details.Maruti Suzuki eVX Spied Up CloseUnlike the sub 4m Tata Nexon EV and Punch EV already on sale, Maruti Suzuki eVX will be a larger vehicle. This is because Nexon and Punch share their top hats with their ICE counterparts adhering to sub 4m length constraints. Maruti Suzuki eVX is based on YY8 skateboard, which is derived from Toyota’s 27PL platform.Maruti Suzuki eVX Spied Up CloseSo, this is a dedicated EV platform and not a derived one, shared with an already existing ICE vehicle. Maruti Suzuki eVX will not adhere to sub 4m length constraints and might measure between 4.2 m and 4.3 m. This pits it directly against Mahindra XUV400 and MG ZS EV, along with upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE.05 and Citroen eC3 Aircross.The spy video shared by Rolling Cars reveals interesting new details. There is conventional headlight positioning, unlike the recent trend of split headlight setups. Headlight units seem to get triple ice-cube effect LED DRLs along with a mono LED projector setup. Front fascia has a radar module too, for ADAS suite.Maruti Suzuki eVX ORVM CameraORVMs get a camera each, suggesting a 360-camera setup. Alloy wheels are nothing fancy when compared to what was showcased in the concept car. Other interesting attributes include charging port on front left quarter panel. This should have been in the front centre for convenience’s sake like Tata does with Punch EV.Maruti Suzuki eVX New Infotainment ScreenWhat can we expect?Maruti is giving all-four disc brakes for enhanced stopping power, which is needed for heavier electric vehicles. While 4th generation Swift will ditch C-pillar mounted rear door handles, Maruti Suzuki eVX embraces it. Tail lights seem to be still under finalization and we can see temporary exposed bulbs for brakes and indicators.Going by recent Maruti launches, we can expect connected LED tail light design as well. Rear shark fin antenna and a neatly integrated roof spoiler are other highlight features. On the inside, this new spy video shows a larger touchscreen infotainment screen too. For starters, it is free-standing and looks wider and shorter than Maruti’s current 9-inch unit.Maruti EVX Electric SUV SpiedWe can speculate it to be around 10.2 inches diagonally. A similar screen might make it to instrument cluster for a new-age look. A panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control may be other highlights.Powertrain-wise, we can expect 45 kWh and 60 kWh battery options with single or dual motor AWD layouts too, accompanied by a 550 km claimed range. Launch could happen in 2025 and there will be Toyota counterpart based on Urban Crossover Concept revealed recently.Source More

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    Triumph 400 Custom Colours Launched At Rs 15k More – First Look Walkaround

    Triumph 400 New Custom Colour. Image – Ramaswami120Along with the new custom paint jobs, users can also choose from two distinct set of graphics for the fuel tankTriumph’s lowest priced bikes, Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, have emerged as popular options in the sub-middleweight motorcycle segment. While no one’s questioning the attractive design and powerful performance of these bikes, only three colour options are available for each bike.Four new custom shades for Speed 400, Scrambler 400XApparently, consumer tastes and preferences are a lot more diverse when it comes to their favourite colour. As a fix, a Triumph dealership in Pune is offering custom colour options for Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X.Triumph 400 Custom ColoursWhile factory shades for Speed 400, Scrambler 400X are pretty good, the timeless design of these bikes can surely accommodate a lot more experimentations with the colour palette. Addition of new colours will help target a larger segment of users. Royal Enfield understands this aspect and has been offering a comprehensive range of colour options for its bikes. Something similar is now being done by the Pune-based BU Bhandari Triumph dealership.One of the custom colours that stands out is a radiant Yellow shade. It presents a pretty picture in combination with the golden coloured USD forks. The Yellow shade is probably the most attractive among the custom colours being offered for Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Other colour options on offer include a white, silver and a black & red dual-tone colour scheme.Triumph 400 Custom ColoursThe application of the custom shades is limited to the fuel tank. This is probably due to technical and equipment limitations at the dealer level. In a factory setting, colour application can extend to various other parts such as the exposed frame sections, wheels, etc. Notwithstanding the limited applicability, the custom colour shades still come across as a refreshing change. It will appeal even more to users who are especially interested in a particular colour shade.Triumph 400 Custom ColoursNew custom graphics for Speed 400, Scrambler 400XAlong with the new colour shades, users can also choose from two distinct graphics options. One set of graphics primarily has the Triumph logo, whereas the other graphics kit has a combo of Triumph logo and twin contrasting strips.With four new colours, users now have a better chance of finding the best option that suits their individual tastes and preferences. If this new strategy works, it is possible that other Triumph dealers may also launch similar schemes for their customers.Triumph 400 Custom ColoursTriumph Speed 400, Scrambler 400X custom colour pricingEnthusiasts who choose any of the custom colour schemes for Speed 400, Scrambler 400X will be charged Rs 15,000 additional. The bike will be first registered at the RTO in the stock colour option, as received from the factory. Take a detailed look at the walkaround shared by Ramaswami120.[embedded content]After the buyer selects the custom colour, it will be applied at the dealer level. The dealer will then help the buyer in the documentation process for changing the bike’s colour. RTO costs related to the new colour scheme will have to be borne by the customer. Triumph Speed 400 is currently available at a starting price of Rs 2.33 lakh. Scrambler 400X is offered at Rs 2.63 lakh.Source More

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    Kawasaki Patents Ninja 7 Hybrid And Z E-1 In India – Green Mile!

    Kawasaki Ninja ZE1 patented in India – Hybrid motorcycleIf launched via CBU route, both Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z E-1 will cater to a niche eco-conscious audience not afraid to shell big bucksTeam Green intends to navigate Indian market with an extended portfolio by spoiling customers with choices. In that regard, we witnessed the recent launches of Ninja 500 and its cruiser sibling, Eliminator (Kawasaki India doesn’t use 400 or 500 suffix with Eliminator). Based on the same platform, Kawasaki could launch Ninja 7 Hybrid along with its BEV, Z E-1.Kawasaki Patents Ninja 7 Hybrid And Z E-1 In IndiaIconic motorcycle manufacturer, Kawasaki, has patented two of its new and cutting-edge motorcycles in India. These motorcycles are Kawasaki’s new Ninja 7 Hybrid and company’s first all-electric production bike Z E-1.Kawasaki Z E-1 Electric PowertrainIf Honda had patented some of its newest motorcycles in India, we would have thought it was just a standard patenting exercise. However, Kawasaki’s design patents look promising and there is a possibility of Team Green launching at least one of them in India. Most likely, we will get to see Ninja 7 Hybrid than Z E-1.For starters, Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid shares the same 451cc platform that Ninja 500 and Eliminator also use. This is a parallel twin cylinder DOHC 4V liquid-cooled engine that is capable of kicking out 44.7 bhp of peak power and 42.6 Nm of peak torque on its own. However, Ninja 7 Hybrid packs an additional electric motor.Kawasaki Ninja 7 HybridAdded electric assistance results in a combined peak power of around 60 bhp with Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid. Unlike Ninja 500 and Eliminator with a traditional 6-speed manual sequential gear selector, Ninja 7 Hybrid gets more sophisticated shift paddles in left side switchgear.Kawasaki Z E-1Will Z E-1 launch in India?Where Ninja 500 and Eliminator weighed rather modest 171 kg and 176 kg respectively, Ninja 7 Hybrid weighs in at 227 kg. The added electrical powertrain components prove to be heavier than ICE versions. Kawasaki is currently selling Ninja 500 and Eliminator via CBU route and they’re priced at Rs. 5.25 lakh (ex-sh) and Rs. 5.62 lakh (ex-sh) respectively.Globally, Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid is priced higher than ZX-6R and if launched in India, we can expect a price close to Rs. 10 lakh mark. The other motorcycle Kawasaki has patented in India is Z E-1. This is a fully electric motorcycle with two removable 1.5 kWh batteries with a total capacity of 3 kWh.Kawasaki Ninja 7 HybridPeak power is 9 kW, which is less than Ola S1 Pro’s 11 kW. Range is limited on Z E-1 too, at just 72 km and top speed is around 80 km/h. Considering India is a price-sensitive market, Kawasaki is less likely to launch Z E-1 in India as global pricing positions it above Ninja 650. Launch could happen by the end of this year. More

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    TVS XL EV And E-XL Names Registered – Upcoming Electric XL

    Image for reference onlyAs of now, ICE XL 100 price starts from Rs. 46K and upcoming TVS XL EV or TVS E-XL might cost around Rs. 20K more (ex-sh)Leading 2W and 3W manufacturer of the world, TVS Motor, is set to expand its electric vehicle portfolio. The company intends to amplify its electric mobility solutions with an electrified version of XL. There are two new names that TVS has registered. One of these names could end up on electric XL when it launches.TVS XL EV And E-XL Names RegisteredXL is India’s only ICE powered moped on sale. It is prevalent among rural audiences and has also been a staple for intra-city last-mile delivery operations. TVS sold 41,635 units of XL 100 and its diverse variants in the month of February 2024. An electrified version of XL might prove beneficial for the brand.Not only in India, TVS XL has export potential too for many developing nations. For all these applications, an electrified version of XL could prove just as popular as its ICE counterpart already on sale. Now, there are two new names that might go on this upcoming vehicle.Earlier this year, TVS Holdings Ltd trademarked two new names – TVS E-XL and TVS XL EV. Both these trademarks have been accepted and advertised as per the trademark information revealed by the portal. One of these is very highly likely to be used on upcoming TVS electric XL.TVS XL EV Name TrademarkedPatent design reveals key infoLast year, the patent design for an electric version of XL 100 was leaked and surfaced on the internet. The workhorse XL was getting the electric treatment and there were not many changes other than powertrain. As revealed in the patent images, TVS is mounting electric batteries directly below the main frame.This is the area where ICE TVS XL 100 had its engine. Interestingly, TVS is not going the hub motor route. Instead, leaked patent images show a mid-mounted motor along with a chain drive to the rear sprocket driving rear wheel. Other than that, it is pretty much the same XL that we have seen before.There will be a different instrument cluster on TVS XL EV, showing various parameters regarding its electric powertrain. Componentry remain more or less identical to ICE XL 100. RSU telescopic front forks, twin shock absorbers at the rear, wire-spoke wheels with tube type tyres (16-inch wheels likely).TVS E-XL Name TrademarkedThe battery could be around 2 kWh in capacity with a total of 100 km claimed range on a full charge. Apples to Apples, TVS XL EV will lock its horns with recently launched Kinetic E-Luna. Speaking of, E-Luna costs Rs. 70K (ex-sh) and we can expect a lower price for TVS XL EV or TVS E-XL. ICE version, XL 100, starts from a base price of Rs. 46K. More

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    Mahindra XUV 7XO, 5XO, 3XO, 1XO Names Registered – For Upcoming Electric SUVs

    Mahindra XUV 7XO, 5XO, 3XO, 1XO Names Registered. Image – Shantanu GodaseNames like XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XO are easy to remember and establish a clear differentiation between respective ICE and EV modelsIn a couple of years from now, Mahindra will have expanded its EV portfolio to include multiple new products. The names for these new EVs are also being worked out. It appears that Mahindra is keen on picking some short, trendy names, in line with the dynamic profile of its upcoming EVs.Mahindra Trademarks XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XOInstead of choosing entirely new names for its upcoming EVs, Mahindra seems to be using a derivative of its existing naming convention. The newly trademarked names XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XO are apparently the EV versions of XUV700, XUV500, XUV300 and an all new small SUV EV. It is likely that these new names will be used for production versions of the XUV EV concepts which were shown earlier.Mahindra XUV 1XO Name RegisteredThe addition of X in the new names links it to the electric underpinnings and the letter ending with O meets Mahindra’s tradition of vehicle naming (Bolero, Scorpio, Marazzo, etc). While they also relate to their ICE versions, the names are short, crisp and easy to remember. A high recall value is expected, similar to the names of the ICE models.Mahindra XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XO – Expected featuresExcluding the closed-off grille, several of the styling bits will be common across the ICE and EV models of XUV700 and XUV300. The equipment list will also have a similar set of features. The EV versions will probably be able to support a higher number of tech features.Mahindra XUV 3XO Name RegisteredFor its born-electric range, Mahindra is working on multiple segment-first features. For example, a test mule of XUV.e9 was recently spotted with a triple-screen dashboard. While being functionally relevant, it significantly enhances cabin aesthetics. The triple-screen unit covers almost the entire width of the dash. It helps achieve a symmetrical design format, which is not possible with the popular dual-screen setup seen with many SUVs.Mahindra XUV 5XO Name RegisteredIt is possible that the XUV 7XO and 5XO could get this new triple-screen dash. In comparison, XUV 3XO and X1O may continue with a solo touchscreen infotainment system. Bigger SUVs could get additional connectivity and safety features. The ADAS kit could be expanded in the case of XUV 7XO and 5XO. XUV 3XO and 1XO could also get some of the critical ADAS features such as blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness detection.Mahindra XUV 7XO, XUV 5XO, XUV 3XO, XUV 1XO – Expected range, battery specsUpcoming Mahindra EVs will be based on the new INGLO architecture. Battery packs will be in the range of 60 kWh to 80 kWh for the bigger SUVs. While XUV 7XO and 5XO could get both single-motor and dual-motor AWD options, the XUV 3XO and 1XO are likely to be offered with only a single electric motor. Detailed specs are yet to be revealed, although the new INGLO platform promises significant improvements across performance, drive comfort and versatility.Mahindra XUV 5XO Name RegisteredXUV 7XO, 5XO and XUV 3XO will have a range upwards of 400-450 km while XUV1XO could have a range of about 200-250 kms. With rapid progress in charging infrastructure, an extraordinary high range may not be required. Also, the focus is shifting on achieving a faster recharge. This allows users to load up quickly within minutes and resume their journey. However, experiments with newer battery technologies continue that can deliver a much higher range.Mahindra XUV 7XO, 5XO, 3XO, 1XO Names Registered More