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    Pravaig Extinction Electric Car Spied On Public Road – Interiors Revealed

    Pravaig Electric Car
    For a vehicle that is slated to enter series production next year, the Prvaig Extinction has quite a long distance to cover in terms of development

    If you have been keeping a close tab on the fast-evolving e-mobility startup scene in India, you probably must have heard about Pravaig Dynamics and its ambitious plans to make a premium electric sedan that rivals Tesla in terms of technology and performance, and Mercedes S-Class in terms of luxury.
    However, the recently unveiled prototype of the company’s first model, Pravaig Extinction MK1, seems to be quite a distance away from fulfilling the company’s tall claims.
    Pravaig Electric Car Exteriors
    Pravaig Extinction MK1 spotted in Delhi
    Automotive enthusiasts from Delhi (Pragun Dua, exoticcarsdelhi and ncrspottings) have spotted the Pravaig Extinction MK1 being driven on public roads. The short video shows the prototype being driven at a slow speed of around 20 kmph. Well, the fact that it is driveable is a good start!
    The prototype has a quirky design which is neither elegant or sporty but the company has said the design is still evolving and the final version would be a 4-door sedan with a sleek profile. So, we will reserve our judgement until the market-ready version is unveiled before it enters production in November 2021.
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    Tall claims on specifications and safety
    During the official presentation of the Extinction MK1, Pravaig Dynamics made some really strong claims which we hope will be followed through. For starers, the production version of Pravaig Extinction is claimed to have a range of 504 km from its 96 kWh detachable lithium-ion battery pack. The electric motor is rated at around 200 hp and the company says that the electric sedan can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 5.4 seconds enroute to a top-speed of 196 kmph.
    Pravaig Electric Car Interiors – Steering wheel
    That is not all. The Pravaig Extinction is claimed to offer 5-star levels of safety although, for now, it only remains as an unproven declaration. While the company says the final product will incorporate 8 airbags, the absolutely barebones cockpit of the MK1 prototype did not have even one.
    Pravaig Electric Car Interiors – Instrument cluster and Infotainment system
    The basic interior features a flat metallic center console that has elevator buttons for drive mode selection and several unknown roof-mounted controls. Pravaig has stated that the car will be offered with bespoke interior which can be designed by the customer in collaboration with renowned architects and designers. The rear left passenger seat can be reclined to offer 165-degree seating posture.
    Unrealistic target and timeline
    To be honest, given the current state of the prototype, we are skeptical that the company will be able to meet its promises on luxury, safety and technology fronts while sticking to its launch timeframe. Oh, did we mention that Pravaig’s upcoming product will also incorporate some self-driving functions?
    Pravaig Electric Car Interiors – Gear selector
    Engineering a tech-laden electric car that delivers the level of performance and safety that Pravaig claims would take full-fledged multidisciplinary teams with extensive experience and world-class skill sets.
    Moreover, testing, validation and homologation alone will take a several months with a decent sized fleet of prototypes. Can the company put its money where the mouth is? Well, we will know in under a year from now.
    Pravaig Electric Car Interiors – Roof mounted buttons More

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    MG ZS Electric Retail Sales Cross 1,000 – New Battery Recycle Tie Up Announced

    MG ZS Electric SUV
    Following a partnership, TES-AMM will recycle MG ZS EV batteries responsibly

    MG ZS EV was launched in India in early-2020. To date, the company has reported retail sales at over 1,000 units. This makes it the second best selling UV in the segment, after Nexon EV – which has reported sales over 2,200 units till date.
    MG eZS goes from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds. The smart car can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. With rather little available in the name of electric cars in India, MG Motor India began operations in India fairly recently, and is building an integrated EV ecosystem.
    This is necessary if the company is to sell electric cars and nurture EV adoption, and minimise total ecological impact of EVs. As time progresses, and the Indian electric vehicle market matures, one can expect more government involvement in facilitating end to end solution that are necessary if the EV industry is to grow. MG Motor India has a partnership with Umicore for safe and secure battery disposal. The TES-AMM tie-up is the fourth such association here for the automaker.
    MG Motor India and TES-AMM partnership
    With Electric vehicles being presented as the future of mobility, it’s essential that sustainable practices are introduced at the onset. This, or the world will be left with a whole lot of equipment that may not be disposed responsibly. An issue that’s even more rampant and plaguing in poorer countries where focus on any sort of recycling is low, leave alone batteries.
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    MG Motor India has announced its association with TES-AMM India for responsible recycling of EV batteries. Building EV infra here is a multifaceted one where development is required as an end-to-end solution. With the transition to green mobility being a focus area, EV adaption is being presented as the next big mobility move.
    The partnership with TES-AMM, a global e-waste recycling and end-to-end service provider ensures environmentally-sustainable and secure recycling of MG ZS EV batteries. For customers choosing an electric vehicle, there’s a certain predilection to care for the environment. Knowing how a battery is disposed is a big part of the thought process. Now, ZS EV owners on India can track their ecological footprint in this aspect too.
    TES-AMM Li-ion battery recycling
    TES-AMM is the only Asian entity that operates a Li-ion battery recycling plant. It’s one of a handful of companies certified in multiple management systems including 18001:2007/R2 (Responsible Recycling), among other related processes. The company employed a unique mechanical-hydrometallurgical process for asset recovery that’s environmentally superior and safer.
    Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India said, “At MG, we are on a mission to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem that supports India’s drive towards its greener and cleaner future. We strongly believe that battery management is a critical area that needs focus. Our partnership with TES-AMM builds along these lines and ensures that batteries not only re-enter the value chain, but are also recycled while following the most eco-friendly protocols. We believe it will go a long way in India’s sustainable e-mobility future.” More

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    Ola Electric Scooter Plant In Tamil Nadu Will Be Largest In The World – Create 10k Jobs

    Ola acquired Etergo Electric Scooter
    Ola announces its first manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, and will invest Rs 2.4k cr

    Ola is setting up its first manufacturing facility in India. The MoU has been signed with Tamil Nadu government and entails an investment of Rs 2,400 crore. Upto completion, the project will have created about 10,000 jobs, and is stated to be the world’s largest scooter manufacturing facility. Initial annual production capacity is 2 million (20 lakh) units per year.
    The Tamil Nadu plant will begin production with Ola’s Etergo AppScooter, which was acquired earlier. AppScooter features a removable battery that’s easy to port, and charge anywhere. Intelligent teach based smart features bring together a modern user experience for electric scooters. Once underway, Ola will introduce many new-age two wheeler product line-ups.
    This could be a big step in helping the electric two wheeler market establish itself in a bigger way. Currently, the industry sees participation from tech companies, new companies, and tie-ups between new and traditional companies. Growth focus now sees a range of low speed, and high speed electric scooters, and 1 single electric motorcycle manufacturer.
    Ola Electric growth path
    Previously, Ola had announced plans to hire over 2,000 people as its electric mobility business grows. The focus is a global one that brings to the fire electric and smart urban mobility solutions. As plans are formalised, Ola has gone onto announce new personnel hiring to lead global ops. Last year, Ola Electric raised $250 million from Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank to take its valuation to more than $1 billion.
    Etergo electric scooter
    The move highlights reduction of India’s import dependence where electric vehicles are concerned. Considering India has major EV adaption plans, a large-scale project like Ola’s will help setup local supply chains, and manufacturing, along with tech knowhow. And since the plant will cater to markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America, laying down systems that work is essential for success.
    Ola electric a global player
    European electric two-wheeler market has seen growth in 2020. Furthermore, EV adaptation is encouraged through well planned government budgets wherein the government offers to pick up a substantial part of tab for small electric scooters, and cycles.
    Ola is going to supply an electric two-wheeler order to New Zealand as the country is on path to introduce at least 64,000 new electric vehicles 2021 end. The nation has set serious carbon neutral goals 2025.
    Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola said, “We are excited to announce our plans to set up the world’s largest scooter factory. This is a significant milestone for Ola and a proud moment for our country as we rapidly progress towards realising our vision of moving the world to sustainable mobility solutions across shared and owned mobility. This will be one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world. This factory will showcase India’s skill and talent to produce world class products that will cater to global markets.” More

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    Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor Modified As A Cruiser – Named Hummingbird

    Royal Enfield 650 Modified – Hummingbird
    Royal Enfield plans to launch multiple new motorcycles every year in India

    We already know by now that Royal Enfield is developing a full-blown cruiser based on the 650cc platform which underpins Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. Also referred to as KX650, launch is expected next year.
    Images of RE’s cruiser 650 test mule have already been out. However, before Royal Enfield launches their 650cc crusier officially, a custom-made cruiser on the same platform has already been made.
    While Interceptor 650 has been a fan favourite ever since its launch in 2018, there are loads of room for improvement in order to classify itself as a tourer. Its uncomfortable seat and stiff suspension setup make for an unforgiving riding experience for long distances.
    However, if it were modified into cruiser things might be different. An aftermarket customisation firm called Bulleteer Customs has modified an Interceptor into a proper cruiser and posted its images on its Instagram handle.

    Modified Design
    It has taken more than a year for Bulleteer Customs to complete this job, from designing to actual execution. The bike adopts a design of an authentic bobber with wide handlebars and a very low stance. Handlebars here use extenders to provide a comfortable riding position. Wheelbase has been increased by providing a slight rake to the front suspension unit thus feeling more planted on straight roads and highways.
    Tyres have been upgraded from 100mm to 120mm at front and 130mm to 180mm at rear. This also lends a distinct road presence to the motorcycle. Saddle has been lowered and flattened out with proper cushioning therefore making for a more comfortable ride. The customised bike gets a split seat instead of a single piece as on the stock Interceptor.

    Side body panels have been changed as well, which bear the name ‘Highway’. Fuel tank is of a similar tear-drop shape however, like Continental GT, it comes with cuts on either side for a more aerodynamic look. The motorcycle wears a nice contrasting look thanks to a colour scheme of hue green and black with pinstriping used.
    Engine and alloy wheels are painted in Black with a white accent matching the aesthetics of the cruiser. A different exhaust system which is more straight than being up-swept has been used.
    Powertrain Details
    Clearly, time and effort invested in this modification have paid off nicely and the bike looks quite tasteful. Interceptor is powered by a 648cc parallel-twin oil/air-cooled motor which gives out 47 bhp and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and offered with a slip and assist clutch. As of now there has been no official word from Royal Enfield regarding KX650’s launch but we expect to hear more about it in coming months.

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    New Honda CB 250cc Under Development – Patent Leaks

    Honda CB350 In India – For reference
    The recently launched CB350 in India competes with the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa and Benelli Imperiale

    Honda has been reaping benefits from the introduction of H’Ness CB350 introduced a couple of months ago in the India market. Despite being available in limited numbers through its premium chain of dealerships BigWing, it has found a decent amount of buyers.
    Now, the Japanese auto giant is looking to expand its popular CB range of bikes. Patent images of a new motorcycle possibly of the new CB250 have leaked and surfaced on the internet. Going by the images, it resembles closely to CB300R which is slated to launch in India soon.
    Design Expected
    Although it seems to share most of its working components with its elder sibling CB400 SF including its frame and bodywork. The frame in discussion here is a conventional double cradle type and the swingarm seems fairly simple. Lots of focus has been put into the rear suspension setup which gets a mono-shock unit and has been mounted directly in the swingarm with no rising-rate linkage.
    Thus the cycle part is mounted on the frame directly behind the machine’s fuel tank, something which is common to more modern Honda motorcycles. Rest of the components are similar to the CB400 SF like the seat, wheels and tail section.
    Honda CB 250cc patent leaks
    Development on this seems to be in nascent stages since details available are very limited. However, it looks Honda might be serious about this because if it weren’t so important a more generic image of this could have been drawn.
    CB250 legacy
    The first generation of CB250 came out in the 1970s with its latest incarnation coming out in 1992 and staying in global markets until it got replaced by CBF250 in 2003. Despite its modest power and torque figures, it performed its duties without any complaints and became one of the most popular middleweight classic motorcycles.
    Honda 250cc engine patent
    Chances of production & arriving in India
    As of now, Honda’s CB range extends from the entry-level CB125R to top of the line CB1000RR which recently got updated. Question arises whether this bike will indeed see a production version soon and if it will arrive in India or not. Honda is surely looking to expand its premium range of motorcycles in India and the new CB250 could be an enticing option since the much loved and endeared CBR250R got discontinued earlier this year.
    Currently, Honda premium range of BigWing motorcycles starts from the new H’Ness CB350 and the new CB250 could be placed under it. The challenge for Honda will be to heavily localise this bike just like it did with the CB350 which is claimed to be more than 90 percent localised in India.
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    Mini Countryman Gets a Boardwalk Edition, Coming Spring 2021

    Mini is launching a new special-edition Countryman called the Boardwalk.
    The Countryman is the company’s best U.S. seller. The new-for-2021 version of the Countryman went on sale in July.
    U.S. pricing and quantities on the Boardwalk are expected closer to its spring 2021 launch.
    Mini is launching a new limited-run, special edition Countryman called the Boardwalk. The company says the name comes from “the promenades of traditional seaside resorts in Britain, home of the Mini brand.” It is available in Cooper and Cooper S versions, starting at the equivalent of around $42,000 in the U.K. (Here in the U.S., the regular 2021 Countryman starts just over $27,000.) Mini plans to offer the car here, but an official told Autoweek the automaker is “a bit of a ways” out for the U.S. model, so details are scarce.

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    U.S. production is set for a March time frame, with the first vehicles expected to arrive April/May, the official told us, adding that U.S. pricing and product details are still being worked out. “We’ll do a U.S.-specific announcement sometime in the first quarter closer to market launch that includes such details,” Autoweek was told. The Countryman is the company’s best U.S. seller, and the new-for-2021 version went on sale in July.
    For now, we know that the European version of the Boardwalk has sharp-looking Deep Laguna Blue metallic paint, rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and has a contrasting black roof and black roof rails as well as a power hatch and LED front and rear lights.

    Inside, the doorsills, the cockpit fascia, and the roof sport unique Boardwalk logos. For the Europe market, Mini is offering more standard equipment including a number of options from regular Countrymans as standard—mood lighting, illuminated handles, and external logo projections from the mirrors are among them. The interior also has piano-black detailing. A digital cockpit is included, too, alongside cruise control with automated emergency braking, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The Navigation package includes an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay capability, and real-time traffic information. There’s also park assist, front parking sensors, and front- and rearview cameras.
    Remember, though, that this is the equipment Europe is getting. We’ll know more about our specs next spring.

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