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      in Electric Cars

      BYD Yuan UP Debuts (Smaller Than Atto 3) – Range Up To 401 Kms

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      BYD Yuan UPIf launched in India, BYD Yuan UP will compete with the likes of MG ZS EV, Maruti eVX, Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, Mahindra BE.05 and othersIndian electric car scene is currently witnessing growth in sales. This attracts automakers to bring in more attractive vehicles to sell in this Asian subcontinent. BYD is currently among the world’s leading electric carmakers and sells two EVs in India. We hope BYD brings Yuan UP to Indian shores, which was recently homologated in China as Yuan Up.BYD Yuan UP Debuts In ChinaThe new Yuan Up will be slotted above the Dolphin hatchback and Atto 3 SUV (sold as Yuan Plus in China). Yuan Up is a smaller EV compared to Atto 3, which is on sale in India. In Europe, it is likely to be launched as Atto 2.BYD Atto 2BYD has already launched Atto 3 in India and we hope Atto 2 makes its way over here as well. BYD Atto 2 is a compact electric SUV (often marketed as mid-size in India) that measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,675 mm in height.If launched in India, it will lock horns with MG ZS EV which is already on sale. In the future, BYD Atto 2 would rival upcoming electric SUVs like Tata Curvv EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, Mahindra BE.05 and maybe Kia EV3. Where design is concerned, the first set of images reminds me of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, for some reason.BYD Atto 2 DashboardThere is a black closed grill in the fascia flanked by sleek, but wide headlights. Lower bumper has two silver lines adding contrast to black cladding. There is body cladding all along the car’s length and width. Wheels are of aerodynamic shape. Charging socket is on the front right side.BYD Atto 2 InteriorsBattery and powertrainRear design has an infinity loop LED tail lights, adding some drama. Tail lights are connected. Roof mounted spoiler design is sporty and looks like Nissan Magnite’s. There are pull-up style door handles as well. Interior images reveal a less dramatic version of Atto 3’s dashboard. Like Atto 3, there is a 12.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch instrument screen, perforated leatherette seats and others. Crystal gear selector reminds you of BMW cars.BYD Atto 2 or Yuan Up in China, is positioned on the company’s 3rd gen e-Platform 3.0 EV skateboard. There are two battery choices – 32 kWh or 45.1 kWh. China’s CLTC test cycles rate the 32 kWh unit for 187 miles (301 km) and 249 miles (401 km) for a larger 45.1 kWh unit.BYD Atto 2 RearJust like BYD Dolphin, Atto 2 (Yuan Up in China) will get a front-mounted single electric motor for FWD layout offering two power configurations. Lower trims will get a 94 bhp electric motor and more money will provide 174 electric horses. The kerb weight for BYD Atto 2 is between 1,430 kg and 1,540 kg, depending upon battery and motor configurations.BYD is likely to launch Atto 2 in Europe this year. There is a small possibility of it reaching our shores. In Europe, BYD Atto 2 will rival Mini Aceman, Jeep Avenger, Volkswagen ID 2X, Smart #5 SUV and a few others. More

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      in Bike

      New Bajaj Pulsar Teaser Out – Is It The NS 400 ?

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      New Bajaj Pulsar Teaser OutPulsar 400 is likely to be positioned below Dominar 400, making it accessible at a lower price pointAs the market matures, the middleweight segment holds great potential for OEMs to power their growth. Renowned global brands like Triumph and Harley have entered this space recently. More action is expected in the coming years. Working on the same lines, Bajaj is readying its biggest Pulsar ever.Bajaj Pulsar 400 Teaser – What to expect?To make it work, Bajaj is aiming for a truly unique profile for the biggest Pulsar. At the time when Bajaj was thinking about its first 400cc bike, there was an option to use the Pulsar brand. However, a decision was eventually made in favour of Dominar 400. In terms of the sales targets set for Dominar 400, the bike has been largely an underperformer.New Bajaj Pulsar Teaser OutHowever, a lot has changed over the past few years. Upcoming Pulsar 400 could allow Bajaj to achieve its goals in middleweight motorcycle segment. Bajaj has confirmed that they will launch biggest Pulsar soon. Ahead of that, they have now shared a new Pulsar teaser on their social media, which could be of their upcoming Pulsar 400.It is expected that the biggest Pulsar will utilize a tweaked version of the perimeter chassis in use with Pulsar NS200. The latter is one of the popular Pulsar bikes, known for its sporty styling and powerful performance. It looks like a relevant model to be utilized for building the biggest Pulsar. Take a look at the new Pulsar 400 teaser below.[embedded content]Chassis used for NS200 has the capability to support engines of higher capacities. For Pulsar NS400, the chassis will be further strengthened. However, overall size and dimensions will be a close match. With NS200 chassis, upcoming Pulsar can achieve a lightweight profile. It is expected to weigh less than Dominar 400 that has a kerb weight of 193 kg. Assuming the Pulsar NS400 to be lighter, it will have a higher power to weight ratio.New Bajaj Pulsar Teaser OutPulsar NS400 will have an athletic build, just like other bikes in NS range. Bajaj will introduce some unique features and touch-ups to ensure a unique profile for the bike. Some of the key highlights will include an aggressive front fascia, USD forks, sporty rear-view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, split seats, sharp panelling, sporty graphics, underbelly exhaust and rear tyre hugger. The bike will be available in some exciting choice of colourways.Bajaj Pulsar NS400 performanceIn 400cc space, Bajaj has been manufacturing the 373cc engine used with Dominar 400. Bajaj also manufactures the 399cc unit for third-gen KTM 390 Duke and another engine of the same capacity for new Triumph 400. For upcoming Pulsar NS400, Bajaj will borrow the engine from Dominar 400. It generates 40 PS of max power and 35 Nm of peak torque. The power output is the same as that of Speed 400. But KTM 390 Duke has higher numbers to show at 46 PS and 39 Nm.New Bajaj Pulsar Teaser OutUsing Dominar’s engine for the biggest Pulsar makes sense from a cost perspective. Pulsar bikes have a reputation of offering the best value to enthusiasts. This will continue with the biggest Pulsar. Bajaj could launch Pulsar NS400 at an initial offer price of around Rs 2 lakh. At this price point, it could be the cheapest 400cc, 40 hp bike in the country. It will also rival soon to be launched Hero Mavrick 440. More

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      New Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter Debuts With Modern Features – 45 Kmpl Mileage

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      2024 Honda Stylo 160cc ScooterThe 160cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine on Honda Stylo 160 unveiled makes 16 bhp peak power and 15 Nm peak torqueIndia is one of the largest 2W markets in the world. This vast market is primarily dominated by commuter scooters and motorcycles. There is enough room for premium and sporty offerings and almost every manufacturer tries their hand in this direction. Honda Stylo 160 scooter was unveiled today. Does this make sense for India? Let’s take a look.Honda Stylo 160 Scooter UnveiledIf we look at Honda’s premium 160cc scooters, there is Honda ADV 160, Click 160 and the newly unveiled Stylo 160. The newest Stylo 160 is a neo-retro offering and looks like a scooter of the yesteryear. It is a stylish one and is likely to attract a lot of modern and young consumers looking for a retro-themed scooter.2024 Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter – 45 kmpl mileageThe retro appeal is perfectly complemented by many modern amenities. We’re talking about LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, a keyless start feature, an option between a Combi Braking System (CBS) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), alloy wheels, colour-matched ORVMs, colour-coded floorboard and sea covers, among others.Speaking of colours, Honda Stylo 160 gets Glam Beige, Royal Matte Black, Glam Red and Royal Green. The Royal colour options are likely to be the top-spec more expensive ones as they get option of ABS and they get brown floorboard and seat cover that does add visual drama.2024 Honda Stylo 160cc ScooterWhere powertrains are concerned, Honda Stylo 160 is powered by a single cylinder liquid cooled engine that generates around 16 bhp of peak power and 15 Nm of peak torque. This is around the same ballpark as Hero Xoom 160 and Yamaha Aerox 155. Being a Honda, we can expect a refined package as well.2024 Honda Stylo 160cc Scooter featuresWhere componentry is concerned, we can see alloy wheels that are likely to be 12-inches, wide tyres, front disc brakes, RSU telescopic front forks and more. There will be a sizeable under-seat storage too. Only Royal variants get painted silver grab rail and silver front forks.Does this make sense for India?In Indian scooter market, Honda is the undisputed king with almost no rivals in the immediate vicinity. Most of Honda’s scooter muscle gain is from Activa lineup, which is a commuter offering. HMSI has never ventured into premium high-capacity scooter offerings for Indian market and has stuck to commuters.Honda Stylo 160 Base VariantsBut why not? Yamaha is currently selling Aerox 155 sporty scooter in India. Hero MotoCorp is keen on launching its newly developed Xoom 160 ADV-styled maxi scooter in India. So, there seems to be a niche for premium scooters and Honda being India’s largest scooter maker, might consider this in the future. More

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      Honda NX500 Deliveries Commenced – 1st Unit In Gurugram

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      Honda NX500 Deliveries CommencedThe closest rivals to 47 bhp Honda NX500 ADV are Benelli TRK 502, Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650In India, Honda is expanding its multi-cylinder portfolio with new launches. The latest among these launches is Honda NX500, which is a premium multi-cylinder ADV motorcycle from Team Red. Launched at an inaugural price of Rs. 5,90,000, it is quite a lot more VFM than CB500X and is attracting a lot of eyeballs in India.Honda NX500 Deliveries CommencedThe motorcycle was launched last month and it takes the position of CB500X in Honda’s Indian lineup. Honda CB500X witnessed slow sales in India as it was devoid of the latest updates that global CB500X got. Honda NX500 is here to fix that and we should say, it overfills the shoes that CB500X left behind.Sold exclusively via Honda’s premium Big Wing dealerships, NX500 is a lucrative proposition. A proposition that Col. Abhishek Mishra has explored. Honda Big Wing Gurugram delivered their first Honda NX500 ADV motorcycle to Col. Abhishek Mishra. Celebrations followed soon and Honda Big Wing Gurugram wished Col. Abhishek Mishra safe and adventurous rides.Honda NX500 is brought to Indian shores via CBU route. Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has launched it in three exciting colours – Grand Prix Red, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White. Grand Prix Red is the most dashing shade offered with Honda NX500 and that is exactly what Col. Abhishek Mishra has chosen.Honda Big Wing Gurugram Dealer Delivered 1st Unit To Col. Abhishek MishraHonda’s re-considered pricing strategiesFor its Indian lineup, Honda was never considered to be subtle, where their pricing strategies are concerned. However, there seems to be a shift in Honda’s pricing strategies, especially with its Big Wing offerings. We say this because Honda CB500X was brought to Indian shores via CKD route and was priced at Rs. 6.87 lakh (ex-sh) at launch.Honda NX500 is brought to Indian shores via CBU route and it offers better equipment and features than CB500X. At Rs. 5.9 lakh (ex-sh), NX500 costs significantly less and offers more premium componentry like USD telescopic front forks, dual disc brake setup for front wheels and others.Also, there is a new 5-inch TFT instrument screen, which is a far cry when compared to CB500X’s LCD unit. This TFT unit gets Bluetooth connectivity featuring Honda Roadsync connected features with app support for Android and IOS. This enables call controls, music controls and navigation deets among others.Honda NX500NX500 bears a hybrid ADV design with a greater lean towards a semi-faired sports touring motorcycle DNA. It is powered by a 471cc parallel twin cylinder engine with 47 bhp of peak power at 8,600 RPM and 43 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 RPM. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, top speed is 180+ km/h.Honda NX500 Delivery More

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      New Bajaj Pulsar N150 And N160 Top Variants Launched – Updated Features

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      Bajaj Ride Connect AppAs opposed to the new top-spec variants, base models of both Pulsar N150 and N160 remain identical to 2023 model with similar pricesBajaj Auto has added two new variants to its ever-popular Pulsar lineup. The company intends to radicalise its Pulsar lineup and bring freshness to the formula and expand sales envelope. New variants are added to its newly launched Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160 motorcycles, brining new technology and equipment.New Bajaj Pulsar N150 And N160 Top Variants LaunchedBajaj’s primary sales contributor is Pulsar lineup. It is among the most popular sporty street motorcycle lineups in India and rivals TVS’ Apache series, Suzuki’s Gixxer and Yamaha’s FZ lineup. Appeal of a Pulsar bike is something that is unshakable among target demographic and commands a significant and loyal fan base.Company is catering to this demographic with new technology and equipment in the form of new top-spec variants for Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160. 2023 models without the 2024 updates continue to be on sale without any price revisions. Base variants of Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160 costs Rs. 1.18 lakh and Rs. 1.31 lakh respectively (both prices ex-sh).Only top variants of both Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160 get an updated instrument screen and are priced at Rs. 1.24 lakh and Rs. 1.33 lakh respectively. Top variant of Pulsar N150 now gets rear disc brakes as well. Hence the higher price difference between variants. Pulsar N160, on the other hand, gets dual-channel ABS as standard.New Bajaj Pulsar N150 and N160 top variantsBase variants of both Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160 continue to get the same semi-digital instrument cluster that featured an analogue tachometer. Only top variants get the new fully digital instrument screen that also supports Bluetooth connectivity. There were Pulsar N model test mules donning USD front forks. Maybe the Pulsar N250 will get this update.Updated features with top variantsFor starters, the new fully digital instrument screen is an LCD unit and supports Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with one’s smartphone with the help of Bajaj Ride Connect App. This unlocks call alerts, mobile notification alerts, mobile battery health, mobile signal reception strength, and other features.There is a “Mode” button on left switchgear that helps cycle through this new instrument cluster. There is no turn-by-turn navigation feature yet, similar to what Yamaha is doing with its FZ lineup. However, TVS does offer turn-by-turn navigation with their Apache lineup.Bajaj New Console FeaturesWith this development, Pulsar N150 and Pulsar N160 top variants became the first Bajaj motorcycles to get Bluetooth connectivity. Powertrains and componentry remain the same to 2023 models, apart from the changes mentioned above. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon EV Discounts Up To Rs 2.8 L (MY2023) – Offers On New Version As Well

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      Image – JayarajTata’s discount for Nexon EV comes at a time when rivals like Mahindra and MG Motor have also reduced prices of their EVsTowards the end of the financial year, it’s common to see OEMs announce discounts and offers to clear unsold stock. Just a few days back, MG Motor had announced price cuts across the range. Tata appears to be working on the same lines, as discount offers have been announced for both pre-facelift and facelift Nexon EV. The discount offers are applicable only on the MY2023 Nexon EV model.MY2023 Nexon EV pre-facelift – Rs 2.80 lakh cheaperNexon EV facelift has a sportier profile and an extended equipment list in comparison to the pre-facelift model. However, with a discount of up to Rs 2.80 lakh, the pre-facelift Nexon EV seems like an attractive deal. The discount offer is applicable on the unsold stock of MY2023 pre-facelift models. The pre-facelift Nexon EV has Prime and Max trims.MY 2023 Nexon EV Max pre faceliftBased on stock available, Nexon EV Prime is available with total benefits worth Rs 1.90 lakh to Rs 2.30 lakh. Folks buying the top-spec Nexon EV Max variant are eligible for a discount of Rs 2.80 lakh. This is Rs 20k more than the discount offer announced for Nexon EV in December 2023.MY2023 Nexon EV pre-facelift Prime variant is equipped with a 30.2 kWh battery pack. It supplies power to a 129 hp electric motor. ARAI certified range is 312 km. In comparison, the MY2023 Nexon EV pre-facelift Max variant has a larger 40.5 kWh battery pack. It is linked to a 143 hp electric motor. ARAI certified range is 437 km.Tata Nexon EV discount offers Feb 2024MY2023 Nexon EV facelift – Rs 1 lakh cheaperDiscounts and benefits worth Rs 50,000 are available with Fearless MR, Empowered + LR and Empowered MR variants of MY2023 Nexon EV facelift. Customers choosing the Fearless + MR, Fearless +S MR and Fearless + LR variants are eligible for discounts and benefits worth Rs 65,000. A discount of Rs 85,000 is applicable on the Fearless LR variant. The top-spec Fearless + S LR variant of MY2023 Nexon EV facelift is available with discounts and benefits worth up to Rs 1 lakh.Tata Nexon EV facelift model is available in Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) variants. Nexon EV MR has a 30.2 kWh battery that connects to an electric motor generating 129 hp and 215 Nm. ARAI certified range is 325 km. Nexon EV LR variant has a 40.5 kWh battery, connected to an electric motor that makes 145 hp and 215 Nm. ARAI certified range is 465 km. A 7.2 kW AC charger is offered as standard with both MR and LR variants of Nexon EV. Refuelling from 10% to 100% takes 4.3 hours for the MR variant and around 6 hours for LR variant.As of now, Nexon EV primarily rivals the Mahindra XUV400. The latter is available with discounts of up to Rs 4.40 lakh. XUV400 prices start at Rs 15.49 lakh. In comparison, Nexon EV is available at a starting price of Rs 14.74 lakh. More

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      in Bike

      Kinetic E-Luna Launched At Rs. 70,000 – 110km Range

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      Kinetic E-Luna LaunchedProduction of chassis and major subassemblies of E-Luna will commence soon at Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL) plant in Ahmednagar, MaharashtraOriginally equipped with a 50cc petrol motor supplied by Honda, Kinetic Luna was one of the most popular two-wheelers from 70s to 90s. At its peak, Luna used to register sales of 2,000 units per day. Its market share in moped segment was at 95%. However, as more fuel efficient and robust two-wheelers entered the scene, Luna slowly faded away.Now, after a gap of around two decades, Chal Meri Luna will be back in business. This time around, it is launched in electric format, named E-Luna. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, graced his presence at the stage of Kinetic E-Luna launch. The introductory price quoted for Kinetic E-Luna is Rs. 70,000.Kinetic Luna Electric LaunchLuna electric features, range, priceE-Luna has stuck to a similar design philosophy as that of petrol-powered Luna of yesteryears. It is slender, lightweight and designed for utility. Basic principles governing market positioning such as affordability, reliability and performance are the same for E-Luna as the OG Luna. Company promises Rs. 2,500 monthly expense including Rs. 2,000 EMI and Rs. 300 for electricity cost per month when bought on 36 month financing plan.Even with just 50cc engine, petrol-powered Luna could easily carry two adults. It was nimble-footed on the streets, had surprisingly good acceleration and could tackle inclines with ease. ICE-based Luna was also widely used as a mule, with capabilities to carry heavy loads. Similar capabilities and USPs are expected from E-Luna as well.Kinetic E-Luna ComparedPriced at Rs. 70,000, Kinetic E-Luna is an attractive proposition for target demographic. E-Luna will be primarily targeted at B2B segment, which has been witnessing greater acceptance for electric vehicles including two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Notable features of E-Luna are 16-inch wheels and 170mm ground clearance.There is a 2 kWh battery pack. Kinetic E-Luna claims a range of 110 kilometers on a single charge, which is impressive. Top speed is 50 kmph and it aligns with urban commuting requirements. With numbers like these, Kinetic E-Luna makes for an ideal city vehicle. The peak torque is 22 Nm and it ensures an eco-friendly ride.Charging time is promised at 4-hour, which is not all bad. Especially considering the price. Batteries are both fixed and swap-ready, for B2B applications.Kinetic E-Luna ColoursLuna electric productionE-Luna will soon be launched by KEL’s sister company Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd. On its part, KEL has already developed the chassis and major subassemblies such as swing arm, side stand and main stand. Production capacity could be around 5,000 units per month. It will be ramped-up later, based on demand.For manufacturing E-Luna, KEL has setup a brand-new assembly line at its Ahmednagar plant. It comprises 30 welding machines, which will be doing much of the work on the chassis and subassemblies. KEL has also upgraded its paint, press and fabrication shops, involving an investment of over Rs 3 crore. Manufacturing of parts for E-Luna is expected to contribute Rs 30 crore annually to KEL’s revenue over the next 2-3 years. More

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      EV Startup River Bagged Rs. 332 Cr In Series B Funding Led By Yamaha

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      River Indie Electric ScooterThe River Indie takes utility approach to beat its primary rivals from 2W EV manufacturers like Ola, Ather, Simple Energy, TVS, Bajaj and the likesRiver is a Bengaluru based Indian electric mobility startup that has launched its maiden product already. Called River Indie, this is a fairly practical and no-nonsense scooter and the company advertises it as SUV of electric scooters. The pre-order price for Bengaluru customers was Rs. 1.25 lakh (inclusive of FAME II subsidy).EV Startup River Bagged Rs. 323 Cr In Series B FundingRecent developments revolving around River EV startup is that the company had its Series B funding round. This funding round was led by Yamaha Motor Co LTD. River successfully raised a total of USD 40 million in this round. When translated to Indian Rupees, USD 40 million is Rs. 332 Crores in today’s conversion rates.Other notable players who contributed to River’s Series B funding round were Al Futtiam Group, Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures and Maniv Mobility. Refreshing your memory, Al Futtiam Group was the one that led the funding round for River startup held in 2023. In total, River has managed to raise USD 68 million.When translated to Indian Rupees, USD 68 million is Rs. 565 Crores in today’s conversion rates. River has its 12,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hoskote, outside Bengaluru in Karnataka state. Just last month, River opened its inaugural showroom in Bengaluru, soon to be followed by more.River Indie InstrumentationAmong the USD 68 million raised so far, a sizeable chunk is likely to go towards significantly extending River’s network in India. This includes both distribution and service networks to incorporate more metropolitan cities and other major Tier-1 nd Tier-2 cities across India.Specs & SpecificationsRiver Indie is the company’s maiden product. Indie is entirely designed and developed in Bengaluru, where River’s R&D facility is. The company launched River Indie last year and we have driven it around Bengaluru. You can read our first-ride review of River Indie here.Indie is very practical and utilitarian in its approach to urban electric mobility. Advertised as SUV of electric SUVs, Indie boasts the highest utility with best-in-class built-in storage capacity of 43L under the seat and 12L glovebox behind front apron. There is a dual barrel LED headlight setup in its apron that resembles Yamaha NEO’s.River Indie Under-seat StorageUniquely, River offers additional storage boxes as accessories to fully elevate this electric scooter’s utility to a new level. There are three youthful poppy colours on offer – Spring Yellow, Summer Red and Monsoon Blue.River Indie packs a 4 kWh battery, powering a 9 bhp and 26 Nm mid-mounted electric motor. Indie is claimed to deliver a real world range of 120 km on a single charge. Front and rear disc brakes, CBS (Combi Brake System) RSU telescopic front forks, rear twin shock absorbers, 14-inch alloy wheels and others are notable elements. More