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    Ola Electric Scooter Gets Move OS 3 – 50 New Features Free Upgrade

    With the latest Move OS 3 software update, Ola Electric has added a ton of new features that are likely to enhance user experienceImage – MasterMind TechOla Electric has been consistently supporting its S1 scooter ecosystem. With software updates, the company makes key changes and unlock better performance, range and new features. The latest of these software updates is Move OS 3. Sure, there are delays here and there, but deliverance is what matters.For example, Move OS 2.0 saw multiple delays and Move OS 3 was supposed to launch around Diwali, as teased before. There were a bunch of new features promised by Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and the company has delivered on most of them. Let’s take a look.Ola Move OS 3With three electric scooters, S1 Air, S1 and S1 Pro, Ola Electric is currently one of the leading electric scooter makers in the country. The company even has plans to launch electric motorcycles and electric cars in the near future. Ola has now released Move OS 3 software release for over 1 lakh users unlocking as many as 50 new features.Among the promised features were hill hold, moods, regen V2, proximity unlock, key sharing, calling, hyper charging, and many more. Out of all these, hill hold has not made it to Ola Move OS 3 final release that was made available for general consensus as it is still in beta phase. Apart from features, Ola claims better performance and range as well.Ola S1 Proximately Unlock ? pic.twitter.com/iSLGosELoX— svs prasada rao (@saishailesh08) December 21, 2022The new software update shaves 0.5 seconds off of its 0-60 km/h run. It used to take 5 seconds and now only takes 4.5 seconds. Other performance updates include Hypercharging compatibility allowing Ola scooters to lap up 50 km of range in just 15 minutes. With better torque mapping and charging algorithms, users now have a 2% to 5% better range as well.Performance gets a boost of 20% in Sports mode and 10% in Hyper mode. Earlier, top speed was capped at 40 km/h in Eco mode, which saw a boost as well. Multiple users feature allows different settings per user and proximity lock and unlock allows locking and unlocking within proximity of the key.Added FeaturesUsers can use hazard lights, and wifi, get call notifications, and also store and display important documents on digital display like DL, insurance copy and the likes. Ola Move OS 3 adds moods, which are basically switchable themes – Vintage, Bolt and Eclipse. Each of these get a different lock and unlock sound, charging sound and motor sound.Other added features include vacation mode, which when toggled, will stall deep discharge till 200 days of inactivity and Party mode. Speaking of, Party mode is purely gimmicky. It synchronizes lights and combines them with songs to create a unique aura. Something similar is found on Tesla Model X, where its Gullwing doors are also thrown in the mix.Currently, Ola Electric range starts from S1 Air, S1 and S1 Pro. Prices start from Rs. 84,999 for S1 Air, Rs. 99,999 for S1 and Rs. 1,39,000 for top-spec S1 Pro with all the bells and whistles. Ola has set up its Hypercharging network in select cities for convenient charging. More

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    New Bajaj Platina 110 ABS At Dealer Showroom – First Walkaround

    Displacing 115.45 cc, Bajaj Platina 110 ABS engine makes 8.44 bhp of power and 9.81 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearboxNew Bajaj Platina 110 ABSCompetition leads to better products for end consumers. This has stayed true in almost every segment. To create competition there has to be someone to take the leap of faith or take the first step. That’s exactly what Bajaj has done with Platina 110 ABS.By launching Platina ABS, Bajaj has introduced the safety net of ABS in 110-115cc budget commuter segment. As seen in top 10 motorcycle sales charts, Hero Splendor and Honda CB Shine secure the top spots while Platina takes 5th spot with 33K units in its name.Bajaj Platina 110 ABS WalkaroundPriced at Rs. 72,224 (ex-sh), Bajaj Platina 110 ABS is a good buy when rivals are considered. Post-launch, display units have started to arrive at dealerships. Thanks to BikeDirector channel, we now have a detailed walkaround to understand what this new vehicle offers. Let’s take a look.This segment-first ABS safety net is likely to bring increased sales for Bajaj. The company has received feedback regarding better braking hardware as the target demographic faced a lot of panic braking situations. Roads are filled with random idiocies and unregulated factors result in panic braking situations which further lead into wheel locking and skidding. These are major concerns and often lead to accidents.[embedded content][embedded content]Now that Bajaj has introduced ABS in this budget commuter segment, it is highly likely that rivals will take notice and implement similar tech. Speaking about the motorcycle in question, the walkaround video gives good insights. For starters, design and powertrain are identical to the Platina 110 ES model, without ABS.We get a fairly stylish design when commuter standards are concerned. Alloy wheel differs from Platina 100 and gets an option of disc brake as well. Headlight assembly gets a black surround and a semi-transparent visor, which is opaque on lower trims of Platina 100. It gets a long seat which should appeal to the target demographic.We now have ABS stickers on front telescopic forks which is a visual identifier as opposed to other variants in Platina 110 lineup. The digital instrument cluster offers a fair amount of information and even displays ABS indications as well.Specs & FeaturesComponentry is kept identical to standard Platina 110, except for the new ABS hardware. The overall motorcycle weighs in at just 119 kg and is very manoeuvrable by an average person. Combining this lightness with a 115.45 cc single-cylinder engine, one can expect impressive fuel economy figures.This fuel injected engine is capable of making 8.44 bhp of power at 7,000 RPM and 9.81 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox connected to rear wheels via a chain drive. Bajaj Platina 110 ABS retains the 11L fuel tank from the outgoing model and offers a decent tank range. More

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    Tata Punch Electric Launch In 2023 – Price Lower Than Nexon EV

    With new rivals emerging in entry-level EV segment, Tata Motors is bolstering its portfolio with products like Punch electricImage of Tata Sierra Electric SUV Concept for illustration purposeAfter successful debut of Tiago EV earlier this year in September, Tata Motors is gearing up to launch electric version of its popular Punch micro-SUV. The agenda is pretty clear, as Tata Motors will be looking to retain its dominance in EV space. As of now, Nexon EV along with Tigor EV command market share of more than 80%.After Punch electric is launched in 2023, Tata Motors will have a total of 4 EVs in its portfolio. Each of these cater to a different segment, which is an advantageous factor in view of emerging rivals and options available to consumers.Tata Punch EV variantsPunch EV will be slotted between Tigor EV and Nexon EV Prime. Its range, specs and features will be determined accordingly. Just like other electric cars from Tata, Punch EV will continue to utilize the trusted Ziptron powertrain.Punch EV will be getting two battery pack options, medium range and long range. For medium range Punch EV, power output and range could be similar to that of Tigor EV. The latter is equipped with a 26-kWh battery pack, mated to a 75 PS electric motor. Torque output is 170 Nm.50,000th Tata Electric Car – Nexon EVLong range Punch EV will closely match the specs of Nexon EV Prime. For reference, Nexon EV Prime has a 30.2 kWh battery pack that sends power to a 129 PS electric motor. Torque output is at 245 Nm. Hardware configuration will be similar such as adjustable regenerative braking and IP67-rated water and dust proof battery pack.Punch EV will be the first electric car to be based on Tata’s ALFA platform. The first car to utilize ALFA was Altroz. ALFA has been designed as a versatile platform, with capabilities to support multiple body styles and powertrains including electric powertrain. As such, users can expect better driving dynamics with Punch EV in comparison to other Tata EVs.Punch EV features, specsExteriors of Punch EV will be updated to match the signature styling seen with other Tata electric cars. Some exclusive colour options could be introduced. Interiors will have a lighter colour theme with signature blue highlights on the AC vents and blue stitching on the seats.Top-spec variants are likely to get leatherette upholstery. Other key features expected are automatic climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, push button start/stop, cruise control, electric ORVM with auto fold and full digital instrument console.A range of connectivity features will be available such as car location tracking, remote geo fencing, real time charging status, remote vehicle health diagnostics and charging station locator. Safety kit will include features like dual airbags ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring system, camera-based reverse park assist with dynamic guideways and follow-me-home headlamps. More

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    Finding The Best Of 10Best’s First Decade: Window Shop with Car and Driver

    This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This is Car and Driver celebrating the wonderfulness that is itself. The first issue, then branded as Sports Car Illustrated, was published in 1955. In 1961, then-editor Karl Ludvigsen brilliantly rebranded the monthly magazine as Car and Driver. Then, in the January 1983 issue, the editorial mission bloomed with incandescent purpose with the introduction of the annual 10Best list. It’s been nothing but brilliant choices ever since. A full 40 years of brilliance.Okay, the Renault Alliance was on the first list. That was a mistake. Only that one screw-up. A great record.So Window Shop, the Zoom-based show of competitive used-car shopping beloved by several, undertakes the challenge of finding a great example of a car that appeared on the 10Best list during the first decade of the 10Best era. That’s between 1983 and 1992. The price cap was set at $50,000 – and none of the choices even came close to that.More 10BestOh look, the Dodge Daytona was on the 1984 list. That’s two mistakes. Only two.Wait, the Fiero 2M4 with the Iron Duke four was also on the list that year? Crap!This episode’s participants are editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga, whose Machiavellian machinations have served him so well during his career. He just can’t turn off the scheming for one fun hour on YouTube. He found something-or-other. Oh, a . . . Sentra. Sheesh.Executive Editor K.C. Colwell used his keen insights to find an S-Class Mercedes. Senior Editor Joey Capparella did a fine job seeking out a nugget of C/D history. Road & Track senior editor John Pearley Huffman, who keeps showing up for these things despite not working here, uncovered a glorious Acura. So sweet.But it’s C/D’s current favorite freelancer Jonathon Ramsey that nailed this challenge like plywood. Go watch and appreciate the glory of his choice.Here’s a history of the 10Best stories to guide your own speculations. Remember, this episode of Window Shopping was limited to the lists generated between 1983 and 1992. More Window ShoppingThis content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    Hyundai to Remake a Lost 1974 Concept Car with Giugiaro's Help

    Every car brand has an origin story, although some are more glamorous than others. Until recently, Hyundai seemed to have little regard for its early history. The company preferred, understandably, to concentrate on the growing success of its present and future. That’s some success: Hyundai Motor Group was the world’s fourth biggest automaker by volume last year, producing more vehicles than Stellantis or General Motors.But now Hyundai is taking more pride in its humble origins. Design boss Sangyup Lee cited the company’s first car, the 1974 Pony, as the inspiration for many of the themes of the Ioniq 5 EV. He has also acknowledged the similar debt that the spectacular fuel-cell ‘technology demonstrator’ N Vision 74 owes to the concept version of the the same Pony that Giorgetto Giugiaro, then working for Italdesign, created in 1974.Hyundai Retro DesignsBut beyond photographs, almost nothing of the original Pony Coupe concept survived. The original show car is lost and presumed long scrapped, there weren’t any detailed engineering drawings to be found in the archive. If Hyundai wanted a Pony Coupe concept it would have to build one. HyundaiNow, that is exactly what is happening. Giugiaro, now 84 years old but still working hard, will supervise the creation of an exact recreation, as close as possible to the mislaid original. We will see it next year.Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1968, but started out making somebody else’s car. Its first product was a Korean version of the Ford Cortina, a compact sedan from the British market. The larger and slightly grander German-market Ford 20M was later added to the portfolio, and Hyundai continued to build Fords under license into the 1980s.But Hyundai was determined to become an automaker in its own right. In 1973 it recruited George Turnbull, a former British Leyland executive, to lead a team that would create an all-new car. He brought a group of engineers from the U.K. to help create both a new factory and the model for it to build. The prospect of generous tax-free salaries meant there was no shortage of talented applicants, and this team included well-known race car designer John Crossthwaite.At this point the official story diverges from the one from period reports. Hyundai is keen to highlight the newness of the rear-wheel-drive Pony, including its exterior design that had been contracted to Giugiaro’s Italdesign in Turin. The reality of South Korea’s fledgling supply infrastructure meant much of the Pony actually came from elsewhere. Underneath it was closely related to the contemporary Mitsubishi Lancer, sharing its engine, gearbox, and rear axle. Many other components, including the brakes, the instrument cluster, and the steering rack, came from Britain.Hyundai wanted a traditional design for its first car, which Giugiaro duly delivered. The boxy Pony had a utilitarian honesty and the modest excitement of a fastback rear. But no part of it could be called radical or exciting, which is why Hyundai soon decided it wanted a more glamourous model to display next to the four-door at auto shows to help raise interest.HyundaiFortunately, Italdesign had already used the Pony floorpan as the basis for an elegant coupe that Giugiaro had created to highlight both his and his company’s talents. This was called the Asso Di Fiori—meaning Ace of Clubs in Italian—and was set to be shown on the Italdesign stand at the 1974 Turin Auto Show. At the last moment Hyundai decided to officially adopt it and call it the Pony Coupe. (Italdesign then recycled the Asso Di Fiori name for a later coupe concept which became the Isuzu Impulse.)Beneath its hastily applied Hyundai branding, the Pony Coupe was sleek and stylish but bore few obvious similarities to its four-door sibling. The mid-1970s were Giugiaro’s busiest and most productive years, and the coupe was part of a run of spectacular two-doors that included the Maserati Merak and Boomerang concept, Lotus Esprit, Volkswagen Scirocco and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV. Elements from all of those are seen in the Hyundai, but it also featured plenty of innovation including a glazed top-hinged trunk lid which technically made it a hatchback. The cabin also featured the zany combination of a single spoke steering wheel, up-and-down linear instruments—with red markers moving against fixed scales—and a small, raised gear shifter.HyundaiHyundaiWhile the Pony Coupe concept looked great, it was clearly some way from production reality—especially for a company that had only just started building its first model. Sangyup Lee, who has spent time tracing Hyundai’s early history through the corporate archives, said that the company soon realized, as he delicately put it, that “the Pony engine and chassis would struggle to give a credible level of performance.” The Coupe concept appeared at various auto shows and gained different wheels and a partial repaint over time. Then it disappeared, likely scrapped but possibly still sitting lost in a storage facility somewhere in Korea.Yet Hyundai was obviously keen to turn it into a purchasable car. While researching the history of the concept, Hyundai discovered a single image of a different car sitting on a storage pallet. This seemed to be a production version of the Coupe that combined a similar roofline and side graphic with a more conventional quad-headlight front end. Beyond flatter sides, and the lack of gullwing doors, it beared an unmistakeable similarity to another of Italdesign’s more famous designs from slightly later, the DeLorean DMC-12. Like an efficient craftsman, Giugiaro would clearly recycle good ideas rather than risk losing them.HyundaiNearly 50 years after his first visit to what was then Hyundai’s brand new plant in Ulsan, Giorgetto Giugiaro returns for the official announcement of the new Coupe concept. This will be built by the GFG Style company in Turin that Giugiaro owns with his son, Fabrizio. Work has already begun, despite the lack of original documentation, and we can expect to see the finished car next year. It represents a considerable amount of both cost and effort to recreate a car that only automotive historians remember, but one the company clearly thinks is important. “Giugiaro was Hyundai’s first designer,” Hyundai President Luc Donckerwolke told C/D at the announcement ceremony in Korea. “That is a connection to be celebrated. But [the Coupe concept] also proves that Hyundai was always thinking about making more interesting and more desirable cars.”Donckerwolke is a hugely experienced car designer himself, formerly Hyundai’s chief creative officer, who worked closely with Giugiaro during his time at Lamborghini. He also admitted that future collaborations remain possible, especially as some of the other Giugiaro-designed Hyundai models from the 1970s and 80s may well serve as inspiration for other future products and concepts.HyundaiGiugiaro himself is clearly happy that one of his lesser known pieces of work is being reborn, but is also keen to emphasize that the Pony Coupe wasn’t just a precursor to the more famous DeLorean.“It does have a lot of similarities with the DMC-12,” he told C/D, speaking through an interpreter, “but just because it has similarities does not make it the same—what was important was to strike a balance.”“Making proportions in a well-balanced manner is always important, so some aspects might be repetitive,” he said, “but even if we have similar faces when we create a product, there are lots of differences and similarity isn’t the same thing as being equal.”Perhaps it is inevitable that with as many highlights in his portfolio, the Maestro himself will always prefer to talk about distinctions rather than likenesses.He did reveal another fascinating detail from the period, that Volkswagen was planning to use the Pony name for the hatchback that he was styling for them at the same time he was working on Hyundai’s first car. But the Korean model made it to market first, and stole the name, so the Volkswagen had to rapidly be rechristened as the Golf. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

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    New Geely Panda Mini Electric Car Launch Price 40k Yuan (Rs 5 L) – MG Air Rival

    At slightly over 3m in length, Geely Panda Mini EV offers space for 4 adults – Only for Chinese market as of nowNew Geely Panda Mini Electric CarRemember Geely Holding Company? It is the parent company of Volvo Cars, Lotus Cars, London Electric Vehicle Company, and Qianjiang Motorcycles along with Geely Auto as a brand. The brand’s primary market is China and it is one of the most well-established automotive companies in the world.There is a market in China for tiny electric vehicles primarily targeted at urban buyers. Cars like Wuling Hongguang Mini EV / MG Air often top the sales charts in China. These cars have a tendency to be cute-sy and toy-ish in many ways which appeal to the target demographic perfectly.New Geely Panda Mini ElectricWith that market in mind, Geely has now showcased its new Panda Mini EV via its subsidiary brand Geome. The theme of this car is, you guessed it, Pandas. The company has successfully designed this car to match or come close to the cuteness of an actual Panda.China is notoriously famous for congestion along with pollution in major cities. A small electric vehicle is a boon for situations like this and is set to be wallet-friendly when compared to large electric vehicles with large batteries and powerful motors.Panoramic SunroofGeely Panda Mini EV tries to radiate as much cuteness as a Panda would. In that regard, we have a toy-ish exterior design. We can see references to Pandas in its front and rear bumper design with black inserts, mimicking black patches below a Panda’s eyes. There is a small rectangular cutout for air intake to cool the batteries. Rest of the front fascia is closed-off.There are circular LED DRLs around the headlight and between them, we have Geome branding in a cutout that is likely to be the opening for its charging setup. It also gets blackened ORVMs that come off as ears of a Panda.References to Pandas don’t stop there. Alloy wheel hubs are designed to mimic panda paws and finish off the overall Panda-inspired design. Geely showcased the Panda Mini Electric Car in Hangzhou and even the demonstration was filled with pink and light blue shades and panda figures everywhere.Panda Like FaceSpecs & FeaturesIt has seating for four and two doors for ingress and egress. A large infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster dominate the pink dashboard. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, physical climate control buttons, and more. It measures just over 3m in length and 1.5m in width. Panda Mini EV is 1.6m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.01m.It is said to be equipped with a Lithium-Ferrous-Phosphate battery from Guoxuan High-Tech. Speaking about driving range, expect around 150 km of range from a single charge. A 40 bhp motor (30 kW) should be enough to move around this tiny vehicle. In China, Geely Panda Mini EV is likely to be priced between 40,000 and 50,000 Yuan (approx Rs. 4.73 lakh to Rs. 5.92 lakh). It mainly rivals Wuling Hongguang Mini EV and MG Air EV which is set to launch in India as well. More

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    Yamaha Sales Breakup Nov 2022 – R15, MT15, FZ, RayZR, Fascino

    In November 2022, every single product in Yamaha’s domestic lineup showed an alarming decline in sales MoMImage – VineethYamaha India sales for the month of November 2022 ended on a positive note. It was only in MoM analysis of domestic sales, there was a chink in Yamaha’s otherwise balanced armour. MoM, every product sold with a Yamaha badge has seen a decline. 42,802 units were sold in the domestic market and 23,316 units were shipped last month.With these figures, Yamaha India registered 8.89% and 21.56% YoY growth in domestic and export markets respectively. That said, domestic market saw a YoY decline of 30.62%, while exports saw 6.19% MoM growth. The company mostly registered balanced figures and there were no extravagant gains or losses, except for MoM data for domestic market with 18,889 units lost in volume MoM.Yamaha Sales Breakup Nov 2022In domestic market, Yamaha sales charts were topped by RayZR 125 scooters with 10,795 units. Even though it surpassed Fascino sales which stood at 9,801 units, RayZR saw a 12.55% YoY decline and 7.60% MoM decline, the latter saw 19.41% YoY growth and 6.67% MoM de-growth.FZ series is Yamaha’s highest-selling motorcycle and trails behind the company’s scooter lineup in domestic market. With 7,988 units sold, FZ saw 4.77% YoY growth and a 60.92% MoM decline, which is the highest in this list. R15 fell into the red completely by selling 7,427 units and saw an 11.50% YoY drop and a 29.54% MoM drop. Volume loss stood at 965 units YoY and 3,114 units MoM.YoY AnalysisR15’s naked sibling MT15 saw 132.31% YoY growth and a 21.18% MoM decline as figures stood at 6,335 units last month. Even though FZ25 registered 3157% YoY growth, sales are nothing to write home about as it sold just 456 units as opposed to just 14 sold in November 2021. MoM analysis shows a drop of 6.62%.Yamaha Exports Nov 2022Even though Yamaha dropped some sales MoM in domestic markets, exports show a steady growth of 21.56% YoY and 6.19% MoM. In exports, FZ took the lead with 12,242 units shipped last month and registered 32.40% YoY and 14.04% MoM growth. Volume gain stood at 2,996 and 1,507 units YoY and MoM respectively.Next in line is YD125 with 3K units. This commuter showed highest growth on this list of 400%, but failed to make a mark MoM with a 20% decline. Domestic highest-seller RayZR took 3rd place in exports with 2,486 units shipped last month and saw a 32.97% YoY decline and 41.33% MoM growth.MoM AnalysisWhile Saluto RX shipped 1,998 units, it was R15 at 5th spot with 1,036 units which is the first Yamaha export to register positive growth in both YoY and MoM analysis at 49.71% and 12.12% respectively. FZ25 and SZ shipped 900 and 764 units last month. FZ25 showed YoY growth and MoM decline, and SZ exports completely fell into the red. Saluto and MT15 sold 686 and 204 units respectively and registered positive growth of 37.20% and 151.85% YoY and 14.33% and 27.50% growth MoM respectively. More

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    2020 Porsche Taycan EV Owners Can Retrofit a Faster Onboard Charger

    Making a later update to a car from a previous model year may be unusual, but Porsche has done it, offering a replacement for the factory-installed onboard charger to a more powerful one.The newer 19.2-kW AC charging unit will let owners of the 2020 Taycan charge their vehicle several hours faster.Owners of newer Taycans can get the upgrade as well, but the real benefit is to 2020 models that will become as up-to-date as new models when it comes to charging speed. Software updates to add new or uprated features to electric cars are no longer a new and novel idea. Tesla’s been doing them for a decade; its first over-the-air update for the Model S was in October 2012. Other makers have followed, with software reflashes done at dealerships (which predated Tesla, but were almost always for safety recalls) and now, increasingly, over the air.Full Details and SpecsBut updating hardware—actual physical components of the car—is a different and far rarer offer. So a recent announcement by Porsche is an admirable outlier: The company will offer owners of 2020 Taycan electric sports sedans the ability to replace the 9.6-kilowatt onboard AC charger fitted at the factory with a more powerful 19.2-kW unit, launched in 2021 as a $1680 option. The upgrade can shave several hours off an overnight recharge.Owners of 2021 and later models who want faster AC charging benefit as well: The upgrade is offered for any Taycan. But it’s particularly important for the first-year models, bringing them up to the same charging ability as the highest-spec Taycans sold new in dealerships today.John Voelcker|Car and DriverThe 19.2-kW charger lets the car charge faster on a Level 2 (240-volt) AC garage charging station, if that station can deliver the higher power and is wired on a circuit that can supply it. The difference in charge times is substantial: the Taycan’s 71.0-kilowatt-hour Performance Battery can recharge from zero to 100 percent in 4.8 hours, against 9.5 hours using the original charger. For more powerful Taycans with the 83.7-kWh Performance Battery Plus, the same charge will take 5.3 hours versus a previous 10.5 hours. The replacement isn’t a minor operation, since the charger is located behind the front trunk and requires a new section of wiring harness. The full parts kit (number 9J1.044.900.31) carries a retail price of $1850.15. Porsche estimates 12 hours of labor will be required for the full retrofit. At dealership rates that can reach $200 per hour or more, the total tab for charging twice as fast could run owners $4500 or so.PorscheBonus: Plug & ChargeThere’s an additional benefit, though. The software upgrade for the new onboard charger also gives 2020 Taycan owners a new and desirable capability: the Plug & Charge protocol that lets them plug into an Electrify America DC fast-charging station and then walk away, with all verification and billing handled on the back end. Just like a Tesla using the company’s Supercharger fast-charging network, in fact. (Note that the upgraded AC charger has nothing to do with DC fast charging via Electrify America; the Plug & Charge ability comes as a bonus in the software upgrade that allows the new charger to work.)But why is the new charger such a unicorn? Essentially because hardware updates are extremely uncommon among carmakers. The car that rolls out the factory door is the one that a final owner will drive a decade or more later. Any changes to the factory spec are almost certainly due to safety recalls, and these days they’re far more likely to be tweaks to the car’s powertrain control or software for advanced driver-assistance systems than they are hardware.Software Is Easy; Hardware Isn’tThere are some notable exceptions. In October 2009, Toyota began a recall that included sawing off a portion of the accelerator pedals on 3.8 million vehicles to avert floor-mat fouling after the questionable “sudden acceleration” concern. In general, though, makers change vehicle hardware only with great reluctance—and almost never design vehicles to allow hardware upgrades.Anecdote 1: Many vehicles early in the past decade that were fitted with GM’s Onstar communications feature accessed it via 3G cellular service. (Yes, Virginia, there was once such a thing.) This month, cellular carriers will finally shut down that network. Has GM offered a retrofit to allow owners of the 2015 and earlier cars to use newer cellular networks? Nope. A Change.org petition to demand that hasn’t even made its goal of 2500 names.Anecdote 2: In 2015, Ford unveiled Sync 3, an entirely new version of its connectivity software that superseded the much reviled MyFordTouch system, which had subpar (to be kind) voice recognition. At a launch event, I asked the Ford exec in charge, “So the Fusion sedan with Sync 3 looks just like the one with MyFordTouch you sold until a few weeks ago. If I had bought one of those, how would I upgrade to the new feature?” He looked at me blankly. Finally, the answer emerged: “The upgrade path is the purchase of a new vehicle.” And he walked away.Porsche hasn’t commented on whether the Taycan was designed to permit replacement of the onboard charger from the start. But it’s worth underscoring how rare this capability is—and highlighting it as an example for other makers. Whether they’d be willing to spend time and effort to allow owners to upgrade vehicles they’ve already sold, of course, remains an open question.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More