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      GM Working on Hydrogen-Powered Generators to Make EV Charging Portable

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      GM is working with a company called Renewable Innovations to build tools that will bring its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel-cell technology to generators. The automaker’s mobile power generator (MPG) and Empower rapid charger offer ways to charge as many as 100 or more EVs without refilling or tapping into the electrical grid.With the U.S. hydrogen infrastructure still in its infancy, these systems are not very cost-effective, at least for now, but they’re intriguing.General Motors announced Wednesday that it is planning to bring its Hydrotec hydrogen fuel-cell technology to generators. The company plans to test the waters with a hydrogen-powered mobile power generator, or MPG, and a rapid charger called Empower.While GM foresees multiple use cases for its Hydrotec-based generators, it is primarily highlighting this technology’s potential to help today’s gas stations transition to electric-vehicle charging stations. That said, GM also sees the versatile MPG playing a military role, with its palletized prototype designed to provide power to temporary camps.

      General Motors

      Credit the hydrogen generator’s quieter operation and lower heat signature relative to its gas- or diesel-powered counterparts. In theory, these features ought to reduce the chance of enemy combatants coming across makeshift military sites.

      Charge ItYet, it’s the MPG’s potential role as a mobile fast charger for EVs that interests us most. As described by Charles Freese, GM’s executive director of its global fuel-cell business, the MPG provides the ability to add an EV fast charger without the need to connect to the grid or break ground to install fixed charging stations. The Empower rapid charger, meanwhile, takes the basic concept of the MPG and kicks it up a few notches—notably, because of its ability to fast-charge four EVs at the same time. With its internal hydrogen tanks at full capacity, the rapid charger can charge north of 100 cars before needing a refill, according to GM.Hydrogen HighwayGM intends to offer its hydrogen-powered generators in a variety of outputs, from as few as 60 kilowatts to as much as 600 kW, in order to satisfy varying commercial needs. Even so, the potential success of these emissions-free tools is stifled by the hydrogen infrastructure limitations of the United States. As such, refueling either of them is likely to be costly in many areas of the country.

      General Motors

      In fact, Freese acknowledged as much during a media call, saying that today’s practice of trucking hydrogen is often cost-ineffective due to the vast distances traveled. However, Freese believes hydrogen production will eventually happen closer to points of use, which ought to afford shorter trucking routes and bring down the price. Nevertheless, GM and its manufacturing partner Renewable Innovations are continuing to develop these hydrogen-powered generators, with the two companies planning to start public demonstrations of the MPG later in the year. Renewable Innovations is also working to place 500 Empower rapid chargers across the U.S. before 2026.Despite this progress, GM is keeping coy about the potential price of the MPG or Empower generators. Likewise, the company’s not quite ready to discuss the possibility of producing a smaller hydrogen generator for personal use. Regardless, it seems it’s only a matter of time until gas- and diesel-powered generators are replaced by zero-emission alternatives.
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      LML Electric Scooters To Be Produced At Former Harley Davidson Plant

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      Image for referenceThe manufacturing facility owned by Saera Electric Auto was previously used for manufacturing two-wheelers for Harley Davidson in India
      A few months ago LML announced its comeback to the Indian two-wheeler market by venturing into the electric mobility space. The defunct automaker has now announced a strategic partnership with Saera Electric Auto, a two-wheeler producer formerly manufacturing motorcycles for Harley Davidson in India.
      This development was confirmed through a media release shared by the company. As per the agreement, Saera’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bawal, Haryana will be used to produce the upcoming LML electric vehicles. Kanpur-based LML is looking to play a big role in the rapidly rising adoption of battery-powered two-wheelers in India.
      LML Teams Up With Saera Electric Auto
      The advanced and innovative infrastructure of Saera will now be utilised by LML to develop a wide range of EV products from the LML electric stable. The company revealed that it intends to build a future-ready manufacturing facility using Saera’s technology and processes. This is the first of the many steps taken by LML in its aim to be a 100 percent “Make in India” entity by the end of 2025.
      Spanning 2,17,800 square feet, this manufacturing facility has a production capacity of 18,000 units per month, and is equipped with best-in-class infrastructure. As of now, LML is currently tight-lipped on the kind of products it will roll out.
      Ad of old LML Scooter
      Commenting on this partnership, Dr. Yogesh Bhatia, CEO of LML, said, “We are very pleased to announce this important collaboration with one of the most reputed manufacturing names in the two-wheeler and auto segment. Saera was our first choice because the company holds unparalleled expertise and reputation with some of the world’s premier auto brands.”
      LML- History & Future
      First incorporated in 1972, LML wants to project itself as a brand that will produce ‘Empowered Vehicles’ rather than merely Electric Vehicles. Back in those days, products of LML scooters were a common sight on Indian roads for several years before settling into the sunset. In the 1980s, LML had a major collaboration with Italian company Piaggio to sell the LML-Vespa in India.
      LML has been rebranded as LML Electric since it will only be retailing battery-powered vehicles. The company is being backed by an unnamed investment partner. LML had previously stated that it plans to invest approximately Rs 1,000 crore over the next 3-5 years.
      While LML has refrained from revealing any specific detail, it has revealed that its upcoming electric two-wheeler will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and will be targeted at the upper-middle and urban segments of society. LML Electric Scooters and motorcycles are expected to be launched in the coming years. More

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      Hero Electric Scooters To Be Manufactured By Mahindra

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      Image for reference.
      A joint product development and platform sharing between Hero Electric and Mahindra Group will also enable electrification of Peugeot Motorcycles portfolio
      Hero Electric and Mahindra Group have announced a strategic partnership in the electric mobility space. This partnership has been forged as part of Hero Electric’s growth and expansion plans in order to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles in India.
      As part of this joint venture, Mahindra will manufacture two of the most popular electric scooters from Hero Electric- Optima & NYX to meet the growing demands of the market. These two electric scooters will be manufactured at Mahindra’s Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh. This is the same plant where Mahindra manufactures their Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles.
      Hero Electric-Mahindra JV: More details
      This collaboration will also help Hero Electric with the expansion of their existing Ludhiana facility. By expanding its manufacturing facility, Hero intends to meet its demand of manufacturing over 1 million electric two-wheelers per year by 2022. It will further enable them to drive adoption of a cleaner mode of transport.
      Naveen Munjal, MD, Hero Electric, has stated that partnership between the two automotive firms will enhance manufacturing capabilities to meet demand and utilize Mahindra Group’s robust supply chain to reach newer centers in the country. He further revealed that a long-term partnership will also see both the companies make the most out of each other’s deep knowledge of EVs and drive new product development in the next few years.
      Hero Electric Scooters
      The primary purpose of this joint venture will be production and development of a supply chain and sharing of platforms for electric two-wheelers. Though Mahindra currently doesn’t manufacture electric two-wheelers of its own, it supplies and manufactures parts for e-scooters for the French brand Peugeot. The joint development efforts will prove beneficial for Peugeot when it comes to platform sharing.
      Development of EV-related tech for other brands
      Mahindra and Hero Electric will enter into a 5-year contract with a possibility to enhance the areas of collaboration in future. The value of the transaction is expected to stand in the range of Rs 140-150 crores over the contract period.
      The two companies will create a seamless channel of communication to aid knowledge sharing among the R&D teams to build new products and technologies. This will be done keeping the Indian and global markets in mind that will not just further the growth of electric vehicles but also go on to set benchmarks for faster adoption in the industry.
      The partnership between Hero Electric and Mahindra will further help the latter in developing new EV-related technologies which could be further utilised in other Mahindra-owned two-wheeler brands such as Jawa, Yezdi and most importantly BSA. Reports of Classic Legends developing an electric motorcycle under Jawa had surfaced online a few months back. More

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      350cc Motorcycle Sales Dec 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Bullet, CB350

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350Royal Enfield Classic 350 was the best-selling 350cc motorcycle in December 2021 and despite de-growth scaled over the others by a significant margin
      The Indian automobile market continued to face severe shortage in supplies of semi-conductors thus leading to some production constraints. Domestic sales were significantly lower in the 350cc motorcycle segment, although there was a notable increase in exports. Royal Enfield continued to dominate this segment with Classic, Meteor, Bullet and Electra along with Honda CB350.
      Total sales of these 5 bikes in the 350cc segment in December 2021 stood at 64,643 units which included 59,646 units sold in domestic markets while 4,997 units were exported. This related to a YoY de-growth in domestic sales to the tune of 7.97 percent over 64,812 units sold in December 2020. Exports on the other hand increased 493.47 percent from 842 units shipped in December 2020.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales Dec 2021 – Classic 350 Leads
      Heading 350cc motorcycle sales list in the past month was Royal Enfield Classic 350. It saw domestic sales to the tune of 34,723 units, down 11.69 percent over 39,321 units sold in December 2020. Despite this de-growth, sales of the Classic 350 were higher than combined sales of other four in the sales chart by a significant margin leading to a 58.22 percent share in this segment.
      Meteor 350 sales increased 28.10 percent to 10,977 units, up from 8,569 units sold in December 2020. Sales of the Bullet 350 dipped 23.08 percent to 8,061 units as did sales of Electra 350 that fell by 7.32 percent to 4,521 units in the past month, from 4,878 units sold in December 2020. Honda also noted a 12.79 percent YoY de-growth for its CB 350 to 1,364 units from 1,564 units sold in December 2020.
      350cc Motorcycles Sales and Exports – Dec 2021 vs Dec 2020 (YoY)
      Exports on the other hand saw substantial growth for RE Meteor 350 and Classic 350. Shipments went up by 2321.28 percent for the Meteor 350 to 2,276 units in the past month, from 94 units sold in December 2020. Classic 350 exports increased 733.19 percent to 1,983 units from 238 units sold in December 2020.
      Honda CB350 exports also increased 44.71 percent to 738 units in December 2021 from 510 units shipped in the same month of the previous year. Electra 350 saw just 9 units shipped in the past month while Bullet 350 exports failed to take off.
      350cc Motorcycle Sales and Exports Dec 2021 vs Nov 2021 (MoM)
      When comparing sales in the 350cc motorcycle segment on a month-on-month basis, performance in domestic markets improved significantly. Sales increased 43.08 percent MoM from 41,688 units sold in November 2021 to 59,646 units last month. It was once again Classic 350 that claimed charts by a significant margin with a 77.15 percent MoM growth from 19,601 units sold November 2021 to 34,723 units in the past month. RE Classic 350 commanded a 47.02 percent share in November 2021 which increased to 58.22 percent in December 2021.
      350cc Motorcycles Sales and Exports – Dec 2021 vs Nov 2021 (MoM)
      At No. 2 was the RE Meteor 350 with sales growth of 62.02 percent to 10,977 units in December 2021, a MoM increase over 6,775 units sold in November 2021. Sales of Bullet 350 dipped 7.9 percent in December 2021 to 8,061 units from 8,733 units sold in the previous month while Electra 350 sales increased 6.20 percent from 4,257 units sold in November 2021. Domestic sales of Honda CB350 dipped 41.26 percent from 2,322 units sold in November 2021.
      Exports saw the Meteor 350 in demand with 2,276 units sold, down 12.63 percent over 2,605 units shipped in November 2021. Classic 350 exports increased 44.22 percent over 1,375 units in November 2021 while Honda CB350 exports dipped 41.98 percent from 1,272 units in November 2021 to 738 units in December 2021. More

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      Bajaj Twinner Trademark Filed – New Pulsar 500cc Twin Cylinder ?

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      Render image for reference.Bajaj Auto is developing multiple new products in the premium segment of two-wheelers with KTM and Triumph
      Bajaj Auto has been looking to foray into the premium segment of mid-displacement motorcycles for many years and hence has stitched many partnerships with international brands like KTM and Triumph. The Chakan-based automaker has filed a new trademark named ‘Twinner’ which could be used for an upcoming twin-cylinder motorcycle.
      As per the trademark certificate, the name has been proposed for motorcycles and scooters among others, however, there hasn’t been any confirmation on the same by Bajaj yet. Bajaj has joined hands with the iconic British manufacturer Triumph to develop affordable mid-capacity motorcycles specifically for the Indian market.
      Parallel-twin motors developed by Bajaj-KTM
      It should be noted that Bajaj is already developing a new 490cc parallel-twin engine in association with KTM which will be utilised in multiple upcoming models under the Austrian brand such as 490 Adventure, 490 Duke, RC490, and 490 Supermoto/Enduro.
      This 490cc parallel-twin motor could also power upcoming Bajaj models as well. Whether this engine will be the source of power for the Twinner is yet to be seen. It is possible that Bajaj could launch these motorcycles under the Pulsar brand – Bajaj Pulsar 500cc Twinner or the likes.
      Bajaj Twinner Trademark Filed
      Registrations of trademarks in the auto industry don’t guarantee a market launch. Bajaj has filed multiple trademarks in recent times including ‘Fluor’, ‘Fluir’, and ‘Neuron’. Most of them are likely to be utilised by the brand’s upcoming electric two-wheelers. That said, the Twinner trademark application doesn’t mention the use of electric vehicles.
      Bajaj-Triumph joint venture
      This motorcycle will cater to the 200cc-700cc engine capacity and it is squarely aimed at a segment dominated by Royal Enfield for the past many decades. As per earlier reports, the first product from the Bajaj and Triumph joint venture was expected to make its global debut this year. However, due to unavoidable delays, the market launch of the upcoming bike got pushed to 2023.
      The first of the upcoming motorcycles is expected to be globally unveiled towards the end of this year. These bikes are expected to flaunt a neo-retro design similar to the Bonneville range of motorcycles from Triumph. Retro-styled bikes are currently the blue-eyed boys in the motorcycling community all over the world. However, other than the trademark filed, there isn’t any significant detail revealed.
      Bajaj New EV Plant
      This is interesting since Bajaj recently laid the foundation stone for its new EV manufacturing plant in Akurdi near Pune in Maharashtra. Bajaj has announced an investment of Rs 300 crore for this new facility which on completion will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 EVs. The first vehicle from this plant is expected to roll out by June this year. More

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      TVS iQube Beats Bajaj Chetak – 2021 Electric Scooter Sales

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      TVS iQube Wins 2021 Battle; Beats Bajaj Chetak By 905 Units. Image – Wheel Wheel WkAt 1,212 units, TVS iQube has registered its highest monthly sales in CY 2021
      Ever since their launch, there’s been a close fight between Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube. These are currently the only electric scooters produced by mainstream manufacturers. This scenario is expected to change this year, as companies like Hero MotoCorp, Honda and Suzuki have planned to launch their first-ever electric products in Indian market.
      Chetak vs. iQube – December 2021 sales
      In comparison to iQube’s haul of 1,212 units, Chetak sales were at 728 units in December 2021. YoY growth is 1990% for iQube, as compared to 58 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Chetak YoY growth is even higher in percentage terms. That’s because only 3 units were sold in December last year.
      In terms of MoM growth, iQube has registered gains of 73.39% in comparison to 42.47% of Chetak. Respective sales in November 2021 were at 699 units and 511 units.
      While iQube monthly sales were highest in December for CY2021, it’s third-best performance for Chetak. Second-best month for Chetak was in July when sales were at 730 units. Chetak’s highest sales were at 835 units in October last year. iQube’s second-best performance was in September 2021 when it had registered sales of 766 units.
      TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak Dec 2021 Electric Scooter Sales
      When compared on a month-to-month basis, it is evident that iQube was ahead of Chetak in eight months in 2021. Vice-versa, Chetak was ahead of iQube in the months of April, May, July and October. Monthly average sales works out at 423 for Chetak and 498 for iQube. Lowest point for iQube was in May, when zero sales were reported. In case of Chetak, its worst performance was in January last year at 30 units.
      TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak 2021 Electric Scooter Sales
      Although iQube has raced ahead of Chetak in 2021, it cannot be used to arrive at any conclusion. It is widely known that the auto sector continues to face challenges due to shortage of components such as semiconductor chips. There are multiple companies that have registered strong bookings, but are unable to deliver due to shortage of components.
      Chetak vs. iQube specs and pricing
      Bajaj Chetak is offered in two variants, Premium and Urbane. It has range of 90 km, when Eco mode is engaged. Top speed is around 80 kmph. The scooter can load up to 25% charge in one hour. Some of the key USPs of Chetak is its steel body and IP67 rated water protection. The company is currently offering battery warranty of 3 years or 50,000 km, whichever is earlier.
      [embedded content]
      In comparison, TVS iQube has range of 75 km on a full charge. Top speed is 78 km and 0-40 kmph is achieved in 4.2 seconds. It utilizes a hub-mounted motor that generates peak output of 4.4 kW. iQube’s batteries are packed inside high strength aluminium extrusion casing, which makes them water and dust resistant. Battery warranty is the same as that of Chetak.
      One significant advantage for iQube is that it is much cheaper than Chetak. In Delhi, iQube is available at Rs 1.01 lakh. In comparison, Chetak costs around Rs 1.48 lakh. More

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      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter Debuts With Swappable Battery

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      New Yamaha EMF Electric ScooterDeveloped in collaboration with sustainable mobility solutions provider Gogoro, Yamaha EMF will first go on sale in Taiwan
      After EC-05 that was unveiled in 2019, Yamaha EMF is the second electric vehicle to be developed in collaboration with Gogoro. Partnering with Gogoro in EV space offers multiple benefits including a readymade battery architecture and access to a wide network of battery swapping stations. In India, Hero MotoCorp has also partnered with Gogoro to develop electric vehicles and battery swapping infrastructure.
      Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter – styling and features
      As compared to the current breed of Yamaha two-wheelers, EMF electric scooter appears to have an entirely distinct DNA. Hinting towards its evolution, Yamaha EMF is quite like the transformation into an entirely new species. The scooter has a futuristic look and feel combined with powerful, aggressive styling. Three colour options are on offer, Dark Black, Dark Green and Light Blue.
      Some key features of Yamaha EMF include stacked dual LED headlamps, flat front apron with chiselled profile, trendy rear view mirrors, digital instrument console, single piece seat and afterburner-styled dual LED tail lights. The scooter has quite a few unique features such as a small storage space at the centre of the floorboard. This can be used for various accessories, cup, bottle, etc.
      Instead of a key, the scooter can be turned on/off with an NFC card. This makes it a lot easier to carry, store and use. A range of connectivity features are available, which can be accessed via Yamaha app. Some key connectivity features include last parking location, turn-by-turn navigation, and fleet management system.
      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter
      Yamaha EMF specs
      Yamaha EMF electric scooter utilizes a mid-mounted motor that generates 10.30 ps of max power at 3,000 rpm and 26 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 kmph in 3.5 seconds. Yamaha is yet to reveal the scooter’s top speed, but it could be around 100 kmph.
      Range is not really a concern in Taiwan, as the scooter will be relying on Gogoro’s extensive battery swapping network. As per estimates, around 97% electric two-wheelers in Taiwan utilize Gogoro’s battery swapping. Whenever the battery runs low, Yamaha EMF users can visit the nearby swapping station to get a fully-charged battery. Overall experience is quite similar to that of getting petrol/diesel at a fuel station.
      Yamaha EMF has a lightweight frame with high torsional rigidity. It has been designed to achieve improved control and handling. Suspension system comprises upright front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Braking duties are performed by 200 mm disc at front and 190 mm disc at rear. The scooter has CBS for efficient braking.
      New Yamaha EMF Electric Scooter
      In Taiwan, Yamaha EMF electric scooter is available at a starting price of NT$ 102,800. This is approximately INR 2.77 lakh. It is not certain if and when Yamaha EMF will be launched in Indian market. Here, the first electric vehicle from Yamaha is likely to be E01 e-scooter. This was recently spotted on road tests. Yamaha has already trademarked the names E01 and EC-05 for Indian market. More

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      Thor Vision Vehicle Concept Teases a Future EV/Fuel Cell RV

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      Thor Industries’ Vision Vehicle RV concept promises 300 miles of range, although the company provided no specifications as to battery size or type.The Ford Transit–based RV concept also includes a fuel cell that powers a range extender.No word on whether the Vision Vehicle RV is intended for production, but at the very least it proves RV makers are entering the EV era with the rest of us.Even recreational vehicle manufacturers are preparing to bid adieu to the internal-combustion engine. Need proof? One day after Winnebago revealed its battery-electric e-RV concept, Thor pulled the wraps off of its plug-in Vision Vehicle concept.Like the e-RV, the Vision Vehicle concept uses Ford’s Transit full-size van as a base. However, whereas the Winnebago concept packs a mere 125 miles of manufacturer-estimated range (one less than Ford’s estimate for its most efficient E-Transit model), Thor claims its RV offers up to 300 miles of driving range. Credit the hybrid nature of the Vision Vehicle concept’s powertrain, which consists of a “high-capacity” battery pack (Thor’s mum on the pack’s actual energy capacity) and a range-extender with its own onboard fuel cell that allows “for a variety of fuel options,” including hydrogen, per a Thor spokesperson.

      Thor

      Inside, Thor fits the Vision Vehicle concept with a bespoke dashboard fit with multiple digital displays. This includes a digital gauge cluster ahead of the driver, a large center-mounted infotainment screen, and a pair of displays mounted at the top corners of the dash, each of which displays a feed from the RV’s rear-facing cameras that serve the role of rearview mirrors.Those are far from the only highlights of the Vision Vehicle concept’s insides, as Thor fits this RV with luxurious living quarters that include plenty of niceties, including a kitchen replete with a large display that rises from the countertop and adjustable frosted glass windows for additional privacy.No doubt, Thor seems intent on eventually producing a model like the Vision Vehicle concept. When the company plans to actually reveal a production-ready vehicle of this nature, however, is anyone’s guess. Regardless, the Thor Vision Vehicle concept certainly proves that the EV-era will not mark the death of the RV.
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