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      in Motor News

      Michigan Will Build Out EV Charging Stations for Lake Michigan Road Trips

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      Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan announced the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit this week. The plan is to get enough EV charging stations into the ground to give drivers the opportunity to visit the state’s west coast in zero-emission vehicles and not worry about where they’ll be able to charge the battery.It will take time to get the chargers installed, as the big plan for 2021 is a feasibility study.Last year, the Department of Energy announced it would build up alternative fuel stations along I-94 from Michigan’s border with Canada all the way to Montana.For a decade, most maps showing electric-vehicle-friendly highways and regions of the country have highlighted the East and West Coasts. But a new proposal announced by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week will help turn Michigan into another EV charging hotspot.

      It’s called the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit, and the idea is to build enough EV charging stations on Michigan’s western coast that electric-vehicle owners will be able to drive up the shore as well as reach “attractions, lighthouses, parks and local businesses” without worry about where they will recharge. Whitmer called the Circuit “the best new road trip for electric vehicle owners in America” when she made the announcement at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, according to the Detroit News.”The circuit is going to entice residents and travelers to explore our incredible coastal communities and amenities while using clean energy, cutting pollution, and helping to protect our air and water,” Whitmer said, according to the News.

      It will take time for the Circuit to become a reality, though. The announcement may have happened this week, but the next step is to conduct a feasibility study this year and then, in the coming years, to determine how best to spend money installing the chargers in the right places. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy program will provide $1.25 million in initial funds to build out the network. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will also invest up to $5 million as it works with outside organizations on training workers who are prepared for a growing number of electric vehicles on Michigan roads.

      U.S. Department of Energy

      According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s alternative fueling station locator, there are 608 EV Level 2 charging station locations in Michigan, with 1227 total ports. There are also 148 DC fast-charge stations, with 388 ports, in Michigan. Twenty-six of those stations, with 224 ports, belong to the Tesla Supercharger network. Most of the public fast chargers are located in or near Michigan’s cities, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, with around a dozen near the Lake Michigan coast.

      Michigan Governor Whitmer at Motor Bella in Detroit, September 2021.
      Michigan.gov

      Governor Whitmer’s announcement isn’t the only way Michigan is getting more EV chargers and alternative fuel stations. Last year, the Department of Energy and partners announced the Michigan to Montana I-94 Alternative Fuel Corridor, known as M2M, which will stretch 1500 miles along Interstate 94 starting at the Canadian border in Port Huron, Michigan, and continuing all the way to Billings, Montana. The M2M will include EV charging stations as well as stations offering CNG, biofuel, and propane autogas. Adding hydrogen stations in the future is also part of the discussion.
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      in Motor News

      Ford Mustang Mach-E Passes Michigan State Police Testing

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      The Ford Mustang Mach-E has passed the Michigan State Police test to see if it is eligible to be rolled into the fleet.The Michigan State Police put Ford’s Mustang Mach-E through a battery of tests to evaluate everything from its vehicle dynamics to its ergonomics.A police-ready version of the Mach-E has already been rolled out for the United Kingdom.A Ford Pro electric police pilot vehicle based on the Ford Mustang Mach-E has passed rigorous Michigan State Police testing, the first battery-electric vehicle to do so. There’s no word yet if this means the Mustang Mach-E will roll into the police fleet. Ford also has yet to mention the differences between the Mustang Mach-E that Ford sent in for police work and the standard-issue Mach-E. Results of the 2022 round of testing, which took place September 18 and 20, will be published in detail later this fall, Ford said.The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first jump into a mass-market EV, which means it was only a matter of time before it was considered for use in a police force. Ford recently debuted a police-ready variant of the Mustang Mach-E in the U.K., so it probably isn’t a surprise that state police in the U.S. are also pursuing the idea. It’s perhaps even less surprising that the folks testing Ford’s latest are the Michigan State Police.

      Rod Kirkpatrick/F Stop Press/Immediate Network

      Looking over last year’s Michigan State Police 2021 Model Year Police Evaluation, it looks like this Mustang Mach-E will run through various tests ranging from standard acceleration, top speed, braking, and high-speed pursuit to vehicle dynamics evaluations and ergonomic tests.
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      As companies begin to bow out of internal-combustion-engine development, it is probably only a matter of time before EVs become common on your local streets. That also means police departments can be expected to switch to electric power, although that may happen slowly.
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      in Bike

      Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins, Hayabusa, Trident, Pan America

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      Image – Neev Motorcycles
      The premium segment of motorcycles include mostly foreign brands such as Triumph, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson barring Royal Enfield
      Popularity of big bikes with an engine displacement greater than 500cc has grown over the last few years with entries of many premium brands in the Indian market. Last month 1,247 motorcycles from this space were sold in the country, therefore, witnessing a YoY growth of 17.64 percent.
      Top 10 Motorcycles 500cc+ Aug 2021 – RE 650 Twins Lead Segment
      During the same period last year, 1,060 bikes from this category were sold. The segment was led by the 650cc Twins from Royal Enfield- Interceptor and Continental GT. Cumulatively, both these motorcycles witnessed a sales volume of 834 units last month which is 30 units short of August last year. It resulted in a YoY decline of 17.64 percent.
      Kawasaki dispatched 55 units of its flagship naked Z900 last month whereas Triumph sold 43 units of its entry entry-level naked motorcycle- Trident 660. Suzuki delivered 42 units of its flagship supersport Hayabusa last month and Honda sold 37 units of its middleweight naked CBR650. British brand Triumph dispatched 27 units of the recently launched new-gen Speed Twin. All these motorcycles have been fairly new entrants to the Indian market.
      Harley Davidson Continues Trotting
      Team Green sold 24 units of Ninja 650 in August this year as opposed to 33 units sold in August last year which translated to 27.27 percent YoY negative growth. The latest entrant to this list is Harley Davidson Pan America.
      Motorcycle sales 500cc+ Segment in Aug 2021
      While the iconic American motorcycle brand has quite independent operations in the country, it continues to retail its motorcycles through dealerships run under Hero MotoCorp. The Indian bikemaker sold 20 units of the flagship adventure tourer last month.
      Another Harley product Low Rider made it to the list at the ninth spot with 19 units sold in August this year instead of seven units during the same month last year. The flagship supersport offering from Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R witnessed a sales volume of 14 units. Triumph siblings Speed Triple and Street Twin also witnessed the same number of units sold.
      Kawasaki, Triumph Feature Multiple Models
      Ninja 1000 from Kawasaki witnessed a YoY decline of 47.83 percent in August this year as only 12 units of the sports bike were dispatched. The sole cruiser from the Japanese brand registered a sales volume of 11 units. Honda sold 10 units of its flagship adventure tourer last month while Triumph sold an identical number of Street Triple. All other models witnessed a volume of fewer than 10 units last month.
      This includes models such as Versys 650, 1200X Forty-Eight, Versys 1000, Iron 883, Fat Boy and more. Most of the motorcycles in this list are fully imported via the Completely Built-up Unit (CBU) route while others are CKD units. Only the 650 Twins for Royal Enfield are completely locally manufactured in India. More

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      in Bike

      TVS iQube Electric Scooters Reach World’s Highest EV Charging Station

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      TVS iQube Electric Scooter at the highest EV charging station in the world
      This new EV charging station is situated at an altitude of 3,720m – It is setup by goEgoNetwork, who claim that this is the highest EV charging station in the world
      goEgoNetwork, a Pune-based company has set up two EV chargers for two and four wheelers in Kaza. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. This endeavor was a part of the World Zero Emission Day celebrations and a part of the Government of India’s Make-in-India policy.
      World’s highest electric vehicle (EV) charging station is a bid to promote electric vehicle infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. Its inauguration was marked by a Mission 0 Emission ride launched from Manali to Kaza with two TVS iQube scooters which was ridden by two woman bikers Ms. Maanvi Rawlley, Marketing Communication Specialist at goEgoNetwork, and Ms. Pratiksha Das, motorcycle influencer from Mumbai. The riders went through the Manali-Kaza route passing over the Kunzum-La Pass.
      TVS iQube Electric Scooter Ride To Kaza
      The EV charging station was installed with Bharat AC and Dual Socket Type 2 charger and has set a record of being the world’s highest EV charging stations (at 3,800m) in Kaza, Spiti valley. The two TVS iQube electric scooters did not encounter any problem while crossing the Kunzum Pass, which is at an altitude of 4,551m.
      The two riders covered the distance of 320 kms from Manali to Kaza by charging their TVS iQube EVs at 3 points. The scooters took on adverse weather conditions and mountainous terrain on the dangerous road from Manali to Kaza via Batal with ease. The ride was taken by these two women riders who also wanted to dispel the myth that EVs are not practical for long-distance travel.
      TVS iQube Electric Scooter In Spiti Valley
      Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mahendra Pratap Singh, who inaugurated the EV charging station, stated that this would motivate people in the area to adopt use of electric vehicles. It would significantly help to reduce auto emissions and protect the mountains which are ecologically fragile.
      Made-in-India EV Charging Station
      The setting up of this charging station came after complaints were received from tourists about there being no EV charging stations in Spiti Valley. It is also a part of Government of India’s vision to becoming a 100 percent EV nation by 2030 and Pune based goEgoNetwork is committed to setting up more such charging stations at popular destinations in the country.
      The Bharat AC and dual socket Type 2 chargers possess a Made-in-India certificate and are in compliance with ARAI and OCA certifications. The main charging station is located at Hotel Dayzor and can be used for charging of all electric two and four wheelers.
      Access via goME App
      goEgoNetwork charging networks can be accessed via the goME App which can be downloaded from App Store and Play Store and helps users get to the nearest charging station via the quickest route. It also gives information on the type of chargers and charging capacity available at the station. More

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      in Bike

      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Honda SP Vs Hero Glamour – 125cc Comparo

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      Image – Deepak Rao VlogsTVS Raider and Hero Glamour Xtec are the most feature-packed models in the 125cc motorcycle segment
      TVS has thrown in a very strong card in the form of Raider as the Hosur-based bikemaker makes its return to the coveted 125cc bike segment after a hiatus of over a decade. At first glance itself, Raider manages to grab everyone’s attention with its impressive styling and sporty design elements.
      The 125cc commuter segment is already a crowded space with multiple strong players and TVS has put everything into making this a compelling product. Here we have compared it some of its strongest rivals such as Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Hero Glamour and see how does it stack up against its counterparts.
      For convenience, we have only considered the top-spec disc brake variants of each of the models mentioned above. The current disc brake variant Raider, in this comparison, has been considered as its top-spec trim. The bike will receive a new range-topping model with a range of connectivity features in the next couple of months. That model will be discussed at length later.
      Dimensions
      Starting with dimensions, the newly launched Raider is by far the longest in the segment and hence offers space for the rider and pillion alike. It also has the lowest seat height in this segment with 780mm and the joint highest ground clearance of 180mm, same as Glamour. At a kerb weight of 123kg, Raider feels extremely agile and nimble on road. However, on paper, SP 125 is the lightest at 116 kg.
      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
      Features on offer
      In terms of features, TVS has loaded Raider with many features that are usually offered in a segment above. However, it gets trumped by the top-spec Glamour called X-Tech which comes with a wide range of exclusive features including Bluetooth connectivity, Navigation Assist and AutoSail. Other notable features such as a digital instrument console, side stand engine inhibitor and USB charging option are available in most of these bikes.
      The instrument console of Sp 125, Raider and Glamour Xtec provide a lot more information than the one in Pulsar 125. Barring Pulsar 125, all other models receive a full LED headlamp in their top-spec trim. Apart from SP 125, all other motorcycles receive an LED taillamp. TVS and Honda offer an integrated starter generator in their respective offerings for a silent start. This feature also turns off the engine when the bike is idle and can be started at just a blip of the throttle.
      Specifications
      Coming to specifications, all are powered by 125cc engines but Pulsar 125 is the most powerful in this segment with 12 PS whereas Raider is the torquiest of them all by a whisker at 11.2 Nm. Raider gets the advantage of 3 valves which should offer a smoother and linear power delivery. All these bikes are offered with a 5-speed gearbox paired with a multi-plate wet clutch.
      New TVS Raider Vs Bajaj Pulsar Vs Hero Glamour Vs Honda SP 125
      All motorcycles mentioned above feature telescopic forks upfront. While Pulsar 125 and Glamour receive twin shock absorbers, others receive a mono-shock at rear. Braking hardware consists of disc brake at front and drum brake at rear assisted by a Combi Brake System (CBS) for safety.
      As far as price is concerned, Hero Glamour has the most affordable base variant in this segment at Rs 74,900. Whereas the split-seat disc brake variant of Pulsar 125 is the most expensive in this space at Rs 87,409 (all prices ex-showroom). More

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      in Bike

      Super Soco CT3 Electric Scooter Debuts – 180 Kms Range, First In Class Features

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      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric ScooterSuper Soco CT-3 will rival the likes of BMW CE-04 that was unveiled earlier this year in July
      One of the leading manufacturers of electric scooters and motorcycles, China-based Super Soco has unveiled its first electric maxi-scooter named CT-3. This provides Super Soco the opportunity to make its mark in the premium electric two-wheeler space.
      The new electric scooter was unveiled during China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition, held at Chongqing International Expo Center in China. In addition to its home market, Super Soco CT-3 will be launched in European markets as well.
      Super Soco CT-3 design and features
      Maxi-scooters are known for their beefed-up proportions and Super Soco CT-3 follows on the same design language. It has a broad front fascia with LED headlamp and DRLs placed on the apron. Lighting apparatus has a simple, elegant design that’s neither too loud nor too dull. The scooter has a large visor, which should be able to provide adequate wind protection. It is held to the frame with four protruding hooks, which enhance the scooter’s sporty character.
      Body panels come with sharp curves and grooves, which work to ensure a dominating street presence for the scooter. They also help reduce drag and boost aerodynamic properties. This becomes all the more important for a scooter that runs on battery. It will allow the scooter to cover more miles on a full charge.
      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
      Users can expect comfortable rides with Super Soco CT-3, as it has an ergonomic riding stance. The scooter has wide, elevated handlebar, which should work as an appropriate resting angle for the hands. Foot comfort has also been taken into consideration by providing ample space on the floorboard.
      For the pillion rider, the scooter has been equipped with large sized split grab rails. Pillion footrests are foldable units that fit in snugly inside the frame when not in use.
      Super Soco CT-3 gets a comprehensive range of hi-tech features such as NFC smart unlocking, parking assist function, and facial recognition. The scooter has a large 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Users can pair their smartphones with the digital instrument console to access a range of features such as turn-by-turn navigation.
      SuperSoco CT-3 Electric Scooter
      Super Soco CT-3 engine and specs
      CT-3 performance is just as good as conventional ICE powered maxi-scooters. It packs in an 18kW motor, connected to a 7.2kWh battery pack. On a full charge, the scooter can travel a distance of 180 kms. Top speed is around 125 kmph. These numbers are pretty good for an electric maxi-scooter. BMW CE-04 has comparable top speed of 120 kmph. However, its range is 130km. Recently launched Ola S1 Pro has top speed of 115 kmph whereas range is 180 km on full charge.
      Suspension system of Super Soco CT-3 comprises telescopic fork at front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at rear. The scooter has disc brakes at both ends and ABS is offered as standard. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Motors EV Sales Crosses 10k Milestone – Nexon Electric, Tigor EV

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      Image – Car DuniyaTata Motors currently retails two electric cars under its roof- Nexon EV and Tigor EV, the latter being the most affordable electric car in the country
      Tata Motors is celebrating the success of its battery-powered vehicles in the country by notching a sales volume of 10,000 units. In the process, the homegrown automaker became the first company to retail 10K EVs in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This has been attributed to the success of Nexon EV in the market.
      The company also retails Tigor EV in its PV portfolio that was recently updated with revised styling and a much powerful powertrain. Tata Motors has admitted that the first 10,000 EVs have mostly been bought by early adopters while also underpinning that the carmaker remains committed to the vision of making EVs for the mass market.
      On achieving the 10k sales volume, Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said that the numbers are a strong testament to the company’s innovative electric vehicles which are resonating well with customers. He further added that these customers have laid a strong foundation for EV ownership to further expand and have created a path for other prospective buyers to follow.
      EV Market Share of 70%
      Through a press release, Tata Motors has revealed that it commands over 70 percent market share in the ongoing financial year in the EV passenger car space. The brand registered a volume of over 1,000 electric cars in the month of August this year and reported a strong order book. The carmaker has also teamed up with its sister company Tata Power in order to set up a wide charging infrastructure with 700 plus installations in 120 cities across India.
      Tata Electric Cars
      Nexon EV Specs
      Powered by the brand’s Ziptron technology, Nexon EV features a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor which derives its energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque. The battery pack offers a claimed range of 312km on a single charge.
      Using a fast charge, the battery could be charged from Nexon EV in just 60 minutes. It is offered in three trims namely XM, XZ+, and XZ+ Lux with prices starting from Rs 13.99 lakh and going up to Rs 16.85 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).
      Tigor EV Specs
      On the other hand, the updated Tigor EV which was launched recently is also powered by Ziptron technology but features a slightly smaller battery pack with a capacity of 26kWh. This returns an output of 74 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque and a range of 306km on a single charge. The EV can be charged from 0-80 percent in 8.5 hours using a standard wall charger and in 60 minutes using a fast charger.
      Tigor EV is available in three trims namely XE, XM, and XZ+ which are priced between Rs 11.99 lakh to Rs 13.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The manufacturer also launched an updated Tigor EV for the fleet market with a new name X-Pres T-EV. Without many rivals in the entry-level electric PV segment, Tata enjoys a significant advantage which is likely to grow stronger with the addition of new models. More

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      in Bike

      Hero Xpulse 200 New Colour Spied Testing With More Powerful Engine

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      New Hero Xpulse 200 4VHero Xpulse is the most affordable adventure tourer in India with only one direct rival in the form of the Honda CB200X
      Hero could be credited for kick-starting the entry-level adventure motorcycling space in the mass two-wheeler market of India. They launched the Impulse about 8 years ago. But had to discontinue the same due to poor demand. Based on the Impulse formula, came the Xpulse in 2019. It was first showcased as a prototype at the EICMA in Milan, Italy in 2017 and is now the most affordable ADV bike in India.
      However, the motorcycle has also drawn flak for being underpowered for this segment. Hero wants to address this by bringing a more powerful engine for Xpulse. A test mule powered by this motor has recently been spotted testing. The main highlight of this motor is the addition of a 4-valve head instead of the existing two-valve head.
      Styling Updates
      The latest test mule has been seen wearing a brand new colour scheme with a livery that features ‘4-Valve’ decals on the lower side of the fuel tank. The dual-tone paint option gets a blue colour which is complemented by blacked-out side panels, tail section and tank shrouds.
      Additionally, the engine and gearbox assembly, heat shield and part of the exhaust canister have been painted in a grey shade. Splashes of blue are also seen on the wire-spoked rims of the upcoming Xpulse.
      New Hero Xpulse 200 4V
      Powertrain Update
      Apart from all these updates, the new Xpulse is visually the same as the current model. However, with the 4-Valve system, cylinder head of the engine would now get more valves which will pump more air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. This will allow more fuel to be burnt, thus enabling it to extract more performance. It also allows the engine to breathe better which translates into higher fuel efficiency.
      In its current iteration, Xpulse 200 is powered by a 199.6cc, oil-cooled, 2-valve, fuel-injected engine which returns an output of 17.8 bhp at 8,500rpm and 16.45 Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. This unit is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. In its BS4 form, this motor came with a simple air cooler which has been upgraded to an oil-cooling system.
      Mechanical Specs & Features
      There shouldn’t be any more changes to its specifications. The motorcycle will continue to roll on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic units at front with 190mm of travel and a 10-step adjustable mono-shock at rear with 170mm of travel. Braking hardware comprises disc brakes at both ends accompanied with a single-channel ABS.
      It will be interesting to see if Hero offers some additional features in the new Xpulse 4V. Currently, it offers a full-LED headlamp and a digital instrument console enabled with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and call alerts. It is also expected to be offered at a slightly premium price in comparison to the current model priced at Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

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