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      This Week in Cars: An EV Muscle Car, the Last Gas-Powered Lotus, and Full Self Driving?

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      Car and Driver—that’s us—named the Ford Mustang Mach-E the winner of our inaugural EV of the Year award. The Mach-E faced off against 11 competitors, which represented every on-sale EV we could get our hands on. Over the course of three weeks of testing and evaluating—including a 1000-mile road trip­—the Mach-E offered a rewarding driving experience and usable range at a competitive price. Plus, it looks great. Read our coverage so you can be informed when you tell us why we’re wrong.This Week in SheetmetalToyota released interior photos of the TRD Pro edition of the next-generation Tundra pickup. The pictures show a large center infotainments screen and a few TRD-specific features including a red-trimmed steering wheel and a light bar mounted in the grille. We’ll see the whole truck, including non-TRD models, before the end of the year.Polestar showed a hopped-up prototype of its Polestar 2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. The prototype has 475 horsepower, 68 hp more than the production 2, and borrows its tires and front brakes from the much pricier Polestar 1. We wouldn’t be surprised to see some elements from the show car trickle down to the for-sale 2.

      Lotus

      Lotus has unveiled its last gasoline-powered car, the Emira. It’s a Boxster fighter inspired by Lotus’s electric Evija supercar and will come with either a 360-hp AMG-sourced four-cylinder or a 400-hp Toyota V-6. You probably won’t see many on the road, but they’ll be out there starting early next year.Bentley is marching forward with its plan to be fully electric by 2030 with the introduction of the Flying Spur plug-in hybrid. The new Spur will have a Bentley-appropriate 536 hp plus 25 miles of EV range. We don’t know how much this version of Bentley’s sedan will cost, but for reference, the non-plug-in Flying Spur tops out at $219,425.Three’s Company

      Stellantis hosted a virtual EV Day this week in which it announced plans to electrify each of its 14 global brands. The big news for Americans was the word that Dodge will build an electric muscle car, which it says will be the first of its kind (as long as no one else beats them to it—Dodge’s EV won’t arrive until 2024). Meanwhile, Ram announced that it too will build a full-size electric pickup, following the internet-breaking launch of the Ford F-150 Lightning and a light-on-details acknowledgment from Chevy that it is working on an EV Silverado. Ram says its EV 1500 will offer a currently unheard-of 500 miles of driving range when it hits the market in 2024. The announcement video showed two other truck-shaped objects covered with drapes, perhaps a hint that Ram is planning to expand its pickup lineup.FSD DayNot to be overshadowed, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter that his company’s Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta 9 software will be available for download in California starting at midnight on Friday, though only for Tesla drivers who are already using the previous version of the test software. Musk’s announcement warned drivers to keep in mind that the software is still in beta, which is to say, not a final product, though he says that if all goes well the release could enter its final, public phase within a month.
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      Tesla says the FSD software can navigate most driving tasks, including intersections. CJ Moore, who directs Tesla’s Autopilot software program, told officials with the California Department of Motor Vehicles this spring that some of Musk’s claims about fully autonomous Teslas “[do] not match engineering reality.” Decide for yourself whether the eccentric billionaire or the engineer is more reliable. Further ReadingThe Polestar 2 prototype wasn’t the only thing for show at Goodwood this year. One EV concept would filter particulate matter out of the air as it drives, making it carbon negative. Take a look at the exceptionally odd China-bound Airo.If you’re dreading an eventual return to your pre-pandemic commute, here’s some advice from Bloomberg that’s either overly earnest or sneakily satirical.Read in the New York Times about Volkswagen’s decision to sell a 55 percent stake in Bugatti to exotic EV maker Rimac.Or, also in the Times, about the fatal Autopilot-involved crashes that make some people nervous about Tesla’s driver -assistance systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said last month that it will now require automakers to report crashes that involve a car using their advanced driver assistance or self-driving features.

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      Jeep Teases EV Wrangler with Drone Pairing, Autonomous Off-Roading by Decade’s End

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      Jeep released the video below as part of its parent company’s Stellantis EV Day. It shows a two-door Wrangler EV, which looks similar to this year’s Magneto concept, and a four-door model that appears related to the 2017 Safari concept.Part of the video events are dated 2025 and show a two-door Wrangler EV using biometric recognition, peer-to-peer charging, and drone pairing.Later the video shifts to 2030, where the four-door Wrangler EV is seen driving autonomously off-road while the owners lie in the vehicle watching the stars through a panoramic sunroof.On Thursday, at parent company Stellantis’s EV Day event, Jeep declared that it will have an electrified model in every segment it competes in by 2025. Jeep already builds a plug-in-hybrid version of the Wrangler called the 4xe. But according to the company’s statement, the Wrangler will need to morph into an electric vehicle if it is to survive beyond this decade. While Jeep didn’t explicitly debut a Wrangler EV at the event, this detailed video released by the company clearly promises one, along with drone pairing and autonomous off-roading capability.
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      The video starts in 2021, following a seemingly always happy couple and their incredibly cute dog as they park and plug in a Wrangler 4xe at a charging station in the wilderness. The timeline then fast-forwards to 2025—now the man is seen proposing while the couple are submerged in a darkened pool and what appears to be an electric Wrangler lurks in the background. This two-door model is painted white with the word “Freedom” emblazoned on the side of the hood. Since Jeep’s new slogan is “Zero Emission Freedom,” the implication is that the vehicle has an electric powertrain. Jeep seems to confirm that with the text “Concept BEV model shown” at the bottom of the screen. This two-door looks strikingly similar to the Magneto, an electric Wrangler concept released at the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, and it may just be the Magneto with new hood graphics.

      Jeep

      The “2025” portion of the video reveals some interesting upcoming features. First, this future Wrangler is equipped with biometric recognition—in the video, the car recognizes the man’s face, unlocking and starting the Wrangler in advance. The video also shows peer-to-peer charging, with the woman plugging the white Wrangler into a blue model for some extra juice. This segment ends by displaying the future Wrangler’s drone pairing capabilities, with the couple’s drone flying just in front of their Wrangler, providing extra light as they traverse an off-road trail through the night.

      Jeep

      The video then jumps ahead five years to 2030. Now the couple is seen camping next to a four-door model, which looks similar to the 2017 Safari concept from Moab, with transparent doors and a three-section roof rack. This model is clearly intended to indicate it’s an EV, with “Zero Emission” printed along the side sill. Jeep then shows the Wrangler piloting itself around the off-road trails, much to the surprise of another Jeep owner driving in the other direction, suggesting that the Wrangler will be capable of driving autonomously off-road by 2030. Jeep then promotes flat-seat stargazing, showing the couple lying in the Wrangler watching the skies above as the Jeep drives them to their destination.

      Jeep notes at the bottom of the screen that “future models and features may vary,” meaning that the timelines for the Wrangler EV and futuristic technologies seen throughout the video are not promises. Still, the video shows that Jeep is plotting a Wrangler EV, gives us a taste of what it may look like, and previews some neat features that will enhance off-roading in the future.
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      Kridn Electric Motorcycle Exports From India Start – Launched In Africa

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      Kridn Electric Motorcycle
      One Electric has becomes the first Indian two wheeler electric company to launch its Made in India Motorcycle in Africa
      One Electric has become the first Indian electric two wheeler maker to export its product. The first lot of Flagship motorcycle Kridn, has been shipped to Kenya. The company targets four more African countries prior to expanding export operations to South America and Europe in early 2022.
      One Electric Kridn
      Gaurav Uppal, Chief Executive of One Electric has stated that the Kridn is designed for heavy road conditions and heavy loading. It can also withstand higher temperatures. The entry into Africa challenges an otherwise Chinese dominated market.
      Made in India Kridn Electric Motorcycle derives its name from Sanskrit, meaning ‘to play’ in the classical south-Asian language. It boasts of a robust structure with a metal body. It is priced at Rs.1.29 lakh in India (around $1,731 USD). In this price range, One Electric KRIDN competes with popular petrol powered motorcycles – TVS Apache RTR 200 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200.
      Features includes comfortable seats and 17 inch front and 16 inch rear wheels. It is presented in two color options of blue and black and gets a digital instrument console, a halogen headlamp and gets its power via a 5.5kW hub motor which draws its power from a 3kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of 110 km/h in Eco mode and 80 km/h in Normal mode.
      Kridn Electric Motorcycle in Kenya, Africa
      Acceleration from 0 to 60 is achieved in 8 seconds while top speed is at 95 km/h. It receives 240mm and 220mm disc at the front and rear with a Combined Braking System. African markets place greater importance on motorcycles as a vital means of travel. This segment has seen more attention from Chinese two wheeler makers in the recent past while One Electric becomes the first to design, build and manufacture their electric vehicle for export to Africa.
      Apart from expanding its export operations, the company is also planning to set up a larger manufacturing unit in India. It is in the process of deciding between locations in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
      Export Target
      A part of the company’s global vision, export targets for the first year is at 3,000 units. The company plans to expand its global markets from Africa to South America and Europe by early next year. In India, the Kridn e-motorcycle especially targets the e-commerce segment that has been growing by leaps and bounds.
      Kridn Electric Motorcycle in Kenya, Africa
      The surge in B2C demand is what has also spurred the company to bring forward its plans for setting up a larger manufacturing base. The company aims to commence production at this new facility by the end of this year. Noting good response from dealerships in India, One Electric is currently working with its 25 dealerships across 6 states in India but does not plan on appointing any new dealerships as on date. More

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      New Harley Davidson Electric Motorcycle Called LiveWire ONE Debuts

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      Harley Davidson LiveWire OneLiveWire One is Harley Davidson’s second attempt at the electric motorcycle market
      A few days after Harley Davidson introduced its first electric motorcycle named LiveWire, the iconic American bikemaker had announced that future electric bikes will be sold under a separate brand entity with the same name. The company has now officially introduced its first offering named LiveWire One under its spinoff brand.
      The new sub-brand from Harley will exclusively be dedicated to its electric-powered motorcycles. Interestingly, the iconic American bikemaker’s second outing with a battery-powered two-wheeler comes at a lot lesser price than its previous offering. LiveWire One has been priced at USD 21,999 (approx. INR 16.41 lakh). In comparison, the original LiveWire is currently priced at USD 29,799 (approx. INR 22,10,000).
      LiveWire One More Details
      Further, LiveWire One electric motorcycle will go by the model code LW1 while it has been internally codenamed as ‘XB’. To stay clear of any confusion, the current LiveWire will henceforth be referred to as ‘ELW’ going by its model code while its internal codename is ‘XA’, therefore providing a distinction between the two models.
      While specs haven’t been revealed, earlier VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) documents have specified that the upcoming motorcycle will have a peak power output of 101 bhp. This is a slight drop in power when compared to the current LiveWire bike which kicks out 105 bhp. However, the same electric motor and battery offered in Livewire One are expected to be the same as LiveWire ELW.
      Harley Davidson LiveWire ONE Electric Motorcycle
      Although continuous power output of LiveWire LW1 is expected to remain the same as LiveWire ELW around 70 bhp. The VIN information further confirms the LiveWire One will be demarcated as a 2021 model with its launch slated for later this year. Harley Davidson claims a range of 146 miles (235km) on a single charge for LiveWire One.
      Battery Charging & Features
      Using a DC charger, battery of LiveWire One could be juiced up 0-100 percent in 60 minutes and 0-80 percent in 40 minutes. Under realistic conditions, 0-80 percent of the battery could be rejuvenated within 30 minutes. There is not too much of a difference in styling between a new electric motorcycle and LiveWire ELW barring different colour schemes and body graphics.
      In terms of features as well, the upcoming electric bike is expected to carry forward all the bells and whistles from ELW and probably add some more. These include a digital instrument console, a six-axis IMU and more. Harley-Davidson had earlier revealed in May that the new LiveWire electric motorcycle will be showcased at the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in the USA the very next day after its debut.
      Harley Davidson LiveWire ONE Electric Motorcycle
      Current LiveWire Specs
      However, the venue has pulled out of the event and decided to host only musical concerts through 2021. It is powered by an electric motor which is paired with a 15.5kWh battery pack and returns a claimed range of 235km on a single charge and a real-world range of up to 153km. This powertrain delivers a peak torque output of 105 bhp and 117 Nm torque. More

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      NIU Electric Scooter Sales Cross 2.52 Lakh In Q2 2021

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      NIU Electric ScooterThe company’s next big launch is RQi electric motorcycle, deliveries of which are slated to commence shortly in a few days
      Chinese electric scooter manufacturer- NIU, has witnessed tremendous growth in the recently concluded second quarter of 2021. As per an official statement released by the company, NIU sold 252,998 units of electric scooters in the second quarter this year as compared to 160,138 sold during the period a year back.
      This resulted in YoY growth of 58 percent. Out of 252,998 units retailed, 6,980 units were shipped to overseas markets representing a 34.8 percent YoY growth. Currently, the Beijing-based e-scooter manufacturer remains unchallenged as far as sales volume is concerned.
      Growth in first half of 2021
      The figures appear to be more staggering when merged with the sales volume of the first quarter. The company sold a total 402,647 units of electric two-wheelers in the first half of 2021 which is more than double what the company managed to sell during the same time last year. In the first half of 2020, NIU dispatched 200,298 units to dealerships across the country, translating to YoY growth of 101 percent.
      The overwhelming growth recorded for the first half of 2021 is a result of a slowdown caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions. To highlight its impressive performance, NIU has sold as many e-scooters as Tesla sells cars globally. The growth was also driven by launch of new products as well as expansion of its retail network across the country.
      NIU Electric Scooter
      NIU product lineup
      NIU has launched four new products- F0, F2, F4 and C0 models in April this year. Out of these four, the first two models have already been mass-produced and delivered in the second quarter of 2021. As many as 450 new retail centres were added across China in the second quarter this year. By the end of June 2021, NIU had 2,366 showrooms across the nation.
      Growth in the international markets was primarily driven by recovery from COVID-19, especially in North American and European markets. However, deliveries of products still remain a challenge due to constraints in international shipping.
      The company has a wide product portfolio that comprises eight series, four e-scooter series, two urban commuter electric motorcycles, a performance bicycle series and kick-scooter series. The range of electric scooters consists of NQi, MQi and UQi with smart functions and Gova. The motorcycle range comprises RQi and TQi models while NIU Aero is the brand’s sole performance electric bicycle.
      Electric Scooter Sales In India
      Compared to China, electric scooter sales are at a very nascent stage in India. In spite of India being one of the largest buyer of two wheelers in the world, sales of electric two wheelers constitute a minuscule percentage of total sales. But things are changing. More and more players are entering the EV field. India’s electric vehicle sales are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years as government norms and rising petrol prices push more and more buyers towards EV. More

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      New Yamaha Maxi Scooter For India – To Rival Suzuki Burgman Street

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      Image – XIII Tips N VlogThe upcoming Yamaha Maxi-style scooter is likely to borrow its mechanical components from Fascino 125 and RayZR and its looks from NMax 125
      While Maxi-style scooters aren’t yet a big thing in India, internationally it is a very sought-after segment of two-wheelers. In India, options are limited to Aprilia SXR 160 which is a proper Maxi scooter while the others like SXR 125 and Suzuki Burgman Street are sort of Maxi scooters with a similar design philosophy.
      Yamaha intends to venture into this segment by introducing a new Maxi-style scooter in India in the near future. This scooter will be directly pitted against Burgman Street which is currently priced between Rs 82,700 – Rs 86,200 (ex-showroom) and is slated to hit showrooms by early next year.
      Expected Engine Specs
      The Japanese automaker believes that Maxi scooters space is bound to grow in future and Yamaha would like to gain an early mover’s advantage. The upcoming scooter will most probably utilise the 125cc platform and engine from Fascino and RayZR. This 125cc fuel-injected, air-cooled motor puts out 8.2 bhp and 9.7 Nm of peak torque.
      In comparison, its supposed nemesis Burgman Street is propelled by a 124cc, single-cylinder motor that churns an output of 8.7bhp at 6750rpm and 10Nm of peak torque at 5500rpm. NMax 125, on the other hand, is powered by a 124cc, liquid-cooled engine which delivers an output of 11.8 bhp and 11 Nm of peak torque.
      2021 Yamaha NMAX
      Expected Design & Features
      Design-wise, it is likely that Yamaha might draw inspiration from the larger NMax 155 which recently launched in Japan. The Maxi-style scooter might sport a similar front-heavy faired body with twin-beam headlamps at front apron and a long dark tinted windshield above.
      The headlamps feature integrated angular DRLs. Other styling highlights expected to be carried forward include a stepped-up single-piece saddle and designer alloy wheels.
      However, unlike NMax 155, the upcoming scooter is not likely to feature a raised floorboard. Yamaha has announced that all models under its lineup will receive the option of Bluetooth connectivity, therefore, that is a given. Apart from this, features likely to be made available in the power scooter are a digital instrument cluster, a 12V charging socket and an engine start-stop system.
      Hardware specifications are expected to mirror RayZR and Fascino with suspension duties carried out by telescopic forks and a mono-shock at front and rear respectively. Both front and rear wheels are expected to feature disc brakes which should be assisted by at least a single-channel ABS (anti-lock braking system). Upon its launch, the upcoming Yamaha Maxi scooter will be the most premium scooter in India.
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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Nagpur Launch Next – Registrations Now Open

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterBajaj Chetak is currently on sale in Pune, Bangalore, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore – Next cities include Nagpur, Chennai and Hyderabad
      Bajaj Auto Limited has been seeing huge demand for the Chetak electric scooter. Launch last year, bookings for Chetak remain mostly closed due to high demand and low production. Bajaj is working towards increasing production and has also begun work to setup a new plant in Pune. But that will take a year or 2, to start production.
      Until then, Bajaj is slowly increasing their dealer network for the EV. As of now, Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is on sale in Pune, Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Aurangabad. As per the latest update from Bajaj, the next city where the new-age scooter will be launched, will be Nagpur in Maharashtra.
      Next Stop – Nagpur
      Apart from Nagpur, Bajaj also has plans to launch the electric scooter in Chennai and Hyderabad. In fact, Bajaj had announced plans to launch Chetak in Hyderabad and Chennai back in April this year. But that has not materialized yet.
      Speaking about Nagpur launch, Bajaj has posted in a social media post – “The registrations for the Chetak are now open for Nagpur. Visit Chetak website today to register. The booking will open soon so gear up to own the future.” Bajaj has plans to launch Chetak in 30 cities by March 2022.
      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter – Nagpur launch next
      Chetak Price
      Bajaj Chetak is sold in two variants – Urbane and Premium. At the time of launch last year, these were priced at Rs.1.0 lakhs and Rs.1.15 lakhs respectively. In March 2021, the company hiked prices by Rs.27,000 and now in April 2021, the company has again revised prices of the Urbane variant by Rs 27,620 and Premium variant by Rs 24,620.
      Following this latest price hike, the Urbane is now priced at Rs.1,42,620 while the Premium carries a price tag of Rs.1,44,620. All prices are ex-sh. This makes Chetak one of the most expensive electric scooter on offer in India.
      New Batch Sold Out
      The new batch of Bajaj Chetak electric scooters have been sold out in less than 48 hours making the company close bookings once again. The orders were on a first come first serve basis while the company will review the situation before opening the next round of bookings.
      Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is produced at the company’s plant in Chakan near Pune with an all-woman workforce. It gets an all metal body with Vespa line styling and 6 colour options. It sports LED headlamp with DRL, LED blinkers, illuminated switchgear, LED tail lamps and 12 inch alloy wheels. It also gets some first in class features such as an IP67 water-resistant and a beltless Solid Gear Drive. There is also a fully digital instrument console compatible with Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated mobile app for the scooter relaying vital information.
      Specs
      The Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is powered by a 3 kW electric motor offering 16 Nm of peak torque. Its lithium ion battery comes in with a 3 year/50,000 km warranty. Charging is via a 15A electric socket and takes around and hour for 25 percent charge and upto 5 hours for a full charge. Offered in two modes of Eco and Sport, range stands at 95 kms and 85 kms respectively on single charge. Rivals include TVS iQube, Ather 450 range, upcoming Ola Electric scooter, etc. More

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      Older Mazda3s Recalled over Steering-Wheel Logo That Can Shatter

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      Mazda is recalling 260,915 Mazda3 cars from the 2004 through 2007 model years to fix a problem with the logo on the steering wheel’s airbag module.In the event of a crash that causes the driver’s airbag to deploy, the plastic logo may shatter, sending fragments throughout the vehicle and potentially causing injury.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in its report that Mazdas built after June 2006 received improved steering-wheel logos, so they’re not subject to the problem. More than a quarter-million Mazda3 cars are being recalled in the United States to fix a problem with a logo that can shatter in the event of a driver’s airbag deployment. The problem affects cars from 2004 through 2007 model years only and involves the Mazda logo on the steering-wheel airbag module.Mazda issued a statement saying the problem is “due to an improper material specification” that can cause the plastic steering-wheel logo to “become brittle over time.” In mid-2006, the automaker changed to a higher-quality logo that, it says, will not be subject to the problem.In a defect report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Mazda received the first report of an occupant sustaining facial injuries because of this defect in September 2015. Since then there have been eight incidents, all outside the U.S., between then and September 2019, and two lawsuits have been filed inside the U.S. claiming injuries because of the problem.Mazda will replace the airbag module cover on affected vehicles but will not replace the airbag or inflator, NHTSA said. Customers will be notified about the recall starting at the end of August. Meanwhile, owners can check Mazda’s own recall site or the NHTSA recall website for details and to see if their vehicle is involved.

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