Top Stories

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      LML Star Electric Scooter Spied Before Launch – Chetak, Ather Rival

      by

      LML has filed multiple trademarks in India and the upcoming Star Electric Scooter will debut with two other EVs on 29th SepLML Star SpiedLohia Machinery Ltd (LML) is all set to make a comeback. While LML manufactured ICE-powered vehicles throughout its existence, the company is now re-inventing itself as an EV brand. Given the EV potential in India, we would say that it is the logical step for LML.EV segment is still young in India and LML has a chance to establish itself among first hitters, going forward. We have seen multiple trademarks registered by LML in India. Now, we have got our hands on the first-ever spy shots of LML’s maiden electric scooter for India.Likely to be called Star, it is a good-looking product. Pretty much up there in the segment, we would say. Eye-catchy design is likely to be LML Star’s forte in India. Not just that, sources tell Rushlane that it will be accompanied by two more 2W EVs on its debut on September 29th. Let’s take a look.LML Star Electric Scooter SpiedLooks like LML Star will take a clean and minimalist design approach. The straight lines and clean body panels reflect the same. But at the same time, it looks futuristic enough to strike as an EV and not a conventional scooter. It looks like it has potential to appeal to a wider consensus and hence translate into wider reach.New LML Star Electric Scooter SpiedLML Star electric scooter gets an LED DRL at the front apron. It is of dot pattern consisting of larger individual LEDs. Headlight is placed on top of the DRL and looks like a round housing and can also pack a projector unit. The front apron is finished in glossy black and gives LML Star, a unique look. It gets a squarish digital display placed on top of its handlebar to show various info.LML has tastefully integrated red bits into the design to add some visual flair too. This red highlight is found in the horizontal strip below its single-piece seat and also on its split grab rails. LML Star spied on what looks like its assembly line. Hence some of its wirings are still disconnected. But styling elements include LED turn indicators. This is where LML Star body bulges slightly and neatly flows into its thick floorboard. Speaking of the floorboard, this is where LML Star’s battery is housed, keeping the centre of gravity low.Specs & FeaturesLML Star comes with front and rear disc brakes, front telescopic suspension and a rear mono-shock. It looks like it gets a mid-mounted electric motor and drives the rear wheel via a chain drive. Like conventional scooters, LML Star is likely to get a single-sided swingarm designed in the form of a CVT housing.LML Electric New Names Registered – LML Star and LML HyperbikeThere is a high probability of it getting a hub motor too. Floorboard looks thick which would offer a knees-up riding position. If the whole battery is housed here, buyers can expect a sizeable boot under the seat too. LML Star spied, gets 3-spoke design alloy wheels that appear to be 10” in size and shod with conventional rubber.At the rear, we can also see a tyre hugger that is likely to house its rear number plate to keep the design tidy. LML Star will debut alongside two other EVs on September 29. Of which one is likely to be called Hyperbike. Battery specs and performance numbers are not yet revealed by LML and so are the features. It is likely to lock horns with upcoming Hero Vida and the likes. Upon launch it could rival the likes of Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Ather, etc. More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Bike

      New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter Spied – Honda Activa Rival

      by

      While Hero leads in motorcycle segment, its scooter portfolio doesn’t have any segment bestsellers like Honda Activa or TVS JupiterNew Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedApart from Hero MotoCorp, other two-wheeler manufacturers have also launched products to take on Activa. However, sales numbers indicate that Activa continues to dominate. In August 2022, Activa had close to 50% market share among the top 10 scooters in the month.In case of Hero MotoCorp, it’s 110cc scooters like Pleasure and Maestro Edge 110 are way behind Activa. While Pleasure was at sixth spot in August, Maestro Edge did not even make it in top ten. In an attempt to fix this gap, Hero will soon launch a new 110cc scooter named Maestro Xoom. The new name has already been registered by the company, with trademark approval received earlier this year in June.New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedWith the Maestro prefix, it would be safe to assume that the new scooter will have most of the features currently offered with Maestro Edge scooter. Maestro Xoom will not stop at that; instead, it will come with an additional set of features to emerge as a more capable rival to Honda Activa. Hero’s new scooter was showcased at a dealer event and only limited information is available as of now.One of the key upgrades for Hero Maestro Xoom is a full digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. Users should be able to pair their smartphones to access phone functions like calls, SMS, music, etc. Things like ride analytics and remote functions may also be available. Hero’s current breed of 110cc scooters like Pleasure and Maestro Edge 110cc are equipped with a semi-digital instrument console. Latest spy shots of the new Hero Maestro XOOM are credited to X Automobile.New Hero Maestro Xoom Scooter SpiedHero Maestro Xoom can be more economical, as it will have the company’s proprietary i3S technology. i3S can sense when the engine is idling, for example, at a traffic signal. In such situations, it automatically shuts down the engine. The scooter restarts on its own when the clutch is engaged by the rider. i3S is primarily designed to save fuel. It can be activated via a dedicated switch on the handlebar. Users can keep it switched off if they like.Other key differentiating factors for Hero Maestro Xoom include cornering headlamp and 12-inch alloy wheels at front and rear. Existing Maestro Edge has 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels. Visually, the silhouette looks familiar to Maestro Edge 110cc. However, Maestro Xoom has a completely refreshed front fascia with Apron-mounted X-styled headlamp. Rear tail lamp also gets the ‘X’ treatment.Hero Maestro Xoom performanceHero is unlikely to make any performance tweaks to Maestro Xoom, as the current motor doesn’t seem lacking in performance. The 110.9 cc, air cooled motor onboard Maestro Edge generates 8 hp of max power at 7,250 rpm and 8.7 Nm of peak torque at 5,750 rpm. It is mated to a variomatic drive.Hero Maestro Xoom is likely to be positioned above existing Maestro Edge 110cc, thereby commanding a slightly premium pricing. Hero Maestro Edge 110cc is available at Rs 66,820 (drum) and Rs 73,498 (disc variant). More

    • 138 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022 – Splendor, Activa, Pulsar, Apache

      by

      Top 10 two-wheeler sales in August 2022 improve by 11 percent – Hero Splendor continues to lead comfortably and consistentlyTVS ApacheTwo-wheeler sales, especially the big hitters, saw some movement in the top 10 sales list. In keeping with current trends, Hero Splendor leads from the front. Sales are reported at 2,86,007, up from 2,41,703 units YoY. Volume gain stood at 44,304 units at 18.33 percent growth. Among the top sellers, Splendor sales account for over 26 percent market share.Honda Activa sales continue to be the indomitable spirit of scooters. Sales topped out at 2,21,143 units, up from 2,04,659 units. Volume gain stood at almost 16.5k units at 8.05 percent growth. In the top order, Activa sales accounts for just over 20 percent of total sales.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022Honda takes the next spot on the chart with its CB Shine motorcycle. Sales however did decline at 7.53 percent. Down at 1,20,139 units from 1,29,926 units at 9,787 volume loss. Bajaj Platina sales were just shy of a lakh units. Sales was steady at 99,987 units at a marked growth of 76.61 percent. Sales is up from 56,615 units at volume gain of 23,372 units.In fact, Bajaj Pulsar series sales too improved noticeably at almost 47 percent growth. Sales is up at 97,135 units, up from 66,107 units. Volume gain crossed the 31k unit mark. Hero HF Deluxe sales decline was steep at 37 percent. Sales are down to 72,224 units, down from 1,14,575 units. Volume gain declined at 42,351 units.Top 10 Two Wheelers Aug 2022TVS gets into the topseller list with its Jupiter scooter, its highest selling product last month. Sales topped out at just over 70k units, up from 45,625 units. Volume gain stood at 24,450 units up at 53.59 percent. TVS Apache series follows next at a total volume of 40,520 units. While this isn’t a large volume, it’s enough to make it to the top selling list. Sales is up from 16,423 at volume gain of over 24k units. Given the low base number, growth is reported at 146.73 percent.Suzuki, still a fairly small seller in India has had a great few months steadying and improving sales. And its Access scooter finds itself in the top 10 two-wheeler sales list often. Sales last month were however on a decline, down at 40,375 units, down from 49,135 units. Volume decline stood at 8,760 units at 17.83 percent decline.TVS XL moped sales declineTVS XL moped, which at one time was the manufacturer’s largest seller by volume, has seen a consistent decline in sales volume in recent months. Sales last month was down to 36,489 units from 52,607 units. Volume decline stood at 16,118 units at 30.64 percent decline.Top 10 2WheelersAug-22Aug-21Growth % YoY1. Hero Splendor2,86,0072,41,70318.332. Honda Activa2,21,1432,04,6598.053. Honda CB Shine1,20,1391,29,926-7.534. Bajaj Platina99,98756,61576.615. Bajaj Pulsar97,13566,10746.946. Hero HF Deluxe72,2241,14,575-36.967. TVS Jupiter70,07545,62553.598. TVS Apache40,52016,423146.739. Suzuki Access40,37549,135-17.8310. TVS XL36,48952,607-30.64Total10,84,0949,77,37510.92Total sales for the top 10 two-wheelers is reported at 10,84,094 units. Cumulative wholesales improved by about 11 percent, up from 9,77,375 units. Volume gain stood at 1,06,719 units. More

    • 138 Shares149 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Electric Car Sales Aug 2022 – Tata, MG, Hyundai, Mahindra, BYD

      by

      Electric car sales have been on the rise in August 2022 with most of the heavy lifting done by Tata MotorsTata Nexon Electric Kolkata PoliceWe all know that Tata Motors has been the leader in 4W EV segment. Mainstream manufacturers like Mahindra have tried to make it big in this segment before but were unfruitful. That said, industry experts predict that India will be one of the largest markets for electric vehicles in near future.Hence this segment is heating up significantly. With XUV400, Mahindra has set foot in this segment again and is aiming to take on the big gun in this list, Nexon EV range. BYD, a global EV giant that gives Tesla Motors nightmares (figuratively), is also set to launch an electric SUV later this month. But were the electric car sales in Aug 2022? FADA has revealed retail sales data of top selling electric cars of India.Top 10 Electric Cars Aug 2022Like clockwork, Tata Motors again topped the chart with 2,747 unit sales in August 2022. Tata Motors EV range comprises Nexon EV Prime, Nexon EV Max, Tigor EV and the company has also announced the launch of Tiago EV sometime next year. With just 575 units sold in August 2021 and volume growth of 2,172 units, Tata registers 377.74% YoY growth. But drops 4.55% when it comes to MoM growth as it sold 2,878 units in July 2022. Tata Motors’ market share was 93.17% in July 2022 and dropped to 84.86% in August 2022.MG ZS EV sold 311 units and registered a 17.51% drop in sales YoY and a gain of 18.25% MoM. In terms of market share, MG ZS EV holds 9.61%. Even Hyundai Kona EV has been selling in good numbers. With 69 (nice) units sold in August 2022, Kona registers 475% growth YoY with a volume growth of 12 units. It also registers a positive MoM growth of 18.97% and has 2.13% of this market share.Electric Car Sales Aug 2022 vs Aug 2021 (YoY) – FADABYD e6 is only sold as a CV as of now and is a decent product from the Chinese brand. It sold 44 units in India in August 2022 and also sold the same number of vehicles in July 2022. E6 holds 1.36% of the EV market share in India. At 5th place, we have EVs by BMW. With iX and i4 in its arsenal, BMW sold 25 units in August 2022 and registered a 400% growth MoM as it only sold 5 units in July 2022.Mahindra eVerito Saw GrowthThe most astonishing development in this segment is the Mahindra eVerito. EV popularity is growing at a rate that has brought eVerito back from the dead. I mean, it wasn’t exactly dead. But it is 2010’s product while every other product in this list is 2020’s product. If this isn’t convincing enough for mainstream manufacturers to shift towards EV future, I don’t know what is.eVerito sold 17 units and registers 6.25% YoY growth and registers 34.62%, degrowth MoM. Coming to Audi e-Tron range, they sold 13 units and registered 30% YoY growth and 85.71% MoM growth. It is followed by Porsche with its Taycan range which sold 7 units in both August and July 2022.Electric Car Sales Aug 2022 vs Jul 2022 (MoM) – FADAMercedes-Benz EQC takes 9th spot with 4 units sold in August 2022 and registers 100% growth YoY and also 100% growth MoM. All the other EVs are compiled together and sold 0 units registering 100% YoY and 100% MoM degrowth in the month of August 2022. In total, electric car retail sales stood at 3,237 units and registered 224.02% YoY growth with 2,238 unit volume growth. Also, a 4.79% growth MoM with volume growth of 148 units over July 2022. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      New Tata Tiago Electric Launch Confirmed On World EV Day 2022

      by

      Tata Motors has chalked out an aggressive EV strategy and has already revealed its 3rd gen electric platform AVINYA2022 Tata Tiago ElectricLooking to strengthen its presence in EV segment, Tata Motors has planned to launch at least 10 new EVs in the coming years. They are currently the leading EV makers in India, with a market share of 88%. On the 2022 World EV Day, Tata Motors has confirmed the launch of a new EV – Tiago Electric.Upon launch, it will be the most affordable electric car from Tata Motors, sitting below the Tigor EV and Nexon EV in the company lineup. It is likely to get a similar battery pack as seen on the existing Tigor EV.New Tata Tiago Electric LaunchIn its current form, Tigor EV is offered with a 26 kWh battery pack. Nexon EV fares slightly better with a 30.2 kWh battery pack. Certified range is 306 km for Tigor EV and 312 km for Nexon EV. Tata Tiago Electric range is also expected to be about 300 kms on a full charge.Tigor and Nexon EV utilize the Ziptron platform, which comprises liquid cooling tech, IP67 rated battery pack and highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor. The cars have advanced electronics that ensure optimal efficiency and performance across varying temperatures. Upcoming Tata Tiago electric will also get similar features.[embedded content][embedded content]Onboard Tigor EV, the powertrain generates 74 bhp of max power and 170 Nm of peak torque. Nexon EV numbers are higher at 127 bhp and 245 Nm. Power and torque output of Tiago EV could be similar to Tigor. It is likely to deliver more range than Tigor, as it is smaller in size. There are unlikely to be any major changes to the styling and features of Tiago Electric. It will get similar styling as we have seen on existing Tata electric cars.Tata Tiago EV Launch PlansWill Tata Tiago Electric also get a long range version like Nexon EV Max? Well, it may not be feasible to equip the long-range version with the new Tiago electric. But if demand is there, Tata Motors may launch a long range version as well. Range of an EV can depend on various factors such as driver skills, outside temperature, traffic conditions, use of AC, etc. With the long-range versions of EVs, users can expect a higher true range.Tigor EV and Nexon EV are currently one of the most affordable electric cars in the country. This is a major factor that has made them popular. Soon, Tiago EV will be added to the list, and help boost EV sales of Tata Motors.Tigor EV current model is available at a starting price of Rs 12.49 lakh. Nexon EV prices start at Rs 14.99 lakh. Prices of the Tiago Electric could start from under Rs 12 lakh. Tata Motors has also got plans to launch Altroz Electric in the future. More

    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Electric Cars

      Mahindra XUV400 Electric Debuts – Range 456 Kms, Launch Jan 2023

      by

      Mahindra seems to have one-upped Tata with a promised range of 456 km on a single chargeMahindra XUV400 Electric SUVMahindra XUV400 Electric is the company’s answer to Nexon EV range which is currently the highest-selling electric 4W in the country. Before you ask, XUV400 is not based on the INGLO platform that will underpin Mahindra’s BE and XUV.e range of electric SUVs that were unveiled on August 15th in Britain.In July 2022, 3,295 electric 4W sold in India out of which Nexon EV bagged 2,878 units with 87.34% market share. Mahindra being the OG EV adapter in India, is now stepping back into the EV ring with Tata Motors to take on this segment. In that regard, Mahindra has unveiled the XUV400 Electric today.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUVMahindra XUV400 ElectricIn terms of design, It resembles ICE-powered XUV300. But gets a unique design of its own. Headlight units are identical to XUV300’s, but the lower bumper is different. Curves of XUV300 give way to angular and straighter cuts and creases.Like other EVs, XUV400 also gets a closed-off grille which tells that it is an EV. The main highlight is the copper coloured X patterns and roof. More copper trims have been played with and contrast really well with the blue colour of the exterior. Available in five exciting colours: Arctic Blue, Everest White, Galaxy Grey, Napoli Black and Infinity Blue with dual tone roof option in Satin Copper finishMahindra XUV400 Electric SUVMahindra seems to have taken a page from Tata’s designs and has introduced an X pattern like Tata’s tri-arrow pattern. This X pattern adorns the front closed-off grille and other parts of the SUV.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUVWhen it comes to interiors, much of what was seen with XUV300, is retained. Which is a good thing as it was feature loaded, to begin with. Sunroof, dual zone climate control, large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity suite, adjustable steering weight, 7 airbags and a lot more.Specs & FeaturesSince Mahindra hasn’t chopped up the rear to fit sub 4m length, XUV400 looks proportionate and handsome. Boot space is improved as well which was XUV300’s Achilles heel. XUV400 measures 4.2m now and has a 2,600mm wheelbase and promises a large 368 litres boot space as well. Which is a lot better than XUV300.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUV vs Tata NexonThe battery is IP67 water and dust protection. It has 39.4 kW worth of juice in its floor pan. It makes 310 Nm torque and the power has not been revealed by the company. Mahindra XUV400 Electric can cover 456 km on a single charge as claimed by Mahindra. It also allows single pedal technology and gets three drive modes Fun, Fast and Fearless. Coming to acceleration, it can reach a 100 km/h speed in just 8.3 seconds. Top speed is 150 kmph.Talking about competition, Nexon EV Max has an ARAI-certified range of 437 km on one full charge. It also boasts 0% to 80% charge in just around 56 minutes with a 50 kW DC fast charger. It takes only 50 minutes to complete 80% charging with the 50kW DC fast charger. When charged via a 7.2 kW/32A outlet, it takes 6 hours 30 minutes for 0-100% charge and the same is achieved in 13 hours while using a standard 3.3 kW/16A domestic socket. It gets Smartwatch connectivity with 60+ connected car features.Mahindra XUV400 Electric – Key HighlightsOn the reveal of Mahindra’s first electric SUV, Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “The Mahindra Group is committed to becoming Carbon Neutral by 2040 and our EV game plan is at the core of this mission. We are doing our part against climate change with the unveil of the All-Electric Mahindra XUV400, a fun-to-drive, generously sized SUV boasting excellent interior room for our discerning customers.The market too is extremely receptive for a clean, enjoyable and capable vehicle, and we foresee stupendous growth in the category. The XUV400’s class-leading acceleration delivers an adrenaline rush, while its exceptional range offers anxiety-free drives. On the eve of the World EV Day 2022, we are proud to present to India’s young trendsetters the fun and fast XUV400.”Mahindra XUV400 Electric – Key HighlightsSpeaking on the development of the XUV400 e-SUV, R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M Ltd. said, “We started the development of the XUV400 by leveraging Mahindra’s R&D capability with teams spread across Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai. We have tested the vehicle globally under extreme weather conditions along with testing of its fast-charging compatibility (CCS) in multiple geographies to ensure seamless experience for our customers.Mahindra XUV400 Electric White ColourThe XUV400 is based on our hugely successful XUV300 platform, which has been engineered to ensure every drive is safe, while delivering authentic SUV attributes. Combined with BlueSense Plus app for control of vehicle functions and status on mobile application, the XUV400 is a fun, peppy and stylish e-SUV for all those who are future-ready.” More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      New TVS Apache 160, Apache 180 Launch Price Rs 1.18 L Onwards

      by

      TVS Motor has announced the launch of updated Apache 160 and Apache 180 today – New colours, more power, ride modesNew TVS Apache 160TVS Motor has the Apache series of motorcycles that have had a huge following. You can say that it also has a cult following too. In terms of appeal, Apache series goes head to head with Pulsar series. In 2022, there is a surge in 150cc to 200cc segment and premium motorcycles account to 1,51,270 units of total sales in FY 2021-2022.Today, the 4V range of Apache products like Apache RTR 160 4V and Apache RTR 200 4V are more dominant in terms of sales charts. While 2V range like Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 180 received less love from the company. Until now. TVS knows that these bikes are the ones that heavy-lifted the Apache series in the past.When compared to 4V range, 2V range was devoid of features and was generally a little uninspiring. That’s where TVS has worked most. New Apache RTR 160 and Apache RTR 180 are launched and promise better overall appeal. Let’s take a look.New TVS Apache BikesRight off the bat, we can see that the company has improved its 2V motorcycle range with more power and at the same time, reduced the weight as well. This is a win-win both ways. The total weight reduction is 2 kg with Apache RTR 160 and 1 kg with Apache RTR 180. Both of these vehicles now don higher power:weight ratio than before.New TVS Apache 160Earlier, Apache RTR 160 made 15.31 bhp and 13.9 Nm of torque and weighed 139kg. But now, it makes 16 bhp and 13.85 Nm and weighs 2 kg less. Coming to Apache RTR 180, it made 16.56 bhp and 15.5 Nm torque and weighed 141 kg. Now, it makes 17 bhp and 15.5 Nm with 1kg weight reduction.New TVS Apache 160These weight reductions are despite the feature additions, which is impressive. Also impressive is the fact that both 160 and 180 now get riding modes that 200 4V gets. These modes are three in number, Rain Mode with least performance and most ABS intervention, middle ground Urban Mode and Sport Mode where the full tap is opened. Dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch and a new fuel injection system are other additions.Features & PricingSpeaking of features, TVS Motor has loaded them both to the gills with features. TVS claims a total of 28 feature additions. These include TVS’ proprietary SmartXonnect system with Bluetooth connectivity enabling turn-by-turn navigation, race telemetry, call/sms notification, gear position indicator, gear shift indicator, lap timer, adjustable brightness and crash alert system.New TVS Apache 180Not just these, wider 120-section Remora tyres at the rear, and a fancy chain drive with low power loss. Main design changes are confined to the front, which gets a new LED face with a distinct LED DRL pattern. It looks far better than the 2021 MY 4V range whose face looked like the emoji on Moj app. There, I said it. Rear taillight is new too and gets 3D LED elements.TVS Motorcycle Price Range With New BikesBoth of these vehicles are offered in Matt Blue, Racing Red, Gloss Black, T Grey and Pearl White colours. Prices range from Rs. 1,17,790 for Apache RTR 160 with rear drum brakes and go to Rs. 1,30,590 for Apache RTR 180. SmartXonnect, and rear disc are optional with 160 while it is standard on 180. Riding modes are standard on both. More

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      2023 Ather Electric Scooter Spied – New Affordable Variant?

      by

      Ather new electric scooter could get a smaller battery pack, which could mean lower range in comparison to 450X and 450 Plus2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedHigh acquisition cost is a key factor that is limiting sales of electric two-wheelers. It’s true that EV sales have registered triple-digit YoY growth in recent times. But overall numbers are still a fraction of ICE-based two-wheeler sales. That ICE two-wheelers continue to register positive growth shows electric two-wheelers are still out of reach of a large section of the masses.While the likes of Hero Electric have been able to match pricing of entry-level ICE-based two-wheelers, it will be difficult for Ather to achieve the same due to the advanced battery packs and hi-tech features offered with 450X and 450 Plus.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAs a solution, Ather appears to be working on a new scooter that will have a smaller battery pack and hence could be offered at a lower price point. This is something similar to Ola Electric that recently launched a more affordable Ola S1 at Rs 1 lakh with a range of 141 km.2023 Ather Electric Scooter is expected to have the same level of performance as that of 450X and 450 Plus. Only thing is that range will be less with the smaller battery pack. Top speed could also be impacted to some extent. There are unlikely to be any compromises on equipment list, as Ather is positioned as a lifestyle product. Ather new electric scooter will have features such as OTA updates, touchscreen display, turn-by-turn navigation, etc.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedIt is likely that Ather new electric scooter will be based on 450X Gen 3, which was launched earlier this year in July. It comes with a range of upgrades such as a certified range of 146 km. True range is 105 km. It has a 25% bigger 3.7 kWh battery pack. With use of performance tyres, stopping distance has been reduced and grip on wet roads has improved by 22%. Dashboard interactions are now 80% faster, ensuring smoother maps and faster loading of apps.Why launch affordable variant?There are multiple reasons why OEMs have launched or are working to launch affordable versions of their existing scooters. One likely reason is rise in input costs, which has forced EV manufacturers to increase prices. Such price hikes have made these EVs even more inaccessible to a large section of consumers.Second reason is discontinuation of state EV subsidies, as already announced by states like Goa and Maharashtra. It is possible that more states could discontinue EV subsidy, something that will push EV prices significantly. Even central government EV subsidy available under FAME II is set to expire on March 31, 2024. It has already received an extension, so is unlikely to get another one.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAnother factor is that recharging infrastructure is now more easily accessible, as compared to earlier times. For example, Ather has more than 350 charging stations spread across more than 30 cities. And it’s only getting better with every passing day. So, even with low range, users don’t have to worry about getting stranded.Source More