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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Electric Cars May Get Tesla-Like Autonomous Driving Feature

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      Tata Motors could offer self-driving autonomous technology on future EVs based on the Avinya concept underpinned by a new Born Electric platformNew Tata AvinyaTata Motors has been on a roll as far as electric mobility is concerned. The homegrown carmaker has laid down its grand vision for the electric vehicle (EV) space for India and overseas markets as well. The carmaker’s electrification strategy will be headed by the Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) division which is responsible for all EV-related developments.In this regard, the company has recently unveiled pre-production concepts Curvv and Avinya which are going to form the base of upcoming Gen 2 and Gen 3 EVs from the brand respectively. The Avinya concept is based on a new ‘Born Electric’ skateboard platform purely dedicated to future EVs.Autonomous Driving in future EVsIt has also come to light that Tata Motors is envisioning autonomous driving technology for models based on the Avinya Concept. Anand Kulkarni, VP- Product Line and Operations, TPEM, revealed that Tata Motors is looking into this aspect. The architecture is fully capable of incorporating Level 3 or even higher levels of autonomous technology.He further added that fully autonomous driving is also possible for this platform but there needs to be enough demand in global markets. Currently, there are a few car manufacturers who offer higher levels of autonomous driving features. One of them is Tesla, who also has plans of launching their electric cars in India.New Tata AvinyaAvinya Concept Based On Full EV platformThe Avinya Concept measures 4.3 metres and the platform can accommodate cars between lengths 4.1 metres to 4.5 metres. This architecture is versatile in adopting a wide range of body styles as well as drivetrains. Models based on this platform can be front-wheel driven, rear-wheel driven or all-wheel driven. According to Kulkarni, it is important that this architecture meets all safety regulations for autonomous driving. This platform will be laced with modern connectivity features that will play a crucial role in autonomous tech.He further highlighted that there is nothing common between this Born Electric platform and internal combustion engine (ICE) platform. In his words, it is a pure ground-up EV only platform and cannot ever take an IC engine. This skateboard architecture has been created by moving the wheels to the farthest points and creating a space in the middle to fit in the battery pack.Expected Range, Battery Swapping tech & moreTata Motors is working on its elaborate plans that include launching ten new electric cars by 2026. The company isn’t working on a battery swapping technology in this segment as of now, however, this platform offers a provision of such a setup to be added later. Large EVs based on the Avinya concept are likely to have a claimed range of 500km on a single charge that should translate to a real-world range of around 370km.It also came to light that Tata Motors isn’t looking to dive into hybrid powertrains and will instead work to provide a ladder to customers for EVs with a specific range and features built into them according to market demand. The first product based on this new Born Electric platform is expected to be a large SUV which is likely to be an electric equivalent of Safari or Harrier. More

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      Tata AVINYA Electric Concept Makes Global Debut – New Tata Logo

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      This is the second electric vehicle concept to be unveiled by Tata Motors after covers from the Curvv Concept were lifted earlier this monthTata AVINYA Electric ConceptTata Motors is going all guns blazing when it comes to electric mobility. Currently, the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors aims to cement its place in the future as well. The company is planning to come out with a number of EV offerings in the coming years.The homegrown brand has taken its biggest step in the electric mobility space by unveiling a new concept electric car called AVINYA. This EV concept will be underpinned by the company’s first ‘Born Electric’ platform that will incorporate a wide range of body styles with two- and three-row seating configurations.New Tata Avinya Electric – New Logo of Tata MotorsTata Motors ‘Born Electric’ VehicleModels based on this platform are expected to start hitting showrooms from 2025 onwards. Tata AVINYA is a future ready electric car, which will pave the way for Tata becoming a global car manufacturer. Tata says that they are benchmarking to becoming the best, not only the India – but across the globe.Avinya Electric Concept is aimed at showcasing flexibility and versatility of Tata Motors’ new electric skateboard which is understood to have been born out of the same philosophy as the Audi Urbansphere. Avinya has IN at its center – IN standing for India. It has been designed from inside out with a focus on its interior. The vehicle’s exterior design is crossover-ish in nature with a blend of SUV and MPV body styles.New Tata AvinyaNew Skateboard ArchitectureNew Tata Born Electric vehicles will be underpinned by a new skateboard architecture, specifically dedicated to battery-powered vehicles. Usually, skateboard platforms have a long wheelbase that can accommodate a large battery pack. One of the first products to be built on this skateboard is likely to be an electric equivalent of Safari or Harrier.New Tata AvinyaPetrol-powered iterations of both SUVs are based on the OMEGA Arc platform that has been derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. This platform is extremely difficult to electrify and hence we have not seen a fully electric Land Rover built on this platform yet. Moreover, the new skateboard could be shared with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) as part of a collaboration between the parent company and the British brand.[embedded content][embedded content]New Tata Motors Logo for EV lineupFurther, it has also come to light that with Avinya electric concept, the company has unveiled a new logo for Tata Motors’ electric car range. The upcoming electric cars will come out of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEML), the EV division of the brand that was recently set up. The new Tata logo is an illuminated ‘T’ that stretches across the rear of the car.Tata AVINYA Electric ConceptA fully electric version of Tata Harrier that has been internally codenamed Eturna. The carmaker is aiming for a production date of this electric SUV in early 2025. More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Exhaust Spied For First Time

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 caught testing once again on the road – A major departure from the Himalayan 411New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Royal Enfield is developing the new Himalayan 450, designed for both India and the world. The motorcycle was recently caught testing again, this time by automotive enthusiast Bibin Benny Mathew. Thanks to camouflage, most of the design is still not completely visible. But from what we can see, it is going to get an all new design.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – What to expect?Upcoming Himalayan 450 is expected to come with a newly developed engine, displacing around 450cc. Power and torque output numbers are not revealed yet, but it could be developing around 40 bhp and 45 Nm of torque.A 6-speed gearbox will make it to the Himalayan 450. Unlike the 5-speed unit found on the more off-road oriented Himalayan 411. On the features front, we can expect a host of electronic packages from Royal Enfield like ride-by-wire, riding modes, tripper display for Bluetooth connectivity and navigation.New Himalayan 450 comes with a tubular frame at the front to hold jerry cans. A tubular frame at the back for mounting luggage. The motorcycle also gets a front beak to complete the adventure-tourer look.New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450The seat on the Himalayan 450 is a split unit and looks large enough to offer good riding comfort. The Rider’s triangle seems to be different than current Himalayan. The footpegs of Himalayan 450 look a little too rear set for a hardcore off-roader. The Himalayan 411 gets centre-set footpegs for comfortable touring and for maneuvering the motorcycle while standing up. The Himalayan 450 seems to have a slightly committed riding position.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Exhaust DesignThe upcoming REH 450 will feature an exhaust system which has not been seen on any Royal Enfield motorcycle. The design is somewhat similar to those seen on KTM Duke and Adventure motorcycles. Even the design of engine block is quite different, which we have not seen on other RE motorcycles.It is is expected to get similar wheels and tyre combinations to the Himalayan 411 with a 21” wheel at the front and 17” at the rear. We can also expect a slightly bigger fuel tank than the Himalayan 411. The Himalayan 450 might not get switchable ABS like the Scram 411.New Royal Enfield Himalayan 450Himalayan 450 test mule is seen with vertically laid-out instrument cluster. Speaking about suspension setup, in the front it gets USD forks and the rear is suspended via a monoshock. USD forks will likely make the motorcycle nimble in terms of handling, as will have a tighter chassis mount at the front.Pricing and launch details are unknown. Launch of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 might result in the company discontinuing existing Himalayan and become the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s stable. More

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      Royal Enfield Shotgun 650cc Bobber Spied – New LED Headlight

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      Royal Enfield has plans to introduce multiple new 650cc motorcycles including Shotgun, Super Meteor 650 and a cruiser bikeUpcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Bobber SG650With 650 twins registering strong sales in domestic as well as international markets, Royal Enfield will be aiming to further strengthen its presence in this space. Towards that end, at least three new 650cc motorcycles will be launched. One of these is Shotgun 650 that was unveiled as SG650 concept at 2021 EICMA. New 650cc bikes will also help Royal Enfield to manage threats from rivals such as the upcoming BSA Gold Star 650.Shotgun 650 has been spotted on road tests in India as well as abroad. The test mules have been seen with varying features till now, making it difficult to get a proper feel of its design. The latest test mule spotted overseas is different in that it appears to be in production-ready form.Royal Enfield 650cc LED HeadlightIt has the full uniform and is without any camouflage, indicating that the bike is almost ready to enter production. The test mule can be seen with a top box and connected wires, which reveals the possibility of range testing. Shotgun 650 is likely to be launched in early 2023. Royal Enfield could also introduce the Super Meteor 650 at the same time.While production-ready Shotgun 650 looks familiar to SG650 Concept, it has toned-down features and appears more practical. The bike continues using Royal Enfield’s signature retro features such as round headlamp and rear view mirrors, teardrop shaped fuel tank and wide rear mudguard. While the headlight will be LED, blinkers will have halogen bulbs.Upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc Bobber SG650Side profile comprises largely the engine and utility boxes. The test mule can be seen with inconspicuous looking exhaust. It is possible that this may be different as compared to that of the production variant. At the rear, Shotgun 650 has the signature round tail lamp.In terms of user comfort, the bike offers an upright riding stance. Pulled back handlebar and centrally placed footpegs will ensure optimal comfort on long journeys. Low-set, scooped out single piece saddle can be expected to boost comfort levels as well as ensure adequate balance and control.Shotgun 650 engine and specsPowering Shotgun 650 will be the same 648cc parallel-twin air cooled motor that does duty on Interceptor and Continental GT. It churns out 47 hp of max power and 52 Nm of peak torque. It is coupled with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. It is possible that power and torque output may be tweaked slightly in line with the bike’s profile.Shotgun 650 has USD forks at front and dual rear shock absorbers. It has disc brakes at both ends, integrated with dual-channel ABS as standard. Speedometer appears the same as currently used with other Royal Enfield bikes. There’s a larger primary display on the left that shows standard info such as speedometer, fuel level and odometer. On the right, the smaller display is likely to be the tripper navigation system.Source More

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      Tata Motors To Manufacture 2 L Electric Cars, EVs At Ford India Plant

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      Tata Motors will be investing Rs 2,000 crore in the Sanand-based manufacturing facility in Gujarat previously owned by Ford IndiaImage – National GeographicTimes of India claims that Tata Motors has taken over the Ford India plant in Sanand. Tata Motors has not yet officially announced the take over. As per the report, Tata Motors has acquired Ford India’s manufacturing facility based out of Sanand in Gujarat for an undisclosed amount.There have been talks of the Indian automaker taking over the American auto giant’s plants in India. The latter quit retail and manufacturing operations in the country in September last year. Tata Motors is planning to invest an additional Rs 2,000 crore in the newly acquired facility. The homegrown carmaker intends to manufacture two lakh electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026 at the Sanand factory. Ford also owns a vehicle and engine manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu.Tata Motors Acquiring Ford India’s plantAs a part of this takeover, Tata Motors will not be laying off any of the existing employees of Ford in this facility. The facility has given employment to as many as 23,000 personnel either directly or indirectly. The company already owns a manufacturing facility in Sanand, built to manufacture Tata Nano. Ford India plant is just opposite the Tata Motors plant in Sanand.This plant currently serves as a manufacturing hub for the brand’s EVs and other models like Tiago and Tigor. As of now, Tata Motors produces 10,000 EVs per year, at its existing Sanand-based factory. This facility has an overall production capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum. Tata Motors was one of the first major automakers to enter Sanand with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore to build India’s most affordable car in the form of Nano.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptConcessions sought by Tata MotorsTata Motors has also sought concessions in land transfer rate where it has proposed to pay 20% of jantri rate of the land which translates to Rs 66 crores. It has also asked for balance eligible incentives which were promised to Ford till 2030. Report further reveals that the state government has given its nod to these concessions sought by Tata Motors.Earlier this year, both Tata Motors and Ford India submitted a consent proposal for transfer of ownership of the latter’s manufacturing plant to the former. The high-powered committee met recently and gave a nod to this proposal including concessions sought by Tata Motors as part of this deal. The proposed takeover is expected to become a major landmark in EV production in the country.Tata Motors as an EV manufacturerTata Motors is currently the largest EV manufacturer in the country with two mass-market products in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon. In February this year, the brand sold a total of 2,264 units of battery-powered vehicles. The company recently previewed an upcoming Coupe Electric SUV in the form of Curvv Concept which is expected to go on sale by 2024.Source More

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      New Yamaha Electric Scooters Showcased To Dealers In India

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      E01 And NEO’s electric scooters had made their global debut earlier this year in March; India launch likely next yearYamaha Electric Scooters Showcased To Dealers In India. Image – Nikam YamahaAs compared to startups like Ather, Ola, Okinawa, Ampere, Revolt, etc., mainstream two-wheeler manufacturers like Yamaha are yet to target the EV space on a large scale. There are limitations for such OEMs, as they have to maintain focus on their primary petrol powered two-wheelers. Good thing is Yamaha has now taken its first steps in the EV journey by showcasing E01 And NEO’s electric scoters at dealers’ meet. Hat tip to Nikam Yamaha and Torque TV for sharing the images.Yamaha Electric Scooters For India – E01E01 is more likely to make it here, as it’s comparable to a 125cc petrol scooter. Yamaha already has a strong presence in this space with popular scooters like Fascino and RayZR. Similar USPs can be created for E01. Moreover, Yamaha has already filed the trademark for E01.As may be recalled, E01 electric scooter concept was showcased at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The maxi-styled scooter has a sporty profile with prominent front fascia, dual headlights, compact windscreen and wide, comfortable single piece seat. The scooter is expected to be offered in both single and dual-tone colour options.Other key features of E01 include fully digital instrument console, Bluetooth connectivity and keyless ignition. It will have three ride modes of Eco, Normal and Power. Max range with a single battery pack is expected to be around 70-80 km on a full charge.Yamaha Electric Scooters For India. Image – Nikam YamahaIn European markets, E01 is likely to be equipped with a 11kW (15 bhp) motor. This is as per the regulatory requirements mandated for light electric scooters. In Europe, E01 will debut as part of a ride sharing fleet.Yamaha Neo’s electric scooterBased on E02 concept showcased at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Neo’s electric scooter recently debuted in Europe at a starting price of EUR 3,005 (approx. Rs 2.52 lakh). It will go on sale later this year in May.Yamaha Neo’s electric scooter is equipped with a 50.4V, 19.2Ah Lithium-ion battery pack that weighs 8kg. It supplies power to a brushless DC hub motor, rated to deliver 2.5 kW (3.4PS) of power and 136 Nm of torque in Standard mode. The powertrain is comparable to a 50cc scooter. It is to note that Neo’s is already available as a 50cc petrol powered scooter in select markets.Yamaha Electric Scooters For IndiaIn Eco mode, power output is restricted to 1.58kW. With a single battery, range is around 38.5 km. This can be extended to 68 km using a dual battery setup. Charging time is around eight hours when a standard AC charger is used.It is not certain if Neo’s electric scooter will be launched in India. Charging and battery swapping infrastructure are still underdeveloped in the country. This significantly limits the acceptability for an electric scooter with low range. Market trends indicate that there’s growing preference for electric scooters with around 100+ km range. More

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      Kia EV6 GT Electric Car Spied Testing In India – Launch Soon

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      This flagship GT version of the Kia EV6 crossover commands a range of 510km and top speed of 260 km/hKia EV6 GT Electric Car. Image – Automobili Ardent IndiaKia EV6, the most powerful and quickest vehicle in the company lineup, is getting ready for India launch. Making its global debut last year, this electric crossover is the company’s first all-electric vehicle.Kia EV6 shares its E-GMP platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform) with the Hyundai Ioniq, which is also planned for India launch. EV6 is built on the company’s new Opposites United design philosophy which is based on the 5 pillars of Bold for Nature, Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life and Tension for Serenity.Kia EV6 GT Electric Spied In IndiaKia’s EV6 is offered with 2 powertrain configurations – 77.4 kWh for long range and 58 kWh for standard range. It will be offered in two variants of GT Line and GT and will be available in both 2WD and AWD options.The new Kia EV6 GT comes in with a dual motor set up along with a 77.4 kWh battery pack which together offer 576 hp power and 740 Nm torque. This allows the EV6 GT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and to hit a top speed of 260 km/h. This speed and power puts it in a higher category as compared to the Porsche Taycan 4S.Kia EV6 GT Electric CarUpcoming Kia EV6 is offered in a choice of two battery sizes of 77.4 kWh and 58 kWh. In its non GT stance the larger battery offers 229 hp power in a rear wheel drive format and a combined 325 hp with AWD. The rear wheel drive variant gets a range of 510 kms on the WLTP cycle while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.2 seconds.The 58 kWh battery pack is also presented in two configurations of 170hp RWD and 235hp AWD with acceleration of 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. It is not clear as to which battery variant will be launched in India. Kia EV6 will come in as a CBU.Where features are concerned, the upcoming EV6 will get a new Kia logo, large headlamps and a Tiger Nose front grille. It features an aerodynamic design with swept back windshield, angular DRLs, sloping C pillars and a roof spoiler. Interiors will see the latest in technology with an HD screen, slim dashboard and instrument cluster, and the latest in technologies and car connectivity.Battery Charging TimeKia EV6, positioned on the EGMP platform, gets an 800V charging architecture allowing charging from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. In just 4.5 minutes of charging, the Kia EV6 can deliver up to 100 kms range. The EV6 also comes in with a ‘vehicle-to-load’ function to offer up to 3.6kW of power to external devices including other EVs. India launch is likely to take place in June 2022.Source More

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      Suzuki V-Strom SX 250cc ADV Launch Price Rs 2.11 L

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      Quarter litre bike segment in India is expected to emerge as a key growth driver in coming yearsSuzuki V Strom SX 250cc ADVIn 250cc segment, Suzuki currently has the naked Gixxer 250 and its faired sibling SF250. With growing preference for entry-level dual-purpose ADV bikes, Suzuki has launched V-Strom SX 250. It will primarily rival the likes of KTM 250 Adventure, Benelli TRK 251, Yezdi Adventure and BMW G 310 GS. It could also emerge as an alternative for Himalayan and recently launched Royal Enfield Scram.Based on Gixxer 250 platformIn international markets, Suzuki V-Strom 250 has been in production since 2017. It is part of the company’s dual-sport range that also has other products like Suzuki V-Strom 650, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and the Suzuki V-Strom 1050. In India, Suzuki sells V-Strom 650XT, which is popular for its versatile performance. V-Strom 250 claims to have similar capabilities at an affordable price point.Developed primarily for Asian markets, V-Strom SX utilizes a single cylinder 249cc engine that also powers Gixxer 250 and SF250. This engine makes 26.5 ps at 9300 rpm and 22.2 Nm at 7300 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Power and torque output could be adjusted to suit the bike’s ADV character.Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “We feel delighted to announce our entry in the 250cc adventure sports segment with the launch of V-Strom SX. The All-New V-Strom SX has been manufactured to cater to the needs of the riders who like a versatile sports adventure tourer. V-Strom SX will be perfectly suitable for city and highway riding as well as to explore various kinds of adventure terrains on a motorcycle.Suzuki V Strom SX 250cc ADVToday, motorcycles have evolved as an extension of its owner’s personality and riders look at their motorcycle as a partner rather than just a vehicle to commute. We are confident that with its all-round capabilities, V-Strom SX will perfectly blend with the latent demands of the Indian riders. All-New 250cc sports adventure tourer has been conceptualized to follow the footsteps of its big brother and make people fall in love with its performance on a daily basis, touring capabilities and features.”Suzuki V-Strom 250 featuresV-Strom 250 is projected as a multi-use bike that can effectively tackle a variety of terrain and environments. It can work for everyday commutes as well as be ready for some mild off-roading and long distance highway cruising.The bike has a comfortable, upright riding stance. Wide, ergonomically placed handlebar and scooped rider seat ensure optimal control and handling across varied terrain. Other key features include LED headlamp, decent sized windscreen, knuckle guards, signature ADV beak, sporty rear view mirrors, sculpted fuel tank, split seats and upswept exhaust.Suzuki V Strom SX 250cc ADVV-Strom 250 will have a full digital instrument cluster that will host Bluetooth-based connectivity features, powered by Suzuki Ride Connect app. The bike is also equipped with a USB charger. Suspension system will comprise standard telescopic forks at front and swingarm linked monoshock unit at rear. In line with its ADV character, the suspension system onboard V-Strom 250 will have relatively longer travel in comparison to that of Gixxer 250.Braking duties will be performed by disc brakes at both ends, integrated with dual-channel ABS as standard. The bike could get wire spoke wheels, shod with dual-purpose tyres. Three colour options are on offer – Yellow, Orange, Black. Prices start from Rs 2.11 lakh, ex-sh. Bookings are now open. More