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      in Bike

      Honda NX200 Name Trademarked In India – Hero Xpulse 200 Rival

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      Image for reference. Render by Young Machine Magazine
      Honda NX200 is likely to be priced at a slight premium over Hornet 2.0 and will directly lock its horns against Hero Xpulse 200
      Honda’s two-wheeler division in India has been on a roll since last year as it has shifted focus from commuter motorcycles to more performance-oriented machines. It started with the launch of Hornet 2.0 and was followed by the likes of CB350 range, CB500X and CB650 range.
      All barring Hornet 2.0 are retailed through the Japanese brand’s premium chain of dealerships called BigWing. The company has earlier mentioned that it is looking to develop multiple new models based on the platform all premium bikes that are locally manufactured in the country. Only then can the products be viable and could be priced competitively in the market against their rivals.
      Hornet 2.0 Based ADV bike
      It has been revealed that the bikemaker is planning to develop a new adventure motorcycle based on Hornet 2.0. In fact, the manufacturer has also registered a trademark with the name ‘NX200’ which is almost certain to be utilised for the Hornet 2.0-based ADV. Honda had already made its intentions known that it wanted to bring an entry-level adventure bike in India when it had earlier presented the CX-02 Concept.
      The Japanese automaker already has an entry-level adventure tourer in its international lineup in the form of CB190X which is retailed in China. It is also one of the most affordable ADVs currently. Although, the India-spec model will be slightly different from the one sold in China. The NX200 is likely to incorporate styling elements from both CB190X and CX-02 Concept. This means, as in the case with most contemporary ADVs, the new NX200 will wear a front-heavy design.
      Honda NX200 name registered in India
      Expected Styling Attributes
      It should feature a tall windscreen, a full-LED headlight, muscular fuel tank with long extensions, an upright tail section, knuckle guards and luggage rack at rear. It will be built on a slightly tweaked version of the frame underpinning Hornet 2.0 which will suit its characteristics.
      This means it will be equipped with a long travel suspension setup, dual-purpose tyres, raised handlebars, better seat cushioning and a revised footpeg position for an upright riding posture.
      Expected Mechanical Specs
      One can expect 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked rims on the adventure bike. Despite these qualities, it will be wrong to expect a hardcore off-roader. NX200 will most probably be a road-biased tourer just like CB500X.
      Powertrain, however, is unlikely to be tinkered with. It will be powered by a 184.4cc air-cooled single-cylinder currently powering Hornet 2.0. This unit is rated to return an output of 17 bhp and at 8500rpm and 16.1 Nm of peak torque at 6000rpm while being mated to a 5-speed gearbox. More

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      Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept Revealed

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      Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
      Husqvarna E-Pilen is expected to undergo production by late this year with a launch aimed at late 2021 or late 2022
      With every other OEM venturing into electric mobility space, we often get to witness new designs and advent of some new technology even if it’s minuscule. The latest manufacturer is Husqvarna who plans to enter the emission-free auto world with the production version of E-Pilen Concept revealed recently.
      Based on the unique and pioneering design of successful twins- Svartpilen and Vitpilen, E-Pilen Concept is the Swedish bikemaker’s first step into urban electric mobility. The company has ensured that the production-spec electric motorcycle will bear stark resemblances to the concept version showcased.
      Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
      Modern Design
      The progressive design philosophy of Svartpilen and Vitpilen has been carried forward to the electric bike which features some distinct styling elements such as an exposed trellis frame, wide handlebars, a compact fuel tank and a round headlamp.
      While a light paint scheme has been carried forward from Vitpilen, the tank rack has been inspired by Svartpilen. Other design elements included are inverted forks, mono-shock at rear, and a gullwing swingarm.
      Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
      Expected Powertrain Specs
      It should be pointed out that the fuel tank houses the electric battery setup. The battery supplies energy to an electric motor with a rated capacity of 8kW (10.73 bhp). Although exact details of the powertrain are yet to be revealed, the company claims a modest range of 100km on a single charge. However, Husqvarna has assured that it will address the range anxiety issues of consumers by equipping E-Pilen with swappable batteries featuring a modular system.
      Husqvarna Electric Motorcycle E-Pilen Concept
      Official statement from the company read as “It has always been the aim of Husqvarna Motorcycles to develop new products accessible to the broadest possible spectrum of riders. The E-mobility range will retain and continue the riding pleasure and dynamics refined through the long history and experience of the brand.”
      More Details
      More details regarding E-Pilen will be revealed as the electric motorcycle nears its final production-spec version. Husqvarna’s Austrian cousin KTM has already ventured into electric mobility space with 5 kW SX-E and 16 kW Freeride E. If E-Pilen indeed undergoes production it can also pave the path for electric KTM Dukes. Motorcycles of both brands are manufactured at Bajaj’s manufacturing facility in Chakan near Pune, Maharashtra.
      [embedded content]
      In fact, Bajaj and KTM have been working together on a common electric platform that will underpin products ranging from 3kW to 10kW electric motors using a 48V electric system. Also, it was reported a couple of months back that KTM and Husqvarna are developing an all-new electric scooter as well which will be based on Bajaj Chetak Electric. We can expect E-Pilen to be launched late this year or early next year. More

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      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa BS6 India Launch Price Rs 16.4 Lakh

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      2021 Suzuki HayabusaCompared to the older Hayabusa, the new 1340cc inline four-cylinder motor comes with new and lighter connecting rods and pistons
      The new generation Suzuki Hayabusa is one of the most anticipated premium bikes around the world. The faired superbike recently made its international debut and has now been launched in India. Price starts from Rs 16.4 lakh, ex-sh.
      Mr. Koichiro Hirao, Managing Director, SMIPL said, “Suzuki Hayabusa has been the most preferred choice amongst Sport bike enthusiasts around the world for over two decades now in the class it created. The new-generation Hayabusa was developed not only to achieve an even higher overall balance of ultimate performance and comply with the BS6 emissions standards, but also to capture the hearts of both devoted followers and all who lay eyes on the stunning beauty and sharper, tauter form of its bold new design.”
      Updated Design
      The third-gen Hayabusa comes with a series of updates both in terms of looks as well as its functionality. For starters, it comes with a completely redesigned bodywork with an improved ram air intake which enhances the motorcycle’s aerodynamic properties. It comes with new body panels, flyscreen, rear cowl and fairing-mounted wing mirrors. The font face looks more aggressive thanks to more concise fairing adopted this time.
      New Hayabusa receives an updated tail section with freshly designed LED taillight. Although the faired sports bike continues to sport bulbous proportions as before, it now comes with chrome-plated twin exhausts that are sleeker and longer.
      2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
      Tipping the scales 4 kilos lighter at 264 kg, the motorcycle is offered with a revised fuel tank design that can hold up to 20-liters of fuel. Bolder fonts for ‘Hayabusa’ logo further accentuate the bike’s sporty character.
      Dynamics & Features
      Coming to its dynamics, 2021 Hayabusa retains the same twin-spar type aluminum frame which is assisted by the latest Kayaba suspension setup. Stopping duties are handled by disc brakes with Brembo’s Stylema calipers. The supersport tourer offers a saddle height of 800mm and a ground clearance of 120mm.
      Along with the hardware setup, new Hayabusa comes equipped with a wide array of electronic aids to complement the riding experience. The equipment comprises features such as a 6-axis IMU, hill start assist, multiple riding modes, quick-shifter, traction control, ABS cornering package, wheelie control, launch control to name a few. Other features on offer include a part digital and part analogue instrument console with a TFT display.
      Performance
      Speaking of performance, it is powered by a revised 1340cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as before that returns an output of 187 bhp and 150 Nm of peak torque. Output is down from 194 bhp and 154 Nm on the outgoing model. Claimed fuel efficiency has also dropped from 21.5 kmpl to 18.06 kmpl in the new Busa. As per Suzuki, the claimed top speed on the latest iteration of the superbike is 290 kmph. More

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      Top 10 Two Wheelers March 2021 – Splendor No 1, Activa 2nd, Pulsar 5th, Apache 10th

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      Image – Technical MamuHero MotoCorp’s entry-level commuter motorcycle Splendor led the list of 10 two wheelers sold in March 2021 while Honda Activa was in second position
      Two wheeler sales increased substantially in March 2021 over that of March 2020. The need for personal mode of transport, healthy rural climate, year-end financial schemes and discounts offered by two wheeler manufacturers all had a part to play in this increase of sales.
      While assessing the top 10 two wheelers sold in the past month, it may be seen that every model in this lineup showed positive growth in March 2021 over that of March 2020. Sales increased by 70.19 percent and stood at 10,80,498 units over 6,34,862 units sold in March 20. Of course, comparing sales to March 2020 is not a correct yardstick considering it was in that month that the Covid -19 pandemic struck the country leading to a complete lockdown.
      Hero Splendor Tops the List
      Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two wheeler manufacturer, had the Splendor at No.1 on the top 10 list. This entry level commuter motorcycle, which is regaled by buyers on two counts for its high level of fuel efficiency and lower maintenance saw a total of 2,80,090 units sold in March 21, up 94.96 percent over 1,43,736 units sold in March 20. Of course, comparing sales to March 2020 is not a correct yardstick considering it was in that month that the Covid -19 pandemic struck the country leading to a complete lockdown.
      Honda Activa continued its lead in the scooter segment with 18.44 percent share and was next on the list. Sales were at 1,99,208 units, up 73.59 percent over sales of 1,14,757 units sold in March 20.
      Top 10 Motorcycles – March 2021
      The HF Deluxe, a commuter bike from Hero MotoCorp, was at No. 3. Sales for March 21 stood at 1,44,505 units, up 25.69 percent over 1,14,969 units sold in March 20. The HF Deluxe commands a 13.37 percent share and the company has recently added the HF 100, a new entry-level commuter bike priced at Rs.49,400. It is slotted below the HF Deluxe in the company lineup.
      Also noting a significant increase in sales was the Honda CB Shine. Sales were at 1,17,943 units in March 21, an increase of 36.14 percent over 86,633 units sold in March 20. The CB Shine also just missed out on reaching the 1 million unit mark with 9,88,201 units sold during the financial year 2020-21.
      Bajaj Pulsar and Platina
      Bajaj Auto Limited had two model – Pulsar and Platina on the list of top 10 two wheelers for March 20. While the Pulsar reported a 67.14 percent growth from 51,454 units sold in March 20 to 85,999 units sold in March 21, Platina sales surged 224.61 percent. Sales which had stood at 21,264 units in March 20 increased substantially to 69,025 units in the past month.
      Earlier this week the company also introduced the new Pulsar NS125 at Rs.93,690. The ‘NS’ or naked sport range will be positioned as an entry-level bike after the NS200 and the NS160.
      Chennai-based TVS Motor Company had three models on this list. These included the Jupiter, XL and Apache. Of these, it was the Jupiter at No.7 that saw the most sales and maximum growth. Sales were at 57,206 units in the past month, up 172.40 percent over 21,001 units sold in March 20.
      Sales of the TVS XL were at 44,688 units a growth of 36.21 percent over 32,808 units sold in March 20 while Apache sales increased 52.37 percent to 33,162 units, up from 21,764 units sold in the same month of the previous year. There was also the Suzuki Access at No. 8 with 83.83 percent growth to 48,672 units sold in the past month. More

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125 India Launch Price Rs 94k – 4 New Colours

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      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 launched to further strengthen and widen Bajaj’s entry sport bike segment
      New Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the auto manufacturers sportiest 125cc segment offering. Pulsar NS125 entry sportsbike is designed to cater to the needs of young enthusiasts. The engine delivers power of 12 PS and torque of 11 Nm for segment topping performance. In keeping with the spirit of Pulsar, power comes from a 125cc BS6 DTS-i engine characterised by superior power, and immediate throttle response.
      Segment-first features include a rigid perimeter frame for high-stiffness, and low flex for sharp handling. Nitrox mono-shock absorber helps with stability at varying riding speed. This makes for greater handling and stability on varied road types.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Pulsar NS 125 is now available at a price point of Rs 93,690, ex-sh Delhi. The entry level product widens the Pulsar ‘NS’ range of motorcycles’ portfolio and strengthens brand appeal and utility in the sports motorcycle branding front.
      Pulsar NS 125 features
      Pulsar NS 125 is available in four colour options, including Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red and Pewter Grey. The body is decked in high gloss metallic paint. The perimeter frame and alloys are finished in bronze shade.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Signature wolf-eyed headlamp cluster is matched with twin pilot lamps. The infinity twin-strip LED Tail lamps, split grab rail and smart design belly pan complete the external design aspects for a touch of sharpness.
      Pulsar NS series has a firm grip on the entry sport segment. And over time, Bajaj has ensured there’s something for everyone in the Pulsar range, whether NS or not. The NS range benefits from its product range which includes Pulsar NS 200, and NS 160. The portfolio affirms the need for varied products across segments that can pack in a punch at an attractive price point.
      First-time sport biking enthusiast
      NS 160 is available at a price point of Rs 1,10,086, and NS 200 is available at a price of Rs 1,33,222. NS 125 intends to bring in yet more buyers into the fold by offering something to the first-time sport biking enthusiast.
      2021 Bajaj Pulsar NS125
      Sarang Kanade, President – Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto said “We are excited to bring the pedigree of the higher cc Pulsar NS series bikes, for first-time performance riding enthusiasts. The thrill that the new Pulsar NS 125 is built to offer, will appeal to a large segment of customers with its multiple class leading features. The Pulsar 125 has been very well received by consumers and we are confident that the new NS 125 will further strengthen the brand’s position in the Entry Sport Bike segment”. More

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      in Electric Cars

      New Honda HRV Inspired Electric SUV Prototype Debuts

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      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      The production model based on Honda SUV e: prototype is expected to go on sale by spring of 2022
      Auto Shanghai 2021 being held from April 21-28, 2021 has the all new Honda SUV e-prototype on display. It is being showcased at the upcoming all electric model from the brand that will go on sale from Spring 2022.
      The new SUV, which currently goes by the codename e-prototype, is the first of 10 such electric vehicles being planned by Honda for launch over the next 5 years. It bears a striking resemblance to the e:concept which was shown off at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show but in a more production ready format.
      Exterior Inspired by new HR-V
      Where its exterior styling is concerned, the new Honda e:prototype borrows design inspiration from the new HR-V. It gets a thin LED strip in the front, LED eye shaped headlamps, thin LED strips at the top and slim side mirrors. The LED logo in the front hides the panel which is its charging port.
      On the sides are black body cladding, retractable front door handles and at the rear there are tail lamps linked by a light bar and the Honda logo in the center. Twin light strips are also seen on the rear bumper and it gets a prominent tailgate spoiler and contrasting black roofline to offer a floating roof effect.
      New Honda HRV is being planned for India launch
      Third Gen Honda Connect
      Honda E:Prototype comes in with third generation Honda Connect. It will also receive Honda’s ADAS next gen advanced safety and driver assist system. ADAS allows driver to experience new technologies with better safety and comforts of mobility.
      Honda Connect offers advanced functions like connectivity, smartphone link and OTA – Over-the-Air updates based on voice recognition interface. Besides being offered with the e:Prototype, Honda Connect will also make its way onto other Honda models in the second half of this year.
      The AI powered system also offers users connectivity to smart home appliances and online shopping and also supports digital key via the smartphone. No details of powertrain or any other technical spec were revealed and will be announced once the model enters production.
      Honda HRV inspired electric SUV – e:prototype
      At Auto Shanghai 2021, Honda also unveiled the Breeze PHEV which is based on the Honda CR-V. This is the company’s first plug in hybrid model and is based on Honda’s Sport Hybrid i-MMD hybrid system. It offers an impressive electric range and promises to go on sale by later this year. Breeze PHEV is being introduced by GAC Honda (Guangqi Honda or Guangzhou Honda), a JV between GAC Group and Honda Motor Company. More

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      Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Chennai And Hyderabad Launch Soon

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      Image – Nitish NeoBajaj Chetak electric scooter recently received a price hike of up to Rs 28k – Bookings are currently closed
      The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, launched in January 2020 entered the electric two wheeler segment with much fanfare. It managed to garner bookings to the extent of 2,000 units but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and sales ebbed. Till March 2021, Chetak scooter sales stood at about 1,400 units.
      Chetak’s Next Two New Cities
      This is only from two cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj has not launched Chetak in any other city till now. They had plans to launch Chetak in multiple cities by end of 2020, but due to Covid19, that plan has gotten delayed.
      As on date, Bajaj Auto is only selling this e-scooter via its 13 dealerships in the cities of Pune and Bengaluru. Bajaj Auto has just announced the next two cities which will get their state of the art electric scooter. These are Chennai and Hyderabad. Both these cities are expected to get the Chetak in the next few days. Exact timeline has not been announced yet.
      Bajaj Chetak Electric Expansion Plans
      Chetak Price Hike
      Bajaj Chetak is presented in two variants of Urbane and Premium. At the time of launch in Jan 2020, these were priced at Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.1,15,000 respectively. After the recent price hike in April 2021, these variants are now priced at Rs 1,42,620 and Rs 1,44,620. All prices are ex-sh.
      Both the variants are powered by the same powertrain with the key difference being a drum brake in the Urbane. The company has also revealed future plans to make the Chetak a global brand with the first step being initiated to patent the Chetak electric design for the European markets.
      Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is powered by an electric motor producing 3.8kW/4.1kW continuous/peak power along with a 3 kWh lithium ion battery. It promises a range of 95 kms while in Eco mode and 85 km in Sports mode. The battery has a 3 year/50,000 km warranty.
      Software Update
      Bajaj recently announced a software upgrade, the first for the e-scooter since launch. This software update will see the Chetak with a more accurate range indicator. The company has been contacting owners to bring in the Chetak for the software update which has to be done by a technician at the company’s authorized service center.
      There is a diagnostic tool required for the software upgrade. A port will connect this tool to e-scooter which is located near the right hand side of the pillion footrest. The installation takes a matter of 10 minutes to install but it takes more than 24 hours to take effect.
      Steps to be followed for the software upgrade includes the complete 100 percent SoC charge of the vehicle battery. The e-scooter then has to be ridden till 15 percent SoC following which it has to rest for 12 hours and then again battery should be charged upto 100 percent SoC and again taken for a ride till 15 percent SoC. This will once again be followed by a 12 hour rest and recharge upto 100 percent SoC so as to complete the software upgrade.
      Once completed, the Chetak e-scooter will note two changes. Firstly there will be an improved accuracy in range reading. The fluctuations in actual and displayed distance to empty will be reduced particularly in the case of downhill riding. This will give the rider an accurate assessment of remaining charge. The range will also be enhanced. When taken to the test, the Bajaj Chetak with the software update could travel over a 94 km distance using 94 percent charge while the remaining 6 percent charge allowed the rider to continue till 100 kms. More

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      2022 Mercedes Benz EQS Electric Debuts With 770 Kms Range

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      2022 Mercedes EQS ElectricThe EQS has one of the best aerodynamics with the lowest drag coefficient in its segment of 0.20
      With demand shifting to non-fossil fuel energy sources gaining momentum in the last few years, the German carmaker has a string of new electric cars ready for launch within its dedicated EV sub-brand ‘EQ’. However, the marque isn’t going to compromise on a few things that have earned it the brand image the company enjoys today, one of them being luxury.
      S-Class stands at the top-end of Mercedes Benz’s global lineup and is the epitome of luxury on wheels. The carmaker has now taken the covers off the fully electric version of the luxury sedan called EQS. The electric sedan will be offered in two variants- 450+ and 580 4Matic and is expected to go on sale by the end of this year.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Exterior Styling
      EQS is based on the Vision EQS concept that made its maiden appearance in 2019, however, sports a few differences in its actual production form. Its appearance is commanded by Mercedes’ “one-bow roofline” design philosophy that essentially forms a projectile roofline.
      The roof arches back to a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate giving the sedan a sportier appeal than its fossil-fueled sibling. At front end, it gets a black faux grille panel flanked by angular headlights on both sides with a “three-dimensional star pattern”.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      The headlight clusters are themselves joined by a horizontal light bar. The electric sedan’s body is made of aluminium making it very light for its size and wrapped by a two-tone colour scheme with a contrasting upper half.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      It features a fixed clamshell bonnet that doubles up as front wheel arches. The doors are frameless as expected from this range of cars and feature the same flush door handles as its IC engine-powered counterpart.
      The electric S-class is built on the brand’s new dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform that will also underpin the upcoming EQE. At a length measuring 5265mm, it is closer to the long wheelbase version of S-Class rather than the standard S-Class. Other dimensions read as 1,926mm wide in width and1,512mm tall while the wheelbase measures a staggering 3,210mm. Despite the enormous size, Mercedes claims a very low drag coefficient of only 0.20.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Powertrains specs & Performance
      The 450+ trim comes powered by a single rear-wheel biased motor while the 580 4Matic trim comes with a dual motor setup providing all-wheel-drive functionality. The former returns an output of 329 bhp and 458 Nm of peak torque and is capable of sprinting 0-100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds. The latter receives a combined output of 516 bhp and 856 Nm of peak torque while 0-100 kmph acceleration time reduces to a meagre 4.3 seconds.
      However, top speed on both variants have been capped at 210 kmph which results in a more than an impressive driving range of 770km on a single charge as per WLTP cycle. The motors are fed by a 107.8kWh battery pack but Mercedes says it will also offer a smaller 90 kWh battery at the time of launch. The company has also revealed that a more powerful 715 bhp AMG version of the sedan based in the same twin-motor setup as 580 4Matic is in making.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      Interior & Features on offer
      Step inside the cabin and one would feel that he/she has time travelled to future. The biggest highlight (literally) is the new digital Hyperscreen dashboard which contains three screens, eight CPUs, 24GB of RAM and the latest MBUX software. The cabin is a proper definition of opulence and comes with all bells and whistles one receives in a modern-day car and much more.
      Some feature highlights include a Burmester surround sound system comprising 15 speakers, a rear-wheel steering system, OTA software updates, a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control to name only a few. Safety kit on offer features driver-assist technologies such as lane-keeping assist, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
      2022 Mercedes EQS Electric
      EQS is slated for an international launch in the US towards the end of 2021 at an expected price of USD 100,000 that translates to approx INR 75 lakh. Indian market is also likely to see EQS on the roads at some stage next year maybe. In India, it will be sold as a CBU. More