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Royal Enfield has plans to launch 4 new motorcycles ever year in India – This includes Interceptor 350 as well as Continental GT 350
The post Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Based Interceptor Styled Motorcycle Spied Testing appeared first on RushLane by Pearl Daniels. More
EEVE electric scooters – Ahava and Atreo
Eeve Atreo and Ahava electric scooters launched with 5 year vehicle warranty as standard
EeVe India has launched two new electric scooters, Atreo (meaning king), and Ahava (meaning loved). Atreo has ride range of 90 to 100 kms. Smart features include geo tagging and fencing to keep an eye on vehicle location, and safeguard the vehicle. Immobilization lets one lock the scooter right away in case of any untoward event. As EV adoption becomes mainstream, manufacturers are ensuring customers are provided longterm guarantees.
The scooter comes with 5-year warranty, and battery warranty is set at a year. The same is true for insurance for a 1 year period. In ensuring that longterm costs are affordable, as per the company, running cost stands at 15 paisa for a km making the scooter not only an eco-friendly one but also operationally sustainable.
Available at a price of Rs 64,900 (for Atreo), the electric scooter is available in pocket friendly EMI options owing the financing from leading institutes. Atreo is available in 2 colour options. Dual tone in red and black, and a simply monotone grey.
Eeve Ahava electric scooter
Eeve Ahava features a 250 watt motor for a ride range of 60-70 kms and doesn’t skimp on features, sharing much of what’s available on the longer riding range Atreo. it’s available in 2 dual tone colour options, blue and black, and red and black. Ahava is priced at Rs 55,900. All prices are ex-sh.
EEVE Ahava electric scooter
It goes without saying that as vehicles become smart, Eeve Atreo and Ahava variants are offered with technology-enabled features as standard. The smart interface comes together with the use of a dedicated app to stay updated about the scooter’s working in real time, and otherwise.
Eeve scooter warranty
Both vehicles feature day-time running lights, and efficiency in operational costs. The manufacturer is also expanding its dealer network footprint to reach a larger customer base across 52 cities. Design cues focus on a sporty look, and design.
EEVE Atreo electric scooter
Product USP lies in super long riding ranges, patented batteries with longest life cycles including a 1-year warranty, and 5-year warranty. The company aims to make its electric scooters a choicest selection for the masses rather than a smaller niche group.
Co-Founder, and Director of EeVe India, Mr Harsh Vardhan Didwania says, “We are really excited about adding two new variants of electric scooters besides the existing Xeniaa, Wind, 4U & Your models. We look forward to establishing ourselves as one of the pioneer manufacturers of electric scooters in the near future. Our vehicles are designed keeping in mind the needs and requirements of the Indian two-wheeler users. So, EeVe is perfect for your utility, style, and comfort.” More
Ola acquired Etergo Electric Scooter
Ola announces its first manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, and will invest Rs 2.4k cr
Ola is setting up its first manufacturing facility in India. The MoU has been signed with Tamil Nadu government and entails an investment of Rs 2,400 crore. Upto completion, the project will have created about 10,000 jobs, and is stated to be the world’s largest scooter manufacturing facility. Initial annual production capacity is 2 million (20 lakh) units per year.
The Tamil Nadu plant will begin production with Ola’s Etergo AppScooter, which was acquired earlier. AppScooter features a removable battery that’s easy to port, and charge anywhere. Intelligent teach based smart features bring together a modern user experience for electric scooters. Once underway, Ola will introduce many new-age two wheeler product line-ups.
This could be a big step in helping the electric two wheeler market establish itself in a bigger way. Currently, the industry sees participation from tech companies, new companies, and tie-ups between new and traditional companies. Growth focus now sees a range of low speed, and high speed electric scooters, and 1 single electric motorcycle manufacturer.
Ola Electric growth path
Previously, Ola had announced plans to hire over 2,000 people as its electric mobility business grows. The focus is a global one that brings to the fire electric and smart urban mobility solutions. As plans are formalised, Ola has gone onto announce new personnel hiring to lead global ops. Last year, Ola Electric raised $250 million from Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank to take its valuation to more than $1 billion.
Etergo electric scooter
The move highlights reduction of India’s import dependence where electric vehicles are concerned. Considering India has major EV adaption plans, a large-scale project like Ola’s will help setup local supply chains, and manufacturing, along with tech knowhow. And since the plant will cater to markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America, laying down systems that work is essential for success.
Ola electric a global player
European electric two-wheeler market has seen growth in 2020. Furthermore, EV adaptation is encouraged through well planned government budgets wherein the government offers to pick up a substantial part of tab for small electric scooters, and cycles.
Ola is going to supply an electric two-wheeler order to New Zealand as the country is on path to introduce at least 64,000 new electric vehicles 2021 end. The nation has set serious carbon neutral goals 2025.
Bhavish Aggarwal, chairman and Group CEO, Ola said, “We are excited to announce our plans to set up the world’s largest scooter factory. This is a significant milestone for Ola and a proud moment for our country as we rapidly progress towards realising our vision of moving the world to sustainable mobility solutions across shared and owned mobility. This will be one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world. This factory will showcase India’s skill and talent to produce world class products that will cater to global markets.” More
Image – Nitish Neo
Updated styling are seen on the new KTM Duke 125 – Officially launched today
The 2021 KTM 125 Duke, the smallest sibling of the Duke family gets updated. This smallest commuter bike, which was initially launched in 2018 and went on to be one of the best sellers in the company lineup. Price is introductory – Rs 1.5 lakh, ex-sh, Delhi. This makes it about Rs 8k more expensive than older Duke 125.
Seeing the good sale response, KTM India has now decided to update the Duke 125 design, and make it look more like other Duke’s in the family. 2021 Duke 125 is updated in terms of design and features. Initial examples have started moving into company showrooms and bookings have also opened. Deliveries start in coming days.
New vs Old KTM Duke 125
Design and Features
The KTM 125 Duke borrows heavily from its larger 200 Duke. It is based on the company’s new design language also seen on the KTM 200 Duke. It is positioned on the same steel trellis framework integrated with bolt on sub-frame and borrows parts such as the headlamp, body panels, fuel tank and LCD screen making the 125 Duke almost identical to the larger 200 Duke.
The 2021 KTM 125 Duke also get updates in tank extensions and at the rear end while new colour options are also a part of the update. As seen on the 200 Duke and 250 Duke, the new 125 Duke also receives an LCD instrument cluster but misses out on Bluetooth connectivity as is seen on the 390 Duke. Take a look at the detailed walkaround as well as first ride impression video by Youtub channel Nitish Neo below.
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Targeting a younger and more adventurous set of buyers in the country, the 125 Duke will get a larger fuel tank of 13.5 liter capacity as against the 11 liter tank seen on its current counterpart. Overall weight has been increased by 7 kgs and seat height goes up from a current 818 mm to 822 mm. The updated KTM 125 Duke is also likely to get two colour options of orange with white and white with black.
Engine & Gearbox
The updated KTM 125 Duke gets its power via a BS6 124cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine offering 14.5 hp power at 9,250 rpm and 12 Nm torque at 8,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed transmission. These are the same figures as seen on its BS4 engine. Braking and suspension are the same via 300mm front disc brakes and 230mm disc at the rear and 43mm WP upside down fork in the front and WP monoshock at the rear.
Sumeet Narang, President (Probiking) at Bajaj Auto Ltd. said “Spawned from the 1290 beast itself and packed full of Duke attitude, the KTM 125 DUKE exudes qualities never seen in this category before. The ultra-lightweight trellis frame and subframe provide razor-sharp control, and the new styling is an absolute head turner.
The launch of KTM 125 DUKE in late 2018 had been a point of inflection for KTM’s stronghold amongst the young biking enthusiasts in India. Upgrading that model with this new all capable entry level KTM is another testimony of the brand’s commitment to bringing pure performance to its valued customers.” More
Pravaig Electric Car
Pravaig Extinction will be exclusively offered on lease and chauffeur service will also be part of the lease agreement if required
Even as the Indian electric car segment is currently ruled by EVs such as the Hyundai Kona, MG eZS, and Tata Nexon, there would soon be a rival in the form of the new Pravaig Extinction electric sedan. This new electric car from Bengaluru based Pravaig Dynamics has now been officially unveiled in India ahead of official launch, which is only slated for sometime late next year.
Pravaig Dynamics has estimated sales at around 250 units per annum with the new Extinction to be initially sold in Delhi and Bengaluru with markets to be extended to Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad later. The company is slated to offer the new Extinction as an exclusive lease model and will even provide chauffeur services if the customer so requires. Hence, no prices have been announced as on date.
Pravaig Extinction design and dimensions
The Pravaig Extinction sedan will boast of a low couple style design with special focus on aerodynamics. It will be presented as a four door model with a swooping roof, LED projector headlamps connected by an LED. It will get a similar arrangement at the rear with LED tail lamps with an LED connecting bar.
Pravaig electric car will get a minimalistic side profile, distinctive shoulder line, blacked out alloy wheels and a ‘Pravaig’ logo prominently positioned in the middle of the tail lamps. Dimensions would stand at 4,820mm length, 1,934mm width and 1,448mm height with 3,038 mm long wheelbase.
The interiors will be in a lounge like arrangement, much in the same way as is seen on the Volvo XC90 Excellence Lounge. This would give passengers extended leg room and relaxed posture. The company has also stated that the new Extinction could come in with recline of left rear passenger seat at around 165 degrees.
Apart from its well designed interiors, customers will also be able to incorporate their own designs while liaisoning with a tie up with architects and fashion and interior design professionals, so as to get a bespoke interior set up. For example, for the music system, they have tied up with France based Devialet audio technology company.
Pravaig also plans features such as autonomous driving technologies while this has yet to get Government of India approvals, swappable battery pack, HEPA air filters and a total of 8 air bags. Regenerative braking and smartphone connectivity could also be a part of its features.
Battery and Range
Pravaig Extinction electric sedan will be powered by a 96 kWh battery pack offering max power of 150 kW or 200 hp with an electric range of 504 km and a top speed of 196 km/h. Acceleration from 0 top 100 km/h could be achieved in 5.4 seconds and fast charging upto 80 percent charge in 30 minutes. Pravaig aims to rival Tesla in terms of battery performance, and offer Mercedes S-Class like luxury.
Speaking about safety, Pravaig claims that safety has been their top priority, and that the car offers 5 Star Safety. But it is not clear if the car is actually crash tested by any other body or it is an internal claim of 5 star safety. The full debut presentation can be watched on YouTube.
Pravaig Dynamics targets corporate customers like fleet operators and hotels with the new Extinction and hence this sedan will not be seen in any showroom for purchase by private buyers and will be exclusively on lease. The company will itself reach out to potential customers and will even offer chauffeur service with the car if the customer so desires.
Interiors of the cars were not revealed. The car still seems to be far away from production. If the production variant can manage to achieve all the above claimed figures, that is a matter of discussion for another day. For now, the company has started accepting interests from buyers at their website – defy.city More
2021 KTM Duke 125
KTM India has updated their best selling and most affordable motorcycle – With new features, and colours
Launched in 2018, KTM 125 Duke has emerged as one of the bestselling products in KTM’s India portfolio. While it’s already a head turner on the streets, users can get ready for some more fun, as 2021 KTM 125 Duke has now arrived at dealer showrooms in India.
Along with some new features it also gets new colours. Bookings are already open for the updated bike, which indicates that launch could take place by December end. Hat tip to MRD Vlogs for sharing the images.
2021 KTM Duke 125
What’s new in 2021 KTM 125 Duke
2021 KTM 125 Duke will be based on the company’s new design language, which has already been implemented on KTM 200 Duke. In terms of design, 2021 KTM 125 Duke looks almost identical to its bigger sibling.
The changes are evident in the design of headlight, which is sharper in comparison to the current model. Design updates are also evident across other components such as fuel tank, tank extensions and tail section. 2021 125 Duke will also be getting the same LCD screen as that of 200 Duke. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below.
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Another key update will be the addition of new colour options. These are expected to be revealed in the coming days. Overall, 2021 KTM 125 Duke is a lot sharper and aggressive in comparison to the existing model. With the updated styling, the bike will become an even more attractive option for youngsters, its primary target audience.
Functional updates in 2021 KTM 125 Duke
Along with the refreshed design, updated 125 Duke will be upgrading its chassis as well. This will come from 200 Duke that utilizes a steel trellis frame integrated with a bolt-on sub frame. 2021 KTM 125 Duke will have a larger fuel tank capable of carrying 13.4 litres of fuel. That means lesser stops at the fuel station.
The current model’s fuel tank capacity is around 11 litres, which allows an uninterrupted run of approximately 300 km. With 2.5 litres more fuel, updated KTM 125 Duke will be able to do around 400 km on a full tank. With the new chassis and other design updates, 2021 KTM 125 Duke could become heavier by around 7-10 kg. Something similar was witnessed when 200 Duke was updated earlier this year.
Most other equipment and mechanical parts are expected to be the same as earlier. The 124.71 cc, liquid cooled engine is capable of generating 15 hp of max power and 12 Nm of max torque. This is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Suspension system comprises 43 mm WP upside down forks at the front and WP monoshock unit at the rear. Braking duties are performed by 300 mm front disc brakes and 230 mm rear disc. In the Indian market, 125 Duke is offered with single channel ABS as standard. 2021 KTM 125 Duke is set to become costlier by around Rs 6k. The current model is available at a starting price of Rs 1.42 lakh. More
Image – HarshaVardhan
Multiple Ather electric scooter owners have claimed to have achieved range which is higher than the company claimed range of 107 kms
With electric mobility solutions slowly gaining feet in the country, electric scooters have benefitted the most. With better affordability and performance with innovation of new technologies, it seems e-scooters will lay the stepping stone for electric vehicles in India.
However, one aspect which still makes consumers think about an e-scooter, as with all EVs, is its single-charge range. Buyers are still wary as to how many kilometers can an e-scooter travel before its battery dies out. The range claimed by various brands until now has been very inconsistent and far from their claimed figures. However, the same may not be true for Ather 450.
Ather Energy claims the single-charge range of 450 e-scooter to be around 107 km (ARAI rated). Multiple owners have claimed that they have managed to achieve range higher than 107 kms. One owner has even claimed that he achieved a range of over 139 kms on a single charge.
The owner, HarshaVardhan has posted his experience on the official Ather Energy website along with details. He had no plans on achieving this record drive range, but his only aim was to reach his destination. In his own words, he says, “No intention to make or break records and this was achieved purely out of necessity.”
Image – HarshaVardhan
What Speed to Maintain To Achieve Max Range
In his post, he states that he started at 8 AM from his hometown Chittoor to Chennai for periodic maintenance of his 450. His Ather 450 electric scooter had been kept on charge overnight, and was showing full 100% battery at the time he left.
For most of the journey, he maintained avg speed of 20-25 kms in ECO mode. His top speed during the entire journey was 35 kmph. The only weight he was carrying was Ather DOT charger in boot and a bag weighing about 2 kgs. His body weight is about 55 kgs. He says that if you travel at a faster rate, you will not manage to achieve such range. For example, another owner mentioning that he managed to get 84 kms range while cruising at 60 kmph on his Ather electric scooter.
He hypermiled and rode as efficiently as one could for almost four hours at an average speed of around 20-30 kmph. It was tough for him to carry out this journey at such low speeds for such a long period of time but he instead channeled his focus on the reaction of the people around him who were amazed by the looks of this new e-scooter. The green registration plate was another point of attention as there are no electric vehicles around that region.
HarshaVardhan is not the only owner who has managed to achieve such high range. Another owner, hamsapriya1212 has posted in the group that he managed to achieve a range of over 110 kms on single charge. He was intrigued to find out that many people had achieved a range of almost 135 km far above the claimed range of 107 km. Therefore, he wished to overhaul this record for some time now. He got his consumption down to 18 Wh/km during his daily commutes which theoretically adds up to 133 km on full charge subjected to if it can be constantly maintained.
Image – hamsapriya1212
He started at 5 AM with the aim of achieving max range from his fully charged Ather electric scooter. He managed to achieve this range by not riding over 35 kmph, accelerating gradually and maintaining same speed, avoid heating up of the battery and taking breaks. This allowed him to exhaust the battery at 110.3 kms.
Another owner, Raghupathy has also shared his story of getting higher range. Raghupathy got his Ather 450 e-scooter delivered in July although he was supposed to receive it by March. However, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, the delivery got deferred. An Ather community member helped him take delivery of his brand new electric scooter and ship it to Tirupur near Coimbatore.
Raghupathy set out for the highway starting from his residence in his village near Tirupur. He chose a day sensing the perfect weather conditions when it was neither windy nor rainy and began his ride on a 100 percent charge level. He made sure he wasn’t carrying any extra weight so that the scooter can perform most efficiently.
He crossed 50 km after consuming 45 percent of his battery’s life. Unsure how much longer could the battery actually last, Raghupathy decided to turn around toward his home after driving straight for two hours and two minutes. While returning home, he could sense the difference as the elevation was dropping and that helped bring down the Wh consumption by 2 points.
Image – Raghupathy
On reaching home he was surprised to find out 10 percent of his battery life still left. He further took a round of 3 km around his house when he finally came to a halt after an acute back pain due to riding for almost four hours. At the end of his test, he travelled 103 km with 2 percent of charge still left.
Ather 450 details
For reference, Ather 450 is powered by a 2.4 KWh battery pack which sends power to a BLDC motor which is capable of 3.3 kW of sustained power (5.4 kW peak). It gets a peak torque of 20.5 Nm of torque which helps it accelerate 0-40 kmph in just 3.9 seconds. It can attain a top speed of 80 kmph. More
First Bajaj Pulsar With the Latest Pulsar
Ever since launch in 2001, Pulsar has been the benchmark for sport commuter motorcycles in the Indian two-wheeler market
The late 1980s and 90s two-wheeler segment was completely dominated by Bajaj Auto due to durable and reliable scooters. But as the century came to close popularity of manually geared scooters took a huge hit and were replaced by gearless scooters.
However, all buyers did not feel inclined to an automatic scooter that was referred to as underbone. This is when motorcycles started making a resurgence. Lightweight commuter motorcycles were already present in huge numbers in the market. What was missing was a sporty commuter bike which was not only practical but also gave the pleasure of motorcycling to a certain extent.
Bajaj Pulsar 2001 to 2006
This is when Bajaj introduced the first sporty commuter motorcycle in the form of Pulsar which was to become a household name in the Indian two-wheeler market in future. Motorcycles prior to this were mostly on the extreme sides- some provided excellent performance while others returned a praiseworthy economy. Pulsar, however, was the best of both worlds.
2001-2003: Introduction of a whole new segment of motorcycles
First introduced in 2001 as 150cc and 180cc derivatives of it, this bike featured a retro classic design with a rounded headlamp and a tall-riding position and caught the attraction of many. Behind this pleasing design was a strong engine which put out a powerful performance at an output of 12 bhp and 15 bhp for the 150cc and 180cc versions respectively. Both units came mated to a 5-speed gearbox a rarity until then.
Bajaj Pulsar 2007 to 2011
The first major update came in 2003 with the birth of the iconic headlamp fairing and twin pilot lamps. Not only was the design updated but Bajaj introduced its very own DTS-i Digital Twin Spark Ignition technology along with a kill switch for the first time. This resulted in an increase in power output. Therefore, this update made it look more appealing as well as made it punchier than before.
2004-2007: Major updates turned commuter bikes fun to ride
The next update came a year later when Bajaj introduced 17-inch alloy wheels to the Pulsar. It also adopted twin Nitrox suspension and a patented exhaust technology. This was followed by one which is considered to be one of the biggest updates till date. In 2006, Pulsar got an all-digital speedometer which made it the first bike in India to display speed in numbers, instead of needles. Backlit switches also added to the convenience of riders. The design got sharper with edgier body styling and wolf-eyed’ twin pilot lamps.
Bajaj Pulsar 2012 to 2016
Following year was another milestone for the Pulsar family as Bajaj entered into the sports bike segment with the introduction of 200cc and 220cc bikes. Pulsar 200 and Pulsar 220-Fi were launched. The former was launched with an oil-cooled engine and carried a muscular styling. The latter came with a fuel-injected motor which would later prove to be so significant in stricter emission norms. Clip-on handlebars and a faired design also lent it a sports bike look.
2009-Present: Expansion of Pulsar Range of Bikes
In 2009, Bajaj introduced a lighter and smaller 135cc derivative of Pulsar called Pulsar 135 LS although it couldn’t spread the same magic as its peers. In 2012, Pulsar saw another major update when Bajaj introduced its Naked Sports range of motorcycles. The first bike under this was Pulsar NS200 which used a 200cc Liquid-cooled, DTS-i, triple spark engine. For the first time in this segment, a motorcycle used a liquid-cooled engine. The NS range further expanded with the introduction of NS160 in 2017.
Bajaj Pulsar 2018 – 2019
In 2015, Bajaj launched another Pulsar range with a focus on track friendly machines. This led to the birth of RS range with the introduction of RS200 in which ‘RS’ stood for Racing Sports and became the quickest Pulsar to be made till date as it could touch speeds beyond 150 kmph. It was launched with a fully-faired body and came to a six-speed gearbox.
The next big landmark came in 2018 when Bajaj launched the smallest and the most affordable Pulsar in the form of Pulsar 125. It sported the exact styling of its elder sibling Pulsar 150. It was powered by a 124cc engine and received neon coloured highlights for better visual appeal. More
