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      Triumph Rocket 3 GT Motorcycle Launched in India – Dry Wt 294 kgs

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      At 221 Nm of torque, the Triumph Rocket 3 GT generates the highest torque output by any road-legal production bike
      Triumph Motorcycles India has launched the Rocket 3 GT at a price of Rs 18.4 lakh, ex-sh. The motorcycle was launched last year at various international markets. The Rocket 3 and 3 GT holds the unique distinction of being the largest displacement production motorcycle in the world
      Performance

      The Rocket 3 GT is powered by a humongous 2500cc which produces a power of 165 horses at 6000rpm and a peak torque of massive 221 Nm at 4000rpm. When compared to the previous generation Rocket 3 GT, this new engine features an altered lubrication system, crankcase and balance shafts. This engine is coupled with a 6-speed transmission.
      Triumph offers two variants of this model, R and GT. The R is a roadster variant with a more aggressive riding stance with a sportier handlebar whereas the GT is a more of a cruiser with a touring style handlebar. It also gets a backrest for the pillion seats which enhance the touring look.

      The muscular sculpted fuel tank enhances the sporty feel of the bike. It gets its signature dual-LED headlamp unit with integrated DRLs and maker’s logo inside. The Rocket 3 GT is offered in two colours- Phantom Black and Storm Gray with silver ice.
      Dynamics
      In terms of dynamics, it gets a lightweight aluminium cradle which reduces its weight by 40kg. Suspension duties are carried out by a 47mm inverted fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear which are fully adjustable. Anchoring duties are taken care of by 320mm disc brakes assisted by Brembo callipers. It gets a 17-inch wheel with 150/80 profile tyre at front and a 16-inch wheel with 240/50 profile tyre at rear.
      Engine Type
      Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
      Capacity
      2,458cc
      Bore/Stroke
      110.2 mm x 85.9 mm
      Maximum Power
      167PS / (123 kW) @   6,000rpm
      Maximum Torque
      221Nm @ 4,000rpm
      Fuel system
      Ride-by-wire, fuel   injected
      Final drive
      Shaft, bevel box
      Clutch
      Hydraulic,   torque-assist
      Gearbox
      6 speed
      Frame
      Full aluminium frame
      Swingarm
      Single-sided, cast   aluminium
      Front Wheel
      17 x 3.5in cast   aluminium
      Rear Wheel
      16 x 7.5in cast   aluminium
      Front Tyre
      150/80 R17 V
      Rear Tyre
      240/50 R16 V
      Front Brake
      Dual 320 mm disc
      Rear Brake
      Single 200 mm disc
      Seat Height
      750 mm
      Rake
      27.9
      Trail
      134.9 mm
      Dry Weight
      294 kg
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      18L
      When it comes to features, the list is exhaustive. Triumph has thrown in every high-tech electronic available to its flagship offering. It comes with Triumph’s second generation TFT screen and keyless ignition. It also gets four riding modes that adjust the throttle response accordingly and a traction control system. Some other highlights include Google navigation, clutchless shift, MyTriumph connectivity app and cruise control among many others.
      Mr. Shoeb Farooq, Business Head, Triumph Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd said “The Rocket 3 GT is an enthusiast’s machine, being an ideal amalgamation of class defining technology, dominating road presence, astounding performance and ergonomics. It is a legend in itself. The Rocket 3 GT completes the Rocket range which has the roadster and touring variants. With this we also strengthen our BS-VI offering in India to 13 motorcycles which is the largest BS-VI line-up in the premium motorcycle space in India.” More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan, 650 Twins rolls out of New Argentina Plant

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      The Royal Enfield assembly plant in Argentina will roll out Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 for now
      In what could be considered as an important step towards its goal of achieving global leadership in medium displacement segment, Royal Enfield has announced the setting up on its first overseas assembly plant. Located in Campana, Bueons Aires, Argentina, the new assembly line will be of strategic importance for the brand’s Latin American operations.
      Royal Enfield in Latin America

      Latin America, especially Argentina, is an important medium displacement motorcycle market. The Indian retro-classic motorcycle brand established a partnership with Grupo Simpa to distribute its products in Argentina starting from 2018. The brand now has 5 exclusive stores across the country and 31 across Latin America.
      This is in addition to 40 other touch points in the region. The new assembly plant has also been set up in association with the same partner. The plant was recently inaugurated in the presence of Argentinian president Alberto Fernandes. Below is the video shared by Royal Enfield Argentina.
      [embedded content]
      As of now, Royal Enfield’s Argentinian assembly plant will source CKD kits from its Chennai facilities and will be rolling out the Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 models. We expect the facility to also assemble next generation models including the upcoming Meteor 350 and KX concept-based 650 cc cruiser in due course.
      Global expansion plans
      Speaking about the new assembly plant in Argentina, Royal Enfield’s CEO Vinod Dasari stated that the company has expanded its retain presence to 60 countries in the recent years and is planning to establish production footprint in key Asia-Pacific and South American markets. The new plant is first of these.
      Royal Enfield Argentina
      With local assembly, the brand can take advantage of tax benefits and would be able to price its products competitively. The Latin American market is important for the brand to achieve global leadership in middleweight segment. The CEO stated that the response from Argentina has been very encouraging since inception.
      Proportion of export market
      For a company with global aspirations, Royal Enfield still has a lot of territory to cover. For now, the brand operates 660 dealerships across the world of which 82 are exclusive stores. Over 90% of Royal Enfield’s total sales comes from the domestic market but the 650 Twins have are getting increasingly popular in international markets.
      With aggressive expansion and overseas CKD assembly plants, the company is planning to grow its export operations in the coming years. The next Royal Enfield CKD assembly plant is expected to come up in South East Asia, from Thailand. In fact, RE had announced the setting up of Thailand plant in 2019, and it was to go operational sometime earlier this year. But due to unknown reasons, that has been delayed, and the Thailand RE plant is now expected to produce RE motorcycles from 2021. More

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      2021 Kawasaki Z900 BS6 Launch Price Rs 8 L – Gets Bluetooth Connectivity

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      Continuing with its BS6 upgrade plan, Kawasaki India today launched BS6 compliant Z900
      Kawasaki Motorcycles that have already been updated to BS6 include Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 650, Z650, Vulcan S, Versys 1000, Versys 650, and W800. Much awaited Kawasaki Z900 BS6 compliant motorcycle has been priced from Rs 7.99 lakhs, ex-sh. It comes with several new features in addition to the engine upgrade.

      As may be recalled, Kawasaki had launched a Z900 Special Edition earlier this year in February. Several of the features of the now launched BS6 model, were already available with the Special Edition model. At that time, the Special Edition Z900 was priced around 30k more than the standard BS4 model.
      The Special Edition Z900 was the same as the Euro 5 compliant model showcased at EICMA 2019. Kawasaki could have launched it as a BS6 compliant model, but due to some reasons, it was launched in BS4 format. The bike was imported in India in limited numbers. Power and torque output of BS6 Z900 is same as the BS4 model. The new BS6 engine churns out 125 ps / 98.6 Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed transmission.

      Kawasaki BS6 Z900 new features
      Kawasaki BS6 Z900 will come with a new all-digital TFT instrument console that enhances the overall look and feel of the cockpit. It also displays a lot more information, as compared to that of BS4 model. Another key addition is Bluetooth connectivity, which enhances overall ride experience by allowing users to access a range of features. These can be accessed via the smartphone application RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
      Talking about new features common to both the Special Edition and BS6 Z900, the motorcycle gets an all-LED setup. It looks sharper with the new LED lights, position lamps, turn signals and license plate lamp.

      In terms of performance, the bike is equipped with two power modes – low and full. The rider can choose between the two power modes depending on conditions and individual preferences. In low power mode, the power output is reduced to around 55% of the actual capacity.
      In the safety department, Kawasaki has added an advanced traction control system. This allows the rider to confidently tackle low-traction surfaces. The traction control system also improves sport riding performance. Handling the elements has also become easier with integrated riding modes of sport, road and rain.

      There’s a manual mode as well, which users can customize based on their specific needs. The riding modes work in conjunction with the power modes and traction control system. Addition of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres has further enhanced the bike’s handling capabilities. More

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      Bajaj Chetak based Husqvarna Electric Scooter launch in 2021

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      The Husqvarna E-01 electric scooter will have Europe as its primary market
      A leaked internal document has thrown light on short term plans of KTM and its sister brand Husqvarna. The latter is clearly gearing up to establish a strong presence in the affordable electric two wheeler segment. Husqvarna is planning two EVs in the next two years and both of them will have strong Indian connection.
      Husqvarna E-01 and Bajaj Chetak

      According to the leaked document, a Husqvarna branded electric scooter named E-01 and a motorcycled called E-Pilen are currently under development. The 4 kW electric urban runabout will be launched in 2021. While there are no further details about the Husqvarna E-01, we think it will be based on the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter’s platform. For the uninitiated, Bajaj Auto holds 48% stake in KTM which in turn owns Husqvarna.
      The Indian e-scooter also employs a 4 kW motor making it a viable platform for the Husqvarna scooter to adopt. It also comes with modern connectivity features that a premium offering like E-01 is expected to incorporate.
      Husqvarna electric scooter, motorcycle launch plans featured in company’s annual report to share holders
      Bajaj Auto’s Chakan production facility has already established itself as a global production base for sub-500 cc KTM and Husqvarna road-bikes. Taking advantage of the Chetak’s Indian vendor base and Bajaj’s cost-effective production operations is a no-brainer for Husqvarna.
      Design
      If the thumbnail image of the Husqvarna Electric scooter shown on the leaked image is to be taken as a reference, the premium urban electric scooter will have an edgy concept-like styling. The image does not detail the suspension system of the scooter but we expect the production version to employ telescopic front forks and single-sided rear shock absorber.
      The wheels are also expected to be conventional alloy units with front and rear disc brakes. Being a premium product primarily targeted at Europe, the Husqvarna E-01 will be packed with features such as dual-channel ABS, a color instrument console (probably even a touchscreen), smartphone connectivity and so on.
      India Launch
      Bajaj Chetak Electric
      As we said before, the Husqvarna E-01 is most likely to borrow the Bajaj Chetak’s 4 kW / 16 Nm electric motor and 4.08 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Husqvarna may opt to offer a higher capacity battery pack for an increased range. The Chetak has a claimed range of 95 kms. Top speed is a little over 60 kmph.
      Being made in India does not automatically guarantee that that the Husqvarna E-01 will be sold in domestic market. However, the future of premium electric scooter segment in India appears promising and Husqvarna would do well to be one of the early entrants. More

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      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs Leak – Power increases, Torque decreases

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      The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ a new 350cc motor under the ‘UCE350’ range – Likely mated to 5-speed transmission unit
      Motorcycle enthusiasts have been eagerly and patiently waiting for the Meteor 350 for a very long time. Sources tell us that the launch is expected to take place on 22nd Sep. Ahead of launch, Youtube Channel Rider Lal has managed to reveal interesting new details about the motorcycle.
      Engine

      Meteor 350 will replace the Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X in the Chennai-based bike maker’s portfolio. The motorcycle is built upon a completely new platform codenamed ‘J1D’. Meteor will be the first of the new ‘UCE350’ range which will employ a completely new 350cc air-cooled motor which is set to be more efficient. The new generation Classic 350 is also being developed under this range.
      As per the leaked image, this new BS6 350cc engine of Meteor 350 will deliver 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This when compared to the existing BS6 350cc engine of Classic 350, is about 0.4 bhp more, but 1 Nm less. Current Classic 350 BS6 which is on sale in India, delivers 19.8 bhp and 28 Nm torque. Do note that the current Classic 350 UCE engine is based on the older push-rod tech, while the new Meteor 350 UCE engine is based on the SOHC setup.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs
      Speaking about transmission, it is most likely a 5 speed unit. The leaked image states that the new transmission offers smooth gear shifts. Just like the engine, the clutch and transmission system is also newly developed. It has less number of parts and linkages – resulting in better clutch life and reduced friction.
      Variants & Features
      From the images leaked earlier, we know that Meteor 350 will be available in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Each variant will feature its unique set of components which distinguish them apart. The base Fireball trim will feature a coloured rim tape, body graphics with decals, single colour fuel tank and blacked-out components.

      The mid-spec Stellar variant will sport chrome finish on handlebars, premium badges, body-coloured components and a backrest for the pillion. On the hand, the top-end, Supernova trim will offer a premium seat upholstery, machined alloy wheels, chrome on indicators, a dual-tone colour scheme and a windscreen. Also, standard features such as inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’ and semi-digital twin-pod instrument cluster will be offered across the range.
      Meteor 350 will be the most feature loaded RE motorcycle ever. Other features include bluetooth enabled turn by turn navigation system, USB charger for charging your devices on the go.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Riding Stance
      Along with the actual motorcycle, miniature scale models will also go on sale later this month, as official merchandise. Leaked images give a clear visual understanding as to how the bike would actually look like. There will be a total of seven colours on offer across the range- Fireball Red, Fireball Yellow, Stellar Matte Black, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Blue dual-tone, Supernova Brown dual-tone.
      Royal Enfield will be using Ceat / Ace tyres for Meteor 350. The front and rear tyres will measure 100/90-19 and 140/70-17, respectively. Fuel tank capacity is 15 liters. Prices of the bike are expected to start from around Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). More

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      Two Wheeler Sales Aug 2020 – Hero, Honda, Bajaj, TVS, Royal Enfield, Suzuki

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      After several months of negative growth, two-wheeler segment has registered strong sales in August 2020
      Speaking about the six two wheeler brands in India, who have revealed sales as well as exports data for Aug 2020 – YoY growth is 2.78%, up from 14,53,723 units sold in August last year to 14,94,176 units sold in August 2020. MoM sales are up 28%, as compared to 12,27,745 units sold in July 2020.
      Hero MotoCorp leads Domestic Sales Aug 2020- 38.06% Market Share

      India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has registered 12% YoY growth in August. Sales are up from 5,24,003 units in August last year to 5,84,456 units in August 2020. MoM sales have improved by 15%, as compared to 5,06,946 units sold in July 2020. In terms of Exports, Hero MotoCorp registered a 18.66% decline in Aug 2020
      In its statement, Hero MotoCorp had said that there’s strong demand from semi-urban and rural markets. The company expects this momentum to continue in the coming months owing to favourable government policies and increasing consumer confidence. Another positive factor is that the company’s production is now close to 100% and most of its showrooms are operational.
      Two wheeler sales, exports – Aug 2020
      At number two is Honda with 4,28,231 units sold in August 2020. YoY sales are up 1%, as compared to 4,25,664 units sold in August last year. MoM sales have made an impressive 38% gain, as compared to 3,09,332 units sold in July 2020. This is the first time in the current fiscal that Honda’s sales have crossed the 4 lakh mark. Honda Two Wheelers exports Aug 2020 declined 41.47% in Aug 2020.
      It has been made possible with factors such as improved supplies and increased production. In August, more than 90% of the company’s ecosystem was functional. Honda has also stated that it is getting a higher number of enquiries from customers, as compared to earlier times.
      Bajaj leads Exports Aug 2020 – 59.37% Market Share
      At number three is Bajaj Auto with total sales (domestic + exports) of 321,058 units in August. YoY sales are down 1%, as compared to 325,300 units sold in the corresponding period last year. In the domestic market, a total of 178,220 units were sold in August, which is YoY gain of 3%. MoM sales have also improved by 17%, as compared to 152,474 units sold in July 2020. Bajaj exports in August dropped by 6%, from 152,276 units in August last year to 142,838 units in August 2020.
      TVS Motor Co comes fourth with 277,226 units sold in August. This is almost the same as 275,851 units sold in August last year. MoM growth is 46%, as compared to 1,89,647 units sold in July 2020. TVS Exports Aug 2020 stood at 58,888 – making it the only company in the list to register growth.
      No
      Domestic
      Aug-20
      Aug-19
      Diff
      %
      MS
      1
      Hero
      5,68,674
      5,24,003
      44,671
      8.52
      38.06
      2
      Honda
      4,28,231
      4,25,664
      2,567
      0.60
      28.66
      3
      TVS
      2,18,338
      2,19,528
      -1,190
      -0.54
      14.61
      4
      Bajaj
      1,78,220
      1,73,024
      5,196
      3.00
      11.93
      5
      Suzuki
      53,142
      62,752
      -9,610
      -15.31
      3.56
      6
      Royal Enfield
      47,571
      48,752
      -1,181
      -2.42
      3.18
      –
      Total
      14,94,176
      14,53,723
      40,453
      2.78
      100.00

      No
      Exports
      Aug-20
      Aug-19
      Diff
      %
      MS
      1
      Bajaj
      1,42,838
      1,52,276
      -9,438
      -6.20
      59.37
      2
      TVS
      58,888
      56,323
      2,565
      4.55
      24.48
      3
      Hero
      15,782
      19,403
      -3,621
      -18.66
      6.56
      4
      Honda
      15,738
      26,887
      -11,149
      -41.47
      6.54
      5
      Suzuki
      4,767
      8,879
      -4,112
      -46.31
      1.98
      6
      Royal Enfield
      2,573
      4,152
      -1,579
      -38.03
      1.07
      –
      Total
      2,40,586
      2,67,920
      -27,334
      -10.20
      100.00
      OEMs with negative YoY growth in domestic market for August 2020 include Suzuki Motorcycle India and Royal Enfield. Suzuki sales were 57,901 units in August, which is de-growth of -8%. Sales during the same period last year stood at 62,785 units. However, Suzuki’s MoM sales have improved by a whopping 84%, as compared to 31,421 units sold in July 2020. Suzuki Two Wheeler Exports Aug 2020 declined 46%.
      Royal Enfield YoY sales are down -5%, from 52,904 units in August last year to 50,144 units in August 2020. MoM sales have improved by 32%, as compared to 37,925 units sold in July 2020. Royal Enfield Exports Aug 2020 declined 38%.
      Future outlook
      Two-wheeler sales could improve further in the coming months around the peak of the festive season. Preference for personal transport, bountiful monsoons, and new product launches are among the key factors that will drive two-wheeler sales in the near future. More

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      Bajaj to make Husqvarna electric motorcycle in India – Leaked

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      The Husqvarna E-Pilen is most likely to have India as its primary production location
      KTM and its sister brand Husqvarna are betting big on electric mobility in the long term. Following an electric scooter, the Swedish two wheeler brand Husqvarna is also working on a zero emission motorcycle called E-Pilen which is most likely to employ the modular electric platform which is being developed by KTM in association with Bajaj.
      Husqvarna E-Pilen

      The existence of Husqvarna E-Pilen came to light, thanks to an internal document which was shared at an investor meeting organized by Pierer Mobility AG (KTM and Husqvarna’s parent company). The document not only shared an early concept sketch of the Husqvarna electric motorcycle but also revealed some key details. For starters, the compact street fighter will be available with modular battery pack and two power levels – 4 kW and 10 kW.
      The document also indicates that the Husqvarna E-Pilen will be ready for a launch in 2022. Further details are scarce but considering that the Bajaj-KTM modular electric platform is being developed to cater to power outputs ranging between 3 to 10 kW, this product is most likely to be one of the first beneficiaries.

      What does the image say?
      The low resolution image of the Husqvarna E-Pilen appears to be that of a tentative concept. As the development process nears completion, the final design and equipment are expected to change. From what we can see from the photograph, the E-Pilen derives its design inspiration from the IC-engined Vitpilen and Svartpilen street fighters. The trellis frame, USD front forks, rear monoshock, alloy wheels and tyres are likely to be shared with its siblings.
      The fuel tank is there only for aesthetic purposes and the space occupied by IC engine will accommodate an electric motor and modular battery system. It remains to be seen if the rear wheel is driven by chain or belt.
      To be made in India
      The aforementioned modular electric platform for compact premium motorcycles will have India as its primary production base. Like the compact displacement KTM and Husqvarna products, the upcoming electric models up to 10 kW will be made by Bajaj at its Chakan facility. We can expect the e-mobility platform to also spawn KTM and Bajaj branded products in due course.
      Rivals
      The Husqvarna E-Pilen will be positioned as a lifestyle urban mobility solution for young audience in Europe. In India, it will be a premium alternative to the likes of the Revolt RV400 and upcoming Tork T6X. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Tata Nexon EV is No 1 selling Electric car in India – With 60% Market Share

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      Tata Nexon EV has been the best selling passenger electric car in the Indian auto industry by some distance
      Electric Vehicles(EVs) are the future of mobility solutions across the world. This fact has been well-established in various automotive markets across the globe. While several developed countries have raced forward in EV technology, the same isn’t the case with India. In the Western and European countries, EVs have been adopted by the masses, unlike India where EV segment hasn’t been able to reach masses.

      Even though the EV segment is at a nascent stage in our market, work has commenced in terms of development and policies to adopt more EVs into our ecosystem. This can be seen in a few years from. Currently, the highest selling electric passenger vehicle has only been able to breach a three-figure number.
      Nexon EV Tops The Chart
      The Tata Nexon EV is currently the most affordable electric SUV in India and has been performing well despite a minuscule demand. In the month of August, Tata Motors was able to sell 296 units of Nexon EV across the country, the highest by a safe margin. This comes after a decent outing in June and July with numbers of 188 and 286. No wonder it is the market leader in its segment with a share of over 60 percent.
      Electric Car Sales in India from Apr-Aug 2020. Credit – Jato Dynamics India.
      ZS EV and Kona EV do not have much impact
      Following Nexon EV, is its counterpart from MG Motor- the ZS EV. A total of 119 units of ZS EV were sold last month, less than half of Nexon EV’s figures. Its sales figures were better for the month of June at 145 but dipped considerably in July at 85. The next to follow is Hyundai Kona which sold only 26 units in August. Its sales in the previous two months too weren’t impressive with 16 and 25 units of it being sold in June and July respectively.
      Tigor EV, e-Verito
      Electric car market share in India from Apr-Aug 2020. Credit – Jato Dynamics India.
      Apart from these three mainstream EVs in the passenger vehicle segment available to the general public, there is also the Tata Tigor EV and Mahindra e-Verito exclusively available to fleet and cab operators. Tigor EV sold a meager nine units and total sales for 2020-21 fiscal adds up to a paltry 95 units.
      On the other hand, it is difficult to verify e-Verito’s existence after it didn’t sell a single unit last month and its cumulative sales for the current fiscal year stands at a negligible 7 units. Its ICE counterpart, Verito didn’t make the cut in the BS6 transition and was dropped from Mahindra’s product line-up.
      The current figures might seem very modest because of the fact that EV’s are sold only in a selected few urban hubs of the country. This is mainly due to the lack of charging facilities across the country and also the hefty premium one has to pay over an ICE counterpart. With more charging infrastructure installed in the coming years, large scale EV production can be undertaken which would ultimately reduce its production cost and could become more affordable.
      Also READ – CAR SALES AUG 2020
      EVs
      Apr-20
      May-20
      Jun-20
      Jul-20
      Aug-20
      YTD
      Market share
      Market share
      FY-21
      Aug-20
      FY-21
      Nexon
      0
      78
      188
      286
      296
      848
      66%
      60.23%
      ZS
      0
      38
      145
      85
      119
      387
      26%
      27.49%
      Kona
      0
      4
      16
      25
      26
      71
      6%
      5.04%
      Tigor
      0
      25
      37
      24
      9
      95
      2%
      6.75%
      eVerito
      0
      0
      1
      6
      0
      7
      0%
      0.50%
      Total
      0
      145
      387
      426
      450
      1408 More