By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 11 Apr 2024, 13:31 PM
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is essentially a rebadged iteration of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. This crossover comes as the latest product under the Suzuk
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Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is essentially a rebadged iteration of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. This crossover comes as the latest product under the Suzuki-Toyota global agreement for model and technology sharing.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is essentially a rebadged iteration of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. This crossover comes as the latest product under the Suzuki-Toyota global agreement for model and technology sharing.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor has been launched as the latest entrant in the Indian passenger vehicle market’s compact segment. It is basically a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, which was launched last year as a crossover based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno premium hatchback. Toyota and Maruti Suzuki both have already launched multiple cars in India, which come under the Suzuki-Toyota global agreement for model and technology sharing. The Taisor comes as the latest addition to the list.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor has been launched in a segment that has been witnessing fierce competition from multiple OEMs. The compact SUV and crossover segment has been witnessing ever-increasing demand, fuelling the OEMs to introduce a range of products in this space. Taisor comes as part of that wave. The crossover competes with rivals such as Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue etc.
Here is a price and specification-based comparison between the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor and Hyundai Venue.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor vs Hyundai Venue: Price
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is priced between ₹7.73 lakh and ₹13.03 lakh (ex-showroom). On the other hand, the Hyundai Venue comes priced between ₹7.94 lakh and ₹13.48 lakh (ex-showroom).
Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor vs Hyundai Venue: Specifications
The newly launched Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor crossover comes available in two different petrol engine options. There is a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is available with a CNG combination as well. The 1.2-litre petrol engine churns out 88.5 bhp peak power and 113 Nm maximum torque in petrol-only mode, while in CNG mode, it offers 76.44 bhp power and 98.5 Nm torque. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generates 98.6 bhp power and 147.6 Nm torque. Transmission options for the crossover include a five-speed manual unit, a five-speed AMT and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Watch: 2022 Hyundai Venue facelift SUV: First Drive Review
Hyundai Venue is available in both petrol and diesel options. The Venue gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while there is a 1.5-litre diesel motor on offer as well. The naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission and generates 82 bhp peak power and 113.8 Nm torque. The turbocharged petrol motor is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while there is a seven-speed DCT option as well. This engine churns out 118 bhp peak power and 172 Nm torque. The diesel motor on the other hand is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and pumps out 114 bhp peak power and 250 Nm of torque.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 11 Apr 2024, 07:18 AM
Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.
Yamaha India is aiming to focus on flex-fuel engine technology while the Indian two-wheeler industry is increasingly emphasising on electric mobility.
While the two-wheeler manufacturers in India are thriving for electric mobility, Yamaha India is aiming big with ethanol-based flex fuels, reported Mint. This comes as a more conservative approach towards greener mobility, considering the peers are focusing on pure electric two-wheelers. The report has quoted Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India, saying that anticipating a 0 per cent adoption rate for electric scooters by the end of this decade, the company is betting on a holistic approach to cleaner emission technologies and this strategy will be led by ethanol-based flex fuels.
Chihana stated that the OEM’s primary strategy to meet its emissions targets revolves around flex-fuel (E85) options for motorcycles, acknowledging the global shift towards sustainable fuels. He also stated that this strategy will help the OEM avoid the infrastructural and technological challenges of full electrification. This shift of strategy comes in line with the government’s focus on cleaner mobility solutions, which also include flex-fuel engines propelled by ethanol-blended petrol.
Interestingly, Yamaha India’s Chairman’s comment comes immediately after the former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant called for full electrification of the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment by 2030. Instead of focusing on pure electric propulsion tch, Chihana advocated for technologies like ethanol-blended fuels to achieve the country’s emission targets.
Considering the current market share of electric scooters at five to six per cent Yamaha India expects EVs to grow to 20 per cent of the scooter market in India by 2030, he said. “While 20 per cent of the market will become EV, 70-80 per cent will remain internal combustion engine. So, our Target 2030 is while we prepare for EVs, we will certainly increase our step-up models with ICE engines. We are preparing, but we are not in a hurry. Our focus remains on developing our premium motorcycle dealership network and targeting the younger generation with our urban, sporty motorcycles. Our first priority is to establish premium motorcycle dealerships across India,” he further added.
Speaking further, the Yamaha official said that despite the high petrol prices driving faster adoption of electric scooters, consumer behaviour remains largely unaffected due to usage patterns and infrastructure challenges. Interestingly, despite emphasising its intention to focus on flex-fuel engines, Yamaha plans to introduce two electric scooters by 2030. Besides that, the OEM intends to enhance its premium motorcycle strategy and distribution network as well over the next six years, Chihana said.
While the 024 Hyundai Creta was launched in January, the compact SUV recently saw a price hike in the Indian market as the introductory price ended.
The all-new 2024 Creta is offered with three engine options.
Hyundai Motor India Limited has announced that its 2024 Creta has exceeded one lakh bookings, marking a significant milestone. The Creta SUV, Hyundai’s first launch of 2024, is priced between ₹13.41 lakh and ₹24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, the manufacturer disclosed that variants with sunroof and connected car features account for 71% and 52% of total bookings, respectively.
The 2024 HyundaiCreta is available with three engine options. All three have a capacity of 1.5 litres. There is a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbocharged petrol engine and a diesel engine. In terms of transmission choices, the updated Creta comes with a six-speed manual, IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission), seven-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Hyundai offers the Creta in seven variants. There is E, EX, S, S(O), SX, SX Tech and SX(O). Hyundai has also introduced the N Line version of the Creta which is being sold only in two variants – N8 and N10.
Watch: Hyundai Creta facelift review: Major step-up for the SUV king
The Creta has been a very popular model in India. Based on Hyundai’s Global Design Language of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’, the 2024 Creta was revised with several design updates.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “The response to the recently launched new Hyundai CRETA has also been overwhelming with over 1 lakh bookings in a span of just 3 months since the launch in January’24. It is interesting to note that sunroof and connected car variants are contributing 71 per cent and 52 per cent respectively to the overall bookings, a testimony to the changing aspirations of young Indian customers. With new Hyundai CRETA, we have continued our pursuit of introducing exceptional products for the Indian market while strengthening Hyundai Motor India’s commitment towards ‘Make in India’. Brand CRETA has always created new benchmarks and now with the new Hyundai CRETA we have challenged the status quo by having a female brand ambassador for an SUV in India, a first in the industry. We sincerely thank all our customers for their love and trust in the new Hyundai CRETA and we are confident that we shall continue to establish new milestones and benchmarks in the industry.”
In this edition of Un-Popular Weekend Destinations (from Delhi), I got stuck in dunes near Jaipur and traversed some narrow streets of Mandawa in the Jimny.
A Solitary Escape In The Timeless Sands
With the Good Friday long weekend approaching, I had my eyes set on exploring some dunes and sandy trails of Rajasthan. A quick search for dunes led me to finalising Kalpana Nagar dunes as my destination for this adventure. It’s one thing to drive through sand pits deep enough to get even a burly SUV stuck at an off-road track. It’s another to drive through endless sands where you could not only get stuck, but also get lost.
But, I wanted some privacy. Privacy to explore my limits. Privacy to get stuck and not have someone remind me that I’m a newbie. After all, I was looking for places to get stuck. Because how you get out of it is what matters. That’s how you gain experience.
I spent a few hours there playing around with the various combinations of 2H, 4H, 4L and electronic off-road settings. I wanted to learn how to get rolling when I dug my wheels in too deep. After playing around with the Jimny, it was time to head back home. Time well spent!
Change Of Plans
When I was done, I noticed that I had several missed calls from Piyush, who was in Mandawa at that time and I called him back to apologise. But I had a damn good excuse!
He insisted I visit him, and knowing that I had a 4X4, recommended I take a detour wherever possible to absorb more of the local vibe. I think he just wanted me to get lost in the vast desert or get stuck in some narrow passages with a dead end and no way to reverse out of.
Along the highways, and via Sikar, the drive to Mandawa from the other side of Jaipur is almost 200km and about 180km from my hotel in Jaipur. “Do hell with it. Let’s see what the Jimny can do.” — I thought to myself and promised to meet Piyush the next day.
To make sure I don’t turn my back on him, through his connections, he allowed me access to a privately-owned forest reserve near Jaipur. Before wrapping up my day, I spent a few hours in the reserve where I saw deers and nilgai. When I had dunes on my mind, forests were nowhere near my plans. Yet, I ended up playing in the sands and meditating in a mini forest, all in a matter of a few hours.
Tales Of Trails
The next morning, I started my drive from Jaipur to Mandawa a little early. I took a few detours and picked lines that look like they’re barely a pixel wide on Google Maps. Till dusk, I held my horses and decided that I shouldn’t stray too far from the wider roads. I didn’t want to disturb the locals with bright lights and leave them covered in dust. But once it got sunny, I had greater visibility and I could better evaluate the risks when going off the road.
I engaged in enough trail hunting to lose my way. In the desolated regions of Rajasthan, not only did I lose the data and cellular connection, even the GPS started acting up. With intermittent GPS disconnections and poor accuracy, if I wanted to reach Mandawa the same day, I had to do some old school navigation. For the Gen Z, that means performing the tough task of getting out of the vehicle and asking people for directions. In person, no less.
Via Kamalsar, I finally reached Mandawa. I should have been drained by this time but the caffeine flowing through my system kept me energised and awake at the wheel.
Now that I have had time to think it over, I guess it was probably the itch to gradually keep moving towards the Jimny’s limits and keep pushing my own in the process that kept me going. I think it was adrenaline, but I’ll let caffeine take the credit for this one.
A Needle Does What A Hammer Can’t
Driving through Mandawa, once again, had me thanking my stars that I had the Jimny. Its narrow body granted me the freedom to drive through the open air art gallery. As fun as it would have been to walk through it all, after so much driving in the last 2 days and a lot of physical and mental exertion, having the option of bringing the car with me felt like a blessing.
We met at the Mandawa Castle, which, back in the day, used to be the accommodation for the royals. Now, a good part of it is turned into a hotel. So, it’s a nice way to experience the royal life and get a feel for travelling back in time – some 250 years or so.
Loyalty Amidst Royalty
After a lavish lunch, Piyush took the keys and we started moving again. He said something about experiencing ‘horsepower’. “Petrol engines are known for horsepower and I have been experiencing horsepower for the better part of the past day and a half. How else might I experience horsepower?”, I thought to myself. Through some trails, we arrived at the Mandawa Safaris stud farm, which is owned by one of his acquaintances.
There, I got up close with true bred Marwari horses. These are said to be part of Chetak’s bloodline. For those who barely stayed awake in the History class, Chetak was the legendary steed of Maharana Pratap. He trusted Chetak with his life when he led his army into the battles during the late 1500s. And the horses paid for that trust and love with an unmatched loyalty.
I can say with pride that I have had the honour of riding some of these horses, though not galloping at their full strength. Having that much power at your command and keeping it under control at the same time takes a lot of training and practice. I certainly didn’t possess either of those but a short trot did feel like I was starting to get in the rhythm with these magnificent beings.
By the way, if you have a long weekend to experience a royal lifestyle, horseback riding in the timeless sands of Rajasthan and dune bashing, then you don’t need to go through Jaipur like I did. You can skip the Pink City, which gets even more crowded on long weekends and head straight to Mandawa.
The drive is considerably shorter than Delhi-Jaipur but it’ll take about the same time to reach this un-popular weekend destination from Delhi. You don’t even need to bring your own 4X4. They have their own collection of ATVs and off-roaders.
After a good long sleep, I started my journey back home. Driving along the highways to Delhi, I had a sense of satisfaction that the Jimny afforded me. If I had something bigger, I would have had to leave it at the gates of Mandawa and explore the art on foot. If I had something without 4WD, I wouldn’t have had so much fun playing around the sand dunes.
Since Piyush has a lot of experience driving around in the sands of Rajasthan, I engaged him in a conversation about the car we were driving. While we were discussing 4WD vehicles, we also discussed the importance of having a heavy vehicle. You see, when a vehicle gets stuck, putting extra weight on it, helps it find grip where we have none and get out of a sticky situation. This led me to believe that a heavy vehicle should be ideal to traverse the sands of Thar desert.
Then he dropped on me a profound piece of nugget, which I’ll never forget. He asked me:
Do you want to ride on the sand or in the sand?
There was no back and forth between us on the topic after that. But there was a lot of pondering to do on this subject on my way back. I used the peace and quiet while driving on the highways to think of situations where extra weight would be helpful in the sands. I couldn’t come up with any. Could you?
Batteries could power the upcoming Neue Klasse range of EVs, set to enter production next year.
Croatian EV maker Rimac’s engineering division, Rimac Technology has announced that it will provide batteries for the next generation of BMW electric cars. Rimac has inked a supply deal with the BMW Group that is said to be “the largest and most ambitious project the company has undertaken to date”.
Batteries could power Neue Klasse range of EVs
Rimac to establish new automated production lines
Rimac has revealed that the partnership requires the establishment of ‘sophisticated’ automated production lines for batteries at the Rimac Campus in Croatia, and that a significant portion of the facility will be dedicated to this project. Do note that no financial terms of the deal have been disclosed yet, and neither company has given any indication of the volumes.
BMW EV battery procurement
BMW currently procures EV batteries from five global sites, and is also building new sites for its next-generation batteries in China, Hungary, Mexico and the US. Moreover, another facility is being built in Germany to assemble batteries for EVs built by BMW in Munich, Dingolfing and Regensburg. And batteries from this plant could be fitted to the Neue Klasse range of EVs from 2025 onwards.
BMW’s electrification plans in India
Just about a week ago, BMW commenced bookings for the all-electric i5 in India, which is being brought in as a CBU. It will be available in the top-spec M60 xDrive trim with dual electric motors together producing 601hp and 820Nm torque, helping the sedan sprint from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds.
The i5 will be the fifth all-electric BMW in India, slotting between the i4 and i7. The electric sedan will have no direct rivals upon arrival, and prices are expected to touch the Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom) mark.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 10 Apr 2024, 07:48 AM
Second generation iteration of Porsche Taycan EV would receive a major upgrade on range and performance front.
Second generation iteration of Porsche Taycan EV would receive a major upgrade on range and performance front.
Porsche updated the Taycan with a facelift just a couple of months back and the German luxury performance car manufacturer has already started working on the next-generation version of the electric sportscar. Australian automotive publication CarSales has reported that the second-generation Taycan EV will come with significant upgrades. Interestingly, despite giving the current electric sportscar substantial tweaks for its mid-life update, the automaker is planning more upgrades for the next-generation Taycan EV.
The report has quoted Taycan Manager of Charging and Energy Systems, Sarah Razavi saying that the new Taycan EV is already being developed. She reportedly admitted that the J1 platform underpinning the Audi E-Tron GT has been pushed to the maximum and hence, Porsche will not use this architecture for the new Taycan. The report stated that the new Taycan would use the already announced SSP Sport platform that will also serve as the underpinning for a large three-row electric SUV.
Also Read : Porsche unwraps Taycan Turbo GT, its quickest and most powerful car ever
Speaking on the project, she said that once the OEM launches one model, it starts working on the next one. “I think we did a great job to really push and squeeze every bit out of the current platform. We’re probably going to see an evolution of the platform,” she further added. Razavi also admitted that the J1 architecture definitely has some limitations and that the goal for a follow-up to today’s Taycan EV will be to achieve greater range.
The facelifted Taycan EV introduced in February 2024 promises up to 677 km range on a single charge, which is a major leap of 175 km or 35 per cent surge in range. However, the automaker is not planning to add a solid-state battery pack to the next-gen Taycan EV, as the technology may not be ready in time. “We’ve been working on it, of course, but giving a timeframe when it’s ready? It’s way too early, too early to confirm. It’s not ready in one or two years. It’s coming but it will take time,” she added.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 09 Apr 2024, 17:38 PM
Select Mahindra dealerships have unofficially begun accepting bookings for the subcompact SUV for a token amount of ₹21,000.
Mahindra and Mahindra has teased a new SUV called the XUV3X0 ahead of its official launch later this month. It is believed that the XUV3X0 is essentially the facelift version of the XUV300 SUV, but with a new model name.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is all set for debut on April 29, 2024, and the model will effectively replace the XUV300, as a more comprehensively updated version. If you are interested in bringing the XUV 3XO home, select Mahindra dealerships have unofficially begun accepting bookings for the subcompact SUV. HT Auto understands that dealers are accepting bookings for a token amount of ₹21,000.
Mahindra dealers are also offering customers the option to change their existing book for a new XUV 3XO. Meanwhile, customers can avail heavy discounts on the outgoing XUV300 of up to ₹1.59 lakh. The discounts are applicable on select variants but extend to both petrol and diesel derivatives.
That said, the upcoming Mahindra XUV 3XO promises to bring a major overhaul to the Tata Nexon rival. The promotional teaser revealed a new design language borrowed from the brand’s upcoming EV SUV range, featuring a sharply-styled grille, new inverted C-shaped LED DRLs, double-barrel projector headlamps, and a revised bumper.
The feature list will also get extensive updates and the Mahindra XUV 3XO promises to be loaded. Expect to see a digital instrument console, a large infotainment system, a 360-degree view camera, seven airbags, a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof and even Level 2 ADAS.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO will enter a highly contested space and expect it to operate in the upper end of this segment. This includes the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Citroen C3 Aircross and more.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 09 Apr 2024, 07:10 AM
Tesla is scouting locations for setting up its manufacturing plant in India.
Tesla is scouting locations for setting up its manufacturing plant in India. (AFP)
The biggest news in the Indian automotive space in the last few days was that Tesla is scouting locations for its India manufacturing facility. Three states of the country, namely Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are reportedly on the radar of the electric car giant. Telangana government is also said to be in talks with Tesla for the plant. We have also reported earlier that, Tesla has already started production of cars in a limited number for the Indian market at its Gigafactory in Berlin. Also, previously Tesla India Motor and Energy Pvt Ltd leased office space in Pune, marking its first official presence in India.
HT has reported that Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk said that it is going to be a natural progression for his company to provide electric vehicles in India. However, he didn’t reveal which models would be the first to reach Indian shores officially. We can expect the Model 3 and Model Y, two of the automaker’s most popular EV offerings to be introduced to the country initially, while the other models too would be launched here gradually.
Meanwhile, the auto company has pulled the plug on plans for its most affordable car project, which could have been a perfect model for the Indian market. Instead, Tesla now plans to focus and invest in robotaxis. This comes after it was reported that Tesla was searching for a location to set up its factory in the country.
Tesla setting up its manufacturing facility in India could mean the electric car manufacturer will invest somewhere between $2 billion to $3 billion in the country. The Indian manufacturing facility of the OEM will not only cater for the Indian market but the overseas demand as well. What’s more important is that this would be a major leap for the Indian electric vehicle industry as well as the local manufacturing sector.
Partnership with Exide Energy enables Hyundai and Kia to equip future EVs in India with locally produced LFP batteries.
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation with Exide Energy Solutions (Exide Energy), a leading Indian battery company, as part of their electric vehicle (EV) expansion plans.
Hyundai, Kia aim to localise EV battery production
Specifically focus on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells
The signing ceremony took place at Hyundai Motor Group’s Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea, attended by Heui Won Yang, president and head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s R&D Division, Chang Hwan Kim, head of Electrification Energy Solutions Tech Unit, Duk Gyo Jeong, head of Electric Vehicle Parts Purchasing Sub-Division and Dr. Mandar V Deo, managing director, and CEO of Exide Energy.
With the expansion of their EV plans for the Indian market, Hyundai and Kia aim to localise their EV battery production, specifically focusing on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells. This strategic move is said to position them as pioneers in applying domestically produced batteries in their upcoming EV models in the Indian market.
“India is a key market for vehicle electrification due in part to the government’s carbon neutrality goals, which makes securing cost competitiveness through localized battery production crucial,” said Heui Won Yang, president and head of Hyundai and Kia’s R&D Division. “Through this global partnership with Exide Energy Solutions Ltd., we will gain a competitive advantage by equipping Hyundai Motor and Kia’s future EV models in the Indian market with locally produced batteries.”
This strategic cooperation with Exide Energy marks the beginning of Hyundai and Kia’s efforts to expand its exclusive battery development, production, supply and partnerships in the Indian market.
India is recognized as a highly promising automotive market worldwide and the country is rapidly emerging as a critical player in the production and sales of electric vehicles. In FY2024, retail sales of EVs in India jumped 42 percent year-on-year to 1.67 million units, with electric two- and thre-wheelers, cars and SUVs scaling new highs.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Apr 2024, 19:36 PM
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the most opulent luxury SUV from the automaker and is priced from a whopping ₹2.96 crore (ex-showroom) onwards before
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The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the most opulent luxury SUV from the automaker and is priced from a whopping ₹2.96 crore (ex-showroom) onwards before the options kick in.
Kangna Ranaut’s Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4Matic finished in Polar White (Instagram/yogenshah_s)
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut recently made a public appearance with her new luxury car amidst her busy schedule. She has been nominated by the ruling BJP to run in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Mandi constituency. The car, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC worth approximately ₹2.96 crore, is registered under Kangana’s production company, Manikarnika Films Pvt Ltd.
This addition joins Ranaut’s collection of luxury cars, which includes the Mercedes Maybach S680, BMW 7-series 730LD, Mercedes GLE 350D SUV, and an Audi Q3. Ranaut’s Maybach GLS is finished in Polar White, a unique choice for the SUV that helps it stand out. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is a popular choice among celebrities, with Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also adding one to his garage earlier this month.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: Interior
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is available in both four and five-seater configurations, offering a luxurious experience either way. The cabin is lavishly appointed with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, reclining seats equipped with massage and ventilation functions, and other premium features. Additionally, the second row is fitted with extendable folding tables and even a built-in refrigerator, adding to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
Also watch: Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 SUV launched in India: First look
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: Specifications
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is powered by a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine, generating 542 bhp and 730 Nm of peak torque. It also features the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which adds 21 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque to the equation. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, power is sent to all four wheels through the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This luxury SUV can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 kmph.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: Rivals
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS competes with luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Maserati Levante, and others. It is particularly popular in the entertainment industry, with owners including Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Ram Charan, Taapsee Pannu, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Arjun Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Nayanthara, and many more.
Brand is trying to address battery supply and software issues that have led to delays.
The launch of Maruti Suzuki’s eVX SUV seems to be delayed by a few months, according to our sister publication Autocar Professional. The brand is currently trying to address multiple battery supply and software challenges that have delayed the start of production (SOP) by at least five months.
eVX will be manufactured in India and exported
International and India launch plan now delayed
Toyota’s version of the eVX will be delayed too
Maruti eVX SUV production, launch details
Sources tell us that the start of production for the Maruti eVX SUV is likely to move from September 2024 to February 2025 at the earliest, which would also push its export to Europe and Japan from end-2024 to next year. The ramifications of the delay are also likely to be felt by Suzuki, which is banking on the eVX to make its debut in Europe’s competitive EV market. Maruti Suzuki will be a key export base for the eVX and almost 75-80 percent of the output of 1.5 lakh units planned by the company will be allocated for the overseas markets.
This unexpected delay towards the end of the eVX’s development cycle also highlights the challenges of software development in EVs due to the complexity of the electric powertrains, advanced features, and the need for continuous updates and innovation. Sources say that the company wants to enter the EV space with the right preparedness on both the product as well as distribution front, and has hence taken this drastic step of delaying SOP by a few months to ensure that the product launch is glitch free.
The company is reportedly likely to retail its EVs from its Nexa outlets. This could potentially mean that the Toyota EV based on the eVX may also witness a change in its launch plan.
Six new Maruti EVs by FY31
Maruti Suzuki has defined a long-term plan of launching six electric vehicles in the country by FY31, and it plans to enter multiple segments, right from hatchbacks to SUVs. The company forecasts that about 15 percent of its total sales by the end of the decade will be electric vehicles.
The eVX is likely to be followed by the YMC MPV and an EV hatchback based on the eWXconcept showcased at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023. Maruti Suzuki has often been critiqued for its late entry into the EV space, but the company has taken all these years to localise parts and it wants to make in India for global operations.
Maruti Suzuki is of the opinion that it is entering the EV space at the right time, as the market share for EVs hits 3-5 percent. The company’s EV foray will happen around the same time as Hyundai introduces its Creta EV in the market and Mahindra launches a range of Born Electric Vehicles.
Given the fact that Maruti is working on a large product portfolio of over 24 models with an overburdened R&D department, it has been busier than ever before. A delay of three to six months is expected for some of its ICE models as well. The company has launched six to eight all new models in the last two years and is preparing itself for the launch of the all-new Swift and Dzire in the coming quarters.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Apr 2024, 06:13 AM
Lamborghini has trademarked the Temerario name in Europe, hinting that the new name will be used for the Huracan replacement set to arrive later this
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Lamborghini has trademarked the Temerario name in Europe, hinting that the new name will be used for the Huracan replacement set to arrive later this year.
The Lamborghini Temerario could be the name of Huracan replacement set to arrive later this year with a hybrid powertrain (YouTube/NCars)
Lamborghini is all set to drop the curtains on the Huracan at the end of this year but we already know that a replacement is on the way, which will make its debut later this year. While Lamborghini has not revealed much about the Huracan successor, it seems the upcoming supercar’s name has been leaked online. The upcoming Huracan replacement could be called the ‘Temerario’ upon launch, joining the Revuelto in the brand’s new era.
Lamborghini recently submitted the ‘Temerario’ name for a trademark filing with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The letters ‘T’ and ‘O’ get bull horns, while the font style feels identical to that of other Lambo models.
The word Temerario loosely translates to fearless or daredevil in English, which would be apt for the supercar. It’s unclear if the name has any connection to Spanish fighting bulls, which is where Lamborghini traditionally derives the names of its cars. For instance, the Revuelto was the name of a fighting bull in the 1800s.
The Lamborghini Temerario will mark a transition for the brand as the second supercar to get an electrified powertrain. Much like the Revuelto, the Huracan replacement will get an ICE engine with electric support. The supercar will get the newly-developed twin-turbo V8, in place of the 5.2-litre naturally aspired V10. While the V8 will be smaller, it is expected to produce more power with the help of axial-flux electric motors like the Revuelto. Power will go to all four wheels via an automatic transmission.
Also Watch: Lamborghini Revuelto V12 Hybrid launched in India at ₹8.89 crore
More details on the Lamborghini Temerario should be revealed in the coming months and we can expect the model to arrive in India sometime next year. The new car will also sport the recently revealed updated Lamborghini logo. Meanwhile, the final units of the Huracan have already been spoken for, ensuring the order books are full for the supercar, the last of the naturally aspirated era.
By: Srinjoy Bal | Updated on: 07 Apr 2024, 14:58 PM
A teaser by Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra, reveals a sleek dashboard similar to the XUV400, complete with a 26.04 cm touchscreen infot
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A teaser by Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra, reveals a sleek dashboard similar to the XUV400, complete with a 26.04 cm touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The interior will boast a white theme and a panoramic sunroof among others
Mahindra is set to make waves in the compact SUV segment with the upcoming XUV3X0, an upgrade to the XUV300
Mahindra and Mahindra, the renowned Indian SUV maker, are gearing up to make a splash in the compact SUV segment with the upcoming Mahindra XUV3X0. Positioned as an upgrade to the existing XUV300, this new model is slated to make its global debut on April 29, 2024. While an earlier teaser offered a glimpse of the vehicle’s exterior, a recent teaser shared by Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra and Mahindra, has revealed even more details.
Bose’s teaser, shared on his social media platform, ‘X’, hints at a new interior setup for the XUV3X0, drawing inspiration from the updated XUV400. The compact SUV is expected to feature a 26.04 cm touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster, promising a modern and immersive driving experience.
In addition to the new dashboard, the teaser also highlights the interior’s white theme and a panoramic sunroof that extends to the rear passenger compartment. Among the anticipated features are a wireless charger, automatic climate control, new upholstery, and more, promising a blend of comfort and convenience.
A previous teaser video from Mahindra showcased the XUV3X0’s redesigned grille, C-shaped LED DRLs, and headlights at the front, along with connected tail lights at the rear. The video also hinted at the inclusion of ventilated seats and a premium sound system. The SUV’s alloy wheel design has also been revamped, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the XUV300.
While retaining the XUV300’s silhouette, the new compact SUV is not expected to undergo any changes under the hood. The Mahindra XUV3X0 is expected to feature the same engine and transmission options as the XUV300. Currently, the XUV300 facelift offers two turbocharged petrol engine choices and one diesel engine. The 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine produces 108 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. The 1.2-liter GDi turbo engine delivers 128 bhp and either 230 Nm or 250 Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-liter diesel engine generates 115 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. All engines come with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, while the turbo-petrol and diesel engines also offer a 6-speed AMT transmission.
Mahindra has been conducting road tests of the XUV300 facelift SUV and the upcoming five-door Thar SUV in India prior to their launch. The XUV3X0 is set to compete with other sub-compact SUVs such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Verna and Kia Sonet among others.
Verstappen extends his championship lead as Red Bull scores another 1-2 finish.
Bouncing back from his Australian GPretirement, Max Verstappen returned to winning ways at Suzuka, leading another dominant 1-2 finish for Red Bull. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz passed Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in the closing stages to land the final spot on the podium.
Verstappen wins, 12.535 secs ahead of Perez
Ferrari’s Sainz and Leclerc finish P3, P4
Tsunoda scores point on home soil
Ricciardo, Albon bring out red flag
The race was red flagged just seconds after the start as Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon crashed at Turn 3. This puts added pressure on Williams, with team principal James Vowles confirming the team won’t have a spare chassis ready until at least the Miami GP.
The race itself saw a variety of different strategies come into play, due to the warmer-than-expected weather conditions. But Verstappen stayed in control out at front throughout. He crossed the chequered flag 12.535 secs ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez, handing Red Bull its third 1-2 finish in four races.
“I think the critical bit was of course the start, to stay ahead, and after that the car got better and better for me throughout the race. I don’t know if it had to do with the clouds coming in, but yeah, [it was] very nice,” said Verstappen.
“Everything just went really well, the pit stops went well, the strategy I think worked out well, so it couldn’t have been any better.”
Sainz on podium
Sainz continued his run of finishing on the podium in every single race he’s participated in this year. He was the last of the front-runners to stop for new tyres and took advantage of that fresher rubber to overtake Norris and Leclerc in the closing laps.
Leclerc, who was on the alternate strategy, fended off Norris to hold on to fourth place. Fernando Alonso finished sixth for Aston Martin, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Lewis Hamilton ended up ninth, while Yuki Tsunoda pulled off some strong overtakes to score the final point on home soil.
2024 F1 championship standings
Thanks to his latest win, Verstappen has extended his championship lead to 13 points from teammate Perez. Leclerc is third overall, 18 points off the lead and four points ahead of his Ferrari teammate Sainz.
F1 will now head to the Shanghai International Circuit for the Chinese GP on April 19-21. The round will also host the first of six sprint races this season.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 06 Apr 2024, 18:06 PM
Despite having the same working principle, AWD and 4WD are fundamentally different technologies meant for providing additional traction and channellin
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Despite having the same working principle, AWD and 4WD are fundamentally different technologies meant for providing additional traction and channelling power to multiple axles or wheels.
Despite having the same working principle, AWD and 4WD are fundamentally different technologies meant for providing additional traction and channelling power to multiple axles or wheels.
The automotive industry is full of complex and interesting jargon. AWD and 4WD are two of them. AWD means All-Wheel Drive, while the 4WD means 4 Wheel Drive. Interestingly, a large number of car buyers and car owners think both the AWD and 4WD are the same. However, this is a misconception. While the underlying principles of both these two technologies are driving all the wheels of a car, AWD and 4WD are not the same.
Also Read : Driving in hills can be a lifetime experience but requires sharp attention to detail. Key tips here
Here is a comprehensive explainer to help you understand the differences between AWD and 4WD.
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
The All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system powers all the four wheels of your car. There are two types of AWD systems, either the full-time AWD or part-time AWD. In full-time AWD, the system powers both the front and rear wheels all the time. On the other hand, the part-time AWD powers either the front or the rear wheels all the time. In both these two different types of AWD systems, the driver has no control over the power output a wheel or the set of wheels receive.
Based on the data received from a range of sensors, an onboard computer decides the amount of power, gauging the traction status of each wheel’s tyres. If the computer senses a certain wheel requires more power than the available amount, the AWD system sends additional torque instantly. In this process, the AWD system maximises the car’s traction in different driving conditions.
4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
The fundamental logic behind the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system is the same as the AWD, which is powering all the wheels. However, deep delving, the 4WD powers all four wheels of the car, with the energy channelled equally to the front and rear wheels. There are two types of 4WD systems, just like the AWD. These are full-time 4WD and part-time 4WD.
In full-time 4WD, all four wheels of the vehicle are powered at all times, while in part-time 4WD, generally the rear wheels are powered continuously with power sent to the front wheels only when needed. This is the area where the 4WD differs from an AWD, as the decision to send power to a set of wheels is taken by the driver manually through a button or a lever, not the vehicle’s onboard computer.
Additionally, a 4WD system gets two different modes, which are low-range and high-range. While the low-range mode is useful to maximise traction in low-speed or intense off-road situations, the the high-range mode improves traction in less intense off-roading and in slippery driving conditions like loose sand, gravel, and snow or ice.
Ather Halo is ISI and DOT certified, and comes with wireless charging.
At the Ather Community Day event this year, Ather has revealed its first-ever helmets – the Halo and the Halo Bit. These helmets come with built-in speakers and mic, and can be charged wirelessly.
Halo is full-face, Halo Bit is half-face
Halo line-up is ISI as well as DOT certified
The Ather Halo helmet gets a Harman Kardon speaker setup and also gets a mic, which means you can pair the Halo to your smartphone as well as your Ather e-scooter. This will allow you to control music playback and receive phone calls on the go. The Halo Bit is essentially the half-face version of the full Halo helmet and comes with the same kit but in a smaller, open-face avatar.
Both the Halo and Halo Bit have been certified to both the ISI as well as DOT standards, and both feature a ratchet strap (also known as a micrometric buckle) closure.
Ather claims that the Halo helmet has a battery life of roughly 10 days on a single charge, and that the rider and the pillion can listen to the same music if both are wearing Halo helmets.
The Halo Bit is priced at Rs 4,999, while the Halo costs Rs 14,999. However, the introductory price is Rs 12,999 for the first 1,000 orders, and for the people at Ather Community Day that number drops further to Rs 6,500.
This article will give you a perspective of the engine specs like, displacement, power, torque, mileage and transmission details of the Toyota Taisor petrol and CNG engines.
Considering the body style, size and price range of the Toyota Taisor, it competes with the following cars:
What Are The Engine Specs Of Toyota Taisor?
TOYOTA TAISOR | ENGINE SPECS
Engine
1.0L Turbo Petrol
1.2L Normal Petrol
1.2L CNG
Displacement
998cc
1197cc
1197cc
Cylinder
3
4
4
Power
100PS @ 5500rpm
90PS @ 6000rpm
78PS @ 6000rpm
Power:Weight
97.09PS/t
92.78PS/t
–
Torque
148Nm @ 2000 – 4500rpm
113Nm @ 4400rpm
99Nm @ 4400rpm
Torque:Weight
143.69Nm/t
116.49Nm/t
–
Manual
5-speed MT
5-speed MT
5-speed MT
Automatic
6-speed TC
5-speed AMT
NA
The Toyota Taisor is available with 3 engine options: 1.0L turbo petrol,1.2L normal petrol and 1.2L normal CNG.
The 1.0L turbo petrol engine makes 100PS of power at 5500rpm and 148Nm of torque between 2000 and 4500rpm. This engine is available with a 5-speed MT and a 6-speed TC transmission.
The 1.2L normal petrol engine churns out 90PS of power at 6000rpm and 113Nm of torque at 4400rpm. The 1.2L normal petrol engine gets a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT transmission.
The 1.2L normal CNG engine is rated to deliver 78PS of power at 6000rpm and 99Nm of torque at 4400rpm. You can get the 1.2L CNG engine of the Taisor with a 5-speed MT transmission.
What Is The Mileage Or Fuel Efficiency Of Toyota Taisor?
TOYOTA TAISOR | MILEAGE OR FUEL EFFICIENCY
Engine
1.0L Turbo Petrol
1.2L Normal Petrol
1.2L Normal CNG
Manual FE
21.50kmpl
21.70kmpl
28.50kmpl
Automatic FE
20.01kmpl
22.80kmpl
NA
The Toyota Taisor 1.0L turbo petrol engine has a mileage of 21.50kmpl with the 5-speed MT and 20.01kmpl with the 6-speed TC transmission.
The 1.2L normal petrol engine has a mileage of 21.70kmpl with the 5-speed MT and 22.80kmpl with the 5-speed AMT transmission.
The 1.2L normal CNG engine has a mileage of 28.50kmpl with the 5-speed MT transmission.
This article will give you details about the dimensions, or length, width, height and wheelbase of the Toyota Taisor. We’ll also look at the ground clearance, boot space, fuel tank capacity and tyre size of the Toyota Taisor.
The Toyota Taisor is 3995mm long, 1765mm wide and 1550mm tall. Bigger exterior dimensions give a car a stronger road presence. The Taisor has a 2520mm long wheelbase. A longer wheelbase makes the car more stable at high speeds and gives better legroom in the back seat, while a shorter wheelbase makes the car more agile.
TOYOTA TAISOR DIMENSIONS
Length
3995mm
Width
1765mm
Height
1550mm
Wheelbase
2520mm
Ground Clearance
190mm
Boot Space
308L
Fuel Tank Capacity
37L
Wheel Size (Base)
195/60 R16
Wheel Size (Top)
195/60 R16
The Toyota Taisor has a fuel tank capacity of litres and a boot space measuring 308 litres. The Taisor has a ground clearance of 190mm. The tyre size of the Toyota Taisor base model is 195/60 R16 and the top model rides on 195/60 R16 tyres. Cars running on bigger wheels provide better handling and styling. However, these advantages come at the cost of efficiency. Having bigger wheels means more metal and more rotating mass. Therefore, it adversely impacts your drivability, performance and mileage.
What Are The Dimensions Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor is 3995mm long, 1765mm wide and 1550mm tall.
What Is The Length Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor is 3995mm long. Here’s the length of Taisor in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Toyota Taisor Length
Millimetres
3995mm
Centimetres
399.5cm
Metres
3.995m
Inches
157.28in
Feet
13.11ft
What IsThe Width Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor is 1765mm wide. Here’s the width of Taisor in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Toyota Taisor Width
Millimetres
1765mm
Centimetres
176.5cm
Metres
1.765m
Inches
69.49in
Feet
5.79ft
What Is The Height Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor is 1550mm tall. Here’s the height of Taisor in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Toyota Taisor Height
Millimetres
1550mm
Centimetres
155cm
Metres
1.55m
Inches
61.02in
Feet
5.09ft
What Is The Fuel Tank Capacity Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor has a fuel tank capacity of 37litres.
What Is The Wheelbase Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor has a wheelbase measuring 2520mm. Here’s the wheelbase of Taisor in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Toyota Taisor Wheelbase
Millimetres
2520mm
Centimetres
252cm
Metres
2.52m
Inches
99.21in
Feet
8.27ft
What Is The Boot Space Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor has a boot space measuring 308 litres. Here’s the boot space information of Taisor in other units like cubic centimetres, cubic metres, cubic inches and cubic feet:
Toyota Taisor Boot Space
Litres
308L
Cubic Centimetres
308000cm3
Cubic Metres
0.308m3
Cubic Inches
18795.39in3
Cubic Feet
10.88ft3
What Is The Ground Clearance Of Toyota Taisor?
The Toyota Taisor has a ground clearance of 190mm. Here’s the ground clearance of Taisor in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 05 Apr 2024, 15:16 PM
A number of Chinese firms are looking at dictating the course which aim to turn flying cars into reality.
File photo of AirCar flying car during the course of its maiden test flight in Slovakia.
China is the world’s largest vehicle market. China is the world’s largest electric vehicle market. And it is likely that the country may take a lead in the fast-developing world of flying cars as well. A number of China-based companies are working on either developing models or procuring the technologies that would turn the ultimate dream in personal mobility sphere into reality.
In prime focus is Cangzhou-based company called Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology that recently bought exclusive rights to build AirCar, a flying car that successfully conducted its maiden test flight in 2020 and completed an inter city flight in 2021. Developed by Slovakia-based company called Klein Vision, AirCar will now serve as the basis on which Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology will develop its own versions of flying cars. These will be used for flights within pre-defined areas within the Chinese territory, according to the BBC.
Also Read : How flying cars can take over global farms, covering one acre every minute
The AirCar from Klein Vision is capable of operation on both surface as well as in the air. Its dimensions are similar to a conventional vehicle and is powered by a BMW-sourced engine. But it takes all of 120 seconds to transform into a flying machine that can travel an air distance of 1,000 kms at an altitude of 8,200 feet. It is also entirely capable of making maneuvers during flight time although it will require a runway and is not capable of vertical lift-off and landing.
Chinese dreams of flying cars take flight
While Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology now has the exclusive rights to build AirCar aircraft inside an undisclosed area in China, noticeable moves have been made by rival companies here too.
A Chinese company called Autoflight tested a drone capable of flying passengers. The drone was flown between Shenzhen and Zhuhai and completed the distance in 20 minutes. It would have taken around three hours to cover the distance between the two Chinese cities by road.
Then there is another company called eHang which received a safety certificate from officials in the country for a flying taxi powered by batteries.
All of these developments show that China has the potential to pave the way for flying cars to take over skies, both in the country and the world over. Experts and industry watchers point out that flying cars are inevitable and the only two big questions that remain are how to make these mobility options more cost viable and the regulations and supporting infrastructure that would be required.
Apart from two mass market EVs, Kia will also bring the EV9 flagship SUV to India.
Ho Sung Song, Kia president and CEO announced at its Investor Day 2024 that two new models, including the Carens EV, will be launched in emerging markets like India to meet diverse demands. He also informed that the company will be launching the EV9 in India – its flagship – in 2024 to spruce up its EV play.
“The EV line-up strategy involves following up our flagship EV models with the introduction of mass EV models for enhanced consumer accessibility,” he said.
Kia to bring two mass market EVs in India
Kia Clavis EV and Carens EV will launch in second half of 2025
Kia EV9 will launch this year as a CBU
Kia Carens EV, Clavis EV to launch in second half of 2025
Sources say that the company is likely to launch a mass market electric SUV codenamed AY-EV, which will likely be called Kia Clavis upon its launch in the second half of 2025. Around the same time, it is also planning to bring in the Carens-based EV, codenamed the KY-EV.
Interestingly, the Kia AY SUV with a petrol powertrain is likely to hit the roads in the first half of 2025, and Kia estimates that both EV models are likely to bring in combined volumes of 50,000-60,000 units by 2026.
Kia has aggressive sales plans for EVs
“The goal for 2026 is to achieve sales of 5,87,000 units of mass EV models, with the aim of accounting for 66 percent of total EV sales,” Song added. As for the market-specific sales strategies, in key markets, Kia will continue growth by building a full EV line-up by creating new demand using Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs). “In emerging markets, we will differentiate the brand with enhanced high-quality customer experiences and respond to increasing demand by diversifying manufacturing bases,” he explained.
The flexible manufacturing line and ICE-derived EVs are a part of Kia’s plan to de-risk itself if the sales momentum for EVs does not take off. “While short-term concerns about EV demand slowdown may exist, in the long-term, EV demand is expected to continue to grow considering the global CO2 reduction regulations and the downward trend of EV prices,” Song said.
Kia’s future EV launch plans
Overall, a total of 15 EV models have been decided for a launch by 2027. Beginning with the launch of the EV3 this year, additional models such as the EV2, EV4 and EV5 will be introduced in major markets, for a total of 6 mass-market models.
“The EV sales target of 1.6 million units by 2030 requires selling 1.3 million more units than 2024. The proportion of EV sales in major markets is planned to grow from 13 percent in 2024 to 52 percent by 2030, with the Korean and North American markets reaching up to 40 percent, and Europe up to 79 percent,” shared Song, but he did not have specifics on the Indian market’s volumes or share of EVs.
