South Korean automaker Kia will observe ‘Kia EV Day’ on October 12 in Yeoju, Korea, where it will shed light on its future EV roadmap and display its entire EV lineup including two new concept EVs. During the event, the company will announce its global vision and strategy for battery-powered vehicles. The move is in line with the OEM’s vision to become a key player in sustainable mobility.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 04 Oct 2023, 16:25 PM
The Kia EV Day event in mid-October will see the company displaying its entire EV lineup, including the Kia EV5, EV6 GT and EV9, as well as two new concept EVs.
The event is set to become an annual tradition for the company, starting this year, wherein it will encourage stakeholders to discuss about sustainable mobility and future growth plans. At the event, Kia will showcase its new electric models, concepts, and technologies.
The event in mid-October will see the company displaying its entire EV lineup, including the Kia EV5, EV6GT and EV9. The EV5 was launched at the Chengdu Motor Show in August this year, and during the event, attendees will be given a detailed specification of the electric model. Kia will also introduce two new concept EVs.
Kia introduced the EV5 in production model in China last month, which comes as an all-electric alternative to the Kia Sportage. The compact electric SUV is slated to launch in China later this year before being introduced to other markets.
The EV6 GT debuted last year in August and the brand claims it to be the most powerful Kia production vehicle ever. With 800V multi-charging architecture, the Kia EV6 GT is ultra-fast DC charging enabled, implying that it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in under 18 minutes.
The event will also see keynote speakers taking the stage to shed light upon topics significant to Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider. Subjects will include the brand’s comprehensive EV strategy, its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, updates on innovative customer experience strategies, and new product insights.
Tesla reportedly sent out special apparel for the vehicle launch team members of the Cybertruck pickup truck. Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles in the world. The official launch of the electric pickup truck is inching closer and ahead of that, the automaker has sent out special apparel for the launch team, reported the Cybertruck Owners Club forum.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 02 Oct 2023, 16:27 PM
Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most awaited electric vehicles in the world. (Image: Cybertruck Owners Club)
Tesla has already started production of the Cybertruck pickup truck. However, the production of this pure electric pickup truck with an unusual design has started at a limited number. Tesla plans to ramp up its production numbers from early 2024. However, before that, the official launch event is expected to take place in a few weeks.
A user of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum has shared an image of the official apparel. The apparel comes with the ‘Cybertruck’ word printed on it along with the ‘Launch Team’ words.
Back in April this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted that the Cybertruck handover event would happen towards the end of the third quarter. Considering that, the third quarter has been already over. However, given Tesla’s reputation of keeping with the deadlines, that is not very unusual. But now with the apparels sent out to the launch team, we can expect the event to take place in a few weeks. Also, over the last few months, the prototypes of the Tesla Cybertruck spotted have hinted that the EV is in its final phase of testing.
Tesla Cybertruck was first unveiled back in November 2019. Since then, the automaker has set multiple deadlines for the launch of the EV but failed to keep its promises again and again. It was supposed to enter production several times in the past two years, but that never happened, partly because of the global microchip shortage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The all-new BMW iX1 comes with the automaker’s xDrive all-wheel drive technology and promises up to 440 km range on a single charge. Powered by the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, the iX1 also promises instant acceleration of 0-100 kmph in 5.6 seconds. Powering the EV is a 66.4 kWh battery pack paired with dual electric motors, fitted to each axle and channelling power to all four wheels through an AWD. The electric luxury SUV claims to be capable of running at a top speed of 180 kmph. The electric powerplant onboard the iX1 churns out 308 bhp peak power and 494 Nm of maximum torque.
Watch: 2023 BMW iX1 electric SUV: First Look
The all-new BMW iX1 comes with fast charging technology. Using a 130 kW DC fast charger its battery pack can be topped up from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 20 minutes. BMW claims the battery pack can ensure a 120-kilometre range with 10 minutes charge using the fast charger. An 11 kW AC charger tops up the battery pack fully in about 6.3 hours.
The BMW iX1 comes with a standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. Also, the battery pack is covered by an eight-year or up to 160,000 kilometres warranty.
The electric luxury SUV comes with a bold and muscular design, in line with BMW’s contemporary styling philosophy. An almost square BMW kidney grille with a closed glossy black panel, and distinct ‘i’ identification make it different from the conventional fuel-powered X1. Other design elements include segment-first adaptive LED headlights, square wheel arches, 18-inch M light alloy wheels, a large surface diffuser at the back and L-shaped LED taillights. The BMW iX1 is available in Alpine White non-metallic paint and Space Silver, Black Sapphire and Storm Bay metallic colour options.
Inside the cabin, the choice of upholstery includes Veganza Perforated Mocha and Veganza Perforated Oyster. The first thing that catches attention inside the cabin is the fully digital BMW curved display. The automaker has used M Sport leather on the steering wheel, while the blue ring finisher logo also adds distinctiveness. It sports ambient lighting, dual-zone AC, a 12-speaker audio system, and multiple massage options for the front seats.
At Ola Electric’s recent event, they showcased four new electric motorcycles. They are named Diamondhead, Adventure, Cruiser and Roadster for now. The production version of the first motorcycle is expected to go on sale by the end of 2024. Ola Electric has showcased the four electric motorcycles at their stall at the MotoGP Bharat 2023.
Ola Diamondhead at the manufacturer’s stall at Buddh International Circuit
Ola Electric is also an industry partner of MotoGP Bharat. The electric two-wheeler manufacturer has provided 150 S1 electric scooters for mobility duties around the track. The electric scooters will also be there for marshall support.
The Diamondhead is designed as a sports bike with a dedicated riding triangle as it has clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs. There is an aggressive front with full fairing to improve aerodynamics. The Roadster has sharp body panels, a sleek LED Daytime Running Lamp, split seats and a slightly committed riding position.
As the name suggests, the Adventure is an off-road adventure tourer with a tall stance and comfortable riding posture. There are USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, spoked wheels, chain drive, knuckle guards, a TFT screen and a tall windscreen.
Finally, there is the Cruiser which seems like it is inspired by the Ducati Diavel. It has a wide LED Daytime Running Lamp, front-seat footpegs, a wide handlebar, a TFT screen for instrumentation and aerodynamically efficient body panels. The motorcycle uses 17-inch wheels, USD forks and a monoshock at the rear.
Watch: Ola Electric motorcycle concepts breaks cover | To launch in 2024
Apart from the electric motorcycles, Ola Electric is working on MoveOS 4 which is slated to go public next month. The manufacturer is currently beta-testing the software. With the MoveOS 4, Ola will add its own maps which will be called Ola Maps. Ola Electric says that they have improved features such as regeneration, hill hold, charging time prediction, charging and riding range as well. The Hypercharging is now faster and so is the document syncing, contact syncing, pairing and touch response.
Lexus is benchmarking Tesla for developing its own next-generation electric cars, reported Automotive News. Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe has reportedly said that the Japanese luxury car brand owned by Toyota humbly looks at and learns from Tesla for its own electric cars, as the auto company aims to transform itself as a major EV player later in this decade.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 22 Sep 2023, 13:45 PM
Lexus plans to make its future electric cars using an altered production technique.
Lexus aims to launch a massive EV offensive with multiple electric cars scheduled to go on sale in 2026. However, the task is not easy considering the fact that there are already several players in both the mass-market segment and the luxury segment as well. Watanabe reportedly finds it a difficult mission to steer the brand through a massive EV overhaul.
Lexus is slated to preview its next-generation electric car that will launch in 2026 through a concept debuting at the Japan Mobility Show next month, claimed the report. The next-generation EV will be built on a modular architecture as the automaker has said. It will come with significantly altered production methods and a completely re-imagined software platform as well. “We have also prioritized vehicle design to embody the essence of Lexus,” he reportedly said while also adding that the auto company plans to make it easier to build and simply as much as possible. “One of our first steps will be modifying and rethinking our production methods,” he said.
With the altered production method, Lexus aims to drive down production costs by commoditizing the hardware as much as possible. With this strategy, it is reportedly aiming to compete with global EV leader Tesla and BYD. However, despite Tesla being its possible competitor, Watanabe didn’t shy away from admitting that Lexus has a lot to learn from the US electric car major.
Interestingly, Toyota at one point remained a key partner of Tesla. It would interesting to see if Lexus implements that learning into its own EV projects. The report claims the production technique is being developed by Toyota, from which Lexus will benefit. The production method will include giga-casting hat will greatly reduce the number of components. Also, the cars will reportedly drive themselves through assembly lines.
Ola Electric’s scooters have been spotted on the Buddh International Circuit track ahead of the upcoming MotoGP Bharat 2023, scheduled between September 22 and 24, 2023. Also, three-time MotoGP world champion and the safety advisor for the upcoming event, Loris Capriossi was seen taking the Ola electric scooter for a spin on the BIC track. The electric vehicle manufacturer has posted several images on social media of its scooters on the BIC tracks. The EV company is the industry partner of the event.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 20 Sep 2023, 13:31 PM
Former world champion Loris Capriossi takes Ola electric scooter for a spin on BIC tracks
Ola Electric is expected to showcase its Diamondhead electric motorcycle at the upcoming MotoGP Bharat event. The Diamondhead is the superbike concept that the EV manufacturer revealed on August 15 this year. This futuristic sportsbike is slated to launch within a few years as part of Ola Electric’s range of electric motorcycles, which were showcased in concept forms in August.
Watch: Ola Electric motorcycle concepts breaks cover | To launch in 2024
The Ola Diamondhead comes with a diamond-shaped panel at the front, which paved the way for the nomenclature. The diamond panel gets a sleek LED strip, while the actual LED headlamp sits beneath the beak. The concept sportsbike was showcased as a semi-faired model.
The pure electric Ola sportsbike gets disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, while the rear wheel comes covered in order to achieve better aerodynamic efficiency. Another exciting fact about this bike is that the front suspension looks completely unconventional as it is positioned almost parallel to the ground. Other design elements of the Ola Diamondhead include a sleek LED strip at the tip of the tail section acting as a taillight.
Besides the Ola Diamondhead, Ola Electric is also expected to showcase its other electric motorcycle concepts at the event. The other models include a cruiser, a roadster and an adventure motorcycle, which all were showcased in August this year.
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo recently undertook a 10-day challenge and returned with a new Guinness World Record title for greatest altitude change by an electric car – 5,573.979 metres. It travelled 2,783 kilometres from the lowest natural point in China to the top of one of the world’s highest national highways. The starting point was Ayding Lake, at an altitude of minus 218.845 metres, and culmination point was Daban, at 5,355.134 metres above sea level.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 18 Sep 2023, 17:13 PM
The electric Porsche’s journey along the Xinjiang-Tibet route features desolate regions with extreme weather and road conditions.
The electric Porsche’s journey along the Xinjiang-Tibet route features desolate regions with extreme weather and road conditions and complex terrain. The road trip proved the electric car’s long-distance comfort and reliability. The journey also proved the charging efficiency of Porsche’s 800 V architecture in the most pushing conditions.
The electric Porsche’s journey along the Xinjiang-Tibet route features desolate regions with extreme weather and road conditions.
While Porsche did not spill out details regarding range or efficiency for the trip, it mentioned that the Taycan Cross Turismo’s regenerative capabilities helped extend range on downhill stretches. While clearing a 13,123-foot pass, energy recuperation of up to 275 kW gave a boost to the range, the automaker mentioned.
Further details reveal that since charging stations were difficult to find in some areas, it took four days for Porsche to cross a 472-mile stretch in the Kunlun and Tianshan mountains. The trip took the electric car through surface temperatures of 70°C to frozen, icy roads; from busy cities to a 5,000-metre-high no-man’s land. The OEM says that the car travelled through all four seasons of the year in just 10 days.
The DC and AC charging points along the way varied from 120 kW to 22 kW, however, thanks to Porsche’s 800 V architecture, the Taycan Cross Turismo was able to charge at the upper limit of the power output of these charging points. The OEM says that the electric model’s high-tech chassis with all-wheel drive and Adaptive Air Suspension helped setoff major bumps on the road.
One of China’s largest technology conglomerates Xiaomi could reveal its first electric car by the end of this year, CarScoops reported. The long-awaited electric vehicle received government approval for production last month, though its first images were leaked online in January this year. The company had first announced its plans to produce an EV about two years ago.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Sep 2023, 17:51 PM
Xiaomi’s first electric car appears to be influenced by the design of BYD Seal showcased at the Auto Expo 2023.
The EV has been codenamed MS11 and is called Xiaomi Modena by local media reporters China. As per Car News China, the trial production of the car started last month at a factory in Beijing and the facility is said to be building roughly 50 prototypes each week. Xiaomi is said to be on schedule to receive approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in the coming month or two. Once this approval comes through, it will be able to start selling its electric car.
Once launched, the Xiaomi Modena will rival vehicles such as TeslaModel 3 and BYD Seal with a local starting pricing in the region of 200,000 yuan ($27,400). As per the car’s leaked images, its exterior design is constituted of large LED headlights and relatively simple front bumper. Xiaomi’s first EV is also expected to get flush door handles, a roof-mounted LiDAR, and a panoramic glass roof just like what is found on the Tesla Model 3.
Expect the electric car to come with a massive 101 kWh ternary battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture. It could be able to travel up to 800 kilometres or 497 miles on a single charge. It will be equipped with a self-developed electric motor while its batteries will be provided by CATL and BYD.
Until last year, Хіаоmі hаs invested more than 3 billion уuаn (roughly converted to $433 million) іn іtѕ automotive dіvіѕіоn, with a tеаm оf оvеr 2,300 реорlе deployed in research and development.
BGAUSS C12i comes with a lithium-ion LFP battery pack that is removable and takes three hours to fully charge. The claimed ARAI-certified range of the electric scooter is 85 km which means that the real-world range would be less. The electric motor and the battery pack are IP 67 rated which means they are water and dustproof. Speaking of motor, it is a 2500-WATT unit mounted in the rear wheel.
Customers can book the latest BGAUSS C12i EX electric scooter from the company website. The manufacturer is offering a 5-year warranty for the C12i EX. They currently have 125 dealerships across India.
Commenting on the launch, Hemant Kabra, Founder and CEO of BGAUSS, stated, “At BGAUSS, we are committed to our mission of providing high-performance, safe, and intelligent electric scooters to be at the forefront of the EV revolution in India. Our unwavering commitment to setting the highest standards in build quality, safety, and performance has brought us to this remarkable moment. The 100% Made in India C12i EX exemplifies our dedication to delivering top-tier electric scooters. The response to our C12i MAX was impressive, and we are thankful to our customers who have shown trust in our green and sustainable mobility solutions. We are hopeful that our latest addition, the C12i EX will also get a positive response from our customers as well. The e-scooter will be available at the introductory price of INR 99,999 until September 19, 2023.”
Volvo India on Monday launched the much-awaited C40 Recharge at ₹61.25 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). It comes as the second all-electric car in the country from the Swedish luxury car brand after the XC40 Recharge. The Volvo C40 Recharge comes challenging the rivals like Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 among others. Besides the rivals from other brands, the new EV is expected to dent the sales numbers of its sibling XC40 Recharge as well. Also, this EV comes strengthening the automaker’s position in the Indian electric car market further, where several other players have been introducing their respective products.
Volvo India unveiled the electric car earlier this year on June 14, revealing the design, features and specifications of the C40 Recharge. However, pricing was the mystery that the automaker uncovered today. Delivery of the Volvo C40 Recharge is slated to commence in early September this year. Volvo C40 Recharge is already available in multiple global markets and India now has been added to that list.
By: Mainak Das | Updated on: 04 Sep 2023, 21:01 PM
The C40 Recharge is the first Volvo EV which has been developed from the ground up.
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Watch: Volvo C40 Recharge review: Packs a punch with more range
The Volvo C40 Recharge comes carrying signature Volvo design elements. It gets the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. Being an EV, it gets the closed panel look instead of a conventional front grille. The sleek LED fog lamps and black air intake at the lower bumper are similar to the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Moving to the side profile, the car looks distinctive compared to the XC40 Recharge thanks to its coupe-like sloping roofline instead of the XC40 Recharge’s boxy appearance. The alloy wheels look stylish and sporty, while at the back, the vertically oriented sleek LED taillights enhance the EV’s overall visual appearance.
Volvo C40 Recharge is available in eight different colour options: Black Stone, Fusion Red, Thunder Grey, Fjord Blue, Silver Down and Crystal White, Sage Green, and Onyx Black. Dimensionally, the EV measures 4,440 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,591 mm in height.
Inside, the Volvo C40 Recharge packs a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system complemented by a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, vegan interiors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charger, and an ADAS safety suite.
The India-spec Volvo C40 Recharge EV comes equipped with twin electric motors paired with a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an AWD drivetrain. The dual electric motors are capable of generating 402 bhp of peak power and 660 Nm of maximum torque. The EV is capable of accelerating 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds at a top speed of 180 kmph.
Globally, the EV is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The India-spec model promises to run a 530 km range on a single charge. The new Volvo EV is capable of getting topped up from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 27 minutes using a DC fast charger. Using an 11 kW level 2 charger, the EV takes eight hours to be charged fully.
Audi has unveiled the interior design language of its upcoming EV SUV Q6 e-tron which comes as a screen-packed vehicle. The Q6 e-tron will be the brand’s first EV that will be built on its new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. The vehicle gets a total of three screens facing the passengers – an OLED gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen and one front-passenger dedicated touchscreen.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 04 Sep 2023, 16:23 PM
Audi Q6 e-tron gets a total of three screens – an OLED gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen and one front-passenger dedicated touchscreen.
The OLED gauge cluster measures 11.9-inch and the infotainment touchscreen measures 14.5-inch, while both these reside under a single curved bezel underlined by ambient lighting. Another 10.9-inch touchscreen is dedicated to the front-seat passenger, and has a way of blocking the driver’s view of its contents, per safety regulations.
The electric SUV gets a new Android-based infotainment software which gets a ‘self-learning voice assistant’. It responds to – “Hey, Audi.” and can learn a driver’s preferences gradually and even make suggestions. Coming to the optional head-up display (HUD), it comes with augmented reality.
When the SUV’s speed, navigation directions, or traffic signs are reflected onto the windshield, the HUD tilts forward their images to create the impression that they’re floating in front of the vehicle. Audi claims this helps reduce distractions, particularly in low-visibility situations.
Another interesting feature inside the Q6 e-tron is the customizable ambient lighting. The vehicle also has interactive lighting elements such as a welcome action and the ability to notify people when the vehicle is locked and unlocked. Other features include mimicking the turn signals and visualizing the EV’s charging levels.
The steering wheel is squared-off and is flat on the top and bottom and hosts a bunch of touch-sensitive controls. Coming to its exteriors, the Audi Q6 e-tron’s dimensions are said to be similar to that of the ICE Q5 SUV.
BMW MINI has debuted the fifth-generation MINI Cooper EV which comes with a purely electric powertrain which provides an emission-free mobility and offers new digital experiences as well as modern assistance systems. With the new vehicle, the brand has taken a step in the right direction as it aims to transform into an all-electric brand by 2030.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 03 Sep 2023, 17:18 PM
The new MINI Cooper EV adopts a minimal exterior and interior design for a powerful presence.
The design reflects the traditional MINI DNA constituted by short overhangs, a short bonnet and contrasting long wheelbase with large wheels. The design language contributes to an athletic impression and underlines the model’s contemporary urban orientation. The hallmark MINI appearance is completed by circular headlights and octagonal front grille.
MINI Cooper E variant comes with 75 kW battery pack while the Cooper SE comes with up to 95 kW. Using a fast charger, the latter can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just under 30 minutes.
The rear section too gets a contemporary feel, featuring clear surfaces and flush rear lights.
The new MINI Cooper EV adopts a minimal exterior and interior design for a powerful presence. The headlights have shed the chrome elements while there is no circumferential Black Band for the first time. The rear section too gets a contemporary feel, featuring clear surfaces and flush rear lights. A striking black handle strip divides the rear section and its horizontal orientation.
On the inside, there is a round instrument cluster and a characteristic toggle bar below. These two elements along with the steering wheel structure the interior with its maximum purist design. There are smaller number of components cleverly designed and implemented. The dashboard on the driver’s side does not require an additional display, so it opens up the view to the front.
Coming to technology, the MINI Operating System 9 allows for vehicle functions to be operated intuitively with touch or voice control. There are three MINI Experience Modes – Core, Green and Go-Kart, each with their specific user interface design.
Ather Energy is gearing up to deliver the 450S electric scooters to its customers ahead of the festive season. The Bengaluru-based EV maker has started to roll out its most affordable electric scooter from its facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Tarun Mehta, founder and CEO at Ather Energy, shared the new electric scooters being prepared for delivery today. The electric scooter, which rivals the likes of Ola S1 Air, was launched earlier this year at a price of ₹1.30 lakh (ex-showroom).
By: HT Auto | Updated on: 02 Sep 2023, 15:53 PM
450S electric scooters being rolled out of Ather Energy’s facility. Launched in June, the EV maker will start delivery of the 450S ahead of the festive season.
The bookings for the Ather 450S started in June this year when the electric scooter was officially launched. Ather Energy says the price complies with the revised FAME 2 scheme. The customers can avail further benefits from respective states’ own electric vehicle policies.
Ather 450S comes equipped with a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that claims to offer 115 kms of range on a single charge. Using home chargers, the battery pack can be charged up to 80 per cent in around six hours and 36 minutes while charging up to 100 per cent takes eight hours and 36 minutes.
The electric motor is capable of generating 7.24 bhp of peak power and 22 Nm of maximum torque. The 450S electric scooter can also run at a top speed of 90 kmph. Ather 450S offers three ride modes with the 450S which include Sport mode, Eco mode and Ride mode.
Watch: Ather 450S review: Worthy of its price tag?
In terms of design, there is very little to differentiate the 450S from its more premium sibling 450X. Ather 450S gets the same curvy front cowl with the same LED headlamp as the 450X. From the side profile and rear too, it looks exactly the same as the flagship Ather electric scooter.
The big difference between the Ather 450S and 450XX is the instrument cluster. To keep the cost down, Ather replaced the unit used in 450X with an LCD panel, which lacks usual map navigation. In 450S, one needs to use the MapMyIndia-powered navigation system which offers turn-by-turn navigation.
Maruti Suzuki plans to invest a whopping ₹45,000 crore to double its annual production capacity in the next eight years, reported PTI. Maruti Suzuki India’s chairman RC Bhargava reportedly said on Tuesday that the automaker plans to produce 40 lakh cars annually by 2031 with the influx of investment it is making to double production capacity. This comes at a juncture when the Indian auto industry like the rest of the global automobile industry is witnessing the introduction of new technologies and Maruti Suzuki is aiming to take a lead in that.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Aug 2023, 15:25 PM
Besides focusing on doubling production capacity to 40 lakh cars annually by 2031, Maruti Suzuki is also emphasising on development of new technology for its vehicle fleet.
Despite being the largest car brand in India, Maruti Suzuki is yet to penetrate the EV segment, while Tata Motors, Hyundai, MG Motors and Mahindra along with several luxury car brands have already launched their respective products in the country’s electric car segment. Speaking about this, Bhargava accepted that the company is late in the segment but believes that it will not impact the brand by damaging its ability to get an adequate market share in the space.
Watch: Maruti unveiled eVX EV Concept at Auto Expo 2023
He also said that Maruti Suzuki aims to launch six electric cars by the decade’s end, which would give it a strong position in the market. “Yes, we are behind some companies in launching EV but that does not mean that we are late in the market or that when we are coming in 2024-25, we will have in any way damaged our ability to get an adequate market share,” he added.
As Maruti Suzuki is thriving towards greener and cleaner powertrain technology, it will increasingly focus on a wide range of new technologies including electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG, ethanol and compressed biogas in the coming days, said Bhargava. Speaking about these technologies, he also said that it is difficult to predict what will happen in the next eight to ten years.
Bhargava also said that Maruti Suzuki has reached the 20 lakh units annual production and sales milestone. Now, it is aiming to double that figure by reaching the 40 lakh units annual production and sales milestone, he said. The plan will be part of the automaker’s ‘Maruti 3.0’ strategy, under which the company is targeting to add another 20 lakh units of production capacity with about 28 different car models in the market by FY 2030-31.
The Maruti Suzuki chairman said that the era ahead is going to be a very uncertain and challenging one. “The era before us is going to be a very uncertain era, a very challenging era. Putting up these two million cars itself will cost us something close to ₹45,000 crore. It depends how inflation goes but at the moment we estimate the cost about ₹45,000 crore for two million cars,” Bhargava said.
Self-driving capability is central to Tesla’s financial future, according to Musk, whose own reputation as an engineering leader is being challenged with allegations by plaintiffs in one of two lawsuits that he personally leads the group behind technology that failed. Wins by Tesla could raise confidence and sales for the software, which costs up to $15,000 per vehicle.
Tesla faces two trials in quick succession, with more to follow. The first, scheduled for mid-September in a California state court, is a civil lawsuit containing allegations that the Autopilot system caused owner Micah Lee’s Model 3 to suddenly veer off a highway east of Los Angeles at 65 miles per hour, strike a palm tree and burst into flames, all in the span of seconds.
The 2019 crash, which has not been previously reported, killed Lee and seriously injured his two passengers, including a then-8-year old boy who was disemboweled. The lawsuit, filed against Tesla by the passengers and Lee’s estate, accuses Tesla of knowing that Autopilot and other safety systems were defective when it sold the car.
Musk ‘de facto leader of Autopilot team
File photo of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (REUTERS)
The second trial, set for early October in a Florida state court, arose out of a 2019 crash north of Miami where owner Stephen Banner’s Model 3 drove under the trailer of an 18-wheeler big rig truck that had pulled into the road, shearing off the Tesla’s roof and killing Banner. Autopilot failed to brake, steer or do anything to avoid the collision, according to the lawsuit filed by Banner’s wife.
Tesla denied liability for both accidents, blamed driver error and said Autopilot is safe when monitored by humans. Tesla said in court documents that drivers must pay attention to the road and keep their hands on the steering wheel. “There are no self-driving cars on the road today,” the company said.
The civil proceedings will likely reveal new evidence about what Musk and other company officials knew about Autopilot’s capabilities – and any possible deficiencies. Banner’s attorneys, for instance, argue in a pretrial court filing that internal emails show Musk is the Autopilot team’s “de facto leader”.
Tesla and Musk did not respond to Reuters’ emailed questions for this article, but Musk has made no secret of his involvement in self-driving software engineering, often tweeting about his test-driving of a Tesla equipped with “Full Self-Driving” software. He has for years promised that Tesla would achieve self-driving capability only to miss his own targets.
Tesla won a bellwether trial in Los Angeles in April with a strategy of saying that it tells drivers that its technology requires human monitoring, despite the “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” names. The case was about an accident where a Model S swerved into the curb and injured its driver, and jurors told Reuters after the verdict that they believed Tesla warned drivers about its system and driver distraction was to blame.
Stakes higher for Tesla
The stakes for Tesla are much higher in the September and October trials, the first of a series related to Autopilot this year and next, because people died.
“If Tesla backs up a lot of wins in these cases, I think they’re going to get more favorable settlements in other cases,” said Matthew Wansley, a former General Counsel of nuTonomy, an automated driving startup and Associate Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law.
On the other hand, “a big loss for Tesla – especially with a big damages award” could “dramatically shape the narrative going forward,” said Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina.
In court filings, the company has argued that Lee consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel and that it is not clear whether Autopilot was on at the time of crash.
Jonathan Michaels, an attorney for the plaintiffs, declined to comment on Tesla’s specific arguments, but said “we’re fully aware of Tesla’s false claims including their shameful attempts to blame the victims for their known defective autopilot system.”
In the Florida case, Banner’s attorneys also filed a motion arguing punitive damages were warranted. The attorneys have deposed several Tesla executives and received internal documents from the company that they said show Musk and engineers were aware of, and did not fix, shortcomings.
In one deposition, former executive Christopher Moore testified there are limitations to Autopilot, saying it “is not designed to detect every possible hazard or every possible obstacle or vehicle that could be on the road,” according to a transcript reviewed by Reuters.
In 2016, a few months after a fatal accident where a Tesla crashed into a semi-trailer truck, Musk told reporters that the automaker was updating Autopilot with improved radar sensors that likely would have prevented the fatality.
But Adam (Nicklas) Gustafsson, a Tesla Autopilot systems engineer who investigated both accidents in Florida, said that in the almost three years between that 2016 crash and Banner’s accident, no changes were made to Autopilot’s systems to account for cross-traffic, according to court documents submitted by plaintiff lawyers.
The lawyers tried to blame the lack of change on Musk. “Elon Musk has acknowledged problems with the Tesla autopilot system not working properly,” according to plaintiffs’ documents. Former Autopilot engineer Richard Baverstock, who was also deposed, stated that “almost everything” he did at Tesla was done at the request of “Elon,” according to the documents.
Tesla filed an emergency motion in court late on Wednesday seeking to keep deposition transcripts of its employees and other documents secret. Banner’s attorney, Lake “Trey” Lytal III, said he would oppose the motion.
“The great thing about our judicial system is Billion Dollar Corporations can only keep secrets for so long,” he wrote in a text message.
Nissan is planning to launch 27 electrified cars globally by 2030 and 19 among them will be pure electric new models. The wide range of electric cars will be launched under both the Nissan and Infiniti brands, revealed Automotive News. The Japanese car brand has reportedly showcased the new generation Nissan Leaf EV at the brand’s annual dealer conference in Las Vegas earlier this week.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 27 Aug 2023, 16:54 PM
Nissan aims to launch a total of 27 electrified cars by 2030 and 19 among them will be pure electric cars. (REUTERS)
The report claims that the upcoming electric cars from Nissan and Infiniti will include a crossover coupe that will replace the Leaf EV. Also, there will be a performance sedan that will take place the current internal combustion engine-powered Maxima. Besides that, there will be a pure electric crossover based on the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya crossover.
The report further claims that the next-generation Leaf EV will reportedly offer 25 per cent more range than the current iteration of the electric vehicle. It would come looking like a mini Ariya. The current Nissan Leaf has a range of 341 km on a single charge thanks to the 60 kWh battery pack. The upcoming one would come offering a 426 km range on a single charge.
Interestingly, Nissan is also working on solid-state battery technology that will ensure a significantly longer range compared to the current crop of lithium-ion battery packs. The next-generation Nissan Leaf EV will reportedly feature solid-state batteries and a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain. Also, it claims to promise a high level of comfort and an energizing driving experience.
The EV offensive from the Japanese car brand is aimed at grabbing a large chunk of the global electric vehicle market that is bulging fast thanks to the growing focus on electric mobility from consumers, tightening emission norms and push from governments around the world through supportive incentives.
Ultraviolette Automotive claims that the F77 Space Edition comes drawing inspiration from India’s advent towards space research and technology. It claims to come equipped with a wide range of aerospace-grade materials across the body. This means the pure electric motorcycle comes significantly higher priced than the standard version of the model, which is available at a starting price of ₹3.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The EV maker has also said that bookings for the F77 Space Edition will open on August 22 evening, on its official website. The bike will be produced in exclusively limited numbers, only 10 units.
Watch: Ultraviolette F77 electric motorcycle | Review
Speaking about the new special edition electric motorcycle, it claims to have been designed following the advanced electronics and technology used in modern aircraft. The bike gets custom machined aerospace-grade aluminium components ensuring high durability. Also, it claims to come wearing aerospace-grade paint.
The motorcycle promises to deliver a 307 km range on a single charge. Its high-performance motor churns out 39.94 bhp peak power and 100 Nm of impressive maximum torque output. It is capable of accelerating 0-60 kmph in just 2.9 seconds and can run at a top speed of 152 kmph.
Speaking on the launch of the Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition, Narayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder and CEO of Ultraviolette Automotive, said that the manufacturer aims to constantly push the boundaries of science and technology and the new special edition is the best way for that. “As the aerospace industry is where the pinnacles of technology are achieved, the F77 Space Edition proudly commemorates India’s celestial journey. The very same DNA is clearly reflected in the Ultraviolette F77 Space edition. Infused with aerospace grade attributes and a distinctive design ethos, the F77 Space Edition stands as a testament to our resolute commitment in charting the course for the future of electric mobility,” he added.
Mahindra has already grabbed a lot of eyeballs in the global automotive sector with its recently unveiled Thar.e EV concept which previews a full-grown five-door ure electric iteration of the internal combustion engine-powered Thar SUV. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has now confirmed that it will not just remain as a showcase prototype but will enter production in the near future.
While unveiling the Mahindra Thar.e EV concept, the automaker hinted that it would enter production in 2025. Anand Mahindra has not shared any such timeframe for the production of the Thar.e electric SUV, but his social media post indicates that the concept will enter into production.
By: HT Auto Desk | Written By: Mainak Das | Updated on: 20 Aug 2023, 17:32 PM
Mahindra Thar.e EV concept previewed a full-grown five-door pure electric iteration of the internal combustion engine-powered Thar SUV.
In his social media post, Anand Mahindra wrote, that from the moment there was the prototype the company was committed to making it a reality. “Nope. Not just a concept. From the moment we all saw the prototype we were committed to making this a reality,” Mahindra wrote in his X (Previously Twitter) post, along with a video demonstrating the offroading capability of the pure electric prototype.
Watch: Mahindra Thar.e Concept EV: The future of off-road SUVs?
The newly unveiled Mahindra Thar.e concept is based on the automaker’s INGLO P1 EV platform instead of the ladder frame chassis that underpins the internal combustion engine-powered Thar SUV. This new platform is dedicated to electric vehicles and is claimed to enhance the rigidity of the vehicle as well as offering significantly higher safety for the occupants. Also, this platform claims to offer a long range for the EV, thanks to its capability to accommodate a large battery pack.
The production version of the Lanzador will debut sometime in 2028.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 19 Aug 2023, 17:27 PM
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Lamborghini has unveiled its first electric vehicle in concept form. It is called Lanzador. The production version of the EV is expected to go on sale sometime in 2028.
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Lamborghini announced its its strategy and its roadmap towards decarbonization and electrification in 2021. Before the Lanzador concept, the brand showcased the Revuelto which is a replacement to the iconic Aventador and is powered by a V12 plug-in hybrid.
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It took 2 years for Lamborghini to present a high-performance, electrified vehicle that remains true to the heart and soul of the brand.
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The all-electric concept is a grand tourer with a 2+2 seating arrangement. This is not the first time that the manufacturer is building a four-door vehicle. In the past, they have showcased the Estoque concept which came with a four-door body style.
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Lamborghini is using an electric motor on the front axle as well as at the rear axle. This give a permanent all-electric all-wheel drive to the Lanzador. There will also be e-torque vectoring feature on offer.
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Lamborghini says that the total power output of electric motors will be over one megawatt which roughly translates to 1,340 bhp. The manufacturer says they will use new generation high-performance battery, which also ensures a long range
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Lamborghini will also offer active aerodynamics. It will help in increasing the driving range as the car will be slip through air more efficiently. Apart from this, aerodynamics will also help in increasing downforce and cornering ability.
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The aerodynamics also offer Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system which is a well-known technology used in the Huracán Performante and Aventador SVJ. It is considered to be one of the best in the industry because it increases the grip and downforce significantly.
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The Lanzador will come with Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) which is essentially a driving dynamics control system. There will be several sensors and actuators that will be integrated into the system which ensures precise driving behavior.
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Lamborghini will use sustainable materials. There will be sustainably tanned leather, 100 per cent merino wool, regenerated carbon, synthetic fibres from recycled plastic and a 3D printed process for plastic.
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The interior will also look modern but will still retain Lamborghini’s design language. There will be a digital screen for the driver as well as the passanger.
Mahindra & Mahindra on Tuesday confirmed that all its existing models with internal combustion engines will eventually also come with an electric twin. While no timeline was assigned, the company confirmed that this plan includes Bolero, Thar and Scorpio.
Mahindra and Mahindra has announced that it will step up its EV game in India by launching electric versions of all its flagship models, including the Scorpio, Bolero and XUV models, in near future.
Mahindra currently offers XUV400 in the Indian market and will have models under its BE range soon as well. But the core ICE or internal combustion engine models too will come with electric powertrain ‘in the times to come’. the ICE and EV options of each model will be sold side by side but under different portfolio. The EVs will be under Born Electric Vehicle classification.
The electric versions of the Bolero. Thar, Scorpio and XUV are branded as Bolero.e, Thar.e, Scorpio.e and XUV.e, respectively. These models would eventually cater to the lifestyle buyer who is also environmentally concerned, says the company. Mahindra has also revealed that Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman will ‘design and build’ sounds that will go into upcoming all-electric models from the carmaker.
In August 2022, Mahindra & Mahindra had offered a glimpse at its upcoming electric vehicles during an event beld in United Kingdom. The carmaker had also showcased the new EV platforms which will underpin the upcoming Thar, XUV, Bolero and Scorpio-based electric SUVs.
Mahindra will showcase the concept version of the upcoming Thar.e, the electric version of its flagship off-road SUV Thar, in Cape Town later today. The carmaker had teased the Thar.e electric SUV ahead of the global debut. The teaser shows a glimpse of the rear tail lamp design which is in line with the current Thar. Considering this, it can be expected that the current design language of the Thar will mostly stay intact but will get a few changes to give some EV signature to the Thar.e.
It is expected that Mahindra will either re-purpose the existing platform of the Thar so that it can be used to fit batteries and electric motors or they will base the Thar.e on an all-new dedicated electric skateboard platform.
