HiPhi A is a Chinese high-performance electric sedan that promises 0-96 kmph in just two seconds.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 20 Nov 2023, 16:12 PM
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HiPhi A is an all-electric high-performance sedan designed and developed by a Chinese EV manufacturer called HiPhi. The electric super sedan is slated to make its debut at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show. The EV comes with a design that has been inspired by the automaker’s previous electric car HiPhi Z, which was unveiled in March this year.
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The HiPhi A looks like to have taken a bit of design inspiration from the Nissan GT-R, as its front profile comes with some significant resemblances. However, the overall design is distinctive and looks outlandish. The EV looks more like an elongated hatchback rather than a fully grown sedan.
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The EV sports a bifurcated roof spoiler with a sleek LED light bar integrated to it. There is another wider LED light-bar that acts as the taillight of the EV, while the car sports a massive rear diffuser enhancing its bold visual appeal. The EV manufacturer has clearly emphasised on the aerodynamic efficiency of the HiPhi A while designing the car.
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Inside the cabin, the car doesn’t boast an extraordinary look. However, being a high-end performance EV, the HiPhi A gets a premium vibe. There is a large landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster and a dual-spoke multifunction steering wheel. It looks like HiPhi has emphasised on digital interfaces inside the cabin of the car.
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The HiPhi A gets carbon fibre incorporated to various places inside the cabin that not only reduce the weight of the EV, but enhances rigidity as well. The car gets a centre console that reminds us of Lamborghini supercars. Clearly, the manufacturer has kept an eye on the details of the HiPhi A.
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HiPhi has revealed that the car comes with three different electric motors, with one mounted to the front axle and other two fitted to the rear axle and chanelling power to the rear wheels. Its battery pack size is unknown yet but expect a large pack to be there. HiPHi A promises 1,270 bhp of peak power and can run at a top speed of 300 kmph, with the capability to sprint to 96 kmph from standstill position in just two seconds.
With EV demand slowing at home, and companies facing substantial import tariffs in the US as well as a European Union probe into Chinese subsidies, automakers view the region as a major growth opportunity that, so far, is largely untapped. Across the six Gulf states, including oil majors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, electric cars account for just 0.4% of the passenger-vehicle market.
That’s got some of China’s best-known automakers flocking to the region. Chery Automobile Co. is planning to launch at least two new hybrids or EVs, while Xpeng Inc. and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co.’s premium Zeekr brand have started selling in Israel and making plans to expand into more countries in the region, including Qatar and Bahrain.
But Chinese firms’ efforts to build their presence face a raft of challenges, from simple economics — fuel is generally cheap in major oil producing countries — to a lack of brand awareness among potential buyers, scarce charging infrastructure and concerns about how well car batteries can handle the brutal heat of a Middle East summer.
“I think in the Middle East, it’s a mix. EVs are not ready in many places. As an idea, it’s great but growth is still very slow here. We do have EV cars in our company but the number of sales and inquiries are less,” said Ahmad Firoozi, a marketing manager from the Qatari distributor Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, which works with brands like MG Motor, and Geely-Volvo joint venture Lynk & Co.
There’s also the threat of the Israel-Hamas war escalating. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by the US and European Union, after the Oct. 7 onslaught by the militant group that left more than 1,400 Israelis dead.
Some of the top oil producers in the Middle East are making ambitious promises to transition away from the fossil fuels that have underpinned their economic growth, and shift to green technologies that are key to the world’s efforts to reduce emissions.
The UAE is investing as much as 200 billion dirhams ($55 billion) by 2030 to transform its energy strategy, and has pledged that EVs and hybrid cars will make up more than 50% of the national fleet by 2050, from 4% currently.
Saudi Arabia this year greenlit a manufacturing plant for Ceer, its first homegrown EV brand that’s set to start selling cars in 2025, and recently opened another with California-based maker Lucid Group Inc. The kingdom has already signed a $5.6 billion deal with premium Chinese automaker Human Horizons Technology that reflects the region’s interest in higher-end vehicles. Separately, the Abu Dhabi government this year took a 7% stake in China’s Nio Inc.
Chinese brands made up 16% of the 616,500 new vehicles sold in Saudi Arabia last year. The Gulf country was also the second-largest importer of Chinese cars in 2022, behind Mexico, before dropping to fifth place this year as exports to Russia and Europe picked up. Marques like MG are seeing fast growth in the UAE, posting an 86% surge in the first three months of this year, according to local media reports.
BYD Co. topped the EV sales chart for Israel and ranked fourth overall in vehicle sales in the first nine months of 2023. Of the roughly 16,000 foreign-made EVs imported to a free-trade zone in Jordan’s central governorate of Zarqa in the first half of the year, about 80% were made in China.
Auto firms are likely to benefit from China’s deepening economic ties with the Middle East, just as escalating trade tensions with Europe and the US ripple through the EV sector and risk throttling the industry’s ambitions abroad. That’s made the region a welcoming investment prospect and could help Chinese companies more easily access potential new funds and even skirt tightening import regulations in Western markets.
Within the Middle East, consumer tastes are evolving. Customers now see Chinese vehicles as durable, reliable, and with capabilities on par with German, American or Japanese cars that make them worth the money, said Hesham Amer, a UAE-based auto distributor who has worked with brands such as Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.
File photo: Branding on an Xpeng P7 electric vehicle (EV). (Bloomberg)
Fuel economics are starting to change in favor of EVs, too. While it’s still relatively cheap to run a gas-guzzler in many places — petrol costs between $2.18 to $2.35 per gallon in Saudi Arabia and Qatar — it’s financially savvy to have an EV in some countries. In the UAE, where the government sets petrol pricing higher at $3.43 per gallon, it costs about $50 to fill up a small sport-utility vehicle, compared with around $10 to fully charge a similar sized EV, according to Amer.
“The Middle East is probably the most promising for Chinese automakers,” said Yale Zhang, managing director at Shanghai-based consultancy Autoforesight Co. Wealthy customers may be particularly interested in an EV that has innovative in-car technologies and can rapidly accelerate like a Porsche, he said.
Chinese firms are also looking at how they can allay concerns about whether cars made abroad can withstand the extreme heat, sand and dust of the Middle East.
Peter Matkin, the head of research and development for Chery’s high-end marque Exeed, said one way the brand tests its cars’ durability is to leave a vehicle outside for an entire day during summer to see how the environment impacts materials. Some vehicles not specifically engineered for the Middle East start to creak after being parked outside for extended periods of time, he said.
Battery performance is also a top concern for automakers and consumers alike. During summers in Doha, where temperatures can soar to 50C (122F), the time needed to charge an EV from a 50-kilowatt commercial charger increases to as long as two-and-a-half hours from the typical 40 to 45 minutes, according to Sertac Bayhan, a senior scientist at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
High temperatures, along with the need to run air conditioning constantly, means batteries drain quicker. One EV that underwent testing at the institute showed a range drop from 350 kilometers (217 miles) in winter to just 200 kilometers in summer. Batteries also degrade much faster in hotter climes, with capacity shortened by about 70% to 75% during the standard 10-year warranty period.
Even surmounting the technological hurdles won’t guarantee market share for Chinese firms. Charging infrastructure is sparse in many Middle East countries — the UAE has less than 900 charging stations currently, though has vowed to install 30,000 by the end of 2050. And while opinions about the quality of ‘Made in China’ vehicles improves, most brands remain relatively unknown in the region.
At October’s Geneva International Motor Show, which this year took place in Doha, booths for Chinese brands like Chery and Lynk & Co. attracted groups of interested onlookers, but the biggest crowds flocked to legacy names like Porsche and Lamborghini.
Established Western brands are also looking to muscle in on the Middle East market in competition with Chinese EVs.
Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s local dealer launched at least three electric models at the Doha show and Selvin Govender, who heads the firm’s marketing and sales for the Middle East and Africa, said he’s already seeing customer interest. Mercedes has recorded double-digit growth in EV sales in the UAE, and single-digit growth in Saudi Arabia, he said. For some attendees, their curiosity about Chinese EVs will take time to translate into actual sales.
Wafa and Mohamed, a Doha-based couple in their 30s who asked not to be identified by their last names due to privacy concerns, are considering replacing one of their three cars — a Corolla, a Lexus and a Porsche — with a Chery vehicle. But worries about the battery-powered vehicles’ performance in the Qatari summers mean they’re not likely to purchase one any time soon. “Maybe when everyone else starts driving an EV, then we’ll think about it,” Wafa said.
EV charging solutions provider Tata Power is powering electric vehicles of fans who are pulling up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup venues in their battery-powered models. The company has listed out its EV charging stations closest to all the World Cup venues across India. Thanks to the company’s extensive EV charging network, cricket fans are being encouraged to use green mobility.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 22 Oct 2023, 17:33 PM
A Mercedes EQC electric SUV charges at a Tata Power EZ EV charging station.
Tata Power’s nation-wide EV charging network is spread over 420 cities with more than 59,000 home chargers, 4,900 public and semi-public charging points, and 430 bus charging stations. These charging solutions are present at diverse and strategic locations across the country, providing easy accessibility to those in need.
ATata Power charging facility is located at The Oberoi Mumbai at Nariman Point, which is just 1.6 kilometres far from the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Similarly, a charging station is located two kilometres away from the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, 450 m away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and 1.1 kilometres away from the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, 2.5 kilometres away from the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, 1.5 kilometres away from the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, to name a few.
The company says that it has been strategically installing EV charging points at diverse locations across the country to build an extensive and reliable network. All these charging stations are open 24 X 7 and monitored real-time by the Network Operation Centre located in Mumbai.
EV drivers can also navigate to their closest charging point using the EZ Charge app, book their charging slots in advance and pay with the EZ Charge card. “The hassle-free EZ Charge experience will ensure that fans can make the journey to witness their favourite teams play, knowing that their EVs will have the swift and EZ Charge they need,” said the company.
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer, River, has commenced deliveries of its maiden electric scooter, Indie, in Bengaluru. The first group of pre-order customers were officially handed over their keys during an event. The electric scooter was launched in the country earlier this year in February, followed by the rollout of the first unit from the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hoskote in August.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 17 Oct 2023, 16:24 PM
River Indie electric scooter sources power from a 6.7 kWh electric motor, which churns out 26 Nm of torque.
River is set to revise the price of its debut product, which will be announced soon. The price hike is being considered in the aftermath of the latest modifications in the FAME II subsidy. However, the first batch of customers received the product at the initially announced price of ₹1.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru).
The EV brand is also working on launching its first experience center in Bengaluru, which is expected to open for public by November this year. Since its inception in March 2021, the brand has raised a total of $28 million in funds from marquee investors to speed up its electric mobility journey. The EV startup is hopeful to sell one lakh units of the high-speed electric scooter by 2025.
The Indie electric scooter sources power from a 6.7 kWh electric motor, which churns out 26 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a belt drive, propelling the EV to sprint 0-40 kmph in 3.9 seconds at a top speed of 90 kmph. The motor comes paired with a 4 kWh battery pack, which is claimed to deliver a 120-km range on a single charge.
The scooter comes with an unusual design that grabs attention at the very first glance. It gets dual front LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights as well as LED taillights. On the feature front, there is a fully-digital six-inch colour instrument cluster, spacious 20-inch footboard, 43-litre under-seat boot space and a 12-litre glove box, among others.
It runs on 14-inch black alloy wheels wrapped with meaty tyres. The front wheel gets a 240 mm disc brake, while the rear sports a 200 mm disc. For suspension duty, the scooter gets a telescopic setup at the front and a twin hydraulic system at the rear.
Pre-bookings for the MUVI 125 4G will soon be opened by the Acer brand. Meanwhile, the company has also invited those interested in dealership opportunities to express their intent. For both pre-bookings and dealership inquiries, those interested need to visit the company’s official website.
The electric scooter was first showcased at the EV India Expo 2023 in Greater Noida in September this year. It comes with swappable batteries, ensuring hassle-free charging. The two removable of 48V 35.2Ah each offer a range of 80 kilometres per charge and can reach a top speed of 75 kmph. The company claims that it can be charged to full in around four hours and riders can even opt to use just one battery at a time.
The scooter is being touted as a futuristic electric mobility solution for urban commuters. It comes with a light-weight chassis which is sturdy in nature and rides on 16-inch wheels for smooth movement. The chassis is complemented by an innovative rear shock absorber system which comes paired with a front hydraulic fork, offering agility and stability to riders.
It will be available in three color options: White, Black, and Grey.
The features of the scooter are said to be highly customizable and data-driven for the tech-savvy riders. One can use their Android or iOS smartphone to customize the vehicle and turn it into an interactive machine. It gets a Bluetooth-enabled 4-inch LCD screen with three configurations available.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy has taken to its X handle to help customers reboot their scooter dashboard if it has got stuck after receiving an emergency alert test notification from the government. The OEM posted a YouTube video link demonstrating the procedure to reboot the dashboard. This comes after many citizens received the emergency test notification on their phones on Tuesday.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Oct 2023, 17:00 PM
The digital dashboard on the Ather 450X shows the regen at work whether using Active or Braking regen feature.
The EV maker said that the owner will need to reboot the scooter dashboard by holding both brakes and then pressing the start switch for 10 seconds. “If your dashboard stopped responding following the message… This should restore normal functioning,” the tweet read.
In a separate development, the company recently released a fresh OTA update for the 450X customers, which now shows energy recuperation through regeneration on the model’s digital console. The feature has been rolled out for the Ather 450X Gen3 and Gen2 customers so far.
The digital dashboard on the Ather 450X shows the regen at work whether using Active or Braking regen feature. Regenerative braking essentially allows the vehicle to convert energy lost while braking into powering the battery, which in turn extends the range of the vehicle. This is why, electric vehicles with regenerative braking will offer even better range in the city, where instances of braking are higher.
The Ather 450X is currently priced from ₹1.38 lakh onwards for the 2.9 kWh battery pack. It’s available in two variants – Core and Pro – with the latter priced at ₹1.53 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The company has temporarily stopped accepting bookings for the 3.7 kWh battery pack at the moment.
Bookings for the ePluto 7G Max are already open across India.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Oct 2023, 17:00 PM
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Pure EV has announced the launch of the ePluto 7G Max electric scooter at ₹114,999 (ex-showroom). The EV startup has also stated that bookings for the retro-themed electric scooter have been open across the country, with deliveries slated to commence during the upcoming festive season.
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With the launch of the ePluto 7G Max electric scooter, Pure EV aims to increase its sales numbers during the upcoming festive season. The all-new electric scooter comes promising an impressive 201 km range on a single charge. Also, the EV comes with a host of advanced features such as hill-start assist, downhill assist, coasting regen, reverse mode, smart AI for battery longevity etc.
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The retro-themed electric scooter is available in four different colour options: Matte Black, Red, Grey and White. Powering the all-new electric scooter is a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is mated to an electric motor capable of churning out 3.21 bhp peak power.
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The AIS-156 certified battery pack claims to come with a smart battery management system powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scooter gets three different riding modes. Pure EV has said that the scooter comes with a standard battery warranty of 60,000 kilometres and an extended warranty of 70,000 kilometres too is on offer.
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Speaking about the design of the ePluto 7G Max, the scooter dons an old-school design blended with modern elements like LED lights, a fully digital instrument cluster etc. The scooter is equipped with smart regenerative technology, claims the manufacturer. It gets reverse mode assist and parking assist features enhancing the convenience of the rider.
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With the Auto Push function, the EV can move ahead at a steady speed of five kilometres per hour, which means the rider won’t have to push it manually. The model is targeted towards consumers driving around 100 km per day and do not want to go through the hassle of frequent charging.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 06 Oct 2023, 19:36 PM
TVS Motor Company and BMW Motorrad today celebrated their 10-year long partnership. On this milestone, the production of BMW CE 02 started at TVS Motor’s Hosur manufacturing plant. Apart from this, TVS also rolled out the 1,50,000th unit of BMW Motorrad’s 310 cc series of motorcycles. Together, the two companies have developed and launched five iconic motorcycles, including the BMW G 310 R, BMW 310 GS, and BMW G310 RR, along with TVS Motor Company’s flagship motorcycles, TVS Apache RR 310 and the recently launched TVS Apache RTR 310.
Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company with Dr. Markus Shramm, Head of BMW Motorrad with the BMW CE 02
The Apache RTR 310 received a lot of appreciation and the manufacturer has started production of the motorcycle. The brand will soon start deliveries and test rides. The motorcycle is priced between ₹2.43 lakh and ₹2.64 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.
Then there is BMW’s CE 02 electric scooter. As of now, it is not known whether it will go on sale in the Indian market or not. The electric motor uses a belt drive to transfer power and the motor itself produces a max power output of 54.91 Nm at 1,000 rpm. BMW is using a 48 V electrical system.
There are two riding modes, Surf and Flow. Apart from this, there is a reverse gear as well. Other features on offer are an LED headlamp, ABS on the front wheel, a USB-C charging socket, a keyless ride and a 3.5-inch TFT display.
Mr KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, of TVS Motor Company, said, “Our decade long partnership with BMW Motorrad is based on shared values of innovation, quality, customer delight and engineering prowess. Aligning with our EV led global vision for growth, we are proud to extend this partnership with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable mobility solutions. In this next stage of our partnership, we are creating opportunities to jointly design and develop common platforms. Through our collaborative efforts we’ve achieved five extraordinary products in the 310cc series, including recent TVS Apache RTR 310. These products are now embraced by enthusiasts in over 100 markets globally. Taking our relationship to the next level, we have started the production of our first jointly designed, developed and industrialized EV together, the BMW CE 02, at Hosur Plant today. Together, we have achieved outstanding results, and we are excited about the future as we continue to explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of two-wheelers.”
Dr Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “The 10th anniversary is an impressive proof of the success and strength of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Company. What began ten years ago has developed into an extraordinary success story. Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the Sub-500cc segment. Since the launch, BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models continue to enjoy unrivalled popularity and have become a key pillar of BMW Motorrad’s worldwide success. The extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions including the unique and fully electric masterpiece BMW CE 02 is therefore a consistent step to also shape the future together with TVS Motor Company. And today’s start of production of our unique CE 02 marks a significant milestone in our joint and future cooperation.”
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.
