Hyundai officially lifts the cover off of its 2nd Gen 2024 Kona EV

Maruti Suzuki to unveil its All-Electric SUV Concept at the India Auto Expo 2023

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December 20, 2022

Maruti Suzuki’s global unveiling of an all-electric SUV concept at the Auto Expo 2023 is expected to be one of the show stoppers and the first sign of the company’s EV aspirations for the Indian market. India’s largest manufacturer is yet to produce an EV and has been significantly slow in India’s fast-growing electric car market, where Tata Motors has captured an 84 percent share in less than four years.

The EV idea that Maruti Suzuki will present is significant since it will preview the Japanese automaker’s first all-electric car (code: YY8). This vehicle is slated for debut in January-February 2025, and represents the start of the company’s EV adventure. This EV, like the Futuro-e in 2020 and the Future-S in 2018, will be Maruti Suzuki’s hero concept for 2023.

The Maruti YY8 midsize SUV in February will be co-developed with Toyota, who will also have its own version of this model. The YY8 will be a worldwide product, developed for both domestic and foreign markets, with approximately half of the output destined for international markets. The YY8 will be manufactured in Suzuki’s Gujarat plant for the domestic market as well as overseas.

In true EV form, the YY8 concept is slated to feature a radical and futuristic design language that will be entirely distinct from the company’s current crop of ICE cars. It will be over 4.2 metres long, about the size of a Creta, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm, which is larger than even the MG ZS EV.

The Maruti Suzuki YY8 electric SUV is based on the 27PL platform, which is a variant of Toyota’s 40PL worldwide platform.

Its long wheelbase allows for a large battery pack and a spacious cabin. The YY8 will feature short overhangs and wheels pushed to the edges as much as possible to maximise space without the packaging constraints of a standard ICE car, as is the trend.

The YY8 SUV will be available with two battery pack options: 48kWh and 59kWh. Under regular test conditions, the former is predicted to have a range of approximately 400km, while the latter is expected to have a range of approximately 500km. BYD, a Chinese battery company, will supply Maruti-Suzuki with LFP blade cell batteries. Blade cell technology offers significant weight, packaging, and range improvements, and Maruti Suzuki expects that its blade cells will give the YY8 a competitive advantage, particularly against Tata Motors’ enormously popular range of EVs, which employ traditional (but inefficient) LFP cylindrical cells.

The YY8 will be available in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, though it is unclear whether AWD will be available in the domestic market. Power outputs are predicted to be in the 138hp to 170hp range. The Maruti Suzuki YY8 electric SUV, as well as its Toyota counterpart, are slated to arrive in India in early 2025. According to sources, the company is aiming for a pricing range of Rs 13 lakh-15 lakh, which translates to an MG ZS EV-sized SUV for the price of a Tata Nexon EV. Maruti Suzuki may have been slow to the EV game, but if the YY8’s features (and price) are anything to go by, this could be the model that breaks Tata Motors’ party.

In addition to the YY8 concept, Maruti Suzuki is expected to reveal production versions of the YTB SUV and the 5-door Jimny. Maruti is also anticipated to show off the Wagon R’s flex fuel prototype, which was recently shown off in Delhi.

India EV market expected to touch $100 billion by 2030

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December 20, 2022

According to a Bain & Company analysis, India’s electric vehicle (EV) value chain revenue pool is estimated to reach $76-100 billion by 2030, potentially translating to a $8-11 billion profit pool.

“The Indian automotive market is poised for rapid EV growth, due to the convergence of factors including government incentives, improving cost-competitiveness and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) investment, along with increased customer readiness and awareness,” the report noted.

According to Deepak Jain, a partner at Bain & Company and co-author of the paper, contributors to the auto revenue and profit pools in 2030 will be very different from those in the automotive sector today. “While 40-50% of revenue pool will come from auto OEMs, it will be significantly altered in the nature and composition,” he said. “New business opportunities such as battery (13%), charging (8%) and mobility (6%) will emerge. Unified platforms will become the next big play as many EV ecosystem players are looking for forward or backward integration to create a broader e-mobility ecosystem.”

Indian EV market has already seen $3.7 billion private equity and venture capital (PE/VC) investments over the previous three years, and this sum appears destined to climb dramatically as the industry develops.

Findings from the report indicate that 35-40% of all vehicles sold in India by 2030 will be EVs, up from 2% in 2022. “Two-wheelers and three-wheelers will be vanguards for EV adoption, achieving 40-45% penetration by 2030,” Jain said. “This is driven by several factors, including highly competitive total cost of ownership (TCO), limited need for public charging infrastructure given the adequacy of home charging for daily use, investments in building compelling product offerings with comparable performance to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and early adoption by delivery and logistics fleets.”

The four-wheeler electric passenger vehicle (PV) segment (broadly electric vehicles) is predicted to fall behind the adoption curve. Higher product performance and public charging infrastructure needs, as well as higher capital costs and TCO gaps, act as hurdles to adoption. By the end of this decade, this category is estimated to account for 15-20% of overall PV sales.

Despite lower penetration and volumes, electric PVs will account for around 41% of the revenue pool by value, followed by electric two-wheelers (33%).

According to the analysis, electric buses will have a penetration curve comparable to that of electric PVs by 2030, owing in large part to state transportation initiatives focused on fleet electrification for intracity transportation. “While we believe that deep EV penetration in India by 2030 is a realistic scenario, five key areas need to align to make it a reality,” added Mihir Sampat, partner at Bain & Company and co-author of the report.

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Indian Oil (IOCL) will set up 18 chargers in India with Statiq bagging the contract from the company

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December 20, 2022

Statiq, a provider of electric car charging services, announced on Monday that it has been awarded a contract to deliver 18 chargers to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd for installation at important locations across the country.

IOCL wants to build up these chargers, encompassing both 30kW and 60kW for four-wheelers, at strategic places within its network, the company said in a statement. At their 63rd AGM, the state-owned oil and gas corporation revealed its ambition to attain a net zero emission target by 2046 and of having set aside ₹2 trillion to that end.

IOCL has been pursuing a vigorous green agenda to guide the country’s green energy transition by focusing on several emission mitigation channels such as biofuels, green hydrogen, renewables, etc.

“IOCL is a market leader as well as a thought leader when it comes to the subject of carbon neutrality in this nation. Their work matches their words and it is an honor to win a tender with such a future-ready company. The 18 Statiq EV chargers that they will purchase, by way of the tender, will have an unimaginable reach and we are looking forward to connecting with numerous 4-wheeler owners who will undoubtedly benefit from them,” said Aman Rehman, Head- of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs, Statiq.

“At IOCL, we have embarked on our carbon neutrality journey in the right earnest and as part of our plan, we were searching for an able electric mobility partner. With Statiq having won this tender, we are glad to find a collaborator who will provide us with quality Made-in-India EV chargers. This will help us propagate to the general population the message of making the transition to clean energy in an easy fashion that is also affordable and reliable,” said Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman and Managing Director, IOCL.

Statiq has added several charging stations to its already extensive network during the last year. By the end of the year, Statiq aims to establish an approximately 20,000-strong charging network, it added.

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Tata Motors is selling its Nexon EV Max with a free extended warranty of two year

Piaggio Vehicles launches its new Ape E-City FX Max and Ape E-Xtra FX Max electric 3-wheelers in India

Here are all the advantages of buying an EV in India

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December 20, 2022

The fact that the running cost of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is cheaper compared to that of four-wheelers containing an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) has led to a surge in electric automobiles in India.

Contents [hide]

1 1. Lower running costs
2 2. Low maintenance costs
3 3. Tax and financial benefits
4 4. Better performance
5 5. Zero tailpipe emissions
6 6. Easy to drive and quiet
7 7. Convenience of charging at home
8 8. No fuel, no emissions
9 9. Spacious cabin and more storage
10 10. They are future proof

1. Lower running costs

You save a lot of money on fuel because you don’t have to pay for gasoline or diesel to keep your EV operating. The cost to charge an electric car compared to the price of gas or diesel is substantially low. You can further lower your electricity costs by utilising sustainable energy sources such as solar.

2. Low maintenance costs

Because they have so many moving parts, gasoline and diesel cars require routine maintenance. That’s not the case with electric vehicles as they have substantially lesser moving parts. This means that your electric vehicle will most likely have lower long-term maintenance expenditures.

3. Tax and financial benefits

With India’s embrace of EVs, the government offers a variety of laws and incentives to encourage the use of such vehicles. For example, EVs have lower registration and road tax costs than ICE vehicles.

4. Better performance

EVs were once thought to be unfeasible. However, that has changed in recent years, with manufacturers providing well-designed and appealing EVs. Even the performance of EVs has improved for the better. Electric Vehicles are lighter in weight, and their acceleration is excellent compared to fuel-powered vehicles.

5. Zero tailpipe emissions

EVs have no exhaust emissions, which helps to lessen the carbon footprint. You may further lower your carbon impact by charging your EV with renewable energy.

6. Easy to drive and quiet

EVs are simple to drive because they have fewer moving components and simple controls. You can also charge such a car by plugging it into a public or home charging station. They are very silent, which helps to reduce the noise levels produced by fuel-powered cars.

7. Convenience of charging at home

There is no need to locate the nearest gas station to refuel. Charge your electric vehicle at home and get moving. With modern charging technologies, you may charge an EV quickly or even use battery swapping services to keep driving without worrying about conventional fuel availability.

8. No fuel, no emissions

EVs are simple to drive because they have fewer moving components and simple controls. You can also charge such a car by plugging it into a public or home charging station. They are very silent, which helps to reduce the noise levels produced by fuel-powered cars.

9. Spacious cabin and more storage

There is no need to locate the nearest gas station to refuel. Charge your electric vehicle at home and get moving. With modern charging technologies, you may charge an EV quickly or even use battery swapping services to keep driving without worrying about conventional fuel availability.

10. They are future proof

With some governments promising to gradually reduce their reliance on gasoline and diesel (fossil fuels), EVs are seen as a viable alternative.

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Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX EV with 1000Km range showcased in India

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December 20, 2022

Mercedes-Benz recently held its third Safe Roads summit in India. The initiative was launched in 2015, with the second iteration taking place in 2019. The German automaker made two significant announcements in the most recent edition. The Vision Zero 2050 initiative was the first to be announced, with the goal of achieving accident-free driving by 2050. The second event featured the Vision EQXX electric concept car, which completed more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge not once. Earlier this year, the Vision EQXX EV concept was unveiled globally.

Manu Saale, managing director and CEO, of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), said, “Vision EQXX is a testament to our development approach. It underlines our pioneering spirit, technological leadership and expertise in electric cars, and positions Mercedes-Benz as a leading tech brand. I am proud to share that MBRDI has contributed extensively towards the development of Vision EQXX”.

The EQXX’s drag coefficient of 0.17Cd, the lowest of any Mercedes-Benz electric car, contributes to its efficiency. The drag coefficient of the EQS 580 is 0.20Cd, which is the best of any production car. This demonstrates Mercedes’ vision for the future of EVs.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX EV with 1000Km range showcased in India — Image via Twitter

Mercedes has strived to maintain the weight as light as possible in order to improve efficiency. The Vision EQXX’s dimensions have also been kept in check by keeping the total package modest.

The Vision EQXX is not the most powerful electric Mercedes-Benz because it focuses on efficiency. It is propelled by a single electric motor that produces 244hp (180kW) and is mounted on the back axle. It houses a 100kWh battery that can charge at up to 900V. As previously stated, the EQXX has a real-world range of over 1,000km, which is around 250km longer than the EQS’s highest-range option.

The Vision EQXX was created with one goal in mind: to maximise efficiency. Mercedes accomplished this by enhancing aerodynamics rather than using a huge capacity battery. While its 100kWh battery gives over 1,000km of range, its main advantage is its aerodynamics.

It is Mercedes-most Benz’s most efficient electric vehicle, achieving roughly 10km per kWh, nearly double the EQS on the WLTP cycle. Mercedes claims that this efficiency is similar to a 1.0-litre petrol engine in an ICE vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX – the world’s most efficient EV.
Quote this tweet saying one thing about this #MercedesBenz #MercedesBenzVisionEQXX #CES2022 pic.twitter.com/iGcVmGOeiL
— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) January 5, 2022

The inclusion of 117 solar cells on the roof also contributes to Vision EQXX’s slightly higher efficiency. Over the course of a day, the solar panels allow it to gain up to 25km of additional range. Currently, the solar panels obscure the rear glass, making it difficult to see out the back.

The Vision EQXX is a four-door coupe with a streamlined design that boasts smooth, flowing lines and few cuts. The Vision EQXX boasts an LED lightbar that spans the width of the vehicle, but the true show stopper is the incorporation of a three-pointed star as daytime running lights in the headlamps.

The Vision EQXX, like the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, has a Mercedes-Benz brand sticker on the bonnet. It has several three-pointed star designs on the bumper that seem like a grille. This gives the concept car the appearance of being more roadworthy than it is.

The Vision EQXX’s design definitely sticks out from the rest of the EV crowd at the back. With the goal of reducing drag, Mercedes designed this EV with a swooping roofline evocative of the McLaren Speedtail. The rear also has an inverted U-shaped lightbar that serves as a brake light. However, there is a hidden rear diffuser that expands out at high speeds to improve airflow and prevent turbulence. The track width on the Vision EQXX is also staggered, with the rear being 50mm smaller than the front.

The interior of the Vision EQXX was inaccessible at the time, as Mercedes only presented the non-running prototype. Mercedes-Benz will unveil the fully operational and driveable Vision EQXX prototype in India in January.

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Volkswagen will be making its Next-Gen Golf and Golf GTI into EVs

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December 19, 2022

The Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI are expected to enter the ninth generation, but with electric propulsion, as part of the company’s desire to keep historically significant nameplates. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer stated that the GTI nameplate would not be retired and that the model might become part of a new hot ID line-up, following the basic Volkswagen Golf. The current eighth-generation Golf will be retired in 2027-2028.

The ID naming system, according to Schäfer, is here to stay because purchasers are already familiar with it and link it with electric Volkswagens.

Long-running badges such as the Golf and even the GTI are being considered for continuation into the EV age.

“There is a connection with VW and ID, and there is no need to cancel [ID]. We have iconic brand names, Golf and GTI. It would be crazy to let them die and slip away. We will stick with the ID logic but iconic models will carry a name.”

Schäfer also hinted that the GTX badge, which is now used for all-wheel-drive performance versions of the ID cars, will be phased out in the long run, and that GTI and R would re-emerge as the dominant performance badges in the range.

On GTI, Schäfer added: “GTI with Golf was always legendary. We will carry on. We need substance to it, with performance. We’re working on a performance model with EV to carry GTI forward.”

Schäfer stated that the R badge would continue to be used for all-wheel-drive performance flagship cars. This implies that GTI may be used for two-wheel-drive performance EVs, whereas R could be used for four-wheel-drive ones.

While the German brand tested older variants of the Golf in India on numerous occasions, the Golf was never sold here. In terms of ID, VW will launch the ID.4 in India maybe next year.

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Zypp Electric strengthens its leadership team; appoints Director of Engineering, Amit Goyal and Vice President Business Head, Ketan Ray

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Raunak Saha

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December 19, 2022

Zypp Electric strengthens its leadership team; appoints Director of Engineering, Amit Goyal and Vice President Business Head, Ketan Ray

Zypp Electric, India’s largest EV-as-a-service startup, today announced the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Amit Goyal as Director of Engineering and Ketan Ray as Vice President Business Head. The new hirings will take forward Zypp’s mission of building a robust ecosystem of electric vehicles that helps businesses as well as gig workers.

In his new role, Amit will be responsible for Designing the structure of technology systems and managing the implementation of technology projects at Zypp. He will be working with industry leaders to plan the future IT requirements of the organisation and carrying out the testing procedures to satisfy quality standards and procedures.

Ketan will oversee portfolio expansion of Zypp from current mainly two-wheelers to three-wheelers & more to cater to the variety of customer use cases.

Commenting on the new appointments, Rashi Agarwal, Co-founder and CBO, Zypp Electric, shared, “The EV logistics sector is set to disrupt the industry remarkably with electric vehicles and their usage going mainstream. As the leader in electric logistics, Zypp plans to capture a lion’s share of the market offering trouble free service and cutting-edge technology that is attainable. As we lay the groundwork for Zypp’s future, we are pleased to bring Amit and Ketan to our fold. They bring in decades of sector expertise in their respective professions and we are happy to have them on board as Zypp Electric looks to the future.”

Amit Goyal, a certified Scrum master and Java 8 expert, brings 17 years of knowledge and experience in the IT sector. He also co-founded a US based food tech startup, FoodEspa and formerly worked as an Architect in Ericsson.

Upon joining Zypp Electric, Amit Goyal, Director of Engineering, Zypp Electric, said, “I see Zypp Electric continuing to play a critical role as an industry catalyst in everything last-mile logistics. I intend to contribute to the process by making it more efficient through the use of technology. Being a member of the Zypp team, my role will be to guarantee that servicing and technology work in tandem to support Zypp Electric’s expansion into the ecosystem.”

Ketan Ray has a remarkable 14-years career in business operations, consulting, and engineering, as well as entrepreneurial expertise in Food Tech and Cloud Kitchen. Ketan formerly worked as a Director of Operations at Euler Motors, where he oversaw the expansion of EV mobility services across four major Indian cities, generating threefold revenue growth.

Ketan Ray, VP Business Head, Zypp Electric said, “In the last few years, Zypp Electric has partnered with big names in the industry and boarded the best OEMs and technology providers. My goal is to make Zypp become the largest and most preferred EV mobility partner for last-mile logistics to all ecommerce and CPG behemoths with highest roadshare in all tier-1 and tier 2 cities.”

Zypp Electric has raised $12.5 million so far from investors like 9Unicorns, Anthill Ventures, Riso Capital Fund, LetsVenture, Nanavati Family Office, We Founder Circle, Dholakia Ventures, Venture Catalysts, and IAN Fund, amongst others. The Gurgaon-based startup has partnered with 50+ eCommerce and food/grocery/medicine delivery platforms and is looking to expand to 20 cities in India by the end of FY-25.

Tata Motors is selling its Nexon EV Max with a free extended warranty of two year

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December 19, 2022

Tata Motors has announced a free extended warranty offer for the Nexon EV Max. Customers who purchase the Nexon EV Max will be eligible for a two-year extended warranty that will be valid only until the end of December 2022. The Tata Nexon EV Max now comes with a three-year or 1.25 lakh km standard warranty for the vehicle and an eight-year or 1.60 lakh km guarantee (whichever comes first) for the battery and motor.

In other news, Tata Motors is now giving a bevvy of discounts on specific models in its product line. Cash discounts, exchange bonuses, and corporate discounts are examples of these. The Tiago EV, the carmaker’s third electric product, is also set to begin sales in January 2023.

Tata Motors is the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle market. The Nexon EV is their best-seller.

Tata is now celebrating the sale of 35,000 Nexon EVs. Tata’s electric SUV has helped the firm establish itself as India’s leading EV brand. Nexon EV is available in Prime and Max models, each with a different battery size, performance, range, and features. Nexon EV has sold 35,000 units so far, whereas its archrival Mahindra XUV400 has sold none because it has not yet been released. Tata Motors showed its muscles on Mahindra by creatively teasing the latter. The SsangYong Tivoli XUV400 Electric SUV is a SsangYong Tivoli without the hack work to fit inside 4m length limits.

In this regard, the Mahindra XUV400 Electric SUV is 4.2m long, making it significantly larger than its archrival Nexon EV Max. Except for features, Mahindra has attempted to outperform the Nexon EV Max in every way. The Nexon EV Max has a lot more features.

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Piaggio Vehicles launches its new Ape E-City FX Max and Ape E-Xtra FX Max electric 3-wheelers in India

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December 19, 2022

Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited has launched a new electric vehicle line. Ape E-city FX Max and Ape E-Xtra FX Max stand out from the competition thanks to improved performance, more features, and a best-in-class warranty. The new range offers a revolutionary driving experience while emitting zero emissions, making it a modern last-mile transit choice for urban India.

It offers a unique and sustainable proposition with a number of class-leading characteristics thanks to its innovative batteries, automatic gearbox, superior power and torque, lack of gear or clutch, safety doors, and full digital dashboard. The mobility landscape in India is poised to shift dramatically, due to a new generation of fixed-battery electric three-wheelers driven by cutting-edge lithium-ion smart batteries.

Piaggio recently announced two new three-wheeled electric vehicles: the Ape E-City FX Max for passengers and the Ape E-Xtra FX Max for cargo.

The Ape E-Xtra FX Max is available in two models, PU Max and WP Max, for Rs. 3.46 lakh and Rs. 3.43 lakh, respectively. The Ape E-City FX Max costs Rs 3.26 lakh. The Ape E-City FX Max and Ape E-Xtra FX Max have 145 and 115 kilometres of range on a single charge, respectively. These vehicles have tyres with a 12-inch diameter for increased ground clearance. The complete EV line is assembled at Piaggio’s Baramati factory by an all-female team.

In addition to the fixed battery configuration present in the current model, the Ape E-City FX Max will soon include a swappable battery option. The vehicle’s seat height has also been adjusted for improved visibility and control when driving. This enhances driver navigation while also allowing owners to track and manage their vehicles more effectively.

The Max Range was officially launched at the Italian Embassy in Delhi. Mr. Vincenzo de Luca, the Italian ambassador to India, unveiled the electric three-wheelers in the presence of Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman & MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Mr. Sudhanshu Agrawal, EVP and Business Head, Electric Vehicles and Exports, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, and invited dignitaries from the Government of India.

Along with the launch of the new range, Piaggio inked a Memorandum of Understanding with key business partners to ensure continued improvements in the sector and that India’s development of a robust EV infrastructure continues.

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