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Category: Auto & Electric Mobility

  • Montra Electric delivers 5,000 super autos within a year of launch

    Hyderabad: Montra Electric, the cutting-edge EV brand from the 123-year-old Murugappa Group, has announced the delivery of 5,000th three-wheeler passenger auto (L5M Category) within one year from going on road. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in Montra Electric’s journey, underscoring its firm commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement, as well as its dedication to forging strong relationships with customers across the nation.

    In just one year, Montra Electric has successfully established a strong foothold in the market, delivering 5,000 super autos to customers across 74 markets spanning 17 States. This extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to the brand’s rapid growth and the acceptance of its cutting-edge electric three-wheeler.

    Roy Kurian, Business Head of the company said, “We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone of delivering 5,000 super autos within a year of our launch. This achievement is a testament to the company’s dedication to driving the electric mobility revolution in India. We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our valued customers, dealer partners, suppliers and the entire team in the company who made it happen. As we expand our presence and introduce new products, we remain committed to delivering sustainable and efficient transportation solutions to our customers.”

    The company is revolutionising last-mile transportation with the super auto. With its differentiated road presence through design, spaciousness and impressive range of 203km (ARAI Certified), the auto did make its mark in the segment. The vehicle also introduced industry-first multi-drive modes for enhanced fuel efficiency and a park assist mode for seamless maneuvering in city traffic.

    As the company continues to expand its footprint, the brand is also gearing up to enter the three-wheeler goods segment, further solidifying its position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry.

  • Ford is building new lower-cost pickups and commercial vans

    Detroit: Facing competition from automakers with lower costs, Ford Motor Co is shifting its electric vehicle strategy and now will focus on making two new electric pickup trucks and a new commercial van. The company says all will cost less, have longer range and be profitable within a year of reaching showrooms.

    Ford, which is losing millions on its current EVs, gave few details about the new products. But it said production of its next generation full-size electric pickup truck in Tennessee will be delayed 18 months, until 2027. The company also says it won’t build fully electric three-row SUVs due to high battery costs, but instead will focus on making those vehicles as gas-electric hybrids. The other new pickup will be mid-sized, based on new underpinnings developed by a small team in California. It also will go on sale in 2027. Production of the unspecified van will start at an assembly plant west of Cleveland in 2026.

    The changes will force Ford to write down $400 million of its current assets, and it also expects to have additional expenses of up to $1.5 billion. “We’re committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable business,” Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said in a statement. The company also said it will cut capital spending on EVs. It now will spend 30 per cent of its annual capital budget to develop them rather than the current 40 per cent. Ford, which has long been talking about making profitable EVs, lost $2.46 billion on them in the first half of the year, dragging down profits from its gas-powered and commercial units.

    The company said in a prepared statement that the global EV market is changing rapidly, and it must evolve to compete with Chinese automakers that have lower production and engineering costs. At the same time, current buyers are more cost-conscious than early adopters, and automakers are introducing more EVs. “These dynamics underscore the necessity of a globally competitive cost structure while being selective about customer and product segments to ensure profitable growth and capital efficiency,” the company said. Shares of Ford rose 1.4 per cent in trading before Wednesday’s opening bell.

  • Tata Motors to set up 250 new fast charging EV stations

    Mumbai, Aug 21: Tata Motors on Wednesday announced a collaboration with Delta Electronics India and Thunderplus Solutions to set up 250 new fast charging EV stations across the country.

    Located in and around over 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Kochi, among others, these new charging stations will significantly increase the existing network of 540 commercial vehicle charging points, the automaker said in a statement.

    “Expanding the available charging infrastructure on high-use routes will encourage more customers to opt for electric commercial vehicles and improve vehicle uptime resulting in higher revenues and better profitability, while contributing towards a cleaner, greener environment,” said Vinay Pathak, vice president and business head – SCV and PU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles.

    The company said it will recommend optimal locations and nearest dealerships for setting-up these fast-charging stations. While Delta Electronics will supply the necessary hardware, Thunderplus Solutions will install and operate them.

    “This collaboration allows us to contribute significantly to India’s electric cargo ecosystem. Our advanced charging technology will play a crucial role in enhancing the electric commercial vehicle experience for users nationwide,” said Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director, Delta Electronics India.

    Tata Motors offers the Ace EV – a four-wheel e-cargo solution for last-mile deliveries. It is supported by over 150 electric vehicle service centres across the country.

    Meanwhile, the demand for electric buses is expected to remain robust in the coming years due to the growing focus on cleaner transportation systems and various government initiatives.

    Last year, the government unveiled the PM e-bus Sewa Scheme, allocating a substantial $2.4 billion to deploy and operate 10,000 electric buses through a public-private partnership model across 169 eligible cities.

    These eco-friendly vehicles are set to hit the roads soon, with full deployment anticipated by 2026.

    According to the report by CareEdge Ratings, the transition to EVs is particularly evident in the e-bus and light commercial vehicle (LCV) categories. In FY24, registrations of electric heavy passenger vehicles (e-HPVs), primarily large electric buses, surged significantly.

    Registration of electric light passenger vehicles (e-LPV) also surged from 360 units to more than 10,500 units during the aforementioned period, the report mentioned.

  • Automakers engage in myth-busting campaign surrounding EV charging safety

    Seoul, Aug 21: Automotive companies in South Korea are pushing forward with their new electric vehicle launch schedules despite public concerns over EV safety, with key players actively campaigning to debunk unsubstantiated myths surrounding safe charging practices.

    The latest fears surrounding EVs began after a spontaneous fire that began in a parked Mercedes-Benz EV wiped out an entire underground parking garage inside an apartment complex in Incheon, 27 kms west of Seoul, while damaging over 100 cars, reports Yonhap news agency.

    Since then, many pundits have pointed out that fully or overcharged EVs could pose fire risks, while authorities have scrambled to present safety measures against such accidents. The Seoul city government announced a plan to discourage the entry of EVs that are more than 90 percent charged into apartment underground parking garages.

    Various local governments across the country also have announced or were considering similar measures, including moving underground EV charging facilities to above-ground locations.

    After having remained mostly reactive in their responses to such safety fears, car manufacturers are now coming out to actively promote the safety of EVs as they seek to resuscitate the automotive segment that has seen a recent slowdown in demand globally amid the so-called adoption chasm.

    Industry heavyweights Hyundai Motor and Kia, in particular, are seeking a breakthrough in the global EV demand lull with their new affordable yet advanced models, the Casper Electric subcompact model and the EV3 crossover model, respectively.

    The two companies said that their EV batteries are designed to be safe even when charged to 100 per cent, with the internal battery management system monitoring and controlling any issues that may arise.

    They explained that the battery’s charging capacity is calculated within a safety-verified range — meaning that even when the battery is full, there is still additional capacity that remains unutilised.

    Hyundai and Kia pointed out that in the case of ternary NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) batteries, while they can technically hold up to 275 mAh of energy per gram, battery manufacturers design them to use only 200 to 210 mAh per gram.

    The automakers said car manufacturers, too, also set the 100 percent charge level while leaving some capacity unused when designing and producing cars.

    They emphasised that the charging level displayed to consumers on car dashboard screens reflects the available capacity minus the margins set by both the battery cell and vehicle manufacturers — meaning that a 100 percent charge does not actually indicate that the battery has been charged to its absolute maximum capacity.

    The imported car companies are also actively addressing battery safety concerns as they prepare to launch new models.

    Polestar Automotive Holdings, for instance, highlighted the safety of its Chinese CATL NCM batteries during the South Korean launch event for the Polestar 4 EV held in Seoul last week. A company official stressed that out of some 160,000 Polestar 2 units sold across 27 countries in the past, there have been no reported fire incidents.

    Porsche Korea is planning to launch the electric Taycan in the second half of this year as scheduled. while Stellantis Korea is also set to release its first electric SUV model under its Jeep brand.

    Additionally, BMW Group Korea, which sells vehicles under three brands — BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce — in the country is also preparing to introduce the new Mini Countryman Electric later this year.

    Central government authorities have also suggested that measures by local governments to arbitrarily restrict entry of EVs into parking facilities based on charging levels should be subject to closer review.

    The government and the ruling party plan to announce a comprehensive safety plan later this month aimed at preventing EV fire accidents.

  • Citroen launches SUV Coupe basalt

    Hyderabad: Citroen India, a leading car manufacturer has launched the Basalt, a mainstream SUV coupe. The deliveries of the new model will start from first week of September through the showrooms across the country. The car is available in six variants and offers engine choices including the 1.2 L Gen 3 puretech 110 turbo and puretech 82 Naturally Aspirated engines, with 6-speed torque converter Automatic along with 5 and 6-speed manual transmission. Shailesh Hazela, CEO, Stellantis India, said: “The official launch of the Citroen Basalt is a proud moment for us, as it represents our commitment to delivering vehicles that combine innovation with accessibility. The Basalt’s distinctive SUV Coupe design, coupled with advanced technology and unparalleled comfort, is a direct response to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. The strong initial bookings indicate the market’s readiness for such a product, and we expect this momentum to grow as more customers experience the Basalt. With the Basalt, we aim to redefine SUV ownership experience.”

  • TVS Motor revving up EV sales

    New Delhi: TVS Motor Company plans to expand the sales of its electric vehicles to both developing and developed markets, betting big on India’s potential to emerge as a major export hub for electric two-wheelers, according to Director and CEO KN Radhakrishnan.

    The company will leverage on its plant in Indonesia to cater to other neighbouring markets in the ASEAN region, where it has started selling its electric scooter TVS iQube last year, he told analysts.

    In the first quarter of this fiscal TVS Motor Co sold a total of 52,000 units of electric two-wheelers, as against 39,000 units in the same period last year.

    “We strongly believe that India will emerge as a major export hub for two-wheeler EVs. With the continuous improvement in the EV supply chain and infrastructure, we are confident that we will continue to be a strong player in the EV segment,” Radhakrishnan said.

    He further said: “As far as we are concerned, we will definitely start exporting our EV products to ASEAN markets and already (conducting) advanced testing and everything is done there. So, it will start.”

    The company has a well-planned product lineup for electric mobility and it will be launching some of them soon, he said, adding “last year, we started TVS iQube to ASEAN and Asian markets”. Radhakrishnan said TVS has its own plant in Indonesia and has some local sourcing and the advantage of ASEAN FTA will also help the company to export from there to other nations of the bloc.

    “We will definitely leverage our EV products from Indonesia to other markets,” he added. When asked if the company would make significant upgradation to the Indonesian facility for rolling out EVs from there, he said, “we have a good plant and facilities are there. There may be some specific investments related to EVs, but there may not be a big challenge. So, (for) EVs, if there is something required, we will definitely look at it.”

    On the sales network expansion of electric two-wheelers in India, he said, “month after month, we are reviewing and then we are supporting this with the current network.

  • Mahindra Thar Roxx—Should you Consider it too? Here’s a Breakdown of the Pros and Cons

    The Mahindra Thar Roxx is a bold, feature-rich, future-ready vehicle, with some versions capable of doing anything and anywhere. It doesn’t hold back. With its price range of Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh (exclusive of the 4×4 variants), the Thar Roxx offers a level of technology that will leave many competitors behind.

    Mahindra’s five-door Thar was widely believed to have evolved from the three-door Thar design and looked similar to a twin Jeep Wrangler. To give the Mahindra Thar Roxx a distinctive appearance that elicits strong reactions and makes it instantly recognisable, the Mahindra design team added design elements one step further.

    Mahindra has equipped the Thar Roxx with an impressive array of features that cover nearly every modern trend. It includes a panoramic sunroof (the largest in its segment), a powerful 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree camera with multiple views, lane-change cameras, an auto-dimming interior mirror, ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, zip and zoom drive modes, an electronic parking brake, auto-hold, hill-descent control, LED headlamps with DRLs, single-zone automatic climate control, six standard airbags, and a full suite of Level 2 ADAS features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning.

    For off-road enthusiasts, the 4×4 Thar Roxx offers advanced Terrain Modes for snow, mud, sand, and low-range four-wheel drive. It also includes an electronic rear differential lock, whereas the Thar 3-door and Scorpio N feature mechanically locking rear diffs, and the Force Gurkha, a competitor, offers manually locking differentials. The two-wheel drive variants come with sand, mud, and snow modes that adjust traction accordingly.

    Mahindra Thar Roxx: Pros

    1. Ample space for five adults

    2. Benchmark in off-road capability

    3. Refined engine, silent cabin

    4. Safety feature list, including ADAS

    5. Easy to drive, ample power

    Mahindra Thar Roxx: Cons

    1. Design is polarising, seems overdone

    2. Wiring loom covers on doors and rear glass could have been tucked away

    3. Second-row entry is a bit narrow, despite 90-degree opening doors

    4. No option of 4×4 with petrol engine

    5. No full keyless entry with request sensors

    The Mahindra Thar Roxx costs between Rs. 12.99 and Rs. 20.49 lakh. There are 18 different models to choose from, with engine variants spanning from 1997 to 2184 cc and two gearbox options: manual and automatic. The Thar Roxx has six airbags and comes in seven different colours.

    In summary, the Mahindra Thar Roxx stands out as nearly the perfect SUV. At its current price, it offers exceptional value for money. It boasts all the features customers have been asking for, combined with off-road technology and hardware suited for adventure enthusiasts. Additionally, it has the on-road refinement and comfort needed for long journeys.

    The Thar Roxx has the potential to attract buyers away from popular monocoque compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, offering comparable tech and features at a lower price point, especially on high-end models. It also surpasses the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in off-road capability, space, and comfort. Moreover, it might even draw some customers from the Scorpio N, offering more features than the larger model.

    Is the Mahindra Thar Roxx the ultimate all-purpose vehicle? It seems to be!

  • Ola Electric’s E-Motorbike Pricing is Sparking Debate Throughout the EV Industry

    The industry is uneasy about Bengaluru-based Ola Electric’s first-ever introduction of a line of electric motorbikes, or ‘e-bikes’ since the company’s low price point threatens to upend the market.

    Ola debuted its Roadster series e-bike on August 15; the bike has a starting price of Rs 74,999. The lowest price in the category that was previously offered was Rs 1,10,000, but this new pricing is lower. Industry insiders are divided over Ola’s pricing strategy, with many seeing it more as a marketing gimmick than a viable business plan.

    “At this point, the statement is meant to entice the market. The true challenge lies in developing and providing a product at that cost,” says Jaibir Siwach, the founder and CEO of Goa-based motorcycle manufacturer Kabira Mobility.

    Siwach noted that the figures did not add up because the drivetrain and battery pack typically accounted for roughly 70% of the price of an electric vehicle. ‘’The price per kWh of a premium battery pack is approximately Rs 14,000. That’s Rs 63,000 for a 4.5 kWh battery alone, and extra parts bring the total up to Rs 1 lakh,’’ he said.

  • Shifting generational mindset fuels luxury car boom in India

    Biofuels for Energy Transition

    ♦ Luxury car sales expected to reach 1,200-1,300 units in 2023

    ♦ Mercedes-Benz and Audi luxury models witness long waiting periods

    ♦ BMW Group India registers over 21% growth in car sales

    New Delhi: The shifting ‘generational mindset’ in India is fuelling the growth in luxury goods consumption and super-expensive cars are no exception. According to industry data, the sale of luxury cars from brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin are experiencing robust demand in the domestic market.

    Industry experts say that 1,200-1,300 luxury cars are likely to be sold in the Indian market this year. In 2023, sales more than doubled to 1,000 units in the top-end car segment.

    According to reports, Lamborghini has sold all cars allocated for the Indian market from its Italian headquarters. Its cars like Huracan, Urus and Revuelto are in the price Rane of Rs 5 crore-Rs 10 crore. Other luxury brands like Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin are also seeing robust growth. The luxury models from Mercedes-Benz and Audi now have waiting periods of up to a year, with prices ranging from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 4.5 crore.

    Aston Martin recently launched the new sports car ‘Vantage’ at Rs 3.99 crore (ex-showroom) in India. According to the automaker, it boasts a muscular physique and unmistakable presence, with design cues inspired by Aston Martin’s legendary One-77 supercar.

    BMW Group India posted a strong performance in the January-June period, witnessing a boost of over 21 per cent in car sales fuelled by high demand for its sports activity vehicles, luxury class and electric cars.

    BMW luxury class vehicles registered a growth of over 17 per cent, contributing 18 per cent to total sales. The BMW X7 was the highest-selling luxury class model. According to Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, the strong affinity for our vehicles is driven by our competitive edge in exclusive mobility paired with unmistakable driving pleasure and best-in-class innovations.

    German luxury car manufacturer Audi recently launched two new cars under its Bold Edition — Q3 and Q3 Sportback, in India. According to the latest wealth report by Knight Frank, India is likely to see more ultra-wealthy individuals, with those possessing a net worth exceeding $30 million to reach 19,908 by 2028 — up from 13,263 in 2023.

  • Ola Electric Introduces ‘Roadstar’ EV Motorcycles with a Range of New Features.

    Ola Electric unveiled its first line of EV motorcycles at the company’s annual launch event, Sankalp 2024, held at its Future Factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.

    The new and affordable EV motorcycles will come in three distinct variants: the Roadster X, Roadster, and Roadster Pro. The newly launched Roadster series offers a variety of price points and performance capabilities ranging from Rs. 74,999 to Rs. 2.49 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).

    Key Features:

    In terms of features, all three models are quite well-equipped and offer a strong price-to-feature proposition.

    The Roadster features 4 riding modes: Hyper, Sports, Normal, and Eco. It has a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen with MoveOS 5. It includes features like proximity unlock, cruise control, party mode, tamper alert, Ola’s ‘Krutrim Assistant’ for AI-powered features, a smartwatch app, and a road trip planner.

    The Roadster X features 3 riding modes: Sports, Normal, and Eco. It has a 4.3-inch LCD instrument console powered by MoveOS 5, providing various features including Ola Maps Navigation, regen, cruise control, DIY Mode, TPMS alerts, OTA updates, Digital Key Unlock, and connectivity via the Ola Electric App.

    The Roadster Pro features 4 riding modes: Race, Urban, Rain, and Off-road. It comes with a larger 10-inch TFT touchscreen display and will gain additional features like three-step traction control, anti-wheelie, geofencing, and ADAS with the upcoming MoveOS 5 software update. Thus, for those seeking high-performance EVs, the Roadster Pro is the star of the series.

    Commenting on the launch, Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola, said, “The Roadster and Roadster X will be available in the market by January 2025, while the Roadster Pro is expected to hit the market by Diwali next year.”