Category Archives: Auto & Electric Mobility

Auto & Electric Mobility

Launch Details, Price, Features, and More at Auto Expo 2025

The much-awaited Hyundai Creta EV was officially unveiled at the Auto Expo 2025, marking a significant milestone in Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup. The all-electric SUV is set to make waves in the Indian car market, with its affordable price range and advanced features. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hyundai Creta EV.

Hyundai Creta EV Price and Variants

The Hyundai Creta EV has been launched at a starting price of Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), with prices going up to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the higher variants. It comes with two battery pack options, catering to different driving needs and budgets.

Battery Options and Range

The Creta EV offers two battery packs:

51.4 kWh Battery Pack: Offers a driving range of 472 km on a single charge.

42 kWh Battery Pack: Provides a range of 390 km per charge.

The larger battery version generates 168 bhp and 255 Nm of torque, while both variants feature three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports. Hyundai claims the Creta EV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds, making it a performance-packed SUV.

Hyundai Creta EV Features

The Hyundai Creta EV comes loaded with advanced features to enhance the driving experience. Some key highlights include:

8-Speaker Bose Sound System

Panoramic Sunroof

Wireless Phone Charging Pad

Curvilinear Dashboard Screen

All-Digital Driver Display

Automatic Climate Control

Cooled Glove Box & Storage Compartment

Front Seat Ventilation

Electronically Adjustable Front Seats

Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)

Inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Creta EV’s new steering wheel features four dots symbolizing ‘H’ in Morse code. Additionally, it comes with a unique “driver-only” AC mode that directs airflow only to the driver’s side.

For added convenience, the Creta EV offers foldout trays behind the front seats, rear window curtains, and a 21-liter trunk under the bonnet for extra storage space.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Creta EV is Hyundai’s first affordable all-electric SUV for the Indian market and aims to capture the hearts of electric vehicle enthusiasts. With its impressive range, features, and pricing, the Creta EV is set to become a game-changer in the electric vehicle segment, especially considering the popularity of the regular Creta over the past decade.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Hyundai Creta EV prepares to make its mark in India!

Auto & Electric Mobility

Lubi Industries to deliver 1,400 fast DC EV chargers for BPCL • EVreporter

Lubi Industries has secured a contract from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to manufacture, supply, install, and commission 1,400 fast DC EV chargers across India. Under the agreement, Lubi Industries will deliver 60kW DC fast chargers to BPCL retail outlets nationwide.

This collaboration constitutes a notable portion of the total DC chargers to be installed in the country annually and is expected to support the adoption of electric vehicles. The chargers will be locally manufactured and designed to meet regulatory quality standards, aiming to ensure reliable operation and a long service life- added a company statement.

Speaking on this collaboration, the management from Lubi Industries said, “We are proud to partner with BPCL on this transformative project, which is fully aligned with our mission to contribute to India’s EV revolution. Our advanced charging solutions will not only ensure an uninterrupted charging experience for EV users but also underscore the importance of indigenization in building critical infrastructure.”

Also read: BPCL and IONAGE collaborate to integrate EV chargers across India

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Auto & Electric Mobility

Mahindra XEV 9e achieves top safety rating in Bharat NCAP

The Mahindra XEV 9e has set a new benchmark in vehicle safety by securing the highest possible safety ratings in the Bharat NCAP tests. Scoring a perfect 32/32 for adult safety and an impressive 45/49 for child safety, the electric SUV has proven its strength and protection for all passengers.

The XEV 9e is built from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), utilizing Mahindra’s innovative INGLO platform. This design, with its battery pack placed on the floor, results in a lower center of gravity that enhances the vehicle’s handling. The design also creates a protective “cocoon” around the passengers, adding an extra layer of safety.

Equipped with features such as ADAS Level 2, a 360-degree camera, multiple airbags, electronic parking brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, and cornering lamps, the Mahindra XEV 9e is designed to offer comprehensive safety. These advanced features contribute significantly to the vehicle’s impressive Bharat NCAP scores.

R Velusamy, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra, shared his excitement about the results: “The BE 6 and XEV 9e represent a new era for both Mahindra and automotive safety in India. Built on the INGLO architecture and powered by MAIA, these vehicles are engineered to redefine safety standards and elevate the entire automotive experience. The Bharat NCAP results reflect our ongoing commitment to safety and demonstrate Mahindra’s leadership in pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.”

With the XEV 9e, Mahindra continues to set new standards in vehicle safety and EV technology in India.

Auto & Electric Mobility

Empowering efficient EV charging | Introducing Chogori’s CT6 series charging gun • EVreporter

Advertorial

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric mobility, reliable and safe charging solutions are critical to supporting the growth of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light commercial vehicles. Chogori’s CT6 Series Charging Gun is designed to meet this need, offering a robust, versatile, and standards-compliant solution tailored for a range of electric vehicles, including electric two-wheelers (E2W) and electric three-wheelers (E3W), as well as everyday delivery e-loaders and off-road utility vehicles for farming and waste management.

Unmatched Compliance with Global Standards

The Chogori CT6 charging gun stands out due to its impressive specifications and adherence to both IS17017-2-6 and IEC62196-6 standards, ensuring compatibility and safety across various markets.

Rated at 100A and 120V DC, the CT6 charging gun delivers reliable power while maintaining high safety standards, with an IP55 rating protecting against dust and low-pressure water ingress and an IPXXB rating ensuring user safety.

CKD Design for Local Customization

A unique feature of the CT6 is its CKD (Completely Knocked Down) design, allowing local cable assembly. This design choice provide a cost-effective solution for OEMs focused on budget efficiency without compromising quality. The flexibility to assemble components locally makes the CT6 a preferred choice for companies looking to optimize logistics and increase their supply chain resilience.

Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Market

The CT6 Series Charging Gun is designed to accommodate a wide range of electric vehicle charging needs, making it an ideal choice for both home charging and commercial charging. Here’s how the CT6 caters to various market demands:

  • Versatile Current Range: The CT6 covers a broad spectrum of charging requirements with options ranging from 20A, 50A, 70A, to 100A, making it suitable for both home charging and commercial charging scenarios. This flexibility allows users to select the appropriate charging current based on vehicle specifications and application needs, whether it’s slow home charging or fast commercial recharging for fleet operations.
  • Customized Safety Options: The CT6 provides a choice between safety features to match different usage environments. For home charging, it offers models with or without a micro switch, depending on the safety requirements. In contrast, for commercial applications, the CT6 comes equipped with either a micro switch or a mechanical motor base lock, ensuring enhanced safety during charging in high-demand, professional settings.

CT6 Charging Gun Variations

By addressing the specific needs of home and commercial users, the CT6 stands out as a flexible, reliable, and robust solution in the diverse and growing electric vehicle market.

Discover the Chogori CT6 and empower your electric vehicle fleet with cutting-edge, reliable charging technology. For inquiries and technical specifications, visit our website or contact our team today!

Enquiries:

Email- info@chogori.cn

Website – http://www.chogori-tech.com/

Visit Product page – Click here

Also read: Exploring the cutting-edge features and industry-leading advantages of the Large Pro 2+4 connector

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Auto & Electric Mobility

Stalin Launches Test Drive Of Electric SUV Designed, Developed In TN

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin flagged off the test drive of Mahindra’s electric SUV designed and developed in Tamil Nadu at an event held at the Secretariat here on Monday. Mahindra launched its BE 6e priced at Rs26.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and XEV 9e for Rs30.5 lakh (ex-showroom) at Cheyyar and Chengalpattu in November 2024.

The SUVs would be available for test ride from January 14, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, R Velusamy, said. “The BE 6e and XEV 9e are the next Indian icons that will be world beaters.

These two products were built on our grounds and have several features, including inbuilt sensors which aid in stopping the vehicle to avoid hitting any object,” Velusamy told reporters. Besides, it alerts the driver if his eyeballs are taken away from the road while driving the car, he said, and added that the SUV is equipped with 12 ultra sonic sensors, 6 cameras, and 5 radars.

The battery gets charged up to 80 per cent within 20 minutes and the vehicle can travel up to 500 km on a single charge. “There’s lifetime battery warranty for both 79 kWh and 59 kWh battery packs. The SUV has virtual parking facility… Mahindra’s electric SUV, designed and developed in Tamil Nadu, has so many features,” he said.

The chief minister flagged off the test drive of Mahindra’s electric luxury cars in the presence of state Industries Minister T R B Rajaa, Velusamy, and other officials.

Auto & Electric Mobility

Legacy automakers see growing EV share in their sales pie

In 2024, legacy 2W OEMs grew their EV game to compete with the start-ups. In the 2W space, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto significantly grew their EV sales as a part of their overall sales, giving tough competition to EV-only OEMs like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Ampere, etc, in absolute sales numbers.

Legacy Two wheeler OEMs | % EV Penetration in Sales

Source: Vahan Dashboard. Data as per 1372 out of 1434 RTOs across 35 out of 36 state/UTs. (As of 2nd Dec’24)

Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS Motors and Bajaj Auto are the top-selling players in India’s 2W category. Hero, TVS and Bajaj are currently selling EV models. While Bajaj EV sales accounted for nearly 9% of its overall sales in the period observed (Apr-Nov 2024), for TVS, the sales share of EV models was 6.4%.

Three Wheelers (L5 category)

Almost all leading players in L5 category (passenger and cargo) are now offering electric models. Legacy players like Bajaj, Piaggio and Mahindra are expanding into the e-3Ws space to compete with emerging EV-focused companies like Euler Motors, TI Clean Mobility and Omega Seiki.

  • Three Wheelers (L5M category) Passenger | % EV Penetration in Sales

In terms of EV sales share of leading L5M companies, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility has been above 85% consistently, peaking with 94.3% EV sales in Nov-24. Piaggio registered a significant growth in its EV sales share, rising from 4.6% in Apr-24 to 36.3% of its L5M sales in Nov-24. Smaller players such as Baxy and MLR Auto also made their presence felt with an uptick in respective EV sales.

Bajaj Auto, the highest-selling company in the category in terms of absolute numbers, demonstrates a rising growth trend in its EV sales. EVs made for 2.7% of its sales in the category in April 24, which reached 16.1% in Nov-24, as shown in the image.

Legacy Pax Three Wheelers Players | % EV Penetration in Sales

Source: Vahan Dashboard. Data as per 1372 out of 1434 RTOs across 35 out of 36 state/UTs. (As of 2nd Dec’24)

  • Three Wheelers (L5N category) Cargo | % EV Penetration in Sales

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility maintains a dominant position in EV sales penetration, with values consistently above 50%. Bajaj Auto demonstrates an impressive growth trend in EV sales share, starting at 2.2% in Apr-24 and growing to 13.3% in Nov-24.

Legacy Cargo Three Wheelers Players | % EV Penetration in Sales

Source: Vahan Dashboard. Data as per 1372 out of 1434 RTOs across 35 out of 36 state/UTs. (As of 2nd Dec’24)

Passenger Vehicles

Tata Motors and JSW MG Motor India are the two major e-4W OEMs in India at present. This section analyses the trend in EV vs ICE sales for these automakers.

e-4W sales

Source: Vahan Dashboard. Data as per 1372 out of 1434 RTOs across 35 out of 36 state/UTs. (As of 2nd Dec’24)

4W Players | % EV Penetration in Sales

Source: Vahan Dashboard. Data as per 1372 out of 1434 RTOs across 35 out of 36 state/UTs. (As of 2nd Dec’24)

  • Tata Motors registered the highest EV sales numbers in the 4W segment for April-Nov 2024, with nearly 11.3% of its sales attributed to EV models.
  • MG Motors’ EV sales percentage has been over 35% since May 2024, an exceptional rise since the launch of Windsor EV in September 2024.
  • Among other players, PCA Automobiles and Volvo have a considerable % of EV sales.

This article was first published in EVreporter Jan 2025 magazine

For deeper insights into India’s EV sales trends (including Telangana data) – Segment-wise, OEM-wise, city-wise, RTO-wise and state-wise – check out the EVreporter Data Portal here and subscribe.

Also read: India’s Electric Vehicle sales trend | December 2024

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Auto & Electric Mobility

India’s Most Affordable SUV With Range Rover Features Launched!

Mahindra has come out with its new XEV 9e, a powerful, fully loaded electric SUV that is expected to take India by storm. Pack 1 starts at Rs 21.90 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) and the highest-end variant, Pack 3, retails for Rs 32.02 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). The new SUV will be offered in three trims – Pack 1, Pack 2 and Pack 3. Deliveries are slated to start by the end of February. Mahindra already has a huge buzz with its EV SUVs, and the XEV 9e is no different.

With the 79 kWh battery pack, the XEV 9e range boasts a claimed range of around 682 km, which is absolutely competitive in the EV marketplace. The battery also supports fast charging with a 0-20 per cent state of charge to reach from 0 % to 80% state of charge in 20 minutes. The exterior is sleek and modern, with a roofline reminiscent of an SUV. We’ve also got triangular headlamps. The vehicle is also packaged well with 663 litres of boot space and a separate 150-litre frunk. The inside features tech such as a passenger infotainment screen, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and ambient lighting.

Additionally, the premium SUV comes with advanced safety features like seven airbags and an ADAS suite, making it a strong competitor in the market. The Mahindra BE 6 specs comprise RWD configuration and two battery pack options, 59 kWh & 79 kWh under the hood. The lower 79 kWh battery produces as much as 281 bhp, while the highest is up to 228 bhp. Further enhancing its appeal are the performance credentials of XEV 9e, including an astonishing 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.8 seconds.

This new SUV features the Mahindra INGLO platform, which is the underpinning of future Mahindra electric models. It talks of improved performance, long-range efficiency, and a future-ready platform. The Mahindra electric SUVdelivery dates are slated for the end of February, so bringing soon the reasonably priced, feature-packed car to the Indian market.

Mahindra is presenting itself as a leader in the Indian electric SUV industry with these cutting-edge technologies and a reasonable price range.

Auto & Electric Mobility

Oben Electric raises INR 50 crore in Series A funding • EVreporter

Oben Electric, a Bengaluru based electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced the closure of its Series A funding round, securing INR 50 crore. The funding round saw participation from Ambis Holding (US), Kuberan Ventures, Karimjee Group (Africa), Mission Vertical (US-based VC), Sanjeev Saraf (Polyplex) Family Office, Pravek Kalp Family Office, and other existing investors. This brings the company’s total equity funding raised so far to INR 150 crore.

The company plans to use the funds to expand its distribution network to more than 100 showrooms across 50 cities in India by FY26 and to increase its product offerings. Currently, Oben Electric operates 20 showrooms across 10 cities and has a manufacturing facility in Jigani, Bangalore, with a production capacity of 100,000 units annually.

Madhumita Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Oben Electric, commented, “We are thrilled to close this Series A funding round, marking a pivotal moment in our journey to build a global EV powerhouse. What differentiates Oben Electric is our unwavering commitment to innovation and independence. We’ve built this company from the ground up, without reliance on strategic investors or corporate backing, empowering us to remain agile and focus on what truly matters – delivering high-quality, high-performance EVs that address the unique needs of Indian consumers. We are deeply grateful to our new investors for their confidence in our vision, and to our existing investors for their ongoing support. This funding will fuel our next phase of growth as we expand across India and set our sights on entering strategic international markets, ultimately positioning Oben Electric among the top global players in the electric mobility space.” 

According to Vinod Rustagi, Group CEO and Managing Director of Karimjee Group, “India being world’s largest motorcycle market with ~12Mn units sold last year, giving them 66% market share of all 2-wheeler sales & only 1% of them being electric, we think it’s inevitable of ICE motorcycles to transition into electric. Premium & mass commuter electric-motorcycle segment is a blind spot of EV transition with limited to players, primed for disruption. Being present at the right time & place with right capabilities is essential for disruption & growth. Among handful of EV companies working on motorcycle EV transition, we found Oben Electric best suited to disrupt & lead this transition. We believe Oben is ready for growth & will disrupt ICE to EV transition in E-Motorcycle segment.”

Jeff Mamera, Founder and General Partner at Mission Vertical Capital, expressed “We are very excited about the large and quickly growing total addressable market for Oben’s e-motorcycles.  Our deep dive into the industry convinced us that this management team has built an excellent intellectual property portfolio, efficient manufacturing and brought in strong talent to execute their go-to-market strategy.”

Oben Electric’s product lineup includes the recently launched “Rorr EZ,” starting at INR 89,999, with a top speed of 95 km/h and a range of up to 175 km (IDC) across three battery variants. It also offers the “Rorr,” a high-performance electric motorcycle. The company uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which is noted for its durability in extreme conditions.

Oben Electric designs and manufactures its own motorcycles and key components, such as batteries, motors, vehicle control units, and chargers. It is supported by a supply chain of over 150 vendors and collaborates with ecosystem partners to provide services such as insurance, financing, and roadside assistance.

Looking ahead, Oben Electric plans to expand both its product portfolio and distribution network, including exports. The company is preparing for a Series B funding round to raise USD 50 million by mid-2025.

Also read: Oben Electric delivers first 25 Rorr e-motorcycles in Bengaluru

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Auto & Electric Mobility

India’s Car Sales Surge 5.18% in 2024 Amid Economic Challenges

India’s automotive sector has demonstrated robust growth in 2024, with overall retail vehicle sales increasing by 9.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, elections, and uneven monsoons, the market showed resilience across multiple segments. Notably, the three-wheeler (3W), passenger vehicle (PV), and tractor categories achieved record-breaking sales.

Segment-Wise Growth in Retail Sales for 2024

FADA’s retail sales data reveals significant growth across various vehicle categories:

– Two-Wheelers (2W): A notable 10.7 per cent YoY increase.

– Three-Wheelers (3W): Surging by 10.4 per cent YoY, reaching an all-time high.

– Passenger Vehicles (PV): A steady 5.1 per cent YoY growth, marking a new peak.

– Tractors: A 2.5 per cent YoY rise, also an all-time high.

– Commercial Vehicles (CV): The segment showed minimal growth, with a slight 0.07 per cent increase.

The retail sales data for passenger cars in India for the year 2024 showed a growth of 5.18 per cent, with total sales reaching 4,073,843 units, up from 3,873,381 units in 2023. This growth came despite economic uncertainties and market volatility. Maruti Suzuki maintained its position as the market leader, selling 1,639,978 units, reflecting a 3.66 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Hyundai secured the second spot, with 559,984 units sold, marking a modest 1.56 per cent growth. Tata Motors, with a 2.32 per cent increase, sold 538,221 units, securing third place in the market.

Mahindra stood out with an impressive 21.24 per cent YoY growth, reaching 490,169 units, driven largely by strong demand for its SUVs. Toyota also saw substantial growth, with sales jumping 33.84% to 258,684 units. Kia posted a 4.51 per cent growth, selling 237,479 units.

However, several major brands faced challenges. The Skoda Volkswagen Group reported a 13.88 per cent drop in sales, with only 79,427 units sold, down from 92,228 units in 2023. Honda also experienced a decline, with sales falling by 10.53 per cent to 68,923 units. Renault’s sales plummeted by 23.26 per cent, reaching just 40,637 units, while Nissan’s sales dipped by 5.99 per cent, totaling 26,169 units.

Other smaller players in the market also faced downturns, with Force Motors posting a 19.93 per cent growth to 8,612 units and MG Motor growing by 5.39 per cent to 52,532 units. BYD led the growth charge with a remarkable 40.06 per cent increase, selling 2,818 units. Conversely, Citroen saw a significant 25.93 per cent drop, with only 6,643 units sold, while Jeep’s sales declined sharply by 37.54 per cent, selling just 4,580 units.

The luxury car segment experienced varied performances in 2024. Mercedes-Benz led the luxury market with 17,334 units sold, marking an 11.47 per cent increase. BMW followed closely with 14,278 units, reflecting a 14.23 per cent growth. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) saw a strong recovery, with a 33.56 per centincrease in sales, reaching 4,636 units. However, Volvo faced a decline, with a 13.55 per cent drop, selling 1,824 units.

The Indian automobile market in 2024 showed significant growth, with major players such as Mahindra, Toyota, and BYD posting impressive results. However, the sector also faced challenges due to heightened competition, shifting consumer preferences, and economic uncertainties. Looking ahead to 2025, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. The tractor and three-wheeler segments, in particular, are likely to remain strong performers as rural demand continues to rise.

Auto & Electric Mobility

Resilience, Innovation Key In Facing New Biz Challenges

Seoul: The head of Hyundai Motor Group on Monday emphasised the importance of resilience, innovation and proactive preparation in facing future challenges expected from ongoing global risks, as well as antici-pated rollbacks in the electric vehicle (EV) policies of the US.

At a group-wide New Year’s Greetings event held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, just north of Seoul, Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair, underscored that external risks and crises should not be feared but seen as “opportunities for growth.”

“Without challenges, we risk becoming complacent, which is more dangerous than any external crisis,” Chung said in his address to employees, reports Yonhap news agency. “External pressures can serve as catalysts for our growth.”