Tag: electric

  • GMP, Price Band, Issue Size; All You Need To Know

    One of the most anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Hyundai Motor India Limited has hit the primary markets today and it will remain open till October 17. With a market share of nearly 15%, the second-largest automobile manufacturer plans to raise ₹27,870.16 crore. The price band has been fixed between ₹1865 – ₹1960 apiece. Investors should note that the IPO is an Offer For Sale, where the company will be liquidating 14.22 crore shares. In an OFS, promoters of the company sell their shares via stock exchanges. None of the money raised via the OFS will be utilised for the company’s betterment.

    What’s the Grey Market Premium (GMP) of Hyundai India?

    As per the experts, the GMP of Hyundai India shares are available at a premium of ₹65. However, it already fell by about 89% from the previous high of ₹570.

    What’s the subscription status of the Hyundai Motor India IPO?

    By 11:09 AM today, the IPO was subscribed by 0.08 times. Retail investors subscribed by 0.18 times, whereas non-institutional investors subscribed by 0.05 times. All together, the listing on the NSE and the BSE will most likely take place on October 22.

    Are there any shares reserved for the company’s employees?

    Yes, the company has apportioned 778,400 shares for employees at a discount of ₹186 to the issue price.

    Who is the registrar of the book build issue?

    KFin Technologies is appointed as the registrar of the book build issue.

    Who are the lead managers of the IPO?

    Lead managers include Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, HSBC Securities & Capital Markets Pvt Ltd, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited, and Morgan Stanley India Company Pvt Ltd.

    Should You Apply? What do the brokerages have to say?

    Gaurav Garg, Research analyst at Lemon Markets gave a ‘subscribe’ tag to the IPO. He said, “Hyundai Motor India’s upcoming IPO is set to be the largest in the country’s history, offering investors a unique opportunity to engage with the second-largest car manufacturer in India. The brand has showcased remarkable operational efficiency, sourcing about 90% of its parts locally. This has significantly contributed to its robust financial performance, highlighted by a revenue CAGR of 19.4% over FY21-24 and an impressive return on capital employed (RoCE) exceeding 50% in FY24. With strong financials and a diverse product lineup, Hyundai presents an attractive long-term investment opportunity, even if initial listing gains may be modest.”

    While assigning a ‘buy’ tag to the IPO, Master Capital said, “The company plans on maintaining its strong position by expanding its passenger vehicle portfolio by leveraging its deep understanding of consumer preferences and increasing its EV market share. The company also intends to continue premiumization of its passenger vehicle portfolio and focus on calibrated manufacturing capacity expansion and efficient capital allocation. The issue is fully priced, and Investors interested in the company can invest in the IPO for the long term.”

    Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investment while giving the ‘apply for long-term’ tag to the issue affirmed ‘potential upside for investors.’

    She added, “The IPO is an Offer for Sale (OFS), so the company receives no proceeds. Given the significant size of the IPO, it may not be easy to achieve substantial listing gains. Investors with a long-term perspective and a willingness to accept potential listing challenges may consider applying for the HMIL IPO.”

    What do other brokerages have to say about the IPO?

    Aditya Birla, Anand Rathi, Arihant Capital Markets, Bajaj Capital, Canara Bank Securities, Cholamandalam Securities, ICICI Direct, IDBI Capital, KR Choksey Securities, Marwadi Shares and Finance, SBI Capital Securities, SMIFS have given a ‘subscribe’ tag.

  • 5 Irresistible October SUV Deals Offering Discounts Up to ₹2.5 Lakh in India

    As the festive season kicks off in October 2024, it’s an ideal time for car buyers to seize exciting discounts on SUVs. Automakers are eager to boost sales during this period, offering substantial deals across their lineups, particularly on models that may not have sold as well throughout the year. This month, we highlight the top five SUV discounts, featuring popular options like the Maruti Jimny and Skoda Kushaq.

    Maruti Jimny – Up to ₹2.5 Lakh

    Leading our list is the Maruti Jimny, one of the most popular lightweight off-road SUVs globally. While favoured in several international markets, current-gen Jimny sales haven’t met Maruti’s expectations. To attract buyers, the company is offering discounts of up to ₹2.5 lakh on the Alpha variant, along with ₹1.95 lakh in offers on the Zeta model. These significant discounts are especially appealing for a vehicle priced between ₹12.74 lakh and ₹15.05 lakh (ex-showroom).

    Skoda Kushaq – Up to ₹2.5 Lakh

    Next is the Skoda Kushaq, a strong competitor in the mid-size SUV segment. If you’ve been considering the Kushaq, now is a great time to act. Competing with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, Skoda is offering discounts of up to ₹2.5 lakh on older stock equipped with two airbags, which includes exchange and corporate incentives.

    Mahindra Thar 3-Door – Up to ₹1.25 Lakh

    The Mahindra Thar 3-door remains a favourite among off-roading enthusiasts, known for its rugged charm and adventurous spirit. Initially, high demand led to long waiting periods for this iconic SUV. However, interest has surged with the arrival of the new Thar Roxx (the 5-door variant). Mahindra is now offering a ₹1.25 lakh incentive on the Thar 3-door, along with accessories valued at ₹25,000, totalling an impressive ₹1.50 lakh.

    Maruti Grand Vitara – Up to ₹1.03 Lakh

    The Maruti Grand Vitara stands out in the mid-size SUV segment, capturing market share from competitors like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos since its launch. Available in both petrol and strong hybrid variants, the Grand Vitara has performed well in sales. To enhance its appeal, Maruti is now providing discounts of up to ₹1.03 lakh on the strong hybrid version, which boasts a remarkable claimed mileage of 27.97 km/l, appealing to cost-conscious car owners.

    Hyundai Alcazar – Up to ₹85,000

    Rounding out our list is the Hyundai Alcazar, the 7-seater version of the popular Creta. The discounts mentioned here apply to the pre-facelift model, as Hyundai has recently launched an updated version of the Alcazar. This premium 6- or 7-seat SUV is equipped with modern amenities, advanced technology, and robust safety and connectivity features. In October, buyers can enjoy discounts of up to ₹85,000 on the Alcazar, including a cash discount of ₹55,000 and an exchange bonus of ₹30,000.

  • Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Urban Cruiser Hyryder ‘Festival Limited Edition’

    Hyderabad: Reinforcing its legacy of innovation and customer-centric approach, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Monday announced the introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder ‘Festival Limited Edition’, featuring exclusive Toyota Genuine Accessories (TGA) Package. This latest addition to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder line-up comes with 13 specially designed TGA, further enhancing the dynamic and premium driving experience.

    Exterior Chrome and Ornamental Accessories: Mudflap, Door Visor (Premium with SS Insert), Front and Rear Bumper Garnish, Head Lamp Garnish, Hood Emblem, Body Cladding, Fender Garnish, Rear Door Lid Garnish, and Door Chrome Handle

    Interior Premium and Advanced Accessories: All-Weather 3D Floormat, Leg Room Lamp, and a Digital Video Recorder

    Since its debut in 2022, the Hyryder has carved a special place in the hearts of the consumers across the country, with its cutting-edge technology, dynamic performance, and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Its bold and sophisticated styling, combined with Toyota’s renowned global SUV lineage, has made it one of the most sought-after models in the B-SUV segment. With ever growing customer demand and overwhelming acceptance across the nation, the Hyryder continues to be a preferred choice for customers seeking a more sustainable driving option without compromising on the performance or the comfort.

    The Festival Limited Edition will offer a range of premium enhancements with the TGA Package, designed to further accentuate the vehicle’s aesthetics and convenience. This package with 13 accessories is specifically selected to give a refined premium look to both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. This exclusive package is available for the V and G grades of both the Neo Drive and Hybrid variants, providing wider choices to diverse customers.

    Sabari Manohar, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Ever since its launch in 2022, the Hyryder has been a symbol of TKM’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility and has gained enormous popularity with high customer satisfaction. The growing demand and positive reception have encouraged us to continually enhance our offerings. Our unrelenting customer-centric approach has inspired us to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the diverse needs of our customers and offering an array of products and services.

    With the introduction of the Festival Edition featuring the exclusive TGA package, we aim to deliver a more personalized and premium driving experience for our customers, while providing the legendary performance and efficiency that the Hyryder is known for. What makes it an even greater value proposition is that the SUV is backed by renowned Toyota value-added services specially designed with Indian customers in mind. Furthermore, during this festive period, the Limited Edition comes with a complimentary package, delivering happiness to our valued customers”.

    As part of this special launch, TKM is offering a complimentary package worth Rs50,817 for the customers opting for Festival Limited Edition made available at dealerships across India until 31st October 2024. All TGAs will be fitted by certified Toyota technicians across dealerships, ensuring the highest quality standards and customer satisfaction. Further, the Limited Edition is complemented by an array of value-added services such as extended warranty and Toyota genuine accessories, focusing on affordability and flexibility that will be beneficial to the customers.

  • Raptee.HV unveils e-motorcycle, T30 priced at ₹2.39 lakh • EVreporter

    Raptee.HV, an electric motorcycle startup based in Chennai, has launched the T30, a high-voltage electric motorcycle. It uses high-voltage technology and is compatible with universal charging standards, including 13,500 CCS2 car charging stations across India, with this number expected to double in the coming year. Equipped with an onboard charger, the T30 is priced at ₹2.39 lakh, positioning it alongside 250-300 cc ICE motorcycles with potential long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. Deliveries will begin in Chennai and Bangalore in January 2025, with plans for expansion to other cities.

    The motorcycle has an IDC estimated range of around 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km on a single charge. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in under 3.5 seconds. The vehicle comes with an IP67-rated battery pack and an 8-year or 80,000-kilometre battery warranty. The T30 features custom-built operating system based on an automotive-grade Linux platform. The motorcycle will be available in four colours: Horizon Red, Arctic White, Mercury Grey, and Eclipse Black.

    Raptee.HV is also establishing a “Tech Store.HV” experience center at its Chennai headquarters, offering factory tours. The company aims to offer both direct-to-consumer and traditional retail options for purchasing its products.

    Dinesh Arjun, Co-founder & CEO, Raptee.HV, said, “Our goal was never to create an electric version of an ICE motorcycle, but to do justice to motorcycling with truly pioneering tech. We have taken the core of advanced electric car tech and engineered it for motorcycles. Launching India’s first high-voltage electric motorcycle was a technical challenge from the very beginning. Over the last 5 years, the amazing team at Raptee has had to build the entire architecture from scratch to make HV on 2Wheelers possible. That we have succeeded is a testament to what can be achieved with the right vision and a focus on innovation. We believe our HV technology is the missing piece of the puzzle that will accelerate the electrification of motorcycles and revolutionize how motorcycles will be built in the future.”

    Jayapradeep Vasudevan, CBO of Raptee.HV, emphasized the significance of their motorcycle launch in the electric two-wheeler industry, highlighting the larger opportunity presented by the Indian motorcycle market. He outlined the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality customer experience, inspired by premium consumer brands. Plans include introducing digital and direct-to-consumer offerings, beginning with experience centers in Chennai and Bangalore, followed by expansion into other regions and international markets. He noted a five-year strategic roadmap aimed at establishing Raptee.HV as a key player in the electric vehicle sector.

    Raptee.HV recently closed its Pre-Series A funding round, led by Bluehill Capital and Artha99 Ventures, and is in the final stages of its Series A round to support production, expansion, and market rollout.

    Also read: EV startup Raptee introduces its inaugural motorcycle from from Chennai facility

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  • JSW MG Motor India Launches a New Campaign for MG Windsor

    Hyderabad: JSW MG Motor India has unveiled a new exciting campaign for Inida’s first Intelligent CUV, MG Windsor, in partnership with Cheil X. The campaign, titled ‘Live Business Class’, redefines what luxury and comfort in travel should entail. It draws a parallel between the experience of driving the MG Windsor and traveling in business class on an airplane, emphasising comfort, premiumness, and elegance.

    The campaign film introduces MG Windsor as an aspirational business-class experience brought to the road and within reach of Indian consumers. The campaign will roll out across various digital platforms with a series of eight feature-led films. These films centre around a family of four, a mother, father, their 8-year-old daughter, and a grandfather, who embark on enriching journeys enhanced by the vehicle’s innovative features, such as the Infinity View™ Glass Roof, Aero-lounge™ seats with 135-degree recline, and the 15.6-inch GrandView™ infotainment screen.

    The launch follows a two-month teaser phase across digital and social media, building anticipation through influencer content, engagement strategies, and teaser videos hinting at the arrival of a new class of comfort in the automotive industry.

    Commenting on the campaign, Udit Malhotra, Head of Marketing, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The ‘Live Business Class’ campaign is all about redefining premium travel. Our goal is to create a connection with consumers who aspire to elevate their driving experience, much like traveling business class on an airplane. Similarly, with the MG Windsor, we aim to bring a world-class experience to Indian roads, one that combines luxury, innovation, and sustainability. MG Windsor is not just a car, it’s a lifestyle choice for those who appreciate indulgence in every aspect of their travel. This campaign reflects how we envision the future of travel, where comfort, premiumness and technology come together seamlessly.”

    Amit Nandwani, National Creative Director, Cheil X – Delhi, said, “The concept of ‘Live Business Class’ is powerful and clear, delivering the promise of unparalleled luxury on the road. The campaign’s visual narrative effortlessly transitions from an airplane cabin to the inside of the MG Windsor EV, evoking a sense of superior comfort. This idea, with its elegant simplicity, has been crafted to resonate across multiple campaign touchpoints and reshape automotive advertising in India.”

    The MG Windsor is packed with a host of industry-first features, designed to enhance both comfort and technology for drivers and passengers alike. Its first-in-segment Aero Lounge seats offer unmatched relaxation with their 135° recline capability, while the expansive 604-liter boot space provides ample room for luggage. The Windsor also features an IP67-certified 38kWh battery, ensuring durability and safety, coupled with four driving modes, Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport to cater to different driving preferences. Additionally, its Infinity View Glass Roof and best-in-class wheelbase of 2700 mm create a sense of openness and luxury, redefining what customers can expect from a CUV.

    The MG Windsor takes smart connectivity and in-car technology to new heights with its MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (ICP), offering advanced features such as Home-to-Car functionality and over 100 AI-powered voice commands. Drivers can control essential functions and access infotainment using simple voice commands in multiple Indian languages, enhancing ease of use. The 15.6-inch Grandview Touch Display not only provides intuitive navigation and entertainment options but also integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s smart systems. With 80+ connected features, including real-time navigation, remote vehicle control, and safety alerts, the MG Windsor ensures a cutting-edge, intelligent driving experience.

  • Integrals Power advances EV range with new LMFP battery technology • EVreporter

    UK-based Integrals Power claims to have developed and validated a new Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) cathode material that could increase electric vehicle range by up to 20%. The company’s technology uses a high manganese content to boost voltage (4.1V) while maintaining a similar specific capacity to current Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) materials, leading to improved energy density. This material approaches the performance of more expensive Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistries.

    Integrals Power’s LMFP materials, containing 80% manganese (compared to 50-70% in similar materials), provide a higher specific capacity of 150mAh/g and a voltage of 4.1V (versus 3.45V for LFP). Third-party testing at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) has been completed on coin cells and is now advancing to EV-representative pouch cells. These materials will soon be available for evaluation by cell suppliers, battery manufacturers, and OEMs.

    Integrals Power produces LMFP materials at its UK facility, supporting the domestic battery industry and future regulations like the 2030 ban on new combustion engine vehicles and the 2050 net zero emissions target. Local manufacturing enhances supply chain security and transparency, while mitigating risks from import tariffs on EVs and components. The company sources raw materials from European and North American suppliers, delivering higher performance LFP and LMFP cathode materials with greater energy density than Chinese-made alternatives, which account for 90% of global production (International Energy Agency).

    Integrals Power Founder and CEO Behnam Hormozi said: “The challenge that the automotive industry has been trying to overcome for some time is to push up the percentage of manganese in LMFP cells to a high level while retaining the same specific capacity as LFP. Using traditional methods the more manganese you add, the more specific capacity drops, and this has meant it can’t deliver a high energy density. Our proprietary materials and patented production processes have enabled us to overcome this trade-off and increase manganese content to 80 per cent, placing us at the cutting edge of LMFP chemistry. With the third-party evaluation from the Energy team at GEIC, we’re proud to have developed a world-class cell material in the UK that can rival the performance of NCM but is more sustainable and more affordable, and will accelerate the transition to e-mobility.”

    GEIC’s Applications Manager in Energy, Nicky Savjani, said: “The dedicated team in the GEIC Energy labs provides comprehensive support in battery materials development and evaluation, bridging academic innovations and industry appetite to push next-generation technologies towards commercialisation. Our GEIC Energy facility, combined with its dedicated team of battery engineers, is driving the push for decarbonising the transport sector and reinforcing the UK’s leadership in developing sustainable battery technologies. The battery cells we produced using Integral Power’s LMFP materials exhibited competitive specific capacity during testing, highlighting their potential to enhance EV efficiency and reduce costs by increasing range.” 

    Also read: LOHUM to produce LMFP Li-ion batteries | Appoints Chaitanya Sharma

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  • Zypp Electric’s Losses Surge To Rs 91 Cr In FY24

    New Delhi: Tech-enabled electric vehicle (EV) company Zypp Electric saw its losses increase 2.2 times to Rs 91 crore in FY24, up from Rs 40 crore in the previous fiscal. The EV-as-a-service platform saw its EBITDA margin stood at 19.47 per cent in negative, as per its FY24 financials. Zypp Electric’s total expenditure went up 2.6 times to Rs 394 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 152 crore in FY23.

    The EV firm reported operational revenue at Rs 293 crore in the last fiscal, up from Rs 109 crore in FY23. Total revenue crossed Rs 300 crore during the fiscal year. Founded in 2017, Zypp Electric claims to have around 22,000 active vehicles in its fleet. Income from vehicle rentals and delivery services was the primary revenue source for the EV firm in FY24.

    In May this year, Zypp Electric raised $15 million to expand the company’s fleet from 21,000 to 2,00,000 electric scooters and domestic operations to 15 cities across the country by 2026.

  • Top 10 Best Mileage Bikes and Scooters Under 1.5 Lakh in India (2024)

    Are you looking to buy a bike or scooter that offers excellent mileage within a budget of Rs. 1.5 lakh? If so, you’re in the right place! There are many great options available in the market today that offer impressive features, fuel efficiency, and stylish designs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best mileage bikes and scooters under Rs. 1.5 lakh that combine performance and affordability.

    1. Royal Enfield Hunter 350

    The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 comes with a 349.34 cc BS6 engine, generating 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. It has a 5-speed manual transmission, and both the front and rear wheels have disc brakes along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This bike has a 13-liter fuel tank and delivers a mileage of 36 km/l, making it a top choice among 350 cc bikes. It’s available in 3 variants and 8 different colors.

    Price: Rs. 1,49,000 to Rs. 1,74,430 (ex-showroom)

    2. Bajaj Pulsar NS200

    The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is powered by a 199.5 cc BS6 engine, producing 24.13 bhp and 18.74 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, disc brakes at both ends, and ABS. This bike has a 12-liter fuel tank and offers a mileage of 36 km/l. Available in 3 variants and 20 color options, it’s one of the most versatile models in this segment.

    Price: Rs. 1,42,060 to Rs. 1,58,438 (ex-showroom)

    3. Honda Hornet 2.0

    The Honda Hornet 2.0 is equipped with a 184.4 cc BS6 engine, delivering 17.03 bhp and 15.9 Nm of torque. It features a 5-speed manual gearbox, disc brakes, and ABS. The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters and offers an impressive mileage of 42.3 km/l. It is available in a single variant with 4 color options.

    Price: Rs. 1,40,327 (ex-showroom)

    4. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

    Powered by a 197.75 cc BS6 engine, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V produces 20.54 bhp and 17.25 Nm of torque. It’s equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, disc brakes, and ABS for enhanced safety. With a fuel tank capacity of 12 liters, this bike offers a mileage of 41.9 km/l. It comes in a single variant with 2 color options.

    Price: Rs. 1,49,920 (ex-showroom)

    5. Hero Xpulse 200 4V

    The Hero Xpulse 200 4V features a 199.6 cc BS6 engine, generating 18.9 bhp and 17.35 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, disc brakes, and ABS. The bike has a 13-liter fuel tank and delivers a mileage of 32.9 km/l. Available in 2 variants and 13 color options, it’s an adventure-friendly motorcycle.

    Price: Rs. 1,47,388 to Rs. 1,54,763 (ex-showroom)

    6. Yamaha Aerox 155

    The Yamaha Aerox 155 is a sporty scooter with a 155 cc BS6 engine that produces 14.75 bhp and 13.9 Nm of torque. It comes with front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and ABS. The scooter has a 5.5-liter fuel tank and offers a mileage of 40 km/l. It’s available in 2 variants and 4 color options.

    Price: Rs. 1,49,182 to Rs. 1,52,478 (ex-showroom)

    7. Vespa VXL 150

    The Vespa VXL 150 has a 149.5 cc BS6 engine, delivering 10.64 bhp and 11.26 Nm of torque. It comes with front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and ABS. The scooter has a fuel tank capacity of 7.4 liters and provides a mileage of 45 km/l. It’s available in 2 variants and 16 color options, making it a premium yet fuel-efficient scooter.

    Price: Rs. 1,45,335 to Rs. 1,47,559 (ex-showroom)

    8. Aprilia SXR 160

    The Aprilia SXR 160 is equipped with a 160.03 cc BS6 engine, producing 10.94 bhp and 12.13 Nm of torque. This stylish scooter features front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and ABS. With a fuel tank capacity of 7 liters, it offers a mileage of 35 km/l. It’s available in a single variant with 4 color options.

    Price: Rs. 1,45,414 (ex-showroom)

    9. Suzuki Gixxer SF

    The Suzuki Gixxer SF has a 155 cc BS6 engine, generating 13.4 bhp and 13.8 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, disc brakes, and ABS. The bike has a 12-liter fuel tank and delivers a mileage of 45 km/l. Available in 2 variants and 7 colors, the Gixxer SF is a stylish and practical choice.

    Price: Rs. 1,36,172 to Rs. 1,48,408 (ex-showroom)

    10. Ola S1 Pro

    The Ola S1 Pro is a popular electric scooter in India, featuring a 5.5 KW battery with a top speed of 120 km/h. It offers a range of 195 km on a full charge and takes 6.5 hours to charge completely. The scooter is available in 5 color options and a single variant.

    Price: Rs. 1,32,403 (ex-showroom)

    Note:

    The prices mentioned above are ex-showroom prices and may vary depending on your location. Always check the on-road price before making a purchase decision.

  • Union Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari flags off NueGo’s historic Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) Electric Bus expedition from Nagpur

    National, 13th October 2024: NueGo, India’s leading electric bus brand from GreenCell Mobilty, has embarked on historic Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) Electric bus expedition. This epic journey marks a significant leap in promoting sustainable mass mobility in India. With this expedition, NueGo is set to become the first EV bus brand in the world to accomplish such a record feat. NueGo aims to cover 4,000+ kms from 3,500 feet above sea level to the coastline.

    Union Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari flags off NueGo’s historic Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) Electric Bus expedition from Nagpur

    As the bus passes through over 200 cities and towns, it will serve as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage, while also spreading the message of sustainability. The E-K2K bus will be making a positive impact throughout its journey by engaging in various meaningful activities, such as student workshops, tree plantation drives, clean-up initiatives, safety-themed Nukkad Natak and many more impactful events along the way—truly embodying the spirit of “the E-bus that does good.”

    The western leg of NueGo’s E-K2K electric bus was flagged from Nagpur by Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways Government of India, Sh. Nitin Gadkari

    Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways Sh.Nitin Gadkari shared “I am delighted that NueGo has embarked on this historic electric bus journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, covering over 4,000 kms, to raise awareness about electric mass mobility & also conducting various impactful activities with students & communities, as it passes through more than 200 towns and cities. Electric buses are vital for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come and Government of India has also strongly supported electric vehicle (EV) adoption. NueGo’s E-K2K journey is a testament to the significant improvements in the country’s charging infrastructure and the feasibility of electric buses for long-distance travel. This initiative also exemplifies India’s commitment to innovation and green technology”

    Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD of GreenCell Mobility also emphasized the need for green mass mobility solutions in India. ” NueGo’s ambitious E-K2K journey will see us travel over 4,000 Kms from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, demonstrating the resilience of electric buses across diverse terrains. This expedition is more than just a record-breaking feat; it symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage. By passing through 200+ cities and towns, the journey aims to raise awareness about cleaner modes of travel and inspire a transition to EV buses. Engaging in various impactful activities, the E-K2K bus truly embodies the spirit of -the E-bus that does good.”

    The journey was kicked off from Jammu on 4th Oct. From picturesque valleys to bustling cities, the expedition is designed to showcase the rich cultural diversity of India while demonstrating the practicality of electric buses across varying terrains. As the journey progresses, NueGo’s electric buses will continue to inspire communities across India, spreading awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and the importance of adopting cleaner transportation solutions for people and planet.

    The NueGo electric buses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for safety & comfort, providing guests with a premium travel experience, all while maintaining a low environmental impact.


    Neel Achary

  • Renewed low-displacement sporty scooter for 2025

    Honda has revamped its Forza range for 2025, and the 125cc model is no exception. This update includes the introduction of a new Special Edition for this premium sporty/GT scooter.

    Engine

    The Forza 125 retains its Smart Power+ single-cylinder 125cc engine, producing 10.7 kW of power and 12.3 Nm of torque. It boasts a fuel consumption rate of 2.39 liters per 100 km, offering a range of approximately 500 km and a top speed of 108 km/h.

    Key updates include a new ECU programming and a revised exhaust silencer, now with an O2 sensor. The Idling Stop system automatically shuts off the engine after three seconds of idling when stationary with the brakes applied, restarting as soon as the throttle is engaged.

    Chassis

    The chassis of the Forza 125 remains largely unchanged, featuring a tubular steel underbone frame. The suspension system consists of a telescopic fork at the front and two rear shock absorbers with five levels of spring preload adjustment, along with an aluminum swingarm.

    The scooter is equipped with 15-inch front and 14-inch rear cast aluminum wheels. Both wheels have disc brakes with an ABS system. The front features a Nissin two-piston caliper, while the rear has a Nissin single-piston caliper. Weighing in at 164 kg, the Forza 125 is easily maneuverable by hand. The steering head angle (26.5º) and 89 mm trail contribute to its agile handling.

    Overall Design

    Inspired by the Forza 750, the Forza 125 features LED headlights and an elegant front fairing with a sporty character. The simple, premium aesthetic includes an electrically adjustable windscreen, operable via a button on the left handle, with a 180 mm range to enhance rider protection against wind and noise.

    The handlebar is 750 mm wide, and the rearview mirrors are positioned at a height of 1,125 mm. The seat accommodates both rider and passenger, with a height of 780 mm.

    Features and Equipment

    The Forza 125 comes with a new 5-inch TFT instrument panel with optical bonding, offering smartphone connectivity through the Honda RoadSync app. This app provides detailed navigation on the screen, and with Bluetooth headphones/microphone, riders can make calls or listen to music.

    Under the seat, there’s an illuminated storage compartment that fits two helmets, along with a USB-C port. The optional Smart top case offers a capacity of 45 liters.

    Standard features include the Smart Key and the ESS braking signal system, which automatically activates and deactivates the turn indicators during emergency braking to alert other road users.

    New Colors

    The Forza 125 is now available in two new colors: Mat Pearl Pacific Blue and Mat Pearl Cool White. These join the existing Mat Cynos Gray Metallic and Pearl Falcon Gray options. The Special Edition comes exclusively in Mat Cynos Gray Metallic with bronze wheels and exclusive graphics.