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Tag: mobility

  • Economics of running an electric L5 3W for last-mile deliveries vs ICE 3W • EVreporter

    The logistics industry, particularly in last-mile deliveries, is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, with electric 3-wheelers (L5) emerging as serious contenders against internal combustion engine (ICE) 3-wheelers. Rising fuel costs, increasing environmental regulations, and a stronger focus on sustainability have prompted businesses to consider electric vehicles’ economic and operational benefits. When comparing electric 3-wheelers to their ICE counterparts, it’s essential to examine operational costs, maintenance, initial investment, and long-term profitability to understand which option offers a better value for fleet operators.

    Kumar Ramamurthi, CEO of BAXY Mobility, discusses the economic incentive of running an electric 3W fleet over ICE vehicles.

    Purchase price and running cost comparison

    Electric 3Ws tend to come with a higher initial price tag due to the cost of batteries and advanced electronics. While ICE 3-wheelers are priced between INR 2.0 – 2.5 lakhs, electric models generally range from INR 3.5 – 4.0 lakhs. However, government incentives – such as those offered under India’s PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) Scheme can help reduce this gap. The scheme, for instance, provides buyers with subsidies of up to INR 50,000, making electric 3-wheelers more affordable and closer in price to ICE vehicles. This reduction in upfront cost through government support has made it more feasible for businesses to invest in electric vehicles.

    Running costs present one of the most significant economic advantages for electric 3-wheelers. In daily operations, an electric 3-wheeler can travel 100 KM for approximately INR 50-60 in electricity, compared to the INR 250-300 needed for the same distance using an ICE 3-wheeler fueled by petrol or diesel.

    Over a year, assuming a vehicle covers 50-80 KM per day, this reduction in fuel expenditure can lead to savings of INR 60,000-90,000 annually per vehicle. For businesses managing large fleets, this could translate into substantial cost reductions, making electric vehicles an attractive proposition. In the long run, lower running costs offer electric vehicles a significant economic edge, especially as fuel prices remain volatile.

    Comparing maintenance expense

    Another crucial factor is maintenance. Electric 3-wheelers, with their simpler powertrains, have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance requirements and costs. Unlike ICE vehicles, which require frequent oil changes, engine repairs, and maintenance of complex systems like the transmission and exhaust, electric 3-wheelers operate on a much simpler mechanism. On average, maintenance for ICE 3-wheelers ranges from INR 3,000-5,000 per month, while electric models typically require just INR 1,000-2,000. Regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles further reduce wear and tear on brake components, enhancing their overall longevity. For fleet operators, lower maintenance translates to fewer service disruptions and reduced operational downtime, ultimately boosting efficiency.

    Battery cost consideration

    Battery costs, however, remain a significant consideration for electric 3-wheelers. While the cost of batteries has been declining globally, they are still one of the most expensive components of an electric vehicle. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric 3-wheelers, typically last 5-7 years or around 100,000 KM before they need to be replaced. The replacement cost can range from INR 1.0-1.5 lakhs, which is a considerable expense. However, with technological advancements and economies of scale, battery prices are expected to continue dropping, which will further improve the overall economics of electric vehicles in the coming years. Moreover, emerging battery recycling and repurposing programs can help alleviate some concerns about battery disposal’s environmental and financial implications.

    Other benefits

    Government policies and incentives are key drivers of electric vehicle adoption. In addition to the subsidies provided under PM D-DRIVE, the Indian government offers other incentives to promote EV adoption. For example, electric vehicles are subject to a lower Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%, compared to 28% for ICE vehicles. Some state governments also offer additional tax benefits, reduced registration fees, and incentives for fleet operators to invest in electric vehicles. These measures help reduce the initial financial burden of transitioning to electric vehicles and make them more competitive in the long term.

    From an environmental perspective, electric 3-wheelers provide substantial benefits. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a critical tool in the fight against air pollution, which is a significant issue in India’s urban centers. Replacing an ICE 3-wheeler with an electric one can reduce carbon emissions by 1-2 tons annually. The environmental benefits extend beyond emissions; electric vehicles also contribute to a quieter urban environment, as their motors operate almost silently, reducing noise pollution. For cities grappling with air and noise pollution, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles could significantly improve residents’ quality of life.

    Current challenges and roadmap

    However, some challenges still need to be addressed, particularly concerning the range and charging infrastructure of electric 3Ws. Currently, most electric 3-wheelers offer a range of 100-120 KM on a single charge, which is generally adequate for urban last-mile deliveries. However, for operations in rural or semi-urban areas, where distances between delivery points may be greater, this range may be insufficient, creating “range anxiety” for fleet operators. Charging infrastructure is another concern. While urban areas are seeing an increase in the number of charging stations, rural areas still lag behind. Without widespread and easily accessible charging points, the practicality of using electric 3-wheelers in less developed areas remains a challenge.

    Battery swapping is emerging as a potential solution to overcome these limitations. This technology allows for rapidly exchanging depleted batteries with fully charged ones, significantly reducing the downtime associated with charging. Battery swapping stations are already being deployed in some regions, particularly urban centers, and offer an efficient solution for fleet operators who need to keep their vehicles in constant operation. As this technology becomes more widespread, it could help address some of the concerns around range and charging time, making electric 3-wheelers an even more attractive option.

    Looking ahead, it is clear that electric 3-wheelers are poised to play an increasingly dominant role in last-mile deliveries. Their lower running and maintenance costs, government incentives, and environmental benefits make them a compelling choice for businesses. However, ICE 3-wheelers may continue to hold an edge in regions where charging infrastructure is underdeveloped or the electricity supply is unreliable. In the short term, a hybrid approach—using both electric and ICE vehicles—may be the most practical solution for logistics companies, particularly those operating across diverse geographic areas.

    In conclusion, while electric 3-wheelers are already economically viable in many cases, especially in urban settings, continued improvements in battery technology, declining costs, and the expansion of charging infrastructure will further strengthen their position. Businesses looking to future-proof their operations would be wise to begin integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, not only for cost savings but also to align with the global shift towards more sustainable practices.

    References:

    • International Energy Agency (IEA) – For trends in electric vehicle adoption:
      IEA – Global EV Outlook
    • Price Trends and Battery Technology:
      BloombergNEF – Electric Vehicle Outlook

    Author credit: Mr. Kumar Ramamurthi, CEO – BAXY Mobility, A key subsidiary of the BAXY Group.

    Also read: India L5 E-3W Sales Trend | Jan 2024 – Aug 2024

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  • Tata Motors to supply 1,000 diesel bus chassis to UPSRTC

    Mumbai, Oct 21: Tata Motors on Monday announced it has received an order from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to supply 1,000 units of the ‘Tata LPO 1618’ diesel bus chassis.

    The latest order follows the successful fulfilment of an earlier order of 1,350 bus chassis received last year, which are currently being run efficiently by the UPSRTC.

    Designed for safe intercity and long-distance travel, ‘Tata LPO 1618’ diesel bus chassis deliver superior performance and excellent passenger comfort with low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), said the automaker.

    “The ‘Tata LPO 1618’ bus chassis is engineered to deliver robust and reliable mobility with high uptime and low maintenance and operating costs. We look forward to commencing supplies as per the guidance of UPSRTC,” said Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors.

    The bus chassis will be supplied in a phased manner as per mutually agreed terms, said the company.

    Tata Motors said it has been at the forefront of delivering advanced buses and public transportation solutions to various cities and states across the country.

    Thousands of these buses operate successfully on the country’s roads, connecting urban and rural areas, facilitating comfortable and efficient daily travel for millions of citizens.

    Part of the $165 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors is a $44 billion organisation and is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions.

    Meanwhile, UPSRTC plans to deploy 20 of the 120 new electric buses in Lucknow and 20 in Ayodhya.

    About 740 electric buses in total are operating in the state, all with a floor height of 900 mm.

  • 53% Affordable Housing Buyers Unhappy with Available Options – Anarock-Ficci Survey

    Hyderabad: Demand for affordable homes has nosedived since Covid-19, initially because this segment’s target clientele was financially impacted by the pandemic. However, the Anarock-Ficci Homebuyer Sentiment Survey – H1 2024 has identified other pain points. At least 53 per cent homebuyers are dissatisfied with the currently available options in this vital segment across cities.

    Anuj Puri, Chairman – Anarock Group, says, “The top three reasons why prospective affordable homebuyers’ disenchantment with the currently available affordable housing supply are bad project location accessibility, questionable construction quality and poor design, and constricted unit sizes. Of the dissatisfied affordable home seekers polled in our survey, a whopping 92 per cent respondents identify project location as the biggest grouse, while 84 per cent state low construction quality and inferior design elements as major deterrents. 68 per cent respondents find the available unit sizes too small to be attractive.”

    Declining demand for affordable housing has had a cascading impact on its supply in the last one year. Anarock data highlights the shrinking supply of affordable housing in major cities, dropping from 26 per cent of total launches in 2021 to just 17 per cent by 9M 2024. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, affordable homes made up 40 per cent of new projects.

    “Bigger homes continue to dominate buyer preferences despite spiralling prices in the last one year,” says Puri. “Over 51 per cent of the current survey respondents prefer 3BHK units and just 39 per cent will settle for 2BHK options. City-wise analysis indicates that the demand for 3BHKs is particularly high in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru, where over 50 per cent respondents prefer it over other flat sizes. Conversely, over 40 per cent participants in Kolkata, MMR and Pune name 2BHKs as their preferred option.”

    Patience is the New Black

    In terms of preferred stages of construction, the H1 2024 survey shows a significant trend reversal. The demand ratio of ready-to-move-in homes to new launches now stands at 20:25. In H1 2020, the RTM-to-new launches demand ratio was 46:18. One major reason for this shift is that most homebuyers favour projects by large and listed developers, who they are confident will deliver their homes on time.

    Another key highlight of the H1 2024 survey is that at least 57 per cent residential real estate investors are focused on steady rental income. This is far from surprising, since there has been a remarkable surge in rental rates across cities in the last two years (over 70 per cent in prominent micro markets). Rental earning potential has therefore taken centre-stage as an investment motivator.

    While interest in the currently available affordable housing supply continues to decline, premium and luxury homes continue to dominate demand – at least 45 per cent survey respondents now prefer homes priced >Rs 90 lakh. In the survey’s pre-Covid 2019 edition, just 27 per cent respondents were interested in properties in or above this price bracket.

    The Plot Thickens

    The latest survey also identifies a growing preference for residential plots, which 20 per cent of property seekers name as desirable options across cities. City-wise data highlights that this preference is most pronounced in the major Southern cities – 30 per cent buyers in Chennai prefer it, 29 per cent in Bengaluru, and 27 per cent in Hyderabad. Several large and branded developers have launched residential plot projects in these cities over the last few years and continue to find ready takers.

    Villas and row houses are also markedly in demand in these southern cities. Contrastingly, more than 70 per cent survey participants in MMR, NCR and Pune prefer apartments.

    Other Survey Highlights

    Real estate is the most preferred asset class for investment for over 59 per cent respondents, up 2 per cent against the previous survey

    • 66 per cent millennials & 42 per cent Gen-X respondents will use their investment gains for purchasing a home in the future

    • Over 67 per cent buyers seeking property for end-use vs 64 per cent in H2 2023 survey

    • Top homebuyer demands today include timely project completion assurance, construction quality improvement/assurance, and well-ventilated homes

  • Mahindra Launches Scorpio Classic Boss Edition in India

    To attract more customers during the festive season, Mahindra has unveiled the new Boss Edition of the Scorpio Classic, a special edition that enhances the vehicle’s appeal.

    This latest offering comes equipped with an extensive range of accessories available at authorised dealerships, elevating it beyond the regular version. Interested buyers can reserve the model by visiting dealerships across the country.

    Exterior Updates

    The Boss Edition boasts striking dark colour shades and features blacked-out elements throughout, including colour-matched door handles, matte-finish cladding, roof rails, and aggressive black diamond-cut alloy wheels. The ORVMs have a faux carbon-fiber finish, adding a premium touch to the SUV.

    Additional accessories include a front bumper extender, rain visors, a silver skid plate beneath the front bonnet, and a rear guard with a black powder coating. The SUV retains its LED headlight setup, complete with integrated DRLs and fog lamps.

    Interior Features

    Inside, the Boss Edition offers a sophisticated beige interior complemented by black leatherette upholstery. The cabin includes a Comfort Kit featuring neck pillows for the front seats and black cushions adorned with Mahindra’s logo.

    Powertrain

    Under the hood, the Scorpio Classic Boss Edition retains the familiar 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, producing a maximum power of 130bhp and 300Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

  • Next-Generation KTM 390 Adventure to Feature Cruise Control

    KTM USA just revealed the next-generation 390 Adventure at the 2024 KTM Adventure Rally in South Dakota. According to leaked photos of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R, the motorcycle will have a cruise control system, which will improve its long-distance touring capabilities.

    The left-hand switchgear contains a cruise control switch and a ‘+/Res’ button for setting and resetting speed, indicating a more relaxed riding experience. In addition to cruise control, the new 390 Adventure is expected to include 390 Duke features, including a bi-directional quick-shifter, lean-sensitive cornering ABS with supermoto mode, traction control, LED lighting, a TFT colour display, and Bluetooth.

    The 2025 390 Adventure will also have a fully adjustable suspension, 21/18-inch spoke wheels with dual-purpose tyres and a 399cc liquid-cooled LC4c engine from the new 390 Duke. The engine produces 45.3 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 39.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, although KTM may adjust the final drive ratio to meet the adventure bike’s individual requirements.

    The next-generation 390 Adventure series is set to debut at EICMA 2024 in November, with an Indian launch planned for early 2025. The range will most likely feature four variations, as well as a 390 SMC R model based on the same chassis.

  • 16 Safest Cars In India Having Best Global NCAP Rating; All You Need To Know

    With close to 3.8 million new car registrations in 2022, India’s automobile industry is currently valued at $116.86 billion. However, the fatality rate paints a bleak picture about the safety of daily commuters in the country. In fact, India accounts for about 6% of the total global road accidents. About 1,68,000 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2022, which majorly involved two-wheelers. Therefore, in order to address this burning issue, automobile manufacturers are offering airbags, ISOFIX mounts, sturdy structural integrity, driver assistance features and many more features as standard making the cars much more affordable. GNCAP which stands for Global New Car Assessment Programme is a tool that helps buyers in their decision making. In fact, it’s a benchmark that has been created to evaluate the crash-worthiness of the new vehicles built by automobile manufacturers. So here’s a look at top safest cars in India who have the best Global NCAP rating.

    1. Tata Harrier (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Priced between ₹15.49 lakhs – ₹25.49 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), the facelifted version released this year is the safest SUV in the world, as it received 5-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP). Featuring an aggressive styling, the SUV scored 45 out of 49 points in the child occupant category while in the adult occupant category, it scored 33.05 points out of the maximum 34 points. In addition to this, Tata Harrier also features six airbags as standard along with a host of features including ISOFIX child seat mounts, an Electronic Stability program and much more.

    2. Tata Safari (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Priced between ₹16.19 lakh- ₹25.49 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the design resembles Harrier. Featuring six airbags, ESP, traction control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-hold assist, Safari scored an impressive 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests by scoring 33.05 points out of the total of 34 points for the adult occupant category.

    3. Volkswagen Virtus (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Scoring an impressive 5-star rating in the adult and child occupant categories with a score of 29.71 and 42 points, Virtus is one of the safest sedan cars in India. Priced between ₹11.48 lakh- ₹19.29 lakh (Ex-Showroom), it offers 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), park distance control, rear-view camera, Hill Hold Assist, Multi-collision brakes among many.

    4. Skoda Slavia (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Bagging 5 star-safety rating from the Global NCAP crash tests, Slavia comes with safety features like six airbags, ABS, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control among many. The premium mid-sized sedan scored 29.71 points and 42 points in adult and child occupant categories. It is priced between ₹10.89 lakhs – ₹19.12 lakh (Ex-Showroom).

    5. Skoda Kushaq (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Scoring 5-star rating in both the adult and child occupant categories – 29.64 and 42, Kushaq is priced between ₹10.89 lakhs – ₹20 lakhs (Ex-Showroom) while offering array of features including six airbags, rollover protection, traction control, ABS, brake disc wiping, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

    6. Volkswagen Taigun (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Scoring an impressive 5-star safety rating from the Global NCAP crash tests, Taigun closely competes with Skoda Kushaq. Taigun is priced between ₹11.62 lakhs – ₹19.76 lakhs (Ex-Showroom).

    7. Hyundai Verna (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    With safety features including six airbags, hill-start assist, automatic headlamps, ISOFIX child seat mounts among many, Hyundai Verna is priced between ₹10.96 lakhs – ₹17.38 lakhs (Ex-Showroom). Displaying a revamped change to its exterior design, the car features an LED DRL bar at the front.

    8. Mahindra Scorpio-N (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Ruling the streets for 2 decades, Scorpio-N is the revamped version of the iconic SUV that boasts of enhanced features and fresh look. Scoring a scintillating 5-star safety rating in the AOP category, it scored 5-star rating in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category. It is priced between ₹11.99 lakhs – ₹23.90 lakhs (Ex-Showroom).

    9. Tata Punch (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    Priced between ₹5.82 lakhs- ₹9.48 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), Tata Punch competes in the micro-SUV segment. It also features a premium hatchback segment with an SUV appeal. Scoring an impressive 16.45 out of 17 in the Adult Occupant Category (AOC) and 40.89 in the COP (child occupant) category, Tata Punch is one of the most sought after cars in the aspect of safety. It comes with two airbags, 4-channel ABS, ISOFIX anchorage for child occupant protection among many.

    10. Mahindra XUV300 (GNCAP Rating: 5 Stars)

    With a 5-star rating from GNCAP, Mahindra XUV300 is priced between ₹8.42 lakhs –

    ₹12.38 lakhs (Ex-Showroom). The SUV comes equipped with six airbags, Corner Braking Control, Hill-start assist among many.

    11. Tata Altroz ( GNCAP Rating: 5 stars)

    Priced between ₹6.20 lakhs – ₹10.15 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), Altroz is one of the safest cars in the country. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, among others.

    12. Tata Nexon (GNCAP Rating: 5 stars)

    Receiving a 5-star rating from the Global NCAP, Tata Nexon is priced between ₹ 7.54 lakhs to ₹13.80 lakhs (Ex-Showroom). Featuring dual airbags at the front, ABS with EBD among many, Nexon is known as the safest car in India.

    13. Mahindra XUV700 (GNCAP Rating: 5 stars)

    Priced between ₹13.18 lakhs – ₹24.58 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), the SUV scored 5-star rating for AOP with a score of 16.03 and a 4-star rating in the COP category with 41.66 out of 49 points. Featuring 7 airbags, Driver drowsiness system and Forward Collision Warning among many, it offers sound protection to the driver and passenger’s head, neck, chest and knees.

    14. Tata Tigor (GNCAP rating: 4 stars)

    Priced between ₹5.97 lakhs – ₹8.56 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), Tigor is rated 4 stars in the adult protection category. Featuring dual front airbags, rear parking sensors and camera among many, though it offered marginal protection for the driver’s and passenger’s chest, the safety agency noted that the bodyshell of the car is unstable.

    15. Tata Tiago (GNCAP Rating: 4 stars)

    Though it does not feature ISOFIX mounts for the child protection category, it was able to manage a 3-star rating in the concerned category. Featuring dual front airbags, corner stability control and speed sensitive auto door locking among many, it scored 4 stars in the Global NCAP crash test

    16. Renault Kiger (GNCAP Rating: 4 stars)

    Priced between ₹ 5.99 lakhs to ₹10.57 lakhs (Ex-Showroom), Kiger scored 4 stars in the adult occupant category in the Global NCAP crash test. Though the bodyshell was rated stable, in the child occupant category it scored only 2 owing to limited child safety features

  • MG Windsor EV Review: Should You Buy It?

    With the launch of EV Windsor, Morris Garages (MG) is back with a bang for the third time, since its operations started in 2019.

    Marketed as a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle, it boasts an unconventional design with a blend of SUV and MPV elements. One key highlight that stands out among its peers is the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), making it much more affordable and cost effective among buyers. With a pleasing aesthetic, Windsor is larger than the size of Skoda Kushaq encompassing a length of 4,295mm, while its width and height are 1,850mm & 1,677677mm.

    Exterior Design

    The front of the EV features a futuristic and sporty design, including a split lighting setup along with a pod-style LED headlights. With LED DRLs on the top, buoyed by flush door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels on the side, Windsor exemplifies itself as an aerodynamic model in the years to come. The charging flap is located below the A-pillar on the front left fender.

    Available in four colours including Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green, it’s the additional design elements that beautifies Windsor’s visual outreach.

    Windsor’s design may not convince the majority of buyers in general. However, it resembles a distinctive statement.

    Exterior Design

    Windsor has plenty of space in the front and the rear offering a seamless experience to the passengers. Offering an ample amount of headroom, Windsor gives out decent legroom for two adults. The legroom measures 5 foot and 8 inches in height. Giving a top-of-the line experience to the passengers, the reclining rear seat can go up to 135 degrees from the seat base. The front seatback can also recline to the extreme level, which can touch the rear seat base, making for a full lounger ride.

    While the seats give the look and feel of a comfortable & expensive sofa, it has sparked an open debate among the critics.

    Boot Space stands at 604 litres for the lower two trims (Excite and Exclusive), whereas it’s 579 litres for the top Essence trim. The Essence trim features a subwoofer which is mounted in the area below the floor limiting the boot space outreach.

    As far as the cabin is concerned, it has ample storage space for the passengers which includes cup holders and door pockets.

    Features

    Equipped with a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen, it doesn’t hamper passenger’s experience. On the move, the large central touchscreen can be turned off and it also doesn’t hinder your line of sight. With a customisable hot button on the steering wheel along with a series of toggles we can fully adjust things like the Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVMs). However, using them isn’t intuitive in nature. Also, when the phone is connected to Android Auto, it takes up the whole screen. This makes it a time taking price process as the user is few touches away from the main menu.

    On the other hand, the screen features controls including sliders that enables you to adjust the opening of sunscreen up to a specific degree. The cabin encompasses a huge panoramic glass roof that resonates a cosy and airy feel to the sitting passengers. Ambient lighting is also present across the dash and the speaker grilles.

    The dashboard and doors embellish a dark wood trim along with a classy-looking muted gold finish. Windsor has a host of auto climate controls and a full suite of connected car features, which includes some home-to-car functions via JioFiber and onboard Jio apps. As far as the safety is concerned, it includes three-point seat belts for all occupants, six airbags and ESC, which are standard across all the variants.

    Performance

    Producing 136hp and 200Nm of torque, Windsor’s power delivery misses the instant kick, which is the persisting problem among many EVs. But, as far as the drive quality is concerned it offers a relaxed experience. Drive modes include Sport, Normal, Eco and Eco+.

    Even at high speeds, the ride quality never fails to impress the passengers. Though negligible road and wind noise come through the cabin, it could be weaned off via some additional insulation. At city speeds, passengers may feel uncomfortable driving through large bumps and potholes.

    Battery, charging & range

    Windsor offers two battery options (37.9 kWh and 50.6 kWh) internationally. In India the company has rolled out the smaller one giving an average of 31km on the MIDC (Modified Indian Driving Cycle). The company claims that a 7.4kW charger can take up to 6.5 hours to get fully charged while through a 45kW fast charger, it can go from 0-80% in 55 minutes.

    Interestingly, what positions Windsor among its competitors is its Battery As A Service (BaaS) scheme. The company claims that a user would just be required to pay ₹9.9 lakh for the base model and a rental of Rs 3.5/km. It’s actually a loan scheme offered by four selected finance partners. Users can in turn finance the whole car, including the battery or they can pay upfront for the cars and then fix an EMI for the battery. It should be noted that the effective rate per kilometre can vary based on the user’s credit rating.

    Notably, in the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) mode, EV owners purchase EV without battery, this reduces the upfront cost of the EVs. In this model buyers have the access to a range of charging stations where they can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged battery.

    Price & Verdict

    Priced at ₹9.99 lakh with the BaaS scheme, Windsor can start at ₹13.50 lakh and can go up to 15.50 lakh. Offering sleek and appealing looks along with a comfortable seating, MG has done a tremendous job in positioning this product. Additionally, it also offers upbeat power delivery along with a top-of-the line throttle and steering calibration making it the best EV MG has produced till now.

  • 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Unveiled Worldwide: Discover the Latest Features

    Porsche has officially unveiled the 2025 model of the 911 GT3, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its legendary 996-generation 911 GT3 range.

    The latest iteration of this performance-oriented vehicle boasts several noticeable updates inside and out, enhancing its appeal. However, under the hood, it retains the same naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine, producing a robust 502 BHP and reaching a redline of 9,000 rpm.

    Transmission Options

    Customers can choose between a 7-speed PDK automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual option.

    Looks and Updates

    In terms of design, the new 911 GT3 features a refreshed front fascia with an updated bumper and carbon fiber accents. The oval-shaped LED headlights are complemented by a connected light bar strip at the rear. Additionally, the redesigned diffuser includes a central exhaust for a sporty touch. To enhance safety and aesthetics, the model features a new engine cover and a top-mounted rear wing, eliminating any black plastic elements from the rear for a more appealing look.

    Interior

    Stepping inside, the cabin has received significant updates, including new carbon bucket seats with removable headrests. A modernised digital instrument console and an upgraded infotainment system add to the luxury and performance-focused interior.

  • Retro Design Meets Off-Road Capability

    The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado features a retro-inspired design and strong off-road capabilities.

    It returned to the U.S. market last year at a more affordable price, aiming to compete with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler while drawing design elements from the Lexus GX.

    The Prado showcases a boxy silhouette and comes in various trim levels with standard 18-inch wheels and all-weather tires, with an option for larger 20-inch wheels.

    The base model, LC 1958, has a vintage grille, while the mid-level version resembles the FJ62 with rectangular headlights.

    The rugged 2024 Land Cruiser First Edition offers wider wheels and enhanced off-road features.

    Available in seven colors, the Prado measures 4,920 mm in length, 2,139 mm in width, and 1,859 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm and a ground clearance of 221 mm.

    It includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, a trailer hitch with over 2,700 kg towing capacity, and features vary by trim.

    Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a moonroof.

    Powered by a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine with a 1.87 kWh battery as part of the i-Force Max Hybrid system, the Prado delivers 326 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque, with a full-time 4WD system standard.

    Some markets also feature a 2.8L diesel engine similar to the Fortuner.

  • India Becomes World’s Largest 2-Wheeler Mkt

    New Delhi: India has surpassed China to become the largest two-wheeler market in the world, driven by rising demand in rural areas, supported by favourable monsoon conditions and government initiatives for rural development, a report showed on Friday. Globally, two-wheeler sales grew 4 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. Although India, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa saw growth, China and Southeast Asia (SEA) experienced a decline.

    Senior analyst Soumen Mandal said that India’s two-wheeler market saw a remarkable 22 per cent YoY growth in the first half this year. “This strong performance allowed India to surpass China and become the world’s largest two-wheeler market,” he mentioned. Two-wheelers saw strong double-digit growth (year-on-year) in the second quarter of this fiscal in India.