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.
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.
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.
Hyderabad: In a landmark move supporting the ongoing global energy transition, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
This strategic collaboration aims to develop a ground breaking 1 kWh electrically-rechargeable Zinc-Air battery prototype, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to advancing the future of sustainable energy solutions.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in the evolution of zinc-based battery technologies, leveraging zinc’s abundant resource availability, cost-effectiveness and established safety record.
While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, their high cost, limited resource availability and safety concerns present major challenges that zinc-based alternatives can effectively address.
Speaking about this collaboration, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Zinc, a critical metal across numerous industries, is set to play a crucial role in the global energy transition. Our metal offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to lithium in energy storage technology. Our partnership with IIT Madras will advance research on zinc-air battery technology, that will redefine the future of energy storage. By exploring new applications of zinc in energy storage, we are committed to contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the generations to come.”
Leading the research team from IIT Madras, Prof Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Head of Hyundai Hydrogen Innovation Hub, IIT Madras, brings extensive expertise in energy storage solutions like solar cells and zinc-air batteries. His research team has already developed a prototype rechargeable Zinc-Air battery and holds three Indian patents for innovations in leak resistance, anode recharging and anode replacement design. This collaboration aims to enhance energy storage systems, with potential applications in renewable energy, data centres and telecommunications.
Highlighting the expected outcomes, Aravind, who is also a faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering, said, “”Zinc-air batteries offer a promising solution for overcoming the challenges faced by current energy storage technologies. Our partnership with Hindustan Zinc allows us to leverage our expertise in zinc-air battery research and their industry leadership in metals to develop innovative solutions that act as significant energy storage systems for EVs and stationary storage systems. The successful development of this prototype will accelerate India’s capabilities in advanced battery technologies and pave the way for further innovations in the field”
Zinc-Air batteries are emerging as a viable alternative, known for their long-duration storage capabilities, durability and potential to be a more affordable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Compared to lithium, which is over four times more expensive, zinc offers a more affordable solution with superior performance attributes.
Historically, zinc-based primary batteries have long held a significant market share in India and globally. The stable chemistries offered by zinc have been in wide circulation since the 1800s and are a part of everyday use in toys, remote controls, wall clocks etc. Recent advancements in rechargeable zinc-based batteries are paving the way for innovation across diverse sectors.
This battery technology is much more stable than lithium-ion chemistry and safe for vehicles since it utilizes water-based electrolytes and no flammables. Zinc-Air batteries offer longer life cycle and operate at low power with higher energy efficiency compared to lithium-ion batteries.
In terms of performance Zinc-Air batteries are superior to lithium-ion, making it an ideal choice for two and three wheelers as well. Globally zinc-based batteries have proven dependable and successful in the high-end defence sector (including aerospace and marine), renewable energy and critical infrastructure for data centres and 5G telecom, etc.
Prof Manu Santhanam, Dean, Office of Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research, IIT Madras, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are glad to partner with Hindustan Zinc Limited to develop next generation zinc-air batteries with inhouse resources and technologies. Our partnership will strengthen India’s goal on self-reliant energy.”
Earlier research in zinc-air battery technology by IIT Madras has yielded remarkable results which has addressed the shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries the market is currently grappling with, so far. Unlike the replacement of whole battery packs in the case of lithium-ion batteries, used zinc battery cassette packs can be removed and replaced with fully charged ones thereby adding rechargeability to the list of advantages. Zinc-Air batteries signify a tremendous leap in the energy storage segment for being green and economical.
The global battery industry is evolving rapidly, driven by an urgent need for sustainable energy storage solutions. According to recent projections by Bloomberg NEF report, the global energy storage market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 21 per cent, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. In India the rapid growth in solar power production will need enhanced energy storage solutions for storage and usage. Hindustan Zinc’s collaboration with IIT Madras is strategically focused to contribute to this growth by advancing zinc-based technologies that promise a safer, more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
This MoU with IIT Madras complements Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing efforts in the battery storage space. Recently, the company signed an MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to develop next-generation zinc-ion batteries. Prior to that, Hindustan Zinc partnered with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specializing in next-generation nickel-zinc battery technologies.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75 per cent of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, reflecting its operational excellence, innovation, and leading ESG practices. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.
Bangalore-based Vidyut has been simplifying commercial EV ownership. The company uses an asset underwriting algorithm and battery health data analysis to offer EV insurance, repair, maintenance, servicing, and breakdown support.
Recently, Vidyut also launched an EV resale platform, one of the first in the industry for the 3W commercial vehicle segment. This platform manages end-to-end processes, including inspection, valuation, sale, and RTO documentation, to build the resale market for individual owners. The resale operations are based in Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
At EVrepoter, we recognise that the reuse and repurposing of previously owned EVs is a pressing issue for the industry and financiers. In this exclusive interaction with Xitij Kothi, Co-founder – Vidyut, we discuss the market for EV resales in India and the start-up’s approach towards solving EV resale.
For EV resale, what are the segments you are currently operating in?
We don’t operate in the L3 or low-speed 2W segments, primarily because they’re unregistered and heavily dominated by lead-acid batteries. Vidyut focuses more on the lithium-ion segment, and for the past 2.5 years, our focus market has been the L5 3-wheelers in the passenger and cargo segments. The used EV market is fragmented and unorganised, with many small, local dealers in this space. The structure for used commercial EVs is still emerging.
For every new electric 3W or small commercial vehicle sold, at least 2 to 3 exchanges happen during its 10-12 year lifespan, i.e., commercial vehicles typically get sold at least twice, if not more.
In terms of volume, one can estimate a 1:2 ratio between new vehicle sales and used vehicle transactions.
That sounds like a sizable market. In addition to connecting buyers and sellers on your platform, do you also take the vehicles onto your books, refurbish them, and resell them?
We provide end-to-end services to the buyer as well. While we facilitate the sale, we ensure that the vehicle delivered to the buyer is in the best possible condition. Currently, we don’t take vehicles onto our books, but we do offer refurbishment services along with managing the RTO and documentation required for transferring the registration from the seller to the buyer.
Here’s how the process works:
If a consumer or fleet owner wants to sell their used 3W, they approach us. Our team visits the customer’s location and conducts a detailed vehicle inspection. This includes a physical inspection, a charging range test, and a driving test. Additionally, with the seller’s consent, we access historical battery data through the OEM to predict the remaining useful life.
We combine the physical inspection results and battery data analysis to generate a valuation report reflecting the vehicle’s residual value. This report is used to attract potential buyers. As buyers show interest, they may request repairs or refurbishments, which we handle and factor into the vehicle’s final price before completing the sale.
We also manage the entire registration transfer process. In collaboration with some OEMs, we’ve started offering extended warranties on used vehicles through our platform. For instance, with Euler, we now provide a recertification process where used vehicles come with an extended OEM warranty of 1 to 3 years. We’re in talks with other OEMs to expand this offering.
Aren’t there significant overhead costs associated with facilitating the resale of used electric 3Ws? Considering the need for inspections, vehicle and battery health evaluation, and logistics, does it make economic sense to enter this business?
That’s a fair question, and it’s a topic that has been analyzed in the past, especially in the car segment, regarding the economic viability of such businesses. When you buy vehicles to hold as inventory before selling them, there’s definitely more risk involved. The price you pay for the vehicle is crucial because your profit margin is determined by the selling price minus the buying price, which must cover all associated costs. If there’s significant competition in the market, this can inflate the buying prices, reducing your margins. That’s why we’ve been cautious about scaling up by buying vehicles for our inventory.
Instead, we focus on facilitating sales. Once the sale price is agreed upon, we begin calculating costs for refurbishments and logistics. Our approach has been to provide sellers with a valuation report based on our inspection, allowing us to align on a price point we can likely sell the vehicle for —typically within a 5% range. If the seller agrees to that price, we collect a small booking amount to initiate the process, which helps build trust while covering some initial costs.
After that, we identify potential buyers for the vehicle. The refurbishment and logistics costs are incurred only after the seller has agreed to the sale and its associated costs. This strategy minimizes risk compared to holding inventory, as we only spend on refurbishment once there’s a committed buyer. While this process may take longer, it’s necessary given the current market dynamics. There’s a scarcity of credible platforms for sellers to trust, and they often struggle to find good values for their EVs.
As the market matures and liquidity improves, we’ll look into potentially holding inventory, but for now, building trust is our core focus.
Could you elaborate on the role of spare parts during vehicle refurbishment?
We want the seller of the used vehicle to realise the maximum resale price, while the buyer should be able to buy it at the lowest possible price. This means that any margin we need to make in between for viability should be minimal.
We want to ensure that refurbishment costs, including any necessary spare parts replacements, are managed effectively. Direct partnerships with these suppliers will definitely help us achieve that at scale. Currently, we’re still in the early stages and have just started operating in a few cities. Right now, we work directly with the OEMs because we want them to be involved in the overall development of the used vehicle market. It’s better for the vehicles to be refurbished at authorized dealers and service centres using OEM-provided parts. As our scale and volume increase, it will make sense to partner more closely and directly reach out to their suppliers for spare parts when needed. Ultimately, we aim to narrow the margin between the selling price and the buying price.
How does financing for used EVs differ from financing for new EVs?
Financing for used electric vehicles is indeed trickier than for new EVs. In new EV financing, the residual value poses significant challenges for financiers, leading to a more conservative approach. For used EVs, an additional factor is the remaining life of the asset—what tenure can financing be provided for? Not all vehicles come with warranties, and sometimes the warranty expires upon resale. Some OEMs do offer warranty transfers, but the duration is often limited. Since this market is still nascent, financiers are cautious about how long the asset will last.
It’s crucial to establish an accurate valuation throughout this process. Many issues still need to be addressed in new EV financing, making used EV financing a lower priority for most financiers. However, some new-age financiers are operating in this space, such as Seed Capital and Perpetuity Capital, which have engaged in used EV financing. We are also in discussions with some lenders to scale up used EV financing, as enhancing liquidity for buyers is essential.
What challenges do you foresee in scaling up a platform like the one you’re building?
I’ll recap the challenges in the used vehicle space:
Building trust and establishing accurate valuations – Even if we develop a robust method for inspecting and valuing vehicles, the market will need time to verify that our claims hold true. As we gradually begin financing and selling used vehicles, we will gather consumer feedback and performance data to help validate and build confidence in the ecosystem. Right now, the state of used EVs resembles the state of new EVs back in 2021.
Financial participation in the used vehicle market is crucial – Achieving similar scale and distribution for used EVs will take time, but we are actively investing to expedite this process.
Need to solve trust issues for consumers
Access to third-party parts for vehicles
As the ecosystem matures and OEMs develop partnerships, it should become easier for used EVs to thrive. Quick and efficient repairs will be key, even without warranties.
Over the next few years, we plan to expand beyond three-wheelers to multiple vehicle categories and introduce additional service lines throughout the ownership journey. Ultimately, we want to make the entire ownership experience more convenient, stress-free, and affordable for individuals.
The Maruti Ertiga was the top-selling 7-seater car in September 2024, with 17,441 units sold.
This budget-friendly MPV is practical and offers many features that families love.
Key Features of the Maruti Ertiga:
Engine Options: It has a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 103PS and 137Nm of torque, plus a CNG variant for more flexibility.
Fuel Efficiency: The petrol model gives 20.51 kmpl, and the CNG version offers 26.11 km/kg, making both economical for daily use.
Comfort and Convenience: The Ertiga includes features like paddle shifters, automatic headlights, air conditioning, and cruise control for a better driving experience.
Infotainment System: It has a 9-inch touchscreen with Suzuki SmartPlay Pro technology, allowing voice commands and connected car features.
Connected Car Technology: The Ertiga has vehicle tracking, tow away alerts, geo-fencing, over-speeding alerts, and remote functions for added safety and convenience.
Safety Features: A 360-degree surround view camera improves visibility and helps with parking in tight spaces.
With its spaciousness, efficiency, and modern features, the Maruti Ertiga is an excellent choice for families looking for a reliable and affordable 7-seater vehicle.
New Delhi: Consumer rights regulator CCPA has slapped a notice on electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ola, as it initiates a class action after over 10,000 complaints related to quality and after-sales service remained unaddressed, according to sources. The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has been getting complaints against Ola Electric for the last one year, which were escalated to higher levels at the company for redressal “but there was little interest shown in redressing these complaints”, said a source. Subsequently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) “started examining these complaints for class action and found that over the last one year, NCH received over 10,000 complaints”, the source added.
According to the source, the major categories of consumer complaints include charging during the free service period/warranty, delayed and unsatisfactory services, refusal or delay in warranty services, inadequate services, recurrent defects despite services, inconsistent performance with advertised claims, overcharging and inaccurate invoices. Also, failure to provide refunds and documentation, unprofessional conduct and complaint closure and multiple issues with battery and vehicle components were highlighted by the aggrieved consumers, a source said. As per the CCPA, the major grounds for issuing show cause notice are alleged violation of consumer rights, deficiencies in services, misleading claims, and unfair trade practices. On October 7, the CCPA issued the show cause notice against Ola Electric and gave 15 days for the company to respond.
Before issuing the notice, the CCPA headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra examined those consumer complaints for class action. On October 7, Ola Electric informed stock exchanges that the company received the show cause notice from the CCPA. The authority has provided a timeline of 15 days for the company to respond to the show cause notice, the filing had said. The company said it would respond to the authority within the given timeframe with the supporting documents. The Department of Consumer Affairs has revamped the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), which has emerged as a single point of access to consumers across the country for grievance redressal at the pre-litigation stage. It is available to all consumers of the country wherein consumers can register their grievances from all over the country in 17 languages through a toll-free number 1915.
These grievances can be registered on the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM), an omnichannel IT-enabled central portal, through various channels- Whats App, SMS, mail, NCH app, web portal, and Umang app as per their convenience. Ola Electric sells three models of electric scooters at the moment, and in August this year announced its foray into the electric motorcycle segment. Earlier this week, a war of words broke out between Ola founder Bhavish Agarwal and stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on social media platform X over the after-sales and service quality of the company’s electric scooters. Kamra had taken up after-sales and service issues faced by Ola Electric customers.
After nearly five years of anticipation and unmet expectations, Elon Musk, the innovative CEO of Tesla, has finally revealed the long-awaited robotaxi, named Cybercab.
Musk arrived nearly an hour late to the high-profile “We, Robot” event, which was broadcast live from Warner Bros. Studio in California, appearing in one of the 50 Tesla robotaxis that had been circulating around the venue. In fact, the event’s biggest surprise was the introduction of Tesla’s Robovan.
Tesla Cybercab features: Elon Musk’s futuristic taxi
Musk described Cybercab as “a sleek, sustainable, and intelligent robotaxi that will transform urban mobility.” The autonomous robotaxi Cybercab is a purpose-built vehicle, lacking a steering wheel or pedals, which means it will need approval from regulators before going into production. “Cybercab has no steering wheels or pedals,” Musk said while speaking at the event.
This futuristic design also features butterfly-wing doors and a compact cabin with room for only two passengers.
Cybercab launch details
Musk announced that production of the Cybercab will begin in 2026, with a retail price expected to be under $30,000 (approximately ₹25.2 lakh). He also mentioned, “It will be more affordable than public transit.” Fully autonomous vehicles, starting with the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, should be operational in Texas and California by next year, with plans to include the Model S and Cybertruck as well. The production of Cybercab, optimised for complete self-driving capabilities, is set to start in 2026.
Robotaxi by Tesla: Unveiling a New Era
Unlike competitors that rely on costly lidar systems, Musk has opted for a more economical solution, employing only cameras and AI for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. However, this approach has faced regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly following investigations into two fatal accidents involving the technology, raising concerns about Tesla’s autonomous driving strategy.
In a nutshell, by eliminating traditional driving controls, Tesla aims to create a more spacious and user-friendly interior that enhances the overall passenger experience.
1500V DC architecture has been the norm for the last few years since it was upgraded from 1000V DC architecture. However, many companies are planning a shift to 2000V DC architecture, where the operating range would be between 1500V to 2000V DC.
Advantages of 2000V architecture
Reduces the cost of Copper DC cables involved in Battery Systems and Solar PV Systems
Allows for more (30%) MW capacity of Battery PCS/Solar Inverter for the same footprint.
Reduces the cost of the overall project and enables better LCOE (levelized cost of electricity).
Challenges
Going for a higher voltage is not straightforward. Their certifications are more difficult. In 2022, a popular inverter company planned to use a 3000V DC architecture but later cancelled the project due to certification challenges.
New IEC standards need to be developed for systems above 1500V DC, as above 1500V DC is considered a high-voltage system.
Signs that 2000V system is coming to reality
Sungrow integrated 2000V DC inverters into a grid-connected solar PV project in 2023.
Battery companies like REPT and Envision have already launched 2000V DC architecture BESS.
Many companies are gearing up to launch 2000V DC architecture inverters (Solar and Battery) and BESS.
In 2021, Hioki launched a high-voltage probe as per CAT III 2000V safety standards for solar PV measurement.
Battery Cluster Testing machines have come in the market which support 2000V DC, 300A. Previously, they were making 1500V, 400A type. The power of 600kW is kept the same, and the DC voltage platform has been changed from 1500V to 2000V.
Seeing the whole ecosystem build-up, it is definite that 2000V DC architecture is bound to come. It might come earlier than we think.
About the author
Rahul Bollini is an R&D expert in Lithium-ion cells with 9 years of experience. He founded Bollini Energy to assist in deep understanding of the characteristics of Lithium-ion cells to EV, BESS, BMS and battery data analytics companies across the globe. Rahul can be reached at +91-7204957389 and bollinienergy@gmail.com.
New Delhi: As Ola Electric users continue to flood social media platforms against poor service and myriad other problems, IPO-bound electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy is also facing a number of complaints against its e-scooters on social media.
On X (formerly Twitter), Ather customers have shared a range of problems – from hardware to software and delivery delays – to which, the company has responded to resolve their issues fast.
“Serviced on 14th Sep for 10k odometer, given many issues in scooter, none of them are attended saying no stock spares. Escalated to @atherenergy, suggested to drop scooter for analysis, so dropped on 3rd OCT, Yesterday delivered with Fork, key slot replaced. But incomplete fitting,” posted an Ather e-scooter user on Wednesday. Another commented: “@atherenergy I’m having trouble with my 450X. For 2 days when I stop the throttle, the vehicle slows down immediately. Earlier this was not the case. Kindly assist me whether this is a software problem or should I visit the service centre”.
“@atherenergymy charger has not been working for the past 12 days. Went to the service centre and the new charger will be provided in 7-8 days, still no reply from the service centre when i call they don’t answer the phone, I call from another number they tell me well call you,” said another Ather user.
