Hyderabad: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to demonstrate its robust performance, reporting a total sales of 30,879 units in August 2024. This marks a 35 per cent month-on-month growth compared to the previous year, further solidifying the brand’s strong presence in the Indian automobile industry. In August 2023, TKM had sold 22,910 units.
In August 2024, TKM achieved 28,589 units in domestic sales, with exports reaching 2,290 units, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles both within India and internationally.
Additionally, the performance from the first eight months of the Calendar Year (CY) continues to surpass expectations with a 45 per cent growth over the same period last year. From January-August 2024, the company sold 2,12,785 units while CY 2023 recorded sales of 1,47,192 units.
Commenting on the strong sales performance, Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we approach the festive season, demand for our products remain buoyant, and we are already witnessing increased consumer interest and higher footfall across all our dealerships. SUVs and MPVs continue to significantly contribute to our sales numbers, reflecting a growing preference for these segment vehicles. Interestingly, this trend is not limited to major urban centres but extends to tier 2 and tier 3 markets as well, demonstrating widespread customer acceptance for our offerings.
As a response to the market needs, we reopened the bookings in August for the Innova Hycross ZX & ZX (O) models, available in both self-charging strong hybrid electric (SHEV) and gasoline variants. With streamlined production and an enhanced supply chain, we’ve successfully reduced the waiting period, allowing us to commence bookings for the top-end grades. Additionally, increased supply of Urban Cruiser Hyryder has also enabled us to meet the market demand leading to reduced waiting period.”
With September on the brink, all eyes are on the forthcoming festive season. People have already kickstarted their shopping spree and not on the surface level; they are actively looking out to make big purchases such as cars. This has resulted in an increase in car launches with top brands on their toes to bring out the best. With a new month about to start, sit tight to witness a host of car launches.
Here’s a list of cars that will hit the market in September:
Mercedes Maybach EQS 680: The super luxurious Mercedes Maybach EQS SUV is all set to hit the market on 5th September. Its interior boasts an EQS SUV theme with Maybach-specific inserts and graphics, an MBUX tablet in the second row, and two 11.6-inch screens for rear passengers.
A 108.4kWh battery pack with a dual motor setup will equip four wheels with all the power they need. In addition, this beast flaunts nothing less than a bullet speed at 210 kph with a 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds.
Launch date: September 5, 2024
Starting price: Rs 4 crore (ex-showroom)
MG Windsor EV: The launch of MG Windsor EV will be MG’s first since its collaboration with JSW. All set to step into the market on 9th September, this car is a revamped model of the Wuling Cloud EV from Indonesia.
The car manufacturers have revealed multiple features including LED light bars, a panoramic sunroof, a new steering wheel design, and a rear-seat package, among others. On the global level, the car offers two battery pack options. However, it remains uncertain as to which of the two options will be available in India. Yet, a single full charge is bound to provide a range of up to 460 km.
Release date: September 11, 2024
Starting price: Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom)
Hyundai Alcazar facelift: Beyond a regular improvement, this facelift will feature an innovative design along with distinct elements. Pre-booking for this three-row SUV has started at Rs. 25,000.
Under the ultimate facelift, this car will exhibit two large screens, an ADAS suite, and updated upholstery, among other enhancements. Engine options will remain unchanged, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine. For transmission choices, it will comprise a 7-speed DCT, a 6-speed automatic and a manual option.
Release date: September 9, 2024
Starting price: Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom)
Tata Curvv ICE: Followed by the launch of the Tata Curvv EV earlier this month, Tata Motors is all geared to introduce the ICE variants of its coupe SUV in India on 2nd September. The release of the Curvv brand reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability, introducing the electric version followed by the ICE models.
Beneath the surface, this car will feature two petrol and one diesel engine along with a new three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with direct injection. It will also offer transmission options including a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DCA gearbox across all engines, making it a strong contender in India’s compact SUV market.
Launch date: September 2, 2024
Starting price: Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom)
Tata Nexon iCNG: Get ready for the first CNG car equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine. Tata Nexon iCNG is all set to storm the market with dual-cylinder technology and AMT and manual transmissions.
While the car manufacturers have not yet revealed the technical features but Tata Nexon iCNG is expected to have identical power output across all the modes. Both Tata Curvv ICE and Tata Nexon iCNG are expected to be huge hits this month, given their unmatched specifications.
Release date: September 2024
Starting price: Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom)
Maruti Dzire: First sedan to feature an electric sunroof, the next-gen Dzire sedan is all geared to reign supreme with innovative design improvements. It will feature the 1.2-liter Z series three-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the new Swift, and will offer both manual and AMT gearbox options.
While the launch date for this powerhouse has not been confirmed yet but the series of features it boasts definitely makes it worth the wait.
Release date: September-October, 2024
Starting price: Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom)
The month of September is going to be fully power-packed, given the launch of these grand cars. If you are someone who is looking to purchase a car that boasts a wealth of features and specifications combined with innovative designs, these upcoming models are worth exploring.
SUN Mobility’s solution stands out with its modular and scalable battery packs, designed to cater to a wide range of commercial vehicles—from 7-metre buses to 13.5-metre buses and commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes.
India aspires to be energy-independent by 2047, the centenary year of its freedom. In this pursuit, decarbonisation of the commercial vehicle segment, especially heavy-duty buses and trucks, will be imperative. Occupying less than five per cent of the total vehicle fleet, heavy-duty buses and trucks account for about half of transport-related emissions.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a leading technology in decarbonization, particularly in smaller segments like two and three-wheelers. However, the challenge of electrifying heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) remains formidable due to their demanding energy requirements and operational complexities.
Globally, battery swapping has emerged as a promising solution for electrifying heavy electric vehicles (HEVs).
Electric buses have seen significant traction in regions like China and Kenya. BasiGo in Kenya and Shenzen bus group in China procured buses without pre-fitted batteries. In Germany, the eHaul project while Ample and Yamato in Japan are also conducting dedicated swapping pilots for HEVs.
In India, electrification of vehicles has been driven by a suite of policy support, fiscal subsidies, and the entry of new-age startups. However, the focus on HEV electrification has been limited. The recently launched PM E-bus Sewa and the State Transport Undertaking (STU) focused bus electrification through FAME subsidy is concentrating on the urban bus fleet, which has a miniscule share of the Indian bus market. Fleet operators in India face several challenges in transitioning to electric vehicles as around 90 per cent of the country’s overall bus market is operated by fragmented private fleet owners, the majority of who have less than five buses and do not have access to subsidies and finance.
For commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes, electrification is hindered owing to challenges like high upfront cost, longer charging times, battery obsolescence, and range anxiety.
There is a limited and uneven distribution of charging and battery-swapping stations across India, particularly outside major urban areas. This limits the practicality of EVs for long-distance or intercity travel, where reliable access to charging is critical.
Battery Swapping is the best bet:
To this end, battery swapping can be a game-changing opportunity for electrification for buses and trucks. It provides myriad benefits namely: zero downtime, increased productivity by 30 per cent, alleviated battery obsolescence concerns, reduced anxiety about battery performance and vehicle range, and improved affordability of HEVs.
First, battery swapping improves the affordability of heavy electric vehicles (HEVs) by significantly reducing the upfront cost.
Second, it alleviates the customers’ challenge of battery obsolescence by disassociating the battery from the vehicle. The customer need not worry about the high battery replacement cost over time, the battery performance, and the evolving battery technologies itself.
Third, battery swapping offers a transformative solution to one of the most significant challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles: long charging times and the associated high-power demand from the grid.
Fourth, the ability to quickly swap batteries eliminates concerns like longer waiting time and a dense battery swapping network will eliminate range anxiety. The flexibility to swap the vehicle at ease is crucial for the heavy-duty segment, where reliability and uptime are paramount.
Fifth, once the battery is disassociated from the vehicle, the upfront cost is reduced, and the obsolescence related to technology and its performance is also mitigated as it is taken care of by the battery swap operator. This makes it a lucrative option for financial institutions to fund at par with the ICE vehicles.
In addition to the above benefits, SUN Mobility’s solution stands out with its modular and scalable battery packs, designed to cater to a wide range of commercial vehicles—from 7-metre buses to 13.5-metre buses and commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes. This versatility offers fleet operators a unified energy solution across their diverse vehicle portfolio, reducing the need for multiple battery types and simplifying maintenance and logistics.
These measures backed by appropriate policy push will open the floodgates for EVs in India. By integrating battery swapping into the electrification strategy for heavy-duty trucks and buses, India can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and position itself as a global leader in green mobility.
Hyderabad: In its continuous effort to enhance customer experience and streamline car ownership experience through innovative solutions, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Bank of India to enable comprehensive and accessible vehicle financing solutions. The partnership aims to offer innovative and attractive solutions curated to meet the evolving needs of the customers and making Toyota vehicles more accessible than ever.
Speaking about the new customer initiative, Sabari Manohar, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are delighted to partner with Union Bank of India for enhancing vehicle financing options across the nation. This collaboration signifies our dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences by simplifying and making vehicle financing more accessible. Our goal is to streamline financing options, offer seamless experiences, and provide timely support to make the vehicle purchase process enjoyable.
As an organization dedicated to customer satisfaction, our primary focus is on meeting the dynamic needs of the market. We achieve this by continually introducing innovative products and services that enhance the ownership experience. Through the latest partnership, our aim is to broaden reach and extend support to more customers nationwide, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, in their pursuit of owing a Toyota vehicle.”
Speaking on the occasion, Arun Kumar, General Manager, Union Bank of India, said, “As one of the largest Public Sector Banks, we are delighted to partner with Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The MoU is surely a big step towards providing financing solutions to a vast array of customers, nationwide. Union Bank of India’s robust presence across India complements this partnership and we are confident that our digitized loan procedures will enable customers aspiring to purchase a new Toyota vehicle with utmost ease and convenience. Our commitment is to streamline the auto finance process, thereby enriching the customer experience in terms of both product and service.”
The newly launched schemes are applicable to TKM’s entire product line, including the Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Fortuner, Legender, Camry Hybrid, Vellfire, LC 300, Glanza, and Rumion. Additionally, the benefits extend to the newly launched Urban Cruiser Taisor. As the latest addition to TKM’s robust SUV lineup, the All-New Urban Cruiser Taisor upholds Toyota’s rich SUV legacy, offering a perfect blend of style, high performance, and fuel efficiency with a striking exterior design. The Urban Cruiser Taisor is available with three engine options: 1.0L Turbo, 1.2L Petrol, and E-CNG.
Over the years, TKM has strived to improve customer experience throughout the purchase & ownership cycle by implementing timely and relevant schemes such as easy financing options. In addition to the latest tie-up and a plethora of in-house financing solutions through Toyota Financial Services (TFS), Toyota over the years has also launched several other tailor-made services with serval other financing institutes to offer customers choices and convenience of financial solutions to meet their diverse needs. The offers go beyond purchase of just new vehicles to cover used cars as well as service packages thus creating overall positive buying and ownership experience of Toyota cars.
Additionally, in pursuit of its customer centric approach, the company recently launched its second Company Owned Toyota Used Car Outlet (TUCO). Operating under the brand name of “Toyota U-Trust” in New Delhi. These outlets aim at offering customers high-quality and safe used cars whilst ensuring convenience, transparency, and peace of mind during the process of buying as well as selling Toyota cars. In addition, TKM also has a reach of 683 customer touchpoints nationwide.
This is an excerpt from EVreporter’s interaction with Arbaab Ashraf, who leads B2B sales and operations, as well as strategic partnerships at Lectrix EV. Lectrix is part of the SAR group and manufactures electric two-wheelers in India.
Could you start by giving us a brief overview of Lectrix’s EV solutions, particularly for delivery fleets?
To begin with, I will discuss the SAR group and the solutions we have within the group for electric mobility.
Starting with Livguard, a leading company that makes batteries and is a renowned battery manufacturer. Livguard is one of our flag bearers within the group, specializing in battery technology. We also have a company called Livguard Drivetrain, currently in the field trial phase. They produce electric vehicle motors and controllers for the L3 and L2 categories. Additionally, we have a company called Lime, which manufactures telematics and Battery Management Systems (BMS) that are integrated with the batteries.
Then, there’s Lectrix, the OEM for electric vehicles, producing two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the L3 category. Our L5 category is soon to be launched. We also have a company called Mooving, which focuses on energy management and battery swapping. There’s Lectrix Technology in Bangalore, working on new products to be launched under the Lectrix brand. All these components, from batteries to swapping, are managed in-house, showcasing how the SAR group is shaping the EV roadmap for India.
Coming back to Lectrix, our vehicles come with various battery options to meet end-user needs. We offer fixed battery solutions ranging from 130 to 140 kilometres per charge. Additionally, we provide a subscription model where customers can buy a vehicle without a battery and pay a monthly EMI or subscription fee for the battery.
For the last-mile gig worker use case, we offer continuous mobility solutions. Gig workers who need to travel 100-110 kilometres daily can benefit from our extensive network of swapping stations across Delhi, Bangalore, and soon in Hyderabad and other cities. Riders can swap batteries in just three to four minutes, ensuring continuous mobility without waiting for charging. These three major product categories cater to last-mile mobility and gig worker operations, with the battery subscription option providing an unlimited battery warranty for the user.
Let’s say I am a gig worker and I take battery from Lectrix on a subscription basis. After a few years, if I feel that the battery has degraded or the performance is not up to the mark, will Lectrix take care of that? Will you replace the battery and provide me with a better-functioning, battery under the same subscription?
Yes, the minimum commitment period is three years. The rider must complete this three-year tenure, but they can continue beyond that. As long as the rider keeps paying the subscription, they will receive a newer battery whenever needed.
If a rider wishes to utilize your swapping network, how does that work?
At the time of purchase, the rider needs to decide whether to opt for a swapping package or take a vehicle with a battery on the subscription. Currently, our swapping stations are limited to a few cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and a couple of others. The battery subscription is in wide demand because of its utility, especially in areas where our swapping stations are not present. Customers still find the battery subscription very useful.
In cities where we have swapping stations, these stations provide the convenience of continuous mobility for the rider. This has increased their earning potential, whereas, with a fixed battery, the rider would have to wait three to four hours for charging.
Can you also share the pricing with us for all these models: the vehicle plus battery, the vehicle on a subscription basis, and the charges for utilizing the swapping network?
We have two kinds of vehicles. The first is a fixed-battery vehicle that gives a range of 130 kilometers per charge. The price for this vehicle is around INR 95,000. The second product is a vehicle that can be used with a fixed battery or has the battery swapped at our swapping stations. It comes with a 2.3-kilowatt battery, and the price for this vehicle is around INR 85,000.
If someone wants to buy a vehicle without a battery and take the battery on subscription, the price would be around INR 48,000 to 50,000. They can then take a monthly subscription for the battery, which varies based on the kilometres and duration, starting from INR 1,500 to 2,000 per month.
To use the swapping network, the rider can pay INR 2,500 per month and use the vehicle with unlimited swaps for up to 2,500 kilometres from our swapping stations.
How much range does a single swap give the rider?
A single swap provides a practical range of 80 to 85 kilometres. However, considering the dead miles—like the distance the rider travels to reach the swap station—there might be an additional 10 kilometers. So, a rider can effectively cover 65 to 75 kilometres and still earn from using these vehicles.
Can you also tell us about the current scale of your battery-as-a-service offering, which regions you are currently focusing on, and your future plans for expansion?
Currently, we operate our battery-swapping network in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. We are very aggressive with our swapping station deployment. We plan to have around a thousand swapping stations across India by the end of this financial year. New cities for expansion include Jaipur, Banaras, Kanpur, Patna, and other tier-two cities, in addition to the metropolitan areas where we are already active.
Are you operating all these charging stations in-house or partnering with people on a franchisee basis?
Currently, we manufacture and deploy the swapping stations in-house. We are also building strategic partnerships with organizations to set up swapping stations at their premises. Additionally, we are working on a franchise model, but for now, all deployments are being handled directly by Lectrix.
Are you mainly focusing on the gig workforce, or do you also plan to target household users?
The new products in development are focused on the gig workforce use case. Currently, we have around 100 dealers selling electric vehicles to regular household users across India. While our main focus is on the B2B segment, we also see significant potential in the household use case. For households, buying a vehicle without a battery and taking the battery on subscription provides peace of mind regarding battery warranty and lifecycle. This model has gained traction among regular household users.
To summarize, the demand for our swapping stations is higher among gig workers and last-mile operations, while vehicles with battery subscriptions are more popular among household users.
You mentioned three-wheelers as well. Can you tell us a little bit more about that product line?
Our three-wheeler brand includes electric L3 rickshaws, loaders, and other special-purpose vehicles like garbage collection vehicles. We are also developing an L5 loader and a passenger L5 vehicle, currently under development and homologation. These should be available sometime next month. Our strategy is to offer a complete range of EV products within the group, leveraging our depth of technology.
Hyderabad: The latest in an iconic bloodline spanning a 74-year history, Aston Martin
Has introduced the all-new Vantage in New Delhi. It is priced at ₹3.99 crore with personalised options. The new Aston Martin model is positioned as the frontrunner in our lineup, a perfect sports car engineered for real drivers. The Vantage embodies the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and heritage, with this launch, Aston Martin is making a bold statement, betting big on the Vantage to redefine sports car excellence in the Indian market, according to a company media release.
The new Vantage, reimagined through a contemporary lens, embodies the essence of high-performance sports cars while addressing the modern market’s evolving demands. This latest iteration celebrates qualities that enthusiasts have cherished for decades but are increasingly rare today: breathtaking power, razor-sharp handling, and a finely tuned front-engine, rear-wheel-drive chassis.
The new model follows the successful debut of the acclaimed DB12 Coupe and Volante, further cementing Aston Martin’s position in the ultra-luxury sports car market. The new Vantage joins a prestigious lineup that includes ultra-luxury sporting GTs, SUVs, hypercars, and a notable presence in world championship motorsport.
Tracing its roots back to 1950, when “Vantage” first signified an enhanced engine for the DB2, the nameplate became a model designation in 1964 with the DB5. The early 1970s saw the introduction of a standalone Vantage model, which has since become a cornerstone of Aston Martin’s offerings, known for its immaculate style, performance, and distinctive character.
The new model reflects a transformative period in Aston Martin’s 111-year history. It boasts a striking exterior design characterised by an aggressive front grille, aerodynamic lines, and a dynamic silhouette. Inside, the cabin offers a blend of luxury and technology, featuring premium materials, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. Key features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a comprehensive airbag system for enhanced safety.
This latest Vantage arrives amidst a strong motorsport presence, highlighted by Aston Martin’s formidable performance in the 2023 Formula One season, international GT racing, and their upcoming bid for victory in the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours race with the Valkyrie AMR.
The company Chief Executive Officer, Amedeo Felisa, said: “As we enter a period of pivotal change in the world of high-performance cars it is essential to remain true to those qualities upon which a legendary marque has been built. Any car bearing the Vantage name has much to live-up to, which is why this newest model makes an unwavering commitment to high-performance in its purest and most explicit form. Class-leading power and speed establish its credentials, but it is through expert application of the latest technologies to the Vantage’s perfectly balanced front-engine rear-drive chassis that we have created a sports car with addictive capability. Together with assertive styling, all-new interior and state-of-the-art infotainment, this new model is world-class in every respect”.
The new model delivers unprecedented performance with its heavily reworked 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine. This engine, hand-built and finely tuned, produces a remarkable 665PS and 800Nm of torque—marking a 30 per cent increase in power and 15 per cent in torque over its predecessor. Achieved through enhanced cam profiles, optimized compression ratios, and larger turbos, the engine offers sharper, more visceral character. Mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, it propels the car to a top speed of 202mph and accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds. A new Launch Control system optimises torque deployment for maximum performance, while an advanced cooling system, including additional radiators and an upgraded oil cooler, ensures engine stability.
The new car’s handling is underpinned by a highly evolved bonded aluminum structure, providing a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Enhanced with additional underbody stiffening and intelligent adaptive dampers, the new model offers precise handling and exceptional driver feedback. Its Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) delivers direct, tactile responses, while Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires and lightweight 21” forged alloy wheels ensure superior grip and performance. Standard cast-iron brakes can be upgraded to Carbon Ceramic Brakes for even greater stopping power and reduced unsprung mass.
Exteriorly, the car boasts a muscular physique with a 30mm wider stance, a redesigned front end featuring a 38 per cent larger grille for improved cooling, and new Matrix LED headlamps. It also introduces a striking rear design with a wider bumper and larger quad exhausts. The interior combines luxury with the latest technology, featuring premium materials and advanced infotainment systems. Optional livery designs in 21 colors enhance its sporty appearance. The car’s blend of cutting-edge performance, dynamic handling, and striking design exemplifies the pinnacle of modern sports car engineering.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, adds: “Aston Martin is blessed with many evocative model names, but none conjure excitement and dynamism like Vantage. To capture the new car’s huge uplift in power and performance we have accentuated its physique, increasing its muscularity and sharpening its sculptural form. We took some inspiration from the One-77 supercar, but we wanted Vantage to express its intent and potency more explicitly. One look and you know it packs a real punch, but there’s an elegance of form and proportion that hints at the sophistication that underpins its raw power. This balance of instant visual impact and slow-burn charisma mirrors the driving experience and perfectly captures the essence of Vantage”.
The new car combines exhilarating sports car performance with luxurious design and cutting-edge technology. The interior boasts sleek lines, exquisite hand-stitched Bridge of Weir hides, and state-of-the-art technology, including a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a next-gen infotainment setup with a 10.25” touchscreen and seamless smartphone integration. Key features include online connectivity, a comprehensive navigation system with 3D mapping, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Enhanced safety and driver assistance are provided through intuitive physical controls and advanced systems like chassis, ESP, and exhaust switches. Production begins in Q1 2024, with deliveries in Q2 2024.
Veera Vahana, a bus manufacturer, and Exponent Energy, an energy-tech company, have announced the launch of the ‘Veera Mahasamrat EV,’ an intercity electric bus capable of 15-minute rapid charging. The bus, powered by Exponent, is a 13.5m electric vehicle equipped with a 320 kWh battery pack. It offers rapid charging using Exponent’s 1MW charging network, along with a battery warranty of 6,00,000 km or 3,000 life cycles.
The Veera Mahasamrat EV is intended to reduce operating expenses for fleet owners by 30% compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) bus. The 15-minute rapid charging and the Exponent charging network along highways are designed to support the shift to electric vehicles for long-haul intercity routes without concerns about range or extended charging times.
The initial focus for the companies is on electrifying the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route. Exponent Energy will deploy four 1 MW charging stations—two at each endpoint and two along the highway—to facilitate a seamless transition from ICE to electric buses, maintaining similar stop times and downtimes.
Celebrating the announcement, K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director, Veera Vahan said, “Today, electric buses are restricted to short-haul or intracity operations due to limited range and long charging time. It’s difficult to package a single battery to deliver 600km of range and with long charging time – customers are not willing to wait for an hour along the highway. Typically, diesel buses stop every 300 km for 15-20 minutes and our unique partnership with Exponent mimics the same experience. Now, bus operators can seamlessly switch to electric with the Veera Mahasamrat EV and save more in their operations!”
The technology stack used by the Veera Mahasamrat EV manages each battery cell’s characteristics through its battery management system (BMS), charging algorithms, and an off-board thermal management system that pumps coolant during charging to maintain temperature, ensuring performance even at temperatures up to 50°C.
Commenting on the announcement, Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO of Exponent Energy stated, “We’re excited to partner with Veera Vahana, a seasoned player in the bus industry, to truly electrify the long-haul intercity bus segment. We’re thrilled to have built the world’s third 1 MW charging technology – after Tesla & Siemens – in India, for India. With freedom & accessibility delivered by 15-minute rapid charging and the Exponent network, we’re committed to enabling all of India to go electric.”
Nitin Gadkari during a meeting with representatives from passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers – the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) CEOs – urged them to offer discounts to customers who opt for a new vehicle.
The meeting was held in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam.
According to reports, several manufacturers have responded positively to the request of the Union Minister.
Nitin Gadkari took to X to confirm the news.
“I am pleased to report that, in response to my recommendation, several commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers have agreed to offer discounts for the purchase of new vehicles against the scrapping of older vehicles with a valid Certificate of Deposit,” read a post on his official X handle.
“This initiative will significantly advance our Circular Economy efforts, ensuring that cleaner, safer, and more efficient vehicles are on our roads,” he further added.
Reports suggest that car companies like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor, Renault India, Toyota, Nissan India, and others have accepted to offer discounts.
These car manufacturers can offer discounts up to Rs 20,000 or 1.5 percent, whichever is lesser.
To get discounts, customers must have scrapped the vehicle in the last six months with the details linked to the Vahan system.
Besides this, these car manufacturers can also offer additional discounts on certain models.
An owner can get a discount related to the scrappage policy if he is scrapping his vehicle but not other discounts.
Discount for commercial vehicles:
On commercial vehicles, for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, the discount available is 3 percent on ex-showroom prices. Similarly, it is 1.5 percent on vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes.
Ather Energy, an e-scooter manufacturer based in India has partnered with Google to integrate real-time availability information for two-wheeler fast charging stations on Google Maps. This update enables EV users with the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS) connector standard to locate Ather Grid fast chargers on Google Maps, with live status updates.
Key updates include:
Ather Grid fast-charging stations will now be visible on Google Maps with live status updates.
New chargers will be added to Google Maps as they are installed.
LECCS has been officially recognized as a plug type, allowing users to set it as their default connector or plug type on Google Maps. This means LECCS chargers will appear in searches for “EV charger near me” or “charging stations.”
Vehicles equipped with LECCS can locate and use Ather Grid fast-charging stations.
Ather Grid’s network, using the LECCS standard approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is designed to support interoperability. As of March 30, 2024, the network includes 1,973 fast chargers. Ather has 208 experience centres in India and 3 in Nepal as of March 2024.
Ather’s update with Google Maps reflects its ongoing focus on innovation in the EV industry, including features such as a touch-screen dashboard, on-board navigation, fast charging, reverse mode, and a mobile app. Recent integrations include Google Maps navigation, Alexa skills, and WhatsApp notifications.
Interior: Includes seat back tray tables, panoramic sunroof, adjustable under-thigh support, powered front seats, dual digital screens, ventilated second-row seats, adjustable headrests, central AC vents, dual USB-C ports
Technology: Level 2 ADAS, connected car technology, full LED lighting
Cabin Color Scheme: Beige and black
Expected Pricing and Rivals:
Price: Minor increase expected
Competitors: Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus
