Author: Sandeep Sarkar

Key Highlights

• Raptee electric motorcycle released from Chennai factory
• Official availability this quarter itself
• First lot to be tested for range and safety

Raptee Energy, the Chennai-based EV startup brand showcased its first electric motorcycle with a unique transparent design earlier this year. After almost two months, the brand has rolled out the first lot of production-ready model out of its manufacturing unit. The upcoming Raptee electric motorcycle’s testing will begin soon and is expected to be made commercially available this year itself for the Indian consumers. Here are the details you should know:

Also Read: MG Comet-Based Baojun Yep Plus Electric SUV Fresh Image Set Shared Officially: India Launch On Cards?

Raptee Energy Transparent Electric Motorcycle Production Kicks Off?

Raptee Energy’s assembly unit located in Chennai is said to be completely operational as the brand has rolled out first batch of its electric motorcycle from the same location. The production-ready e-motorcycle model boarding out of the manufacturing plant indicates the brand is all set to commence the testing process before releasing the commercial model for the consumers.

Before the commercial units hit the stores, Raptee will make its debutant electric motorcycle to go through a series of rigorous tests. With these test runs, Raptee will be able to analyze the real-life performance of the electric motorcycle including an ARAI-certified range. The brand will also be testing the e-motorcycle’s overall performance and ride quality in addition to the road-safety features.

Also Read: Okaya EV’s Ferrato Bringing Two New Electric Motorcycles, One E-Scooter In India

Raptee E-Motorcycle India Availability Details

As for the availability, Raptee Energy will be commencing the sales of the transparent electric motorcycle this year itself; likely tis quarter. However, the exact month and dates for its availability is yet to be announced by the EV startup.

Furthermore, Raptee Energy is also gearing up to launch its dedicated store for EVs in its Chennai facility. The company aims to deliver a premium experience to the customers through this specific facility. Also, this store will double up as a PoS (point of sale) for Raptee electric two wheelers.

Key Highlights

• Maruti Suzuki India launch delayed
• Will now arrive by 2025
• Battery shortage and software development primary challenges

Maruti Suzuki’s first EV, the eVX, might foresee a delayed launch in India. A new report cites the production is pushed by at least five months due to several challenges. The eVX is said to be the brand’s debutant EV for the European regions too. Is the delayed launch anticipated just for the Indian market or others to? Find out here:

Also Read: Tata Curvv EV Stops By Charging Station: Gets Snapped

Maruti Suzuki eVX India Launch Delayed: What’s The Reason?

As per a report via Autocar professional, Maruti Suzuki eVX’s India launch is now postponed. Previously tipped to debut by 2024, the upcoming e-SUV will now be introduced by 2025 in the country. While Maruti has not commented on the postponed launch timeline or reasoning, it is believed that the auto maker is experiencing multiple challenges to begin the mass productions for the country.

The unforeseen challenges which the brand is coming across is ranging from battery supply to software updates. As per the industry sources, Maruti Suzuki is still working through the complex EV powertrain and software compatibility for the eVX. While the test mules are making appearances, the fact that start of production (SoP) is yet to commence remains a big factor for its delayed availability in the Indian market.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Massive Leak: Spy Shots Details Cabin Design, Features

Maruti Suzuki eVX: Quick Recap

Just recently, a snapshot of the eVX test mule revealed the cabin interiors and features. The first electric SUV from Maruti will be featuring a new D-cut steering with with physical keys mounting for different controls. Based on Toyota’s 27PL platform, the eVX will be a Vehicle-to-load EV available with multiple battery and drivetrain options. We could see it offering over 500 km range on a single charge.

Key Highlights

• VinFast VF 5, VF e34 e-SUV India launch tipped
• Might arrive by 2025
• To be imported as CBU units
• Local production to begin later

Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast is getting ready for its India venture. The brand has already filed patents for its upcoming EVs in India including one two and one four wheeler. Now, two of the upcoming VinFast EVs are tipped to kickstart the EV journey in the country. VinFast is said to import the globally hit VF 5 and VF e34 e-SUV models in the Indian market with a competitive pricing. Here are the details we know so far:

Also Read: Tata Curvv EV Stops By Charging Station: Gets Snapped

VinFast VF5, VF e34 e-SUV India Launch Soon?

VinFast has been grabbing the headlines for its biggest local manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu. And now, the company is likely to soon commence EV sales in India with two of its popular models from the international markets. The VF 5 and the VF e34 EV’s are said to be the first EV models that will be debuting in India.

VinFast is said to be utilizing the newly announced EV policies by the Indian government to its advantage to foray in the highly competitive and growing EV market. Both the VF 5 and the VF e34 EV’s are expected to be introduced by 2025 in the country. However, VinFast would likely bring both these models via the CBU route, as per the online reports. The local production for VinFast EV’s might take a while to start.

Now, considering CBU imported four wheelers have a higher price range, the same comes as a concern for interested buyers. But, words doing rounds that both VinFast VF 5 and the VF e34 would rather be priced aggressively to beat the heat from the rivals. But this will only be confirmed once these EVs hit the shelves in the Indian market.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Massive Leak: Spy Shots Details Cabin Design, Features

VinFast VF 5 E-SUV Expected Powertrain

The VinFast VF 5 is globally available as a compact e-SUV backed by a single electric motor producing 136 bhp power and 135 Nm torque. The VF 5 e-SUV is backed by a 37.24 kWh battery pack with which it offers around 326 km range per charge. In India, the VinFast VF 5 is expected to go up against the popular contenders including the Nexon.ev and the Mahindra XUV400 Electric. This suggests its pricing could start under Rs. 20 lakh. But since it will be imported via CBU route, we can expect this range tp go up slightly higher.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Interiors Snapped: Top Features Revealed

VinFast VF e34 Electric Coupe SUV Powertrain And Features

The VinFast e34 will debut as a coupe-style electric SUV featuring a single electric motor linked to a 41.9 kWh battery module. This EV model is said to offer up to 150 hp of peak power and 242 Nm peak torque. With its bigger battery pack, it will offer up to 318.6 km range per charge. The VF e34 electric coupe is said to take on the Tata Curvv EV and the Maruti Suzuki eVX. This means it will be positioned above the VF 5 in the catalogue and will carry a starting price under Rs. 30 lakh.

Key Highlights

• Tata Curvv EV test mule spotted
• Was showcased recently at Bharat Global Mobility Expo
• Launch pegged for mid-2025

Tata Motor’s next bet in the mid-size segment will be the Curvv SUV. The upcoming coupe-style SUV is confirmed to be introduced with bith ICE and EV drivetrain options. The former has been spied a couple of times doing test runs. And now, the latter (Curvv EV) has been snapped at a charging dock. Here’s the insights we have recieved:

Also Read: Hyundai Creta EV Massive Leak: Spy Shots Details Cabin Design, Features

Tata Curvv EV Test Mule Snapped At Charging Station

Tata Curvv EV’s fresh snap shots comes from a charging station where the test mule was apparently getting the battery re-charged. The unique coupe-styling is easy to make out despite the heavy camouflaged wrapping all over. However, the design language doesn’t seem much different than the concept showcased at during the Auto Expo and Bharat Global Mobility Expo.

Apart from the broad coupe-styling, the test mule shows a wide bonnet with a full-length LED bar beneath and split LED headlamp design. Another big design attribute confirmed is the front-fender mounted charging port. It is said to feature a motor-controlled flap for the charging slot.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Interiors Snapped: Top Features Revealed

Tata Curvv EV Powertrain And Features

Tata Curvv EV might be launched with multiple drivetrain and battery options. However, the specifics are not known at this point. The rumor mill does indicate up to 500 km range per charge but which variant will offer this figure is uncertain. Apart from this, the Curvv EV is known to come with a dual 12.5-inch infotainment and instrument screen along with a two-spoke steering wheel.

Also Read: Kia EV India Roadmap To Pick Pace In 2026: Carens EV Confirmed

Tata Curvv EV India Launch Timeline

Tata is speculated to the introduce the Curvv EV in the Indian market by the Q2 of 2025. However, the exact dates are yet to be announced. Also, the Curvv ICE model is likely to see an early launch by the end of 2024. With the EV test mule’s snap shots surfacing online, we can expect the aforementioned timeline to be accurate.

That said, the Tata Curvv EV is said to be placed above the Nexon.ev which makes us believe its price range could also exceed than that of the Nexon. But how Tata strategizes the costing to boost the sales would be interesting to see.

Key Highlights

• Ola axes S1X e-scooter prices
• Price reduced by Rs. 10,000
• Is a limited period discount deal

OLA has been making its S1 e-scooter range affordable by announcing lucrative deals and discounts. The brand previously axed the prices of the S1 e-scooter range and extended it for the month of March 2024. Now, once again the OLA S1X e-scooter has been discounted getting more affordable for the Indian consumers. Check out the latest discount announced on the OLA S1X e-scooter:

Also Read: MG Comet-Based Baojun Yep Plus Electric SUV Fresh Image Set Shared Officially: India Launch On Cards?

OLA S1X E-Scooter New Discount Price

OLA has announced price cut on all three S1X e-scooter variants. The discount of flat Rs. 10,000 can be grabbed on the S1X e-scooter range. Starting with the OL S1X base model which packs 2kWh battery, it will now be retailing for Rs. 70,000 instead of Rs. 80,000 retail price.

The OLA S1X mid variant featuring 3kWh battery is priced at will now be available at Rs. 85,000. It has been retailing at around Rs. 95,000 (ex showroom) previously. Lastly, the OLA S1X e-scooter’s top variant equipped with a 4kWh battery with the new discount will be up for grabs at Rs. 1 lakh instead of Rs. 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom) retail price.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 Electric Test Mule Snapped: Is It XUV.e8?

Perofrmance

The OLA S1X has a decent performance sheet with it offering up to 150 km range using the 4kWH battery pack. The top variant takes around 6.5 hours charging time and can reach a top speed of 90kmph.

Conclusion

Notably, the new discounted prices of the OLA S1X e-scooter range is minus the Fame II subsidies. Also, the extended period for the S1 e-scooter range discount has also come to an end. Despite this, Ola making the S1X cheaper seems to be brand’s commitment of providing affordable mobility solution to the Indian consumers.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Electric SUV Testing Continues: Spy Video Leaked

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Creta EV new spy shots emerge
• Interior design leaked
• Brings familiarity with the ICE version

Hyundai’s EV game is quite solid with premium range models like the Ioniq and Kona. The South Korean auto giant’s next bet in the EV race will be the Creta EV which like the remaining models will be launched for the mass markets including India. Several spy shots of the Creta EV have emerged already detailing the exterior design language. Now, the latest spy shot snaps of the Creta EV shows a clean look of the interiors. Is Hyundai making any changes to the Creta EV’s cabin or will take the same approach as the ICE version? Read on to find out:

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Electric MPV Codenamed YMC To Get Toyota Badging

Hyundai Creta EV New Test Mule Spy Shots: Cabin Features Revealed

Hyundai’s Creta EV’s latest test mule snapshots shows the roomy cabin much like the Creta ICE facelift version. But that’s not the only similarity the Creta EV and the Creta ICE model will bear in terms of the cabin aesthetics and features. The dashboard design and the center console of the Creta EV also seems identical to the ICE version.

However, the steering wheel seems to be missing out on the Hyundai’s “H” badging which is replaced with a big circular chrome strip housing an additional vertical chrome strip at its center. We could also see the physical controls mounted on the steering wheel for media playback and other controls. The material including plastic used for the dashboard also appears to be the same as the Creta ICE variant.

Moving ahead, the new spy shots of the Creta EV’s cabin has revealed a drive selector positioned on the right edge of the steering wheel. This is unlike the eVX which was recently snapped with a central dial selector. The dashboard will have an integrated infotainment screen and digital driver display. This setup is also borrowed from the ICE model.

Hyundai Creta EV: Range Of Features Expected

The Hyundai Creta electric variant will sport dual-tone interiors, ventilated seats, and electronically adjustable driver seat. Sound system integrated is unknown, but the EV could come with a high-end music system and the same high-tech features as the ICE model. Some of them are rear parking camera and sensor, anti theft alarm, and TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system).

Also Read: MG Cyberster Electric Sports EV Featuring Scissor-Doors Arrives In India: Top Highlights

Key Highlights

• Maruti Suzuki eVX spied again
• Interiors clicked with new D-cut steering wheel
• Floating touchscreen digital infotainment screen

Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle is inching closer to its launch. Following its showcasing at the Auto Expo 2023 and the Bharat Global Mobility show, the eVX has been snapped multiple times getting tested. Once again, the spy shots of the Maruti eVX EV is doing rounds online which gives us a glimpse of the interiors.

Also Read: MG Comet-Based Baojun Yep Plus Electric SUV Fresh Image Set Shared Officially: India Launch On Cards?

Maruti Suzuki eVX Interiors Leaked: What All Is Revealed?

The Maruti Suzuki eVX test mule snapped reveals the fresh look of the interiors. The upcoming electric SUV is seen sporting a spacious cabin with the dashboard loaded with modern EV amenities. Speaking of the key features, the snapshots shows a big floating console at the centre with underneath storage space for coins and small items.

The large floating infotainment screen and digital instrument panel is also visible in the leaked images of the latest eVX test mule. The eVX will be typical modern-day EV where the cabin will feature a central rotary dial drive selector. The steering wheel is D-cut housing dedicated keys for media control. Dual tone black-brown upholestry can also be seen in the images.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Electric SUV Testing Continues: Spy Video Leaked

Maruti Suzuki eVX More Expected Features

Maruti Suzuki eVX is said to come with a plethora of advanced features to take on the rivals. Amongst the noted features will be top-quality sound system, connected tech cabin, and ventilated, electronically adjustable driver seat. The evX will come with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support along with wireless smartphone pairing. For safety, the eVX will come with a 360-degree surround view camera and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

That said, performance metrics have not been revealed for the eVX. However, Maruti is said to use Toyota’s 27PL skateboard platform for the eVX’s designing and will make it Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capable EV. We are expecting the eVX to be launched with both single and dual-motor setup and offer up to 550 km range figures with a single charge cycle.

Key Highlights

• MG Yep Plus launched as a Comet-Based EV
• Comes with 5-door design
• Offers 150 km/h top speed and 401 km range

Bajoun has finally launched the 5-door Comet-based EV in its home country. Called the Yep Plus, the latest EV comes as a JSW MG Motor JV joint in the Chinese market offering 4 different riding modes and up to 401 km range per charge. The Bajoun Yep Plus was unviled back in January this year and its pricing and availability is confirmed now. This new e-SUV is expected to hit the Indian shelves too but with a MG branding. Check out the details below:

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Electric SUV Testing Continues: Spy Video Leaked

Bajoun Yep Plus Top Highlights

Bajoun Yep Plus comes with a 5-door design and is essentially based on the standard 3-Door Yep EV. The electric SUV sports the boxy-squarish design and has dimensions measuring 3,996 mm (length) x 1,760 mm (width) and 1,726 mm (height). This EV’s wheelbase measure 2,560 mm which will offer reliability with off-road drives.

The SUV-style attributes are further enhanced with the hefty bonnet, floating-styled roof and roof rails, and sleek LED headlamps. The Yep Plus sits on large 16-inch alloys and offers around 150mm pf ground clearance which again will aid with off-road drives.

Practicality measures on the Yep Plus 5-door e-SUV is taken care of by the ample boot storage space of 385l. The foldable rear seats further adds up to 1,715l of space to carry gears for off-road adventures, and more.

Interns of the Yep Plus EV has a dual-tone finish on the dashboard topped with soft-touch plastic for the premium aesthetics and feel. It will include a 3-spoke steering wheel and 10.1-inch infotainment screen. There is also an additional 8.8-inch driver display.

Also Read: Tata Punch.ev First-Ever Discount Offers: Wait, There’s A Catch!

Bajoun Yep Plus Powertrain

Under its hood, the Bajoun yep Plus e-SUV uses a single front-axle mounted electric motor. It produces 100 bhp of peak power and up to 180 Nm peak torque. The 5-door e-SUV is expected to be launched with dual-motor AWD option. However, the timeline is unknown at this point. As for the features, it has four different riding modes including Economy+, Economy, Standard, and Sports.

The Bajoun Yep Plus has a 41.9 kWh battery module which the brand claims will last up to 401 km on one full charge. This e-SUV reaches a top speed of up to 150 kmph and has disc module for effective braking.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 Electric Test Mule Snapped: Is It XUV.e8?

India Launch As MG Yep Plus?

Well, there is certainly a high possibility that the Bajoun Yep Plus debuts in the Indian market with an MG badging. Wether it will retain the MG Yep Plus moniker or will arrive with a new label is uncertain. Nevertheless, the Bajoun Yep Plus has been introduced in China with a starting price tag of CNY 93,800. This translates to approx. Rs. 10.9 lakh. So, if the MG Yep Plus is indeed coming to India it will likely be priced below Rs. 15 lakh.

Key Highlights

• Ather Rizta e-scooter caters family-segment consumers
• Comes with a single battery pack option
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.15 lakh (ex showroom)
• Competes with popular models from TVS, OLA, and others

The much awaited Ather Rizta electric scooter finally made its debut last week at the Ather Community Day 2024. Categorized as a family-centric scooter, the Rizta is launched with dual battery pack options in the country. At an asking price of Rs. 1.15 lakh (ex showroom), the Rizta comes as a strong contender in the mid-range E2W segment. But if you are looking for its alternates, we’ve listed the top rivals of the Ather’s first family e-scooter below. Take a look:

Also Read: TVS iQube E-Scooter Range Prices Updated: Gets Expensive With EMPS Scheme

TVS iQube E-Scooter

TVS iQube e-scooter range is amongst the primary contenders taking on the Rizta with its capable powertrain and features. This e-scooter is priced slightly higher compared to the Rizta but offers a bigger battery and better range dynamics overall.

• Is powered by a BLDC hub-mounted electric motor
• Motor output is rated at 4.4 kW (peak power), while torque produced is 33 Nm torque
• Is powered by a 3.4 kWh battery (base and mid variant), whereas the top model is packed with a 4.56 kWh battery
• IP67 certified battery
• Range delivery with the standard variant is up to 145 km per charge
• Standard battery charging time is around 4 hour 30 minutes
• Integrated with 12.7-inch TFT instrument cluster
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.26 lakh

Also Read: MG Comet-Based Baojun Yep Plus Electric SUV Fresh Image Set Shared Officially: India Launch On Cards?

Hero Vida V1 Pro E-Scooter

Hero Electric’s first E2W, i.e., the Vida V1 Pro also stands out as one of the most powerful rival to the newly launched Ather Rizta. This e-scooter offering around 163 km per charge range handles the range anxiety while offering a premium ride experience below Rs. 1.50 lakh price range (ex showroom).

• Propelled by a PMSM hub electric motor
• Its electric motor produces a peak power of 6 kW and 25 Nm torque
• Backed by a 3.94 kWh battery
• Can offer a maximum range of up to 163 km on a full charge
• Standard battery charging time is around 5.5 hours
• Is capable of reaching up to 80 kmph top speed
• Flauts a 7-inch TFT touchscreen with turn by turn navigation and other features
• Decent under seat storage
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.45 lakh

Also Read: Ather Rizta E-Scooter Variants Detailed

2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter

Next up in the line is the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter which was refreshed earlier this year. The 2024 Bajaj Chetak takes the title for top Ather Rizta rival by offering up to 123 km range and several smart features with a starting price under Rs. 1.20 lakh.

• Is powered by a BLDC hub motor
• Offers a 4kW power output and 20 Nm torque
• Gets backed by a 3.2 kWh battery module
• Approx. 4.3 hours for a full battery charge using a standard charger
• Can deliver a riding range of 127 km per charge
• Reaches up to 73 kmph top speed
• Features a 5-inch TFT touch screen displaying important ride dynamics including turn by turn navigation
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.15 lakh (same as the Ather Rizta)