Author: Sandeep Sarkar

Key Highlights

• Force Grukha-based electric 4WD SUV launched
• Is called Spartan EV 2.0
• Powerful performance EV for off-roading

Force Gurkha is one of those 4WD SUV’s that steals the glances with every step on the roads. The off-roader comes with diesel drivetrain and is a work horse when it comes to off roading capabilities. Now, buyers in the European region can get the Gurkha SUV in an all-electric avatar. Yes, you read that right. MW Motors, a Czech auto manufacturers have introduced Spartan EV 2.0 which is Gurkha-based electric SUV.

Also Read: From Punchy To Premium: List Of Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In January In India

Spartan EV 2.0 Electric SUV Design: Same Bold Stance!

MW Motors have essentially re-crafted the Gurkha SUV with an electric drivetrain keeping the entire exterior and interior design identical to the ICE-version. The grille does get a slight re-design and flaunts a MW Motors badging instead of Force.

The Spartan EV 2.0 comes sans the iconic snorkel, but retains the same round LED DRL and headlamp design mounted on the closed-off grille with the MW Motor badging. The rear appeal is also carried forward from the ICE model.

Coming to the interiors, the dashboard design is also same as the Gurkha ICE version. It gets a 7-inch infotainment system which has compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Also Read: EV Launch Roundup: Upcoming Electric Two-Wheelers In India

Spartan EV 2.0 Powertrain: Mighty Under The Hood?

Spartan EV 2.0	Powertrain
Motor	Single electric
Power	177 PS
Torque	1075 Nm
Battery	54.7 kW
Range	241 km per charge

MW Motors have shifted the 2.6-litre ICE-engine with an all-electric drivetrain. A single electric motor drives the Spartan EV 2.0 which churns out 177 PS power and 1075 Nm torque. These figures themselves vouch for the powerful performance that this electric off-roader can offer.

The electric drivetrain is completed with a 54.7 kWh battery which offers up to 241 km of claimed drive range on a full charge. Spartan EV 2.0 e-SUV’s battery has fast charging support (90 kW) with which it will take around 30 minutes plug in to charge the battery from 20- 80 percent.

Whereas with the standard 7 kW charger, it will take around 5 hours for 20- 80 percent battery charge. Coil springs and an anti roll-bar is used for suspension at the front and rear respectively. Range of features offered includes V2L (vehicle to load) technology, hill descent, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and more.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

Can You Buy Spartan 2.0 EV In India?

Unfortunately, no. MW Motors have only launched the Spartan EV 2.0 in some select markets in the European region. And there is no word if the company plans to expand its reach to the Indian shores anytime soon

Key Highlights

• Uttar Pradesh government boosting EV infrastructure
• Enrolling process started foe EV Upyog portal debelopment
• New features to be added soon to the portal

EV infrastructure across India is going through a rapid development. State governments have been taking proactive measures to boos the EV networks with the rising demand in the country. Uttar Pradesh government introduced a dedicated EV portal to promote EV usage across the state. To further improve the EV ecosystem, the UP government has initiated a new process of getting a software agency onboard to upgrade the EV Upyog portal with new features. Here’s are the details:

EV Upyog Portal Development: Cloud Server Integration And More

Uttar Pradesh government is working on to enhance the EV infrastructure in the state. And to promote the EV usage, a dedicated ecosystem is being developed for the masses. The government is in the process of hiring a new development firm that will complete the task of integrating and hosting the EV Upyog portal with the cloud server and official website respectively.

The dedicated agency hiring process for the development of the EV Upyog portal and its integration with the official Invest UP website is currently underway. Once completed, the masses can expect to access a wide range of user-freindly features that will promote the use of electric vehicles for a cleaner and greener environment.

It is worth adding that the hiring process for the software development firm is being handled by the UPDSCL (Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited). Additionally, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) will be looking over the process whose estimated time of completion is around a year as per the reports.

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

Technial Roadmap

As per the available information, the process for cloud storage would be utilizing a standard infrastructure comprising Windows Server 2019, 1 static IP and 1TB bandwidth. Configuration will include a CPU with 12 units with 4 cores and 32GB of RAM, 50 GB SSD. A one year contract will be given to the same development firm for the operation and maintenance of this project.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

New Features For The EV Upyog Portal

After the EV Upyog gets cloud storage and website integration, a whole range of features are said to be added to the portal. The exact list of available features are yet to be revealed but we are expecting this portal to be a game changer for the EV owners.

Key Highlights

• January 2024 has witnessed multiple EV launch in India
• Tata Punch.ev arrived for mid-range consumers
• Rolls Royce also introduced first premium EV in India

EV market is rapidly flooding in India and we are frequently coming across new electric two and four-wheeler launches. Right from the beginning of January several automobile manufacturers have launched cars and SUVs loaded with all-electric drivetrain. From Tata to Rolls Royce, this list has the top four wheeler EVs that have debuted in January 2024 in India.

Also Read: Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV Patent Images Confirms Upcoming India Launch

Tata Punch.ev Compact E-SUV

Tata Punch EV	Long Range	Medium Range
Battery	25 kWh	35 kWh
Range	321 km per charge	421 km per charge
Power	82 PS	112 PS
Torque	114 Nm	190 Nm

One of the most anticipated electric cars, the Tata Punch.ev broke covers after months of waiting. The micro electric SUV has been launched in Standard and Long Range variant options starting at Rs. 10.99 lakh.

The former is the base variant which is powered by a 25 kWh battery. This variant produces 80 PS power and 114 Nm peak torque. The Punch.ev Long Range variant uses a bigger 35 kWh battery pack and produces 112 PS peak power. It offers 190 Nm peak torque and a riding range of 421 km on a full charge.

360-degree surround-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto-hold function, and hill hold assist are some of the top features offered by the Punch.ev. The price range for this new compact electric SUV starts at Rs. 10.99 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs. 14.49 lakh.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

2024 Mahindra XUV400 EC Pro, EL Pro Electric SUV

Model	Mahindra XUV400 EC Pro	Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro
Battery	34.5 kWh	39.5 kWh
Range	250 km per charge	290 km per charge
Charging time	6 hours approx.	6 hours approx.
Top Speed	150 kmph	150 kmph

Mahindra revamped the XUV 400 electric SUV lineup with the launch of the XUV 400 EC Pro and XUV 400 EL Pro models. The latest e-SUV variants come along with refreshed interiors and new set of features. Both these Mahindra XUV 400 EL, EC Pro models offer a dual-tone cabin finish and an updated infotainment system (10.95-inch unit).

The Mahindra XUV 400 EL Pro and the EC Pro models comes with a three-spoke steering wheel which is borrowed from XUV700. Additional overhaul with the new variants include leatherette upholstery with copper stitching adding an elegant and luxurious touch.

Speaking of the powertrain, the XUV 400 EC Pro is powered by a 34.5 kWh battery module and offers 250 km on a full charge. The XUV 400 EL Pro is backed by a bigger 39.5 kWh battery module which allows it to deliver 290 km range on one full charge.

The battery pack can be recharged completely within 6 hours using the 7.5 kW charger. The pricing for the Mahindra XUV 400 EL Pro variant is set at Rs. 16.49 lakh, while the XUV 400 EC Pro model is priced at Rs. 17.74 lakh.

Also Read: Tata Motors India EV Roadmap: List Of Confirmed Tata Electric Cars And SUVs

Rolls Royce Spectre Luxury Coupe EV

Rolls Royce Spectre	Powertrain
Motor power	593 PS
Torque	900 Nm
Battery	104 kWh
Range	530 km per charge
Top Speed	250 kmph

Rolls Royce has forayed into the electric vehicle race with the launch of the Spectre EV. It has arrived as the most premium electric SUV’s from the company which features a 2-door design and has an all-electric drivetrain.

Underpinned by a powerful electric motor producing 593 PS power and 900 Nm torque, the Spectre electric luxury coupe offers an unmatched driving performance. It is integrated with a 104 kWh battery which can deliver 530 km range on full charge. This luxury EV is capable of reaching a top speed of up to 250 kmph and is priced at Rs. 7.5 crore in India.

Key Highlights

• New MG ZS EV Executive variant launched in India
• Costs Rs. 1 lakh less than the existing Excite variant
• Can deliver an ARAI-certified range of 461 km on a full charge

MG Motors have just revised the prices of its popular four-wheeler lineup in India. Now, MG Hector, Astor, and Hector+ are available with lower rates in the country. The company had also axed the prices of its EV offerings including the Comet EV and the ZS EV. A new variant of the latter has also been introduced. Called MG ZS EV Executive, the latest model has arrived as the cheapest variant priced around Rs. 1 lakh lower than the current base model.

Also Read: Tata Motors India EV Roadmap: List Of Confirmed Tata Electric Cars And SUVs

MG ZS EV: Total Variants

With the launch of the ZS EV Executive variant, four trims will now come as option for the consumers. Besides the newly launched trim, Excite, Exclusive, Exclusive Pro variants of the MG ZS EV are available for purchase.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

MG ZS EV Executive Model Price In India

The MG ZS Executive model is launched at Rs. 18.98 lakh (ex showroom) and has the lowest price tag amongst all trims.

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

MG ZS EV Executive Variant: Powertrain Upgrades

MG ZS EV Executive Variant	Powertrain
Motor	PMSM
Power	176.5 PS
Torque	280 Nm
Battery	50.3 kWh
Range	461 km per charge
Standard charging speed	Up to 9 hours

The latest MG ZE Executive model despite carrying a lower price tag doesn’t get any major powertrain upgrade. In fact, the mechanics inside this EV remains the same as the existing models. The ZS EV’s Executive variant also gets the same Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor (PMSM) as the remaining models. It produces 176.5 PS power and a peak torque of 280 Nm.

Other key powertrain elements on the ZS EV Executive trim are also identical to the including the 50.3 kWh battery pack. The range delivery offered by the new ZS EV variant is 461 km on a full charge. This is ARAI-certified range offered by the EV. With a 50 kW DC fast charger, the ZS EV can be charged from 0-80 percent within an hour (60 minutes).

On the other hand, it will take around 8- 9 hours to charge the ZS EV Executive variant’s battery from 0-100 percent using the standard 7.5 kW charger. Suspension on the new model is also handled by MacPherson Strut module at the front and Torsion Beam at the rear. For braking, the ZS EV Executive model also uses disc brake system both upfront and rear.

Key Highlights

• Komaki has introduced a new thee-wheeler EV loader
• Is called XGT Cat 3.0
• Durable iron body frame and up to 500 kg load capacity

Electrification isn’t just limited to passenger vehicles. Even commercial vehicle fleet is gradually getting electrified boosting the clean and green mobility solutions globally. In India too, we have several of commercial electric vehicles that are making load deliveries convenient and cost effective. Adding on to the list is the Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 three-wheeler EV loader which is launched in India to serve as both personal and commercial transport option.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 EV Loader Design

The Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 EV is an EV loader with a three-wheeler design. It boasts a robust body structure which is made out of iron. This new three wheeler EV is capable of handling up to 500 kg of load capacity which. With such a high loading capacity and iron body frame, the XGT CAT 3.0 becomes an ideal pick for cargo deliveries.

However, it isn’t solely design to handle heavy cargo loads. In fact, the three wheeler design makes it an ideal ride for differently abled consumers. It offers a large seat which is not only spacious but is designed for comfort with long rides. The flat floorboard also offer good amount of space for comfortable leg positioning during rides. This space can also be utilized to carry different goods.

Also Read: Kia EV9 Roars Without Wraps On Indian Roads: Testing Hints Early Launch

Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 Powertrain

Under the hood, the Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 electric three wheeler loaded uses a mid-drive motor for performance output. It is equipped with a graphene battery which is fire resistant adding on to the security aspects. It can offer a range between 120 km to 180 km per charge. The range delivery is dependent on the load capacity. With heavier loads, the range could drop down from the max limit.

Buyers will get a portable charger with the Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 three-wheeler EV loader. As per Komaki, it will take 4- 5 hours for the battery to get a full charge. For suspension, it comes with telescopic shock absorbers at the front and the rear. Whereas, braking module comprises three discs on each wheel. Added set of features offered by XGT CAT 3.0 includes cruise control, anti-theft lock, parking assist, amd more.

Also Read: MG Comet EV Undercuts Competition With Revised Prices: Cheaper Than Tiago EV

Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 Price

The Komaki XGT CAT 3.0 EV loader has been launched at Rs. 1.06 lakh in India. This is an affordable price range which will surely get the consumer’s attention in the Indian market.

Key Highlights

• MG Motors has revised Comet EV prices in India
• Comet EV will now be available starting Rs. 6.99 lakh
• Becomes most affordable electric car in the country

MG Motors introduced its budget electric car called the Comet EV last year. The compact two door electric car arrived with a starting price of Rs. 7.99 lakh and takes directly on the Tiago EV in terms of pricing. The latter had been the cheapest electric car prior to the Comet EV launch. But MG Motors have once again revised the prices of Comet EV making it the most affordable electric car in the country. Let’s take a look at the updated prices:

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

MG Comet EV Price Revised: How Much Discount It Has Received?

Model	Old Price	New price
MG Comet EV	Rs. 7.99 lakh	Rs. 6.99 lakh

The base model of the MG Comet EV has received a discount of Rs. 1 lakh and can be now be purchased at Rs. 6.99 lakh. The entry-level trim of the MG Comet EV was launched at Rs. 7.99 lakh. The top-end trim of the MG Comet EV has also received a discount of up to Rs. 1.4 lakh. As previously mentioned, the Tiago EV has become India’s most affordable compact electric car with the new price cut.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

MG Comet EV Rivals: Price Comparison

MF Comet EV is a small-sized car which has only a handful rivals at this point in the Indian market. The Tata Tiago EV is one of the most strongest rivals to the Comet EV followed by the newly launched Punch.ev and the Citroen eC3.

Out of these three models, the Tata Tiago is the closest contender to the Comet EV with a starting price of Rs. 8.69 lakh. With the new price revisions, MG Comet EV has once again become the most affordable electric car on India.

Also Read: New Ola Electric Entry Level E-Scooter Patented: When Will It Launch?

MG Comet EV: Quick Spec Recap

MG Comet EV	Powertrain
Battery	17.3 kWh
Range	230 km on full charge
Full charge time	Up to 7 hours
Power	42 bhp
Torque	110 Nm

A single electric motor drives the Comet EV which produced 42 bhp power and 110 Nm torque. The compact electric car is backed by a 17.3 kWh battery which is IP67 certified for aded water and dust resistivity. The budget MG electric car can run up to 230 km on one full charge and takes around 7 hours for a full battery charge.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Creta EV test mule spotted again
• Design resembles the facelift model released this year
• Launch pegged for 2024

Hyundai is set to set the EV stage on fire with the upcoming Creta EV. The upcoming electric SUV from Creta has been subject to multiple rumors with the possible launch timeline of 2024. Test mule of the Creta EV e-SUV has been spotted several times ahead of the India launch. The latest leaked test mule sighting has also emerged revealing the production-ready design. Will the Creta EV bear resemblance to any existing version or will it flaunt an entirely new skin? Find out below:

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

Hyundai Creta EV Spied Testing With 2024 Facelift-like Design

The Hyundai Creta EV testing is going on at its full swing in India. After its recent sighting, it has once again been spotted being tested on the Indian roads. The fresh test mule of the Creta EV does have the camouflage wrapping. But that doesn’t keep the crucial design aspects hidden. In fact, the latest Creta EV test mule seems to be identical to the newly launched Creta 2024 facelift model.

If we speak of the design similarities between the Creta EV and the Creta 2024 facelift model then both models have the horizontal LED lamps with DRLs (daytime running lamps), and LED turn indicators which are positioned at the front and the rear. A connected LED tail lamp module similar to the facelift model will also be present at the back of the Creta EV.

That said, the Hyundai Creta EV wouldn’t be a complete doppelganger of the Creta 2024 facelift model. Rather, it is said to feature certain design distinctions that will be limited to the EV-only variant. But the confirmed design overhaul can’t be specified at this point; except for the EV badging.

The interiors of the Creta EV e-SUV isn’t revealed by the new test mule images. But the features are said to be borrowed from the Creta 2024 facelift model. Notable inclusions could be a large digital display/ infotainment module, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and adjustable seats. The electric SUV is also expected to offer a range of smart connected tech features and dual zone climate control inside the cabin.

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

Hyundai Creta EV: Powertrain Expectations

Hyundai Creta EV	Powertrain
Motor	Front-axle mounted electric (same as Kona EV)
Battery	45 kWh
Power	138 hp
Torque	255 Nm
Range	Up to 250 km on a full charge

The Hyundai Creta EV will be a mid-range electric SUV which could use the same electric motor as the Kona EV. The front-axle mounted electric motor is said to produce a peak power of 138 hp and around 255 Nm of peak torque.

It is tipped to be packed with a 48 kWh battery module and offer up to 250 km range per charge cycle. The Creta EV is expected to offer enhanced ride safety with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

Key Highlights

• Kia readying up for EV9 India launch
• Is a flagship electric SUV
• Concept first showcased at Auto Expo 2023

Kia recently announced the arrival of a new premium electric SUV in India. The company has started testing the EV9 which it showcased as a concept last year at the Auto Expo event. Kia has commenced real-life testing of the EV9 on the Indian roads. Test mule images have started popping up online and the latest one comes sans any wrapping. Is it an indication for an early launch?

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

Kia EV9 Spotted Bare-N-Bone On Indian Roads

The Kia EV9 has been spotted being tested without any heavy camouflage wrapping. While usual test mule images shows the vehicle wrapped with coverings to hide the design aspects, the EV9 spotting without any covers reveals more than just design.

This fresh sighting of the flagship electric SUV suggests it could launch earlier than the expected timeframe. Now, if we speak of the timeline it is expected to be 2024 itself. We are expecting its arrival details to be revealed soon.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

Kia EV9 Design (Exterior & Interior)

Kia EV9 design is confirmed with the fresh production-ready test mule. The EV9 has a strong and masculine road presence which is characterized by its bold fascia featuring a closed-off grille combined with a noticeable large bumper and LED headlamps.

The EV9 test mule is also seen housing roof rails which are functional and ORVMs mounted on the door panels with turn-by-turn indicators embedded. Additionally, the side profile of the EV9 is also bold and has polygon-shaped wheel arches. It can be seen sporting 21-inch alloy wheels.

Also Read: Kia EV6 Arrives At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024

Kia EV9 Powertrain

Kia EV9	RWD Variant	FWD Variant
Motor	Single (rear axle-mounted)	Dual motor
Power	215 hp	379 hp
Battery	76.1 kWh	99.8 kWh
Range	370 km per charge	450 km per charge

As we have been highlighting, the Kia EV9 is a powerful electric SUV which will likely be launched with RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) and AWD (All Wheel Drive) powertrain options. The former is expected to feature a rear axle-mounted electric motor, while the latter will be using a dual motor setup

The Kia EV 9 RWD variant is expected to use a 76.1 kWh battery, while the AWD variant could use a powerful 99.8 kWh battery pack. The EV9 base model (RWD) is said to offer 215 hp power and a range of up to 370 km range on a full charge, whereas, the AWD variant is said to deliver 379 hp power and around 450 km range on a full charge.

Also Read: Hero Electric Dirt Bike Introduced At Bharat Mobility Expo 2024: Expected Features, Price

Kia EV9 Features

At the back panel, the EV9 has the rear wiper neatly hidden beneath the spoiler along with star map connected LED tail lamps. Inside, the Kia EV9 offers a luxurious feel with the large 12.3-inch touchsceen instrument cluster with features like Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

The e-SUV will come with a 4-spoke steering wheel and offer ventilated seats with heating support. It will also offer automatic defoggers and three-zone climate control feature. The EV9 is expected to come with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) for enhanced safety with rides.

Key Highlights

• Ather Rizta e-scooter in works
• Fresh teaser reveals segment’s biggest seat
• Testing has started ahead of launch

Ather’s next electric scooter is coming for the family-oriented consumers in India. Ather has been creating hype for its upcoming e-scooter which will move away from the existing portfolio of sleek and stylish performance e-scooters (450 lineup). Adding on to the teasers, Ather has now revealed the biggest in segment seat for the Rizta e-scooter. What else the brand has hinted? Take a look here:

Ather Rizta E-Scooter To Offer Biggest Seat In Segment?

Ather is gearing up for its first electric scooter launch that is being targeted at the family audience. Official teasers have started dropping in already with the previous one hinting at its development and the latest one revealing its large seat size.

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There are a lot folks who love @atherenergy but wanted a bigger scooter from us. So when we were designing our family scooter we made sure we tick that box. I wanted to give you all a sneak peek of what we mean by "bigger."

To give you a perspective, here is the seat of one of… pic.twitter.com/O3KYsfceyx

— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) February 2, 2024

A tweet shared by Tarun Mehta, Ather Energy India CEO shows the upcoming Rizta e-scooter has the segment’s largest seat. For a reference, Mehta has shared an image with the Rizta e-scooter’s seat placed right next to one of the leading e-scooters. It is said to be compared with the Ola S1’s seat where one can easily see the big difference in the seat size of both e-scooters.

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On popular demand here is the second image comparing an Ather Rizta seat with that of a leading petrol scooter.

No prizes for guessing the petrol scooter! https://t.co/ORlnreuFdK pic.twitter.com/ocOoo9qqxx

— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) February 3, 2024

A second tweet follows where the Ather Energy’s CEO has shared the image of the Rizta e-scooter’s seat being compared with one of the popular petrol two-wheeler scooter. These comparison images clearly indicate that with Rizta, Ather is taking utility factors seriously and is bringing an e-scooter which fits requirements of Indian families. The tweet also reiterates the confirmed launch timeline for the Rizta e-scooter which happens to the upcoming Community Day celebration.

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

Ather Rizta E-Scooter: Leaked Details

Ather Rizta e-scooter’s test mule images have stopped by the rumor mill a couple of times. The recently spotted test model was also seen sporting a large seat for added pillion comfort. The flat floorboard has also been seen in the leaked images of the test mule.

Ather is expected to launch the Rizte e-scooter with telescopic forks and mono shock absorbers for suspension at the front and rear respectively. This first Ather family scooter might feature 12-inch alloy wheels and use disc brakes for braking. There are reports suggesting up to 150 km per charge range.