Category: Auto Tech

Electric mobility isn’t just for the masses but for luxury seekers as well. While there are multiple electric cars on sale over Rs 1 crore in India, Mercedes-Benz has upped the ante further by launching what can truly be stated the pinnacle of luxury EVs. It is priced at a whooping Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom) and is called EQS 53 AMG 4MATIC+. This the Mercedes’ first all-electric AMG vehicle in the Indian market – the current EQC, which has been on sale for over a year is a non AMG model. The company is also planning to introduce two more electric vehicles for the Indian market as well which will be launched in the coming months.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ – Design

The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ looks sporty and modern from all angles. It gets a blacked-out grille with vertical chrome slats that adheres to the standard AMG design language. Digital light headlamp with an LED strip extending across the front is a highlight in the front view. The side features flush-fitting door handles with lighting and 21-inch matte black alloy wheels. It has an LED light strip at the back that extends the entire length of the bootlid. An aerodynamic design is very important for any electric car and we are glad to see a drag value for just 0.23 cd on this one. The EQS is 5,223mm long, 1,926mm wide and 1,515mm tall.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ – Interior

The EQS AMG 53’s interior is packed with numerous luxurious amenities. With the introduction of EQS to the Indian market, the brand unveiled its MBUX Hyperscreen. A large 55-inch screen is created by the Hyperscreen, which spans the dashboard and merges three smaller screens. The vehicle also features 8 CPU cores and 24GB of RAM. The manufacturer has installed a 15-speaker, 3D Burmester sound system in the cabin to improve the sound quality.

The AMG-spec flat bottom steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather with an Alcantara finish.  Door pads are also finished in Alcantara to maintain the luxury feel. Additionally, there are massage seats available with an option of Nappa leather on the inside.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ – Powertrain, Range & Other Specs

And now coming to one of the highlights of the package – the AMG EQS comes with a massive 107.8 kWh high-voltage battery in addition to a 400-volt battery. The battery pack produces 1020 Nm of maximum torque and 762 bhp of power. Additionally, the India-spec model with the Dynamic Plus package comes standard with 4MATIC+ technology. The EQS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds – this is Supercar category without a doubt. Top speed is limited to 250km/h. It also has AMG’s Ride Control+ air suspension, which combines with rear-axle steering and electronically controlled active dampers. The driver can also pre-select the basic suspension setup with the AMG Dynamic Select drive modes.

The EQS, thanks to massive battery pack, also promises a range of over 500km.

Also Read: Skoda Enyaq iV Electric Spied Testing In India – Launch Soon?

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ – Price & Warranty

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ will arrive in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) at a cost of Rs. 2.45 crore (ex-showroom). The manufacturer offers a battery warranty of 10 years (8 + 2 years or 2.5 lakh km) and a service interval of two years or 30,000 km, whichever comes first. The EQS 53’s service package begins at Rs. 1.15 lakh, while the advance assurance package costs Rs. 2.5 lakh. The EQS 580, a domestically built non-AMG variant of the EQS, will also be released by the brand.

BYD recently launched its first proper showroom in India. The company is expanding its network at a fast pace and this is because they are gearing up to launch another new vehicle, the Atto 3 electric SUV. The launch might happen during the upcoming Indian festive season. At present, the Chinese EV brand sells the E6 electric MPV in the Indian market priced at Rs 29.6 lakh (ex-showroom). In China earlier this year, the brand launched the Atto 3 electric SUV. For the uninitiated, the company already sells electric buses to state transport corporations.

BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV – Powertrain

Also Read: Hyundai Venue N Line Bookings Open, Launch Set For 6th September

The BYD Atto 3 electric SUV will be assembled at the company’s Sriperumbudur (near Chennai) facility. The Atto 3 features BYD Blade battery technology, which makes it appropriate for all types of weather situations. Internationally, there are two battery packs available with the e-SUV. These include 49.92 kWh and 60.48 kWh in terms of capacity. Due to its 80kW DC charging capacity, the SUV can be fully charged in about one hour. In addition to the DC rapid charging option, the EV may also be charged via a Type-2 AC charger or a conventional 3-pin household AC outlet. The maximum range, according to BYD, is 480 kilometres (for the bigger battery pack). The upcoming BYD Atto 3 electric SUV can reach 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds which is very quick for an SUV under Rs 30 lakh.

BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV – Design & Features

The design of the upcoming Atto 3 embraces the distinctive BYD flair. The front fascia features a thin grille and big air dams for better aerodynamics. The side profile then has multi-spoke and diamond-cut alloy wheels along with the same assertive body line that extends to the rear. The back is likewise plain and minimalist. The rear profile features an LED light bar running across the boot lid.

On the feature front, the Atto 3 international model has a tonne of features. All of the outside lighting is LED, and it has a modern, sporty look. Electrically adjusted seats, an all-digital instrument cluster, a sizable touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting are just a few of the interior features it receives.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 To Get Apple CarPlay In Early September

When it comes to safety, it comes with a radar-based ADAS system that offers a variety of features like automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, front and rear collision warning, lane-keep assistance, cross-traffic alert, and more. The car also has a 360-degree camera, seven airbags, ESP, traction control, hill descent control, and TPMS as part of its safety net.

BYD Atto 3 Launch & Pricing

The Atto 3 electric SUV by BYD will make its debut in the upcoming festive season. It will be imported into India as CKD (completely knocked down) kits and will be assembled at the company’s factory near Chennai. We believe it will carry a sticker price in the range of Rs 24-28 lakh, there by giving good competition to the MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Kona EV. Do remember that the Atto 3 comes with the largest battery pack of the bunch at this pricing point.

Ola launched a more affordable version of its electric scooter a few days back. This one misses out on the ‘Pro’ badge and simply called the Ola S1. The big news is that this new S1 is Rs 40,000 cheaper than the S1 Pro and this indeed is a big number. We are sure a lot of you out there are curious to know the list of omissions and cost cutting measures on the S1 and hence this article. Scroll down to know all that you need to know on Ola S1 vs Ola S1 Pro comparison

Heart of the matter

The biggest chunk of savings comes from the smaller battery pack in the (new) regular S1. This one gets a smaller 3 kWh battery pack (25% smaller) and this in turn also reduces the riding range from a true 170km to 128km. As per ARAI certification, while the S1 Pro can go as long as 181km, the S1 will do only 141. So there is a clear difference in terms of usable range from both the models. Ola has also restricted the top speed in the S1 to 95 km/h. This is down from an impressive 116 km/h that the S1 Pro is capable of. The S1 is also slower to 40 km/h, taking 3.8 seconds as compared to just 2.9 seconds that the Pro takes. The smaller battery pack on the S1, as expected, takes only 5 hrs for a full charge as against 6.5 hrs for the Pro.

Change in features

Another aspect of this Ola S1 vs Ola S1 Pro comparison is about the features on offer. If you put down your money for the S1 (Rs 99,999), you will not get the useful cruise control feature. Likewise, the S1 does not get the Hyper mode that the Pro offers. All other features remain same but Ola has restricted the colour options for the S1. While the Pro can be had in as many as 11 colors, the S1 can only be ordered in five colour options. Also, as the new S1 has a smaller battery, it is lighter by 4 kilos – this will make a minute difference in its agility factor.

Dimensionally and design wise, there is nothing to speak about in this Ola S1 vs Ola S1 Pro comparison. Both the models look identical. Ola has surely launched the cut price S1 to take on the soon to be launched Simple One Electric scooter. The EV market is heating up and in the end, it will be the consumer who will benefit a lot! Which one would you pick – the S1 or the S1 Pro?

Volkswagen had a while back announced its plan to enter the electric mobility space in India. While their exact plans might be revealed at the upcoming Auto Expo in 2023, the company’s e-SUV was recently spied testing around Pune. This was the ID 4 electric SUV in the top end GTX trim. The fact that the vehicle has been spotted in without camouflage suggests that the brand may soon release the ID 4 in the Indian market. Internationally, this model locks horns with e-SUVs like the Kia EV6 and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

The upcoming Volkswagen ID4 uses the MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix) architecture from the manufacturer. The same MEB platform will also support the upcoming Skoda Enyaq iV. For the uninitiated, both Skoda and VW are part of the same automotive group. The ID4 GTX, if launched, would carry a price tag of about Rs 50-55 lakh, ex-showroom.

Volkswagen ID 4 – Design

If we discuss the ID 4’s design aesthetic, it resembles a typical ICE SUV. The spotted car had a dual-tone colour with Metallic Black colour and piano black roof & pillars. The vehicle’s front profile features LED headlights with DRLs built. The ID 4 has a closed grille with a chrome lining. Small vents on the front bumper are there to keep the electric system cool. Additionally, the vehicle has matte black inserts in place of fog lamps.

The dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels on the sides, which appear to be 20 inches, similar to the international spec edition, are a nice touch. The SUV has a coupe-like appearance. It has connected LED taillights and a stoplight located on the spoiler at the back. The centre of the rear bumper has a number plate recess and the bumper is finished in black colour.

The ID 4’s interior features an entirely new design language, and the India-spec version is anticipated to have the same. Volkswagen offers the option to modify the interior of the SUV on the international market, and it is anticipated that this will also be available of the Indian-spec version. The international variant’s features include multi-function steering wheels, fully digital instrument panels, and three-zone climate control, among other premium features. To keep costs low, VW might assemble the ID4 GTX locally at its Chakan plant near Pune.

Also Read: You can now buy the BYD EV6 for private use

Volkswagen ID 4 – Powertrain

The model that was sighted on Indian roads was the top-of-the-line GTX variant. This one gets separate motors on each axle and hence, an AWD or all-wheel drive system. The GTX gets a 77 kWh battery pack that can provide a range of 450–480 km on a single charge – this is pretty good in our opinion. As is the case with most premium EVs, the Volkswagen ID4 will feature DC fast charging too. The manufacturer may also release affordable rear-wheel drive models to increase the vehicle’s value for the money in India. Let’s wait and watch for more updates!

We told you about the launch of the iVOOMi JeetX a few days back. This new electric scooter has finally been showcased and is now on sale. With a starting price of Rs 99,999, the iVOOMi JeetX is available in two models – JeetX (standard) and JeetX180 are two variations that the company plans to release with this unveiling. With a top speed of 70 Kmph and certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the company claims that the JeetX is a very durable electric scooter.

iVOOMi JeetX Electric Scooter

The JeetX comes with two riding modes – in the Eco mode, the standard version has a range of more than 100+ kilometres per charge, compared to more than 90 kilometres in rider mode. In contrast, the JeetX180 travels 200+ kilometres in Eco mode and 180+ kilometres in Sports mode.

Also Read: EV Subsidy Increased In Haryana By Up To Rs 6 Lakh

In order to increase the range of all of iVOOMi’s e-scooters, the company has also announced a dual removable battery setup accessory for the JeetX that can be used with their current high-speed models. This feature can also be used in the S1 and other low-speed variants which are already on sale in India. This accessory will enable their existing customers to upgrade their e-scooters. The company became the first in India with this announcement to offer a twin removable battery system on all of its e-scooters, and existing customers are given an update to their e-scooters to a core battery level that can be removed for additional charging and accessibility. This concept is something we have seen on the Simple One scooter as well.

The iVOOMi JeetX e-scooter has new features like “Easy Shift” for simple mode switching while driving; a practical and secure reverse gear; disc brakes with Combi Braking System (CBS) for better safety, which lessens the impact of abrupt braking and reduces stopping time. It also has a touchless footrest that can be pulled out and pushed in without stooping and using hands, etc. A 3-year warranty is also provided with the iVOOMi JeetX battery.

iVOOMi JeetX & JeetX180 Price

Depending on the variant you pick, the JeetX may be purchased from the closest iVOOMi outlet for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.4 lakh, ex-showroom. The JeetX series is available for booking starting on September 1 and the customer will get deliveries on the same day. However, we are told, deliveries of the JeetX180 will begin by the end of September. Interested buyers can choose from four matte colours Scarlet Red, Ink Blue, Posh White, and Space Grey. Early buyers of iVOOMi’s new models will also receive free accessories worth INR 3,000 as a bonus until September 10th, 2022.

Also Read: Ultraviolette F77 Production-Ready E-Bike Debuts Officially

The world of electric scooters is fast expanding in India. This year will witness a slew of launches and this includes the rather large MUVI City from the house of EBikeGo as well. This is actually the European Torrot Muvi but will be made in India by EBikeGo. While there are no details available on the pricing front, company’s CEO recently posted updates on Linkedin. For the uninitiated, EBikeGo is an electric mobility company based out of Mumbai. The company has been providing rental e-bikes, battery charging infra and industry-related various EV products & services.

At first glance, the upcoming EBikeGo MUVI City does stand out from the usual crop of electric scooters in India. Like the recently launched Okinawa Okhi-90, this one too makes use of large wheels (16 inch size) and this indeed gives it good road presence and a sporty stance. It looks a lot like a large step thru and has minimal body panels to keep the overall weight as low as possible which helps in overall performance. Another unique feature is the use of two removable lithium-ion battery packs. These are stored under the seat of the scooter and can either be swapped with fully-charged packs at a battery swap station or can be charged at home using a standard plug point.

The company’s website claims that the MUVI City e-scooter will do 80km on a full charge and will hit a top speed of 70 km/h. Charging time for the batteries is 4-5 hours. The MUVI was originally designed in Europe and boasts of a robust yet lightweight chassis, an innovative rear shock absorber system and front hydraulic forks. EBikeGo claims all this provides the rider with impressive agility, easy handling & stability, thanks to its small size and height.

Further, the scooter comes with a 4″ LCD display, supports Bluetooth connectivity, offers remote diagnosis by APP – this allows direct communication with Business Intelligence Unit with GPRS data. There is no news on the launch time period or the pricing. However stay tuned to get more updates soon!