Category: Auto Tech

The future of mobility is electric and we Indians are embracing this with open arms. The two-wheeler space has witnessed a lot of action in the last one year and the recent update comes from Ather. They have been one of the first ones to offer a proper electric solution on two wheels and the 450X has been a runaway success. The company today launched an updated version – its called the Gen 3 promises to up the ante further. Here is all that you need to know about the new Ather 450X Gen 3 e-scooter.

Bigger Battery

By far, the biggest hurdle that comes in the way of purchasing an electric scooter is range anxiety. Happy to report that the new 2022 Ather 450X Gen 3 comes with a 25% larger capacity battery. This means, on paper, it has gone up from 2.9 kWh to 3.7 kWh. Do note it is still less than what the upcoming Simple One electric scooter offers. Apart from going up in size, Ather also claims that the new battery will offer a 20% longer life.

Longer Range

A bigger battery surely means a longer riding range. The certified range has gone up to 146km now and Ather claims the Gen 3 model can cover 105km in real world riding conditions. This has improved but again, is less than what the Simple One offers. The Ather 450X Gen 3 continues to come with four riding modes of Eco, Ride, Sport and Wrap. The real world riding range in these modes is 105km, 85km, 75km and 65km respectively.

Better Tyres

This has been a surprise move by Ather. This is no performance machine but happy to see better (grippier) tyres on offer. The company claims these have been developed in partnership with MRF and offer as much as 22% higher grip levels. This will surely aid rider confidence, specially given the amount of torque available from the word GO. The 450x is also a nimble scooter and extra grip will come handy! Further, better grip also results in better braking in real world riding conditions.

Added Features

The 2022 Ather 450X Gen 3 gets a host of add-ons. These include better and wider rear view mirrors. These improve the amount of visibility you get at the back. The same is depicted via the image you see here. Further, Ather is also offering TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) as an official accessory on the scooter.

The new model also gets an updated interface with extra memory which in turn ends up offering more features. These include offline maps, multi language support, richer graphics, voice commands et al. Another update is the new side step which has been designed in a classy, clean manner. We like the way it looks when in use and hides away when not needed – see for yourself!

Value For Money

The new Ather 450x Gen3 is marginally more expensive than the outgoing version. For example, as per their website, the difference between older and new model is just about Rs 1,000! See the city wise prices above!

Yes, we have ridden the much awaited electric scooter from Simple Energy. Our review will be out on the 22nd July as that is when the embargo lifts off. However we can share ample information about this Ola S1 / Ather 450 rival that a lot of us have been waiting for. We rode the trial production units and although a few things were not upto the mark, officials have confirmed the delivery units will have everything sorted and rectified. Deliveries, by the way, start in September. Let’s have a closer look at the technology that this scooters brings to the table.

Dual Battery Set-up

Yes, you read that right and this seems to be an industry first. The Simple One electric scooter will come with two battery packs. The first is the main unit that is housed under the floor board. This has a capacity of 3.3 kWh. The second unit is portable and has a capacity of 1.5 kWh. This unit can be accessed from under the seat and taken to your home / office for a charge up. Ofcourse you can charge the scooter directly also via the socket on the left side of the handle. When you do so, both the batteries end up getting charged.

Impressive Riding Range

With a total battery capacity of 4.8 kWh (3.3 + 1.5), Simple Energy claims that the scooter will do more than 200km on a single charge. The certified range however is 236km which gives the Simple One a clear edge over its rivals. However do note, range depends a lot on your riding habits, weight of the rider etc. Plus of course the mode you use – these modes are discussed below

4 Riding Modes

Simple One e-scooter will come with four different rides modes as standard. These control the amount of power and torque that will be send to the rear wheel. The four modes are Eco, Ride, Dash and Sonic. The Eco mode has a limited top speed of 45 km/h but offers a range of as much as 200km. The ride mode is what most users will use and gets you to 65 km/h. Range however drops to about 150km. The Dash mode opens up performance and you can hit 85 km/h. Acceleration also improves a lot but range drops to about 100-120km. The Sonic mode is full power and given the right conditions, you will be able to hit a top speed of 105 km/h. That said, range reduces drastically and this mode will not work when the battery level is less than 40%.

Smart Connectivity

As expected, the scooter will come with Bluetooth connectivity and a touch screen panel for the rider info. Simple Energy will offer over the air updates from time to time. Users will also get on-board navigation, call alert and other features like document storage, remote telemetry, fast charger location etc. Owners will also be able to ‘Geo Fence’ the scooter and will be alerted if the machine leaves a pre-set fencing. Other features include TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system) and cruise control

Key Highlights

• Sunroofs have become highly desirable in modern cars, even in affordable models like compact hatchbacks and SUVs
• The term “sunroof” is often used generically, but there are actually different types of glass roof panels available in cars
• The article aims to explain the distinctions between various types of glass roof panels, including the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof

Out of all comfort and convenience features, a sunroof has become the most sought-after thing in a modern-era car. At one point in time, only high-end luxury cars had the novelty of a sunroof. Due to the increasing love for sunroofs among affordable car buyers, even compact hatchbacks and SUVs now come with this feature. Also Read | MG Comet EV Vs Tata Tiago EV Vs Citroen eC3 Budget Electric Car Comparison: Which Is The Best?

While the presence of a glass panel on the roof is generalized as a sunroof, there’s more element to the story. There are multiple types of sunroofs available in cars nowadays, and people often mistake a moonroof for a sunroof. Here, we have described the differences between different types of glass roof panels in cars sold in the modern era:

Sunroof

Contrary to what most people believe and even what carmakers promote nowadays, a sunroof is essentially an opaque panel. This panel is present on the roof of the vehicle, which matches the color of the vehicle and can be either tilted open or taken off wholly.

Moonroof

It is the actual sunroof that matches the perception of most people. It is also a type of sunroof, but it is a glass panel present on the roof of a vehicle. This glass panel can tilt open or slide between the roof panel and the headliner of the vehicle. For added protection and aesthetics, a moonroof also comes with an additional sliding panel. Almost all modern cars now come with a single-pane or a panoramic moonroof. An example of a car with a moonroof is the new 2022 Brezza.

Also Read | Upgrading To Electric Cars? Top Upcoming Electric Cars Under Rs. 10 Lakh In India In 2023

Panoramic roof

While some carmakers are yet to offer a single-pane sunroof in their popular models, a few have edged ahead by offering panoramic sunroofs. As the name suggests, a panoramic sunroof gives a panoramic view of the skies above. It is possible by a larger glass panel covering more than half of the roof panel. An example of an SUV with a panoramic sunroof is the Tata Harrier.

This glass panel generally has two halves. While the glass panel above the front row can slide and open, the other half glass panel above the rear rows has a fixed design. However, in some cars, there is a single large glass panel as a panoramic unit, which partially slides or opens up. A panoramic unit is more effective in making the cabin feel airier and brighter when compared to a single-pane sunroof.

In recent times, SUVs like Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, and Mahindra XUV700 have popularized the concept of panoramic sunroofs. Single-pane sunroofs have made their way in most sub-compact SUVs and even hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz.

Also Read | Data On Wheels: Why High-Capacity Storage Is The New Fuel For Modern Cars?

The electric mobility segment in India is still in its nascent stage when compared to those in developed countries. However, the sudden spike in demand and much-needed push by governments have resulted in several names joining the bandwagon. As a result of this, we have got several new-age electric two-wheelers which are bettering in performance and efficiency.

However, many of the new models are entering the entry-level category, which has restricted performance and outputs. Some of these restrictions include a power output of less than 250W and a top speed of less than 25 kmph. These restrictions enable them to comply with the E-bike category under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). For this category, one does not require registration of the vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Following are some of the most popular electric two-wheelers falling in the E-bike category, which do not require a valid driver’s license to ride:

Joy E-bike Monster

Fancied owning a Honda Grom in India? While that’s going to be a distant dream, for the time being, Joy E-bike is offering a similar kind of mini-bike essence to the Monster. The Joy E-bike Monster looks like a conventional motorcycle but attracts glances due to its compact dimensions. Powering the Monster is a 250W hub motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, with the latter offering a decent range of 75 km. The Monster also gets premium features like upside-down front telescopic forks, a digital instrument console and front and rear disc brakes.

AMO Fiesty

Coming from the portfolio of AMO Electric Bikes, AMO Fiesty is an affordable option with a visually appealing design targeted at youngsters. While the AMO Fiesty is an entry-level option, it is decently equipped with features like a front disc brake, alloy wheels, side stand sensor and electronically-assisted braking system.

AMO Jaunty Pro

Another offering from AMO Electric Bikes, the Jaunty Pro is a slightly more desirable product than the Fiesty. Designed for daily urban riding duties, the AMO Jaunty Pro features an electronically-assisted braking system, alloy wheels and a stylish headlamp.

Hop Lyf

The Hop Lyf is another entry-level E-bike from Jaipur-based HOP electric mobility. The scooter features a lithium-ion battery, which can go between 70 to 125 km on a single charge. The Hop Lyf is available in both standard and extended range variants and does not require a license.

Hero Electric Optima E5

The Hero Electric Optima E5 has emerged as one of the highest-selling E-bikes in the country that do not require a driving license. It looks like any other conventional IC engine scooter. However, it gets a floorboard-mounted battery back and a 250W electric motor. The scooter is available in two versions – one with a lead-acid battery pack and the other with a more premium lithium-ion battery pack. Other salient features of Hero Electric Optima E5 include 16-inch alloy wheels and drum brakes on both wheels.

Hero Electric Flash E2

The Hero Electric Flash E2 is one of the most affordable electric scooters with a lithium-ion battery pack in India. Powering the Flash E2 is a hub-mounted 250W electric motor, which is assisted by a 48V 28Ah lithium-ion battery. Tipping the weighing scales at just 69 kg, the Hero Electric Flash E2 has a top speed of 25 kmph.

Okinawa R30

While Okinawa has climbed the ladder of fam with the Praise Pro, the R30 serves as its most affordable model. The Okinawa R30 comes with a hub-mounted 250W electric motor and a 1.34 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The R30’s battery pack takes 4-5 hours for a full charge and provides a range of around 60 km.

Odysse E2Go

Another new entrant in the E-bike category is the sharp-looking Odysse E2Go. This electric scooter has a 250W, 60V BLDC motor and a lithium-ion battery, with the latter offering a range of 60 km. The battery of E2Go takes around 4-5 hours for a full charge. The scooter gets a couple of handy features like LED headlamps and a pillion backrest.

Techo Electra Neo

Another affordable electric scooter which can be ridden without a valid driver’s license is Techo Electra Neo. This E-Bike comes with an edgy-looking design and features like an LED headlamp with daytime running LEDs. Power comes from a 250W electric motor, with the scooter getting four 12V 20Ah lead-acid batteries claiming a range of 55-60 km.

Evolet Pony

The Evolet Pony has an impressive rounded retro-themed design, which makes it look different from other E-bikes. With funky looks and affordable pricing, it is aimed at newer riders. The Evolet Pony is available in two variants – EZ and Classic, both of which get a 250W motor. The Pony EZ has a 48V 24Ah lead-acid battery, which offers a range of 60 km. On the other hand, the Pony Classic has a 48V 24Ah lithium-ion battery, which returns a higher range of 80 km.

Toyota has finally showcased the all-new Hyryder for the Indian market. This mid-size SUV offers a lot of new tech, usually not seen in the segment. While prices are not out yet, we do have access to the official list of features and tech additions that promise to make the 2022 Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid SUV a promising product. Do note, this SUV competes with the likes of the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Maruti will launch its own version of the Hyryder at a later stage.

Hybrid Tech

Toyota is betting hard on hybrid technology for mass segment cars in India. When launched, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder could be the most affordable ‘proper’ or ‘strong’ hybrid offering. This also means it will be able to run on pure EV mode (yes, engine off!) for a few kilometers. This in turn will aid real world fuel economy which could be as high as 22-25 kmpl in urban conditions. Do note, we see a similar technology being offered in the new Honda City Hybrid. The strong hybrid will not be offered on the NeoDrive variants.

AWD

The 2022 Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid SUV will use Suzuki’s All-Grip AWD (all-wheel drive) technology for the NeoDrive V variant. This essentially means the power will go to all four wheel as and when required. This is not be confused with 4×4. If Toyota prices the NeoDrive AWD competitively, it could be India’s most affordable AWD SUV on sale.

360 View Camera

This new driver aid is now becoming a common feature in the mid-size SUV space. The Hyryder too will offer this. This 360 view system makes use of four cameras, each placed on all four sides of a vehicle. Such a set-up is very useful while parking into tight spots or negotiating through congested streets. The display for this set-up comes on the infotainment screen.

Panoramic Sunroof

Toyota has stayed away from offering this lifestyle feature in India. Both the Innova Crysta and the Fortuner do not offer this yet. It seems the company finally understands the importance of a sunroof and is now offering this in the 2022 Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid SUV. And its just not a usual small sunroof but a large panoramic one. This will also aid airiness on the inside.

Head Up Display

An increasing number of cars are now coming with this driver aid feature. The HUD or head up display pops out in between the steering wheel and the windscreen. Drivers can adjust the HUD as per their height. The glass display ends up projecting a lot of important information for the driver. This ensures you don’t have to move your eyes down to the speedometer console, thereby aiding safety. The switch to operate the HUD is placed on the right side of the steering wheel.

Toyota I-Connet

Smartphone connectivity is something most prospective SUV owners seek in their cars. The Hyryder offers this via the Toyota i-connect application. This offers features like stolen vehicle tracker, remote AC control (for the automatic models), remote vehicle ignition et al.

Other features

Apart from the above mentioned tech features, the Hyryder (depending on the version) will also offer features like

• As many as four Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Wireless Charging
• Paddle Shifters
• Ventilated Seats
• Air purifier

Before debuting its all-electric offerings in August 2022, Mahindra has finally ended all the speculations and anticipations around its next big thing for the SUV market, the all-new Scorpio-N. The new 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N is a massive improvement over the previous-generation model. Be it the engine options, the exterior design or the cabin layout and quality – the new Scorpio-N has evolved brilliantly in every sense. However, the one area where the Scorpio-N has outshined its predecessor is the kind of tech it packs in.

Mahindra has made the Scorpio N a feature-packed SUV, with a few features upping the game in favour of the big and rugged SUV. Following are those features which make the new Scorpio-N a thoroughly modern SUV for the Gen-X:

AdrenoX-powered infotainment system

Mahindra blew out minds last year when it launched the all-new XUV700 with a huge portrait-style cockpit. This massive full-TFT screen comprises both instrument console and infotainment system, with the latter debuting Mahindra’s AdrenoX operating system. The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N gets a comparatively smaller 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

While this 8-inch unit might not be as huge or fancy-looking as that in the XUV700, it gets the AdrenoX operating system as standard. This system runs on a Snapdragon SD6 processor, ensuring that it operates smoothly and offers the latest user experience. With this operating system on board, the infotainment system is a window to over 70 connected car features. All these features can be operated by the infotainment interface and the mobile app of AdrenoX.

Alexa compatibility

Carmakers of budget-friendly vehicles have already started incorporating Alexa compatibility in their offerings. With this, you can control various functions of your car via your home’s Amazon Alexa device. However, Mahindra has gone one step ahead by adding the ‘what3words’ feature to the Alexa compatibility for the Scorpio-N. With this feature, the SUV owner can navigate to a location using a unique three-word combination. With this, the Scorpio-N has become the world’s first SUV to get this unique and convenient feature.

Wireless connectivity

Apart from the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the Scorpio-N also gets a 7-inch TFT MID in the instrument console. Both these screens here get wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility and GPS navigation. What this means is you can operate wireless navigation even within the instrument console.

Premium sound experience

The Mahindra Scorpio-N offers a supremely premium audio experience inside its cabin with a 12-speaker 3D sound system from Sony. This premium sound system includes speakers mounted on the roof and the central part of the dashboard. It is available only in the range-topping Z8L variant.

4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system

The Scorpio-N becomes the first-ever vehicle from Mahindra to get the UV maker’s new 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system. This system includes brake locking front differential and mechanical locking rear differential. In addition, the Scorpio-N also gets four terrain modes on offer – normal, grass/gravel/snow, mud/rut and sand, and low-range.

Driver Drowsiness Detection

Among all the sophisticated safety features in the new Scorpio-N, the driver drowsiness detection system takes the cake as a unique thing to have. The highlight of this feature is that the SUV can detect if the driver is feeling drowsy or not. If the driver is feeling drowsy, the AdrenoX system sends a vibration alert on the steering wheel, thus keeping the driver alert at all times.

Ather Energy is all set to up its game against the rising competition from Ola Electric by upgrading the 450X electric scooter. While the Ather 450X is one of the best electric scooters right now, its limited range is a concern for many. Citing this, the new version of the 2022 Ather 450X is getting a new updated electric motor and battery setup.

New Battery Pack

The work on this updated 2022 version of the Ather 450X was confirmed by a leaked report of ARAI. According to this report, the new Ather 450X will get a new 3.66 kWh battery pack. The leaked report also shows that the new scooter will be getting two different settings – Setting 1 and Setting 2. It indicates that the new Ather 450X will come in two versions, just like how Ola S1 is available in Standard and Pro versions.

In the Setting 1, the scooter claims a maximum riding range of 146 km, while in the Setting 2, the range has a limit at 106 km. Currently, the Ather 450X is available with a 2.9 kWh battery pack, which claims a maximum range of 116 km. The bigger battery pack with enhanced claims range should solve the concerns of many of its potential buyers.

New Electric Motor

In addition to the new battery pack, the updated 2022 Ather 450X also gets a new electric motor. In the Setting 1, the scooter gets five different riding modes – Warp (6.4 kW), Sport (5.8 kW), Ride (3.2 kW), Smart Eco (2.3 kW) and Eco (1.9 kW). It indicates that the new electric motor has a maximum power output of 6.4 kW, achievable in the Warp mode. The Setting 2 misses out on the Warp mode, but gets the other four riding modes. It means that the motor has a maximum power output of 5.8 kW in Setting 2. Currently, the scooter is available with a 6 kW electric motor as standard.

Also read: We explain the new MOVE OS 2.0 software in Ola S1 Pro

The new powertrain should help the Ather 450X up its game against the Ola S1 Pro and TVS iQube. The Ola S1 Pro is leading the sales charts with its best-in-class performance, despite all the negative events surrounding it. On the other hand, TVS also recently refreshed its iQube electric scooter. It now gets three variants, better power and better range than the previous version. The new Ather 450 X might arrive in the next 3-4 months.

Toyota is all set to launch the all-new Hyryder SUV in India. With launch slated for 1st of July, official teasers are now out. At the same time, we do know a few important pointers about this hybrid mid-size SUV. Do remember, this is Toyota is coming up with an all-new product after ages! Will this help them get a sizeable market share?

Made with Maruti

Both Toyota and Maruti have jointly developed this new product. The companies have been working closely for years now, with Toyota selling re-branded Baleno (Glanza) and Brezza (Urban Cruiser) in India. They will soon sell the Ciaz and Ertiga under new names as well. Maruti too will launch their own version of the Hyryder later this year. As we understand, production might only happen at Toyota’s plant in Karnataka.

Competes with Creta & Seltos

Both Maruti and Toyota do not have any options in the Rs 11-16 lakh bracket of mid-size SUVs. This segment has products like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor among others. While Maruti has the Breeza (new coming on the 30th June) and Toyota offers the Urban Cruiser, these are in the Rs 7-10 lakh bracket. The Hyryder will have unique features that will give it an edge over other mid-size SUVs. The only factor where the Korean offerings are better is in terms of offering a Diesel engine option.

Proper Hybrid Tech

Yes, the Hyryder will not be a mild hybrid like we see in current Maruti offerings. Toyota already sells hybrids worldwide and the Hyryder will be the only / first SUV in its segment to come with an EV only mode too. If the battery has enough power, you will be able to drive the Hyryder on electric power only. This is much like what we see in the new Honda City hybrid. Ofcourse the pure EV mode lasts a few km only but in urban runs, helps bump up fuel economy by a huge margin. The battery for the hybrid set-up gets charged when the petrol engine runs, plus of course during braking via regeneration of energy.

Will get AWD (all-wheel drive)

Another highlight will be the availability of AWD in the Hyryder. This is where Suzuki’s tech comes into play. The Japanese maker is known for All-Grip AWD system that sends power to all the four wheels as and when required. We are told the Hyryder will get this in the higher versions. This could make it the most affordable AWD 5-door in India.

Feature loaded

The Toyota Hyryder Hybrid will also get ample features including a sunroof, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), HUD (heads up display), connected apps and as many as 6 Airbags. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be on offer and the usual suite of climate control, push button start, Digital display et al will be offered.

Toyota Hyryder Hybrid Prices

We expect the Toyota Hyryder to have a starting price of Rs 10-11 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. This will be for the manual petrol model with a mild hybrid (SHVS) set-up. The higher versions with full hybrid and automatic might go as high as Rs 16-18 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

Well-engineered electric vehicles are finally gaining the attention and acceptance they deserve. However, there is an issue in terms of entry level cost. We do agree that electric cars promise a significant amount of savings in ownership costs. However, when it comes to the initial cost of buying, electric vehicles carry a hefty premium over their IC-engine counterparts. There is a huge demand for electric cars under Rs 10 lakh, as many cost-conscious car buyers look forward to this category.

The government is trying its best to make electric cars affordable by offering subsidies. However, there is still a very limited number of offerings which fulfil the search for electric cars under Rs 10 lakh (well, almost!).

Tata Tigor EV

With a starting price of Rs 12.49 lakh, the Tata Tigor EV doesn’t truly fall in the category of electric cars under Rs 10 lakh. However, the subsidies currently offered by central and state governments do bring the on-road price further down.

The Tigor EV is also available as Xpress-T. This model is essentially the pre-facelifted version of the Tigor EV, now sold exclusively for fleet operators. It has a smaller battery pack and is much more affordable than the Tigor EV.

The Tata Tigor EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, which produces 74 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. The Tigor EV is available with a 26 kWh battery pack, which promises a maximum driving range of 306 km.

Mahindra e-Verito

The Mahindra e-Verito is on sale in the Indian car market for quite some time now. The e-Verito is not as technically well-advanced as the Tigor EV. However, it is currently the most affordable electric car. It is the only genuine offering in the category of electric cars under Rs 10 lakh.

The Mahindra e-Verito is available in the Indian car market in three variants – D2, D4 and D6 – the range of which starts at Rs 10.11 lakh. Taking subsidies into account, even the range-topping variant of the e-Verito comes below Rs 10 lakh. All the three variants of the Mahindra e-Verito are on offer with a front-mounted electric motor. It pumps out 42 PS of maximum power and 91 Nm of maximum torque. The battery on duty here is a 21.2 kWh battery pack, which claims a driving range of 140 km. Due to its dated design in and out and a very limited range, the e-Verito is now out of the radar of most EV buyers.

Proper EV Options

If you are in the market for a proper EV car for you and your family, the options start from Tigor onwards. And then, there is the Nexon EV starting from 14.79 lakh (ex-showroom). At the same time, we want to update you on the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo. This is where a lot of manufacturers will showcase smaller EVs, under the Rs 10 lakh bracket and this will be a revolution for congested cities. Stay tuned to this space for more!