Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Upcoming Skoda Elroq EV details revealed
• Will be entry-level EV from Skoda
• To be launched in four different trims
• Will deliver up to 560 km range on a full charge

Skoda Auto is gearing up to introduce its entry-level electric SUV soon in the global markets. Called, the Elroq EV, the next-in-line Skoda EV has been making consistent appearances in the form of test mule. With the launch being tipped for later this year, more details on the new Skoda entry-level e-SUV are emerging online. The latest details have been shared by Skoda itself where the brand has revealed the key features of the Elroq EV. What all the brand has just announced? Read on below:

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Entry-Level EV Testing Continues Overseas: 2025 Launch Tipped

Skoda Elroq EV Official Details Out: Design, Key Features

Skoda via camouflaged teaser images shares insight into the real-life design of the Elroq EV. The upcoming entry-level EV will be using the Modern Solid Design architecture becoming the first model to incorporate the new design platform from the brand.

As seen with the test mules, the teaser poster of the Skoda Elroq EV shows the same matrix-style LED headlamps and a wider fascia comprising aerodynamic-inspired design. Instead of a boxy and aggressive profile, the Elroq EV gets a curved stance. The teaser poster of the Elroq EV also shows 5-spoke black alloy wheels which will add to the futuristic appeal.

Unfortunately, the official teaser images of the Elroq EV doesn’t give a glimpse of the interiors. However, the as per the previous details, the Elroq EV will likely integrate a large 13-inch floating infotainment display on the dashboard enabled with touch controls and Android Auto, Apple Car Play support. It is also likely to include a 5.6-inch digital driver display. Other cabin features could include ventilated and heated seats and panoramic sunroof.

Also Read: EV Monsoon Safety And Care: Can You Drive EV In Rains? Precautions To Take

Skoda Elroq EV Powertrain

Detailing about the powertrain, Skoda has revealed the Elroq EV will be introduced in four different drivetrain options. The variants will be Elroq 50, Elroq 60, Elroq 85, and Elroq 85X. The Elroq 50 will feature a 55 kWh battery linked to a 168 bhp motor, whereas, the Elroq 60 is said to feature a 63 kWh battery combined with a 201 bhp motor. The Elroq 85 and 85X will come equipped with 82 kWh battery with 282 bhp and 295 bhp motor respectively. The maximum range delivery of the Elroq EV is said to be around 560 km on a full charge.

Key Highlights

• Mahindra XUV e8 new test mule image leak
• All-electric version of the XUV700
• Connected lightbar upfront and XUV700 like overall design

Mahindra has been testing the XUV.e and the BE SUV electric SUV fleet which is lined up for launch in India. The XUV.e8 which will be the all-electric version of the XUV700 ICE model is one of e-SUVs which Mahindra plans to bring to the Indian market sometime soon. The rumor mill has already shared several snapshots of the XUV.e8 pre-production units being tested. Clear snapshots of the XUV.e8 has once again surfaced online indicating the rigorous testing before its official debut.

Also Read: EV Monsoon Safety And Care: Can You Drive EV In Rains? Precautions To Take

XUV e8 E-SUV Fresh Spy Shots Emerge

Mahindra XUV.e8 e-SUVs spy shots have been shared multiple times already and the fresh one leaked online once again reveals the overall design profile. The test mule is apparently of the production-ready unit which sports the familiar design approach as the XUV 700 ICE model. The e-SUV can be seen wrapped under heavy camo but the curves and silhouette of the XUV.e8 is same as the outgoing XUV700 model.

A closer look at the XUV.e8 shows the flat bumper design instead of the open grille. The upcoming e-SUV is confirmed to come with an ADAS sensor which will be an added bonus for the safety feature. The XUV.e8’s facia will include vertical LED headlamp unit along with connected LED lightbar giving it a distinguish look overall. The sleek roofline along with the funky C-pillar is also visible in the test mule images.

It is rumored that Mahindra will use the same premium cabin features for the XUV.e8 as the XUV700 EV. The XUVe.8 cabin will possible include a triple-screen layout aligned horizontally. The company has already filed a patent for the same along with a new steering wheel. The first screen will be functioning as the driver’s display positioned right behind the steering wheel, whereas, the second screen will act as the infotainment display, while the third panel will be for the passengers allowing different set of cabin controls.

Also Read: MG Cloud EV India Debut Set For September 2024: Expected Price, Powertrain

What About XUV e8 Powertrain?

While Mahindra hasn’t disclosed much related to the XUV.e8’s powertrain, the upcoming e-SUV is said to be built on the INGLO skateboard platform like its remaining siblings in the pipeline. The e-SUV is likely to be launched with both single motor RWD and dual motor AWD options. It could be backed by an 80 kWh battery pack with over 400 km range delivery.

Key Highlights

• VinFast VF e34 test mule spied
• Multiple test mules spotted already
• Will be first VinFast EV in India

VinFast, the Vietnamese EV maker is set to venture into the Indian market soon. The company after filing patent for its EVs in the country has commenced test runs for its first electric SUV, i.e, the VF3. The brand has earlier started pre-bookings for the upcoming e-SUV in the country and shared the powertrain details as well. Ahead of its arrival, VinFast has started testing the e-SUV and for the second time the VF3’s production-ready model has been spied testing.

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Entry-Level EV Testing Continues Overseas: 2025 Launch Tipped

VinFast VF e34 Another Test Mule Spotted

The VinFast VF e34’s latest test mule has been spotted once again in the country while testing. The fresh spy shots of the first VinFast electric SUV in the country reveals the same design and aesthetics as the international model. It flaunts a curvy stance and can be seen with oval projector headlamp styling.

The VF e34 will have the charging port housed at the quarter panel and will come with conventional door handle design. The rear profile of the VF e34 will feature a connected tail lamp setup along with a rugged bumper design and a rear spoiler. The test mule of the VF e34 is further seen with 5-spoke alloy wheels which is available with the international model as well.

While the interiors weren’t snapped, the VF3 e34 e-SUV will come with a 10-inch infotainment with touchscreen and a digital driver display. The VF e34’s cabin will also include multiple USB slots for charging smartphones and other accessories. The e-SUV is also expected to come with an electrically adjustable driver seat and climate control features. As far as the security features are concerned, the VF e34 is likely to come with 360° surveillance camera, ABS with EBD braking, and ADAS level 2.

Also Read: EV Monsoon Safety And Care: Can You Drive EV In Rains? Precautions To Take

VinFast VF e34 Powertrain

As revealed by VinFast itself, the VF e34 will come with a RWD setup with motor producing 43.5 bhp of peak power and 110 Nm of torque. The electric SUV will feature a 18.64 kWh battery pack and could travel up to 210 km range on a full battery charge.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Inster EV unveiled globally
• Comes with ADAS suite, 360° surveillance camera, and more
• Offers up to 355 km maximum range

Hyundai Motors has added yet another EV to its portfolio in the international market. The brand has now introduced the Inster which is a sub-compact EV with dual battery pack options and up to 355 km maximum range delivery. Let’s take a look at the key powertrain and features which the Inster EV offers:

Also Read: Upcoming Skoda Entry-Level EV Testing Continues Overseas: 2025 Launch Tipped

Hyundai Inster EV Design Highlights

The Hyundai Inster EV has been unveiled at the Busan International Mobility Show. In terms of looks, this compact e-SUV features a design similar to the Casper ICE model available in the global markets. The Inster EV’s fascia includes round LED DRLs which gives them a distinctive and aggressive look overall. The blanked-off grille and a pill-shaped charging port slot completes the front profile.

The Inster EV comes with C-pillar mounted rear door handles. The large windows and functional roof rail makes it more practial. The compact e-SUV additionally features square-shaped wheel arches and feature a large 17-inch wheel profile. Inside the cabin, the Inster EV includes dual 10.25-inch infotainment screen and driver’s display. It has a multi-functional steering wheel and a drive selector dial.

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV AWD Test Mule Spy Shots Leak

Hyundai Inster EV Powertrain And Features

Hyundai Inster EV	Powertrain
Battery	42 kWh and 49 kWh
Range	Up to 355 km per charge
Charger	120 kW DC
Charging duration	30 minutes for 10- 80 percent

Hyundai Inster EV comes with dual battery options. There is a smaller 42 kWh battery variant and a bigger 49 kWh battery model. The maximum range delivery claimed by the brand is up to 355 km on a single charge. Hyundai will be shipping the Inster EV with a 120 kW fast DC charger which will charge the EV from 10-80 percent in just 30 minutes. It comes with a 360-degree surveillance camera and ADAS safety suites.

Key Highlights

• New Skoda entry-level EV test run begins
• Spotted overseas with a 4.5 meters length
• Expected to go official globally by 2025
• India launch timeline not revealed

Skoda is getting a new EV fleet ready which will be including multiple e-SUVs. The rumor mill has shared multiple test mule images of the upcoming compact Skoda SUV and there have been rumors of an entry-level EV getting prepped up for a launch next year. Skoda has started testing the upcoming entry-level EV whose test mule has been snapped overseas during testing. Here’s what all the developments hints at:

Also Read: MG Cloud EV India Debut Set For September 2024: Expected Price, Powertrain

Skoda Entry Level EV Testing Begins: How Does It Look?

The upcoming Skoda entry-level EV also happens to be the smallest electric vehicle model from the company. Called the Skoda Elroq, the first concept of the entry-level compact EV was first revealed ;last year. The test mule spotted this time seems to be near production-ready unit with a similar design as showcased with the concept model.

The test mule of the alleged Skoda Elroq EV doing test runs overseas is snapped with camouflage covers. But the key design aspects of the fascia and the rear have ben revealed. The upcoming entry-level Skoda EV’s test mule is snapped with split headlamp design. The grille isn’t clearly visible but is closed-off with vertical air vents.

The rear profile of the new Skoda compact EV sports a similar tail lamp design as the Kushaq. It is also said to feature LED tail lamps and connected LED light bar. The rear profile also includes a spoiler, wipers, and stomp lamp likely with washer feature. The entry-level Skoda EV’s test mule is seen with prominent wheel arches with drag-resistant alloy wheel design. While it is said to be the smallest Skoda EV, its overall length is said to be longer than the Kushaq at around 4.5 meters.

Also Read: Tata Sierra EV Debut Confirmed For FY2026: Details We Know So Far

Upcoming Entry Level Skoda EV Expected Powertrain

The Skoda entry-level EV might be built on the MEB platform and borrow some components from the Enyaq and similar high-end models. It could come with a RWD (rear wheel drive) drivetrain with the motor pack mounted on the rear axle. It might get a 62 kWh battery with up to 400 km range delivery. More details are expected to be announced by the brand soon.

Key Highlights

• Mystery Kinetic electric scooter test mule snapped again
• Launch could be imminent
• Expected to be a premium offering than the Lune e-moped

There have been rumors that Kinetic Green is working on a new electric scooter for the Indian market. The upcoming e-scooter model is said to be a premium offering with a slightly higher budget range than the Kinetic E-Luna moped. Its test mule was also snapped earlier covered with camouflage wrapping all over. Once again, the upcoming Kinetic e-scooter has made an appearance during a test run.

Also Read: Mini Countryman Electric Pre-Bookings Start In India

Upcoming Kinetic Electric Scooter Testing Continues

The latest sightings of the Kinetic electric scooter gives clues about the design. While not much is revealed, the upcoming e-scooter seems to flaunt a rather modern and a trendy design language instead of a subtle theme. Again the test mule snapped is with heavy camouflage taping but the LED headlamp can be seen on the lower half of the front panel.

The upcoming Kinetic electric scooter can also been seen with a single-piece seat which will be offering ample cushioning for a comfortable ride in the heavy city traffic. It appears that the mystery Kinetic electric scooter sits on big 12-inch alloy wheels painted in black.

The test mule is seen with a disc and drum braking system combination with the former being used for the front and the latter for the rear. The e-scooter seems to get a flat front floorboard with ample leg space. A TFT screen is also visible which is expected to come with Bluetooth compatibility It might display all important ride and battery stats.

Also Read: 2024 Bajaj Chetak Blue Electric Scooter Debuts: Cheapest Chetak EV Model

Upcoming Kinetic Electric Scooter Expected Powertrain

The upcoming Kinetic electric scooter will use a hub motor linked to a unspecified battery size. We are expecting the battery, range, and performance metrics to be revealed via leaks going forward. However, the test mule is reportedly spotted doing a test run with a speed range of up to 50 kmph.

Whether this is the max speed or not is difficult to asses yet. Online reports also suggests that the new Kinetic electric scooter might offer up to 100 km range with the hub mounted electric motor. But we should wait for the brand for further clarification on the same.

Key Highlights

• Monsoons comes as a concern for EV owners
• Driving EV’s in heavy rains need precautions
• EVs can be charged in rains

Electric vehicles are gradually taking up the mainstream automobile market and are emerging as a preferred option for the urban commuters. While the EV tech is rapidly improving, it still is a long way before they replace ICE vehicles entirely. Developing infrastructure is another factor deciding the growth of the electric vehicle industry globally. However, we have powerful E2W and E4W with high mileage range successfully running through the city streets and highways. With the onset of monsoon in India, there must be some major concerns amongst the new owners whether it’s safe to drive an electric vehicle during rains.

Of course, driving an automobile which has an all-electric drivetrain and components can be concerning during heavy downpour. While EV manufacturers boast reliability of their E2W or E4W in all weather conditions, is it really safe to drive your EV during the monsoon? We have answered the look:

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV AWD Test Mule Spy Shots Leak

Is Driving An EV Safe In Heavy Rains And Monsoon?

Electric vehicle manufacturers ensure that all their EV models be it an electric scooter/motorcycle, car, or SUV are safe to drive in harsh weather conditions. Not just the rains, EVs can withstand extreme cold and heat conditions too. But it’s advisable to take certain precautions to make your drive safer. All the EV makers use water resistant electric components for the safety of the vehicle as well as their owners.

Also Read: Volkswagen ID.7 GTX AWD Sports EV Debuts

Can EVs Be Charged During Rains And Monsoon?

Charging an electric vehicle is also safe during the monsoon. In fact, you can charge your electric two wheeler or electric four wheeler when it’s raining. All the charging components get weather resistant design which ensures charging during heavy downpour doesn’t affect the battery or the slot.

Also Read: Tata Sierra EV Debut Confirmed For FY2026: Details We Know So Far

Is Range Delivery Affected In Monsoons?

The answer is not really. Unless the battery or its terminals have been exposed to water or have moisture retention, the range delivery won’t be affected. The battery performance only tends to get affected in extreme cold or heat conditions. Monsoons generally have a pleasant atmosphere which hardly impact battery performance of EVs.

Key Highlights

• BGuass RUV 350 e-scooter debuts
• Price starts at Rs. 1,09 lakh in India
• Deliveries to commence from July 2024

BGauss RUV 350 electric scooter marked its debut as the first RUV e-scooter capable of both rugged and city terrains. The latest e-scooter from the RR Group has arrived in a highly competitive E2W segment with the starting price of Rs. 1.09 lakh and features such as 3.5 kWh range and 90 km range. Which all top e-scooter models the RUV350 e-scooter is going up against in India? Let’s take a look:

Also Read: Mini Countryman Electric Pre-Bookings Start In India

TVS iQbe E-Scooter

TVS Motors is one of the successful players in the E2W market and is competing with the iQube e-scooter series in this segment. With a starting price of Rs. 94,999 lakh (ex showroom), this e-scooter comes up as a strong contender against the BGauss RUV350 e-scooter.

• Features a practical and comfortable design suitable for city commutes
• Is packed with a 2.2 kWh battery pack
• Is equipped with BLDC hub motor
• Motor delivers 4.4kW max power and up to 140 Nm peak torque
• Reaches up to 75 km range per charge
• Top speed attained is up to 75 km
• Digital instrument control, multiple riding modes, and more smart features
• Price in India starts at Rs. 94,999 (ex showroom)

Also Read: Volkswagen ID.7 GTX AWD Electric Sedan Debuts: 340hp Dual Motors, 595 km Range

Hero Vida V1 E-Scooter

Hero Electric’s Vida e-scooter lineup has been contending strongly amongst all the popular e-scooter models in the market. Flaunting a utility-oriented design for the urban commuters and a starting price of Rs. 1.02 lakh (ex showroom), the Vida V1 e-scooter takes up second spot in the list of BGauss RUV350 e-scooter top rivals.

• Is powered by a PMSM electric motor
• Motor packed linked to a big 3.44 kWh battery pack
• Peak power produced is 6 kW and max torque generated is up to 25 Nm
• Range delivery is up to 143 km on a full battery charge
• Is able to reach a top speed of up to 80 km
• Sports a 7-inch display and has keyless ignition, anti-theft alarm, geo-fencing, and more
• Comes with a starting price of Rs. 1.02 lakh (ex showroom)

Also Read: VinFast VF e34 EV Test Mule Spied: New Electric CrossOver SUV

Ather Rizta Family E-Scooter

Ather Rizta is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio which is launched for the family consumer segment. Offering a spacious and comfortable design, the Rizta also gives the RUV350 a tough competition overall.

• Is suitable for family-segment consumers with ample space for luggage
• Uses a centre-mounted PMSM electric motor
• 4.3 kW peak power and up to 22 NM peak torque
• Gets backed by a 2.4 kWh battery pack
• Li-Ion battery module producing up to 123 km range per charge
• Can offer up to 80 km range with full throttle
• Has a digital instument console with Bluetooth app connectivity
• Multiple riding modes
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.09 lakh (ex showroom)

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV AWD Test Mule Spy Shots Leak

Ola S1 Air E-Scooter

The S1 Air is the affordable variant in the popular Ola S e-scooter series. This electric scooter comes with a relatively lower starting price tag of than the BGauss RUV350 e-scooter. The powertrain and feature-sheet offered by the S1 Air e-scooter is also solid which allows it to compete with the RUV350.

• Lightweight design for a smooth ride
• Uses a hub-mounted electric motor setup
• Comes equipped with a 3 kWh battery pack
• Max power produced by the S1 Air is 6 kW, while the torque generated is 150 Nm
• Has the highest range delivery amongst these variants, i.e., up to 153 km per charge
• Delivers a top speed of up to 90 km per charge
• Multiple riding modes available
• Starts at just Rs. 1.03 lakh (ex showroom) in India

Key Highlights

• GT Force GTX Texa electric motorcycle launched
• Comes with a BLDC hub motor
• Features 3.5 kWh battery
• Price in India starts at Rs. 1.19 lakh ( ex showroom)

GT Force is rapidly expanding its E2W portfolio in India. After launching the 2024 GT Force e-scooter range, the brand has introduced this new electric motrocycle under Rs. 1.20 lakh. With an affordable price range and powertrain including a BLDC hub motor, a 3.4 kWh Li-Ion battery module, and more the GT Texa seems to be a decent package in the budget electric motrocycle sgement where a handful options are available currently. Let’s take a look at the entire spec-sheet offered by the latest GT Force budget electric motorcycle:

Also Read: Oben Rorr Electric Motorcycle Available With Rs. 39,999 Discount: What’s The Catch?

GT Force GT Texa E-Motorcycle Powertrain And Features

GT Texa	Powertrain
Motor	BLDC
Battery	3.5 kWh
Range	Up to 130 km per charge
Top Speed	80 kmph

The GT Force GT Texa electric motorcycle comes equipped with a BLDC electric motor. The motor pack is said to be highly insulated and is linked to a decent 3.5 kWh battery pack. The GT Texa electric motorcycle is claimed to deliver a range of up to 120 km – 130 km on a full battery charge. This high range figure will allow it to be a good commute option for city travels.

The GT Texa electric motorcycle is capable of reaching up to 80 kmph top speed. The battery pack will take up to 5 hours maximum charging time. The electric motrocycle is equipped with a micro-charger feature with auto cut which will protect the battery form battery overcharge.

The GT Texa electric motorcycle has basic motorcycle design with a load capacity and gradability of 180 kg and 18° respectively. The latter will allow swift handling and smoother rides for easy navigation in heavy city traffic conditions.

Coming to the features, it has a 7-inch LED instrument cluster which shows speed and other ride statistics. The electric motorcycle features an E-ABS braking mechanism for safer rides and has 80-100/18, 120-80/17 mm front and rear tyre profiles respectively.

Also Read: MG Cloud EV India Debut Set For September 2024: Expected Price, Powertrain

GT Force GT Texa Electric Motorcycle Price In India

The GT Force GT Texa electric motorcycle is priced at Rs. 1,19,555 in the Indian market. Buyers will get to select this new electric motorcycle from two color options including black and red.