Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Creta EV test mule image leaked
• Has front-fender mounted charging slot
• Overall Creta facelift-like design

Hyundai Creta is set to make its grand entrance in an all electric avatar soon. The popular mid-size SUV recently got a facelift in India and is now returning with an electric powertrain in the country. Hyundai has conducted multiple test runs on the country with the spy shots taking all over the internet. Now, once again the Creta EV’s test mule has been snapped with new set of alloy wheels and more.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX Spy Video Leaks: Launch Due In 2025

Hyundai Creta EV Test Mule Snapped Again: New Design Elements?

The Hyundai Creta EV test mule has been spotted again in India wrapped heavily under camouflage taping. Looking at the overall stance, the Creta EV can be seen bearing resemblance to the Creta ICE model. The LED DRL and tail lamps of the Creta EV looks same as the ICE model. While the primary aesthetics of both Creta EV and the Creta ICE model are similar, the former will get EV-specific design elements.

Amongst those notable EV-centric design elements will be the new closed-off grille and alloy wheels with an aerodynamic approach. There are reports that Hyundai will be using low-resistance tyres on the Creta EV. The latest leaked test mule image of the Creta EV also can be seen with a front fender-mounted charging slot. This same setup has been snapped in the past too with other Creta EV’s test mules.

A sneak peek of the Creta EV from the side profile also gives a glimpse of the cabin. It seems the first electric SUV from Creta will get a new two spoke steering wheel. The steering wheel design seems familiar to the Inoniq 5 EV. We can’t confirm the exact screen layout which the Creta EV’s dashboard will feature.

But we expect it to be same as the ICE model where the infotainment system will get both Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility. Also, a radar box is seem mounted on the Creta EV’s test mule which indicates the ADAS safety suite on the EV model too.

Also Read: BYD Seal EV Pre-Bookings Clocks Over 1000 In India: New Milestone

Hyundai Creta EV Powertrain Expectations

Hyundai might launch the Creta EV with single and dual motor setup and multiple battery pack options. The mid-size e-SUV could come with up to 45 kWh battery pack. The range delivery anticipated is up to 400 km range on a full battery charge.

Key Highlights

• Maruti Suzuki eVX test mule spy video leak
• Better road presence than Vitara Breeza
• Launch anticipated in 2025

Maruti will be launching its first electric SUV in India called the eVX next year. A recent development hinted at its delayed launch by the festive season 2025. Meanwhile, Maruti has started conducting the test runs for the eVX in the country. A spy video of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX has been leaked on social media hinting the testing has begun for the Indian markets.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV.e9 Electric SUV Headlight Design Trademarked

Maruti Suzuki eVX Test Mule Spy Video Leaked

Maruti Suzuki eVX has been making all buzz since its showcasing at the Auto Expo 2023. The second prototype made its way to the Tokyo Motor Show with slight design enhancements. After testing the eVX internationally, Maruti has finally commenced this EV’s test runs in India too. The latest spy video doing round online reveals the real-life road presence of the eVX. The upcoming electric SUV was snapped in Gurugram somewhere near the Maruti plant.

Much like the concept, the eVX test mule is seen with an LED headlamp setup. With the test mule of the eVX being wrapped entirely, the prominent design cues remained hidden. However, the boxy and masculine profile of eVX was evident despite the wrappings. It appears the eVX will offer a roomier cabin with good head room and leg space.

The latest spy video of the eVX was also seen with C pillar mounted door handles at the rear, whereas the front door handles get the standard door mounting. The ORVMs with integrated cameras hints at the presence of a 360° surveillance camera system.

Also Read: BYD Seal EV Pre-Bookings Clocks Over 1000 In India: New Milestone

Maruti eVX: Details We Know So Far

The eVX electric SUV is said to be developed on 27PL skateboard architecture from Toyota. The company might bring its first e-SUV with both single and dual motor setup and up to 60 kWh battery capacity. The eVX might offer over 500 km range per charge with the top-spec variant.

Key Highlights

• BYD India shares pre-booking figures for Seal EV
• Received over 1000 bookings in less than 3 months
• Seal EV is imported via CBU route in India
• Price starts at Rs. 41 lakh

BYD Auto, the Chinese electric vehicle brand brought its premium electric sedan, the Seal EV a few months back in the Indian market. The company has been taking pre-orders since the official unveiling. Sharing insights into the pre-bookings, BYD has revealed how popular the Seal EV is becoming in the country. The company has apparently logged a record pre-bookings for the Seal EV in less than 3 minutes timeframe.

Also Read: Hyundai Introduces India’s First 180 kW DC Fast Charging Station: Plans Expansion In Future

BYD Seal EV India Booking Details

BYD India has revealed the pre-booking figures for the Seal EV which it has received from the intersted buyers in India. The company has announced that it has logged over 1000 bookings for the Seal EV soon after its unveiling back in March this year.

According to BYD, over 200 bookings were done for the Seal EV within the first week of pre-registrations going live. for reference, the brand commenced the pre-bookings starting February 28, 2024 in the Indian market. Within 15 days of the Seal EV’s launch (March 5, 2025), the booking figures exceeded 500 mark.

Now, a new milestone has been set where BYD has received over 1000 bookings for the Seal EV from the potential buyers in India. The rising numbers with the bookings indicate the popularity of the BYD electric sedan in the country. This is considering BYD is bringing the Seal EV via the CBU (Complete Built Up Unit) import route in India.

BYD will be selling the Seal EV with dual battery configurations in India. The premium electric sedan has been launched starting at Rs. 41 lakh in India with the top-spec variant being priced at Rs. 53 lakh. As per BYD dealers, interested buyers can go ahead with the pre-bookings irrespective of the battery size and trim options. Furthermore, the delivery timeline expected for the Seal EV is somewhere around two months from the date of booking.

Also Read: BYD Seal X EV Gets Homologated: Coming To India?

BYD Seal EV Performance: Quick Recap

BYD has launched the Seal EV electric sedan in three different trims. The entry-level model is called Dynamic and has a single rear-axle mounted electric motor linked to a smaller 61.44 kWh battery pack. This Seal EV’s base trim churns out 204 bhp of peak power and 310 Nm of torque. It can reach up to 510 km on a full battery charge. ‘

On the other hand, the mid and top models called Premium and Performance have a bigger battery pack, i.e., an 82.6 kWh unit. The Seal EV Premium trim has a single rear-axle mounted motor generating 312 hp of power and 360 Nm of torque. It has a range delivery of up to 650 km with a full charge. On the other hand, the BYD Seal EV’s Performance trim comes with a dual-motor AWD setup producing 530 hp peal power and 670 Nm of peak torque. It can reach up to 580 km of range on a single charge.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Motor India brings new fast charging station
• Installs India’s first 180 kW charger
• Expansion planned with over 100 more charging stations across India

Electric vehicles are witnessing a rapid surge in demands across India. However, the developing charging infrastructure has emerged as one of the biggest challenges for EV owners. Hyundai Motors India has just come to the rescue by installing India’s first 180 kW DC fast charging station which will cut down the waiting time for EV owners during battery refuels.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV.e9 Electric SUV Headlight Design Trademarked

Hyundai’s First 180 kW Fast Charging Station

Hyundai Motor India Limited has taken up the initiative of bringing in the first ever super fast DC charging station for general public in the country. The South Korean auto giant has launched the 180 kW DC charging station in Chennai. EV owners in the state can access the newly inaugurated DC fast charging station at Spencer Mall, Thousand Lights in Chennai.

The new DC fast charging station introduced by Hyundai comprises a 150 kW and a 30 kW DC guns for quick re-charges. Hyundai has clarified that the DC fast charging station will be catering to all the EV owners and not just the Hyundai electric cars which will be foraying soon in the Indian market.

So, if you own an electric car from any other brand than Hyundai, you’ll be able to use the fast charging facilities without much hassles. The wide compatibility of the Hyundai DC charging station will surely prove benafecial for the EV owners.

Also Read: Week 21 EV Headlines Wrap Up: Patent Filings, Test Mule Spy Shots, Crash Tests

Expansion Plans

Hyundai won’t be stopping after installing the 180 kW fast DC charging station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The automobile giant is also planning to launch at least 100 more fast charging stations. Just like this one, the remaining charging stations will also be made accessible to the general public and offer same wide compatibility with EVs from other brands.

That said, the company will be launching the additional charging stations at key highways and cities across Tamil Nadu. Hyundai is extensively focusing on improving the charging infrastructure in India allowing an easier charging access for the EV owners on-the-go. The company has already launched its DC charging stations in six different major Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Gurugram, Hyedrabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

Key Highlights

• Mahindra trademarks XUV700 electric dashboard design
• Can be seen sporting triple screen layout
• Previous patent filed for the steering wheel and headlight design

Mahindra electric fleet is getting patent grants for different design elements. After the XUV.e9’s steering wheel and headlamp, a new patent has leaked for the upcoming XUV700 electric aka XUV.e8’s dashboard design. With the new patent surfacing online, it appears that Mahindra is taking the futuristic approach for its EVs with the new triple-screen infotainment screen and digital display layout. Let’s dive into the additional details:

Also Read: Mahindra XUV.e9 Electric SUV Headlight Design Trademarked

Mahindra New XUV 700/ XUV.e8 EV Dashboard Patent Leaks

The latest patent leak for the XUV700 electric confirms Mahindra’s plan to integrate its new EV range with a triple-screen layout on the dashboard. Currently, we have dual screen dashboards becoming the new norm with premium EV and ICE cars and SUVs.

Seems like Mahindra is ready to take a leap by becoming the first brand to launch a mid-segment EV featuring a 3 screen dashboard setup for infotainment and driver display. The XUV 700 electric aka the XUV.e8 will be the first EV model to recieve this updated dashboard design. Going forward, Mahindra will possibly use the same setup for its remaining EV fleet comprising the XUV.e9 and the BE range of EV models.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV Electric SUV Steering Wheel Patent Leaks: Two-Spoke, Integrated Display

Mahindra XUV700 Electric Dashboard Key Functionalities

That said, if we speak of the overall dashboard design, the triple screen layout is seen taking up the entire dashboard width and has AC vents on either ends. Also, the screens are likely separated by thick grey bezels. Since this is just the patent filing, the grey bezels make sense. However, we can expect the production model to feature darker bezels for a seamless screen integration on the dashboard.

While the exact functionalities aren’t clarified with the patent design, the triple screen layout will possibly have touch controls only. We might see least of physical key controls on the screen and the cockpit for a premium and luxurious ambience. Besides, Mahindra could also equip the new EV range including the XUV.e and the BE series with digital voice assistance for hands-free operations and controls.

key Highlights

• New Bounce Infinity E1 e-scooter model launched
• Is called E1X
• Features swappable battery module
• Up to 65 kmph top speed

Bounce Infinity has introduced a new E1 series electric scooter in India. The Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer has added the E1X e-scooter model to its collection which has been priced starting at Rs. 55,000 in the country. The latest Bounce Infinity E1X electric scooter model features a swappable battery technology, comes with dual top speed options, and more.

Also Read: iVOOMI JeetX ZE Electric Scooter With 170 Km Range Launched: Costs Just Rs. 79,999

Bounce Infinity E1X Powertrain Details

Bounce Infinity E1X is also a low-end e-scooter that has joined the E1 e-scooter lineup. The latest e-scooter model has been introduced with dual top speed options. The low-end model of the E1X will be offering up to 55 kmph top speed. The other variant of the E1X will deliver a higher speed range of up to 65 kmph.

The new budget E1X scooter range comes with swappable battery technology. Besides the affordable pricing, this removable battery tech is the top highlight. This will add convenience with swapping empty batteries with full-charged batteries at the brand’s charging network stations.

As per the reports, Bounce will soon be introducing a new high-speed variant of the E1X which will deliver up to 92 kmph top speed. This variant is further rumored to be developed for some of the export markets. Also, the E1X electric scooter range is said to require least modifications for integrating the battery swapping networks across different charging stations.

Vivekananda Hallekare, Bounce Infinity Co-Founder and CEO emphasizing on the growing EV market in India said, India is the world’s second-largest two-wheeler market, yet the true benefits of EVs haven’t been leveraged fully.” Adding on he said, “EVs offer significant innovation opportunities, including making vehicles cheaper, by separating the battery cost from the vehicle”.

Also Read: Upcoming Mahindra BE.05 EV Interiors Spied Again

Bounce Infinity E1X Electric Scooter Price

The Bounce Infinity E1X is priced starting at Rs. 55,000 in India. The top-end E1x electric scooter model’s price is set at Rs. 59,000 in the country. The new e-scooter model will be delivered starting June this year in the Indian market.

Key Highlights

• Mahindra XUV.e9 headlight design patented
• Full-LED setup revealed
• XUV700-inspired headlamp design

Mahindra is readily adapting the electric mobility future and is constantly filing design patents for EV parts. Recently, the a leaked documentation revealed the design of the upcoming Mahindra EV steering wheel. Now, a new patent has leaked which suggests the design of the XUV.e9 and BE lineup’s headlamp design. Below are the details:

Also Read: Skoda Elroq All-Electric Compact E-SUV Teased Officially: Global Launch Soon

Mahindra XUV.e9 Electric SUV Headlight Patent Leak

A fresh patent document leak is doing rounds online revealed the upcoming Mahindra XUV.e9’s headlamp design. This same headlamp is rumored to be used for the XUV.e8. The leaked trademark document shows an XUV700-inspired C-shaped angular headlamps of the XUV.e9.

The vertical C-shaped DRL module can be seen with dual-projector headlamps. This dual-projector setup is said to be full-LED with the upper and lower units being a single and triple-set layout respectively. The design patent further hints C-sha[ed LED turn indicators.

Just to recap, the Mahindra has two different EV lineups in works. Besides the XUV.e, the brand is also developing the BE lineup for the Indian and global markets. Models from both Mahindra EV series has been showcased and also test mules have been spotted several times in the country. The headlamps that have been trademarked will be used by for the XUV.e lineup only. The BE series will possibly be integrated with the different headlamp unit.

Also Read: Kia EV3 Electric SUV Debuts Globally With 600 KM Range

Mahindra Electric Steering Design Also Patented

Just a while ago, Mahindra filed another patent for its EV lineup. The company filed trademark for its electric steering wheel’s design. The patent for the XUV.e and BE series electric steering revealed a Tata Nexon-line design with a central flat console for a possible secondary screen mounting. The two-spoke design with the added display will make the Mahindra EV futuristic. With all these new developments, it appears that Mahindra will get more EV-specific design and accessories trademarked in the coming months.

Key Highlights

• Kia EV3 e-SUV debuts globally
• Premium electric SUV with 600 km range
• Standard and GT line trims introduced

Kia Motors have upgraded its EV portfolio with the EV3. The entry-level electric SUV has marked its entry into the global markets. Following the premium aesthetics of the EV9 and EV6, the EV3 comes as a 5-seater EV featuring a host of advanced safety tech offering a range delivery of up to 600 km. Here’s everything the Kia EV3 offers:

Also Read: Skoda Elroq All-Electric Compact E-SUV Teased Officially: Global Launch Soon

Kia EV3 Design Highlights

The Kia EV3 might be the entry-level model in the premium Kia EV series but it still boasts a solid SUV styling with necessary EV-design elements at place. The exterior design highlights are the new Star Map signature LED headlamps, blanked-off grilles, and large air inlets.

The square wheel arches combined with black alloy-wheels fills in for the futuristic and agile styling. The EV3 equips flush-fit door handles at the front, while the rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar. The boxy rear features a black-cladded bumper topped with L-shaped LED tailamps and a shark-fin antenna.

Kia EV3 gets a roomier cabin and a tech-loaded dashboard. The three-spoke steering wheel has the Kia badging. The electric SUV features a 12.3-inch dual infotainment and instrument cluster. It also has a floating center console with moderate storage space.

The advanced suite of cabin features includes ambient lighting, IRVM with auto dimming, dual-zone climate control, and wireless mobile charging. The EV3 has both ADAS and 360-degree surround camera safety features. The EV3’s dimension measures 4,300mm x 1,850mm x 1,560mm (L X W X H) and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV Electric SUV Steering Wheel Patent Leaks: Two-Spoke, Integrated Display

Kia EV3 Powertrain

Kia EV3 comes in Standard and Long range options. Both e-SUV variants are equipped with a 150 kW electric motor linked to a 58.3 kWh battery (Standard variant) and 81.4 kWh (Long range variant). The new entry-level s-SUV from Kia will offer up to 600 km range on full charge as per the WLTP cycle. The EV3 will deliver up to 170 kmph top speed and sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 7.5 seconds.

Key Highlights

• Bajaj Auto announces discounts on 2024 Chetak Urbane
• Chetak Premium e-scooter prices also axed
• Both models now affordable by up to Rs. 20,000

Bajaj Auto has just made its popular e-scooter lineup more affordable in India. The company has axed the prices of 2024 Chetak Urbane and the Chetak Premium electric scooters. The premium e-scooter models have now become cheaper by up to Rs. 20,000 in the country. Is this a limited period discount or a permanent price cut? Let’s find out:

Also Read: Jitendra EV Launches Primo S, Primo Plus E-Scooters In India: New Budget Models?

Bajaj Chetak Urbane, Chetak Premium Electric Scooter Offers May 2024

Both 2024 Bajaj Chetak Urbane and the Chetak Premium electric scooter have been made cheaper by up to Rs. 20,000. If we break down the discount deals, the 2024 Chetak Urbane model has been made affordable with up to Rs. 8,300 discount. This price cut is reflected on both Standard and the TECPAC subscription model.

On the other hand, the Bajaj Chetak Premium e-scooter model’s prices have been axed by up to Rs. 20,000. This is with both standard and TECPAC subscription. It is worth adding that the discounts mentioned above isn’t solely for the flat discount. Buyers will be able to avail the discounted prices in the form of cashbacks and exchange bonuses being offered at the Bajaj dealerships.

Also Read: Bounce Infinity E1 Electric Scooter’s New Model In Works: Launch Imminent?

Bajaj Chetak Urbane, Chteak Premium Performance: Quick Recap

The 2024 Bajaj Chteak Urbane electric scooter is equipped with a 2.9 kWh battery module which takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes for a full charge. This electric scooter variant can offer up to 113 km range on a full charge and reaches 73 kmph top speed. Hill hold assist, reverse assist, and a color LCD instrument cluster are some of the key features it offers.

The Bajaj Chetak Premium has a larger battery pack of 3.2 kWh which can be charged from 0- 100 percent in just 4 hours 30 minutes (with standard charger). This premium variant offers up to 126 km range on a full charge and offers the same 73 kmph top speed as the Chetak Urbane model.