Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Ather teases Atherstack release
• Will be introduced alongside Halo smart accessory
• Rizta e-scooter also debuting on April 6

Ather has dropped yet another teaser for its upcoming product range being introduced at the Community Day which is scheduled for April 6, 2024. The two wheeler EV manufacturer has now confirmed the release of Atherstack 6 update for the 450 e-scooter lineup alongside the Halo smart accessory and its first family e-scooter — the Rizta.

Also Read: Okaya EV’s Ferrato Bringing Two New Electric Motorcycles, One E-Scooter In India

Atherstack 6 Upgrade: What Should We Expect?

Ather at its Community Day celebrations is confirmed to make multiple new announcements. Apart from expanding its presence in the EV market, Ather is also diving into the smart accessory category by introducing the Halo smart helmet. But now, Ather has also confirmed the Atherstack 6 update for its current range of 450 e-scooters.

The Atherstack 6 is expected to be an OTA update for the 450 e-scooter series which will add a host of new features. The OTA update will be enhancing the driving experience overall with the 450 e-scooter range. The teaser hints texting compatibility which could be one of the key updates with the Atherstack 6.

Additional features which will be introduced with the Atherstack 6 OTA are improved mobile app connectivity and overall user experience with the digital instrument cluster. The rumor mill is also indicating a support for the proximity lock/unlock feature for the entire 450 e-scooter lineup. The update could also enhance navigational and overall app pairing.

Also Read: TVS XL EV, E-XL Bags Trademark Registration In India: New Electric Two Wheelers?

Halo Smart Accessory Debuting Alongside

Ather recently teased its first smart accessory with a rather creative take. The brand has confirmed the on-board speakers on the Rizta is getting replaced with a rather immersive system. The Halo smart helmet is being introduced for all the audio deliverables. This smart helmet will be compatible with all Ather e-scooters including the upcoming Rizta family e-scooter.

Key Highlights

• Maruti Suzuki working on electric MPV
• Is codenamed YMC
• Will be shared with Toyota

Maruti Suzuki’s venture in the EV space will kick start with the eVX next year. And by 2026, the brand will expand its presence by adding up electric MPVs and SUVs to its product catalogue. Just recently, Maruti confirmed the sales of its first EV via the premium channel Nexa. Now, developments are hinting at a new Maruti electric MPV that will be debuting in 2026 and will be shared with Toyota. Which is this new e-MPV and what all information we have? Find out below:

Also Read: Skoda Epiq Electric Crossover SUV: Here Are The Key Notes

New Maruti Electric MPV Under Development

Maruti Suzuki has multiple EV models under development that will be hitting the markets starting 2025. The brand is eyeing the growing EV sector and will populate this segment with MPVs. One of the e-MPVs being developed is said to be shared with Toyota and will be introduced by 2026 in the markets.

This upcoming electric MPV from Maruti is codenamed YMC as per the industry sources. Similar to the eVX, Maruti is also expected to share the YMC electric MPV with Toyota and expand its presence in the EV industry globally. The YMC MPV will be sharing the same YY8 SUV skateboard platform.

etween the YY8 SUV (eVX) and YMC MPV – the company is eying a combined production volume of 2.5 lakh units per annum in a short span of 2-3 years of market launch, say people in the know. With the launch of this electric MPV, Maruti is expected to scale its EV productions from approx. 50,000 to 1 lakh units per annum. Several reports hints that this electric MPV would go up against the E6 MPV from BYD and possibly the upcoming Kia MPV which is also pegged to debut by 2026.

Also Read: MG Cyberster Electric Sports EV Featuring Scissor-Doors Arrives In India: Top Highlights

Maruti Suzuki YMC Electric MPV Expected Powertrain And Features

The Maruti Suzuki YMC will be an electric MPV which will be developed on the Toyota’s 27PL skateboard platform. This same architecture will be used for the eVX. This MPV is likely to be three row/ seven seater EV which could come with dual battery pack options . Maruti could launch the YMC MPV with a 40 kWh and a 60 kWh battery option with a range of over 400 km per charge.

Key Highlights

• Ather Rizta debut set for April 6
• Will borrow battery from 450 series
• New detail confirms missing onboard speaker module

Ather Rizta is one of the biggest two wheeler EV launches happening next month India. The family-segment e-scooter will be debuting during the Ather Community Day scheduled on April 6 where the brand will also introduce new upgrades for the existing lineup. As for the Rizta, Ather via a series of teasers is giving out every possible detail of the upcoming e-scooter. The fresh insight confirms the Rizta will come sans the onboard speaker system which is present in the 450 lineup.

Also Read: TVS XL EV, E-XL Bags Trademark Registration In India: New Electric Two Wheelers?

No Integrated Speaker In Ather Rizta?

Ather via its social media handles has confirmed another crucial detail for the Rizta e-scooter. This time, Ather has revealed the Rizta will come sans the onboard speaker system which has been a demanding feature for two wheeler EVs. But this doesn’t mean Ather is removing this entertainment feature completely.

Rather, the two wheeler EV startup is taking up a unique approach to deliver a rather immersive audio listening experience with the Rizta e-scooter. Of course, the hands free operations are kept in mind. Ather has confirmed the Smart Halo accessory which will also be launched on April 6 alongside the Rizta will take care of the audio delivery.

To recap, Ather has teased a smart accessory dubbed Halo earlier which essentially is a helmet with smart tech connectivity. It is expected to come with Bluetooth connectivity using which one could pair mobile devices. And besides music, we expect it to support navigational audio too.

Also Read: Ather 450 Electric Scooter Lineup New Features Incoming

Ather Rizta E-Scooter: Everything We Know So Far?

Ather Rizta is being promoted as the segment’s biggest e-scooter centered towards family-consumers. Through several social media posts, Ather has hinted the segment’s biggest seat mounting on the Rizta. Additionally, the same battery setup as the 450 series is also confirmed by the company along with a large LCD instrument cluster which was spotted in a recent teaser.

Key Highlights

• Hero MotoCorp patents new e-bike
• Could take on Yulu e-bike
• Expected arrival by 2025

Hero MotoCorp has started planning its EV portfolio expansion in the Indian market. The E2W manufacturer currently caters in this segment wit the Vida V1 lineup and had just re-introduced the low-cost Vida V1 Plus model in the country. The company is also known to be working on a new Vida e-scooter flaunting a bigger profile than the remaining two models. But seems like the brand has more models lined up for India debut in the coming years. A separate patent filing hints a different Vida e-bike model under development possibly a rival to Yulu bike. Know the developments below:

Also Read: mXmoto M16 Cruiser Electric Bike Launched In India: Metal Body, 220 KM Range, And More

Hero MotoCorp’s Yulu Bike Rival Gets Trademarked

The fresh trademark filing for the Hero E2W hints a B2B model in the works. Unlike the big profile of the previously patented Vida e-scooter, the fresh one shows a rather compact design theme. A clear glimpse of the upcoming Hero Vida B2B electric two wheeler shows a newly designed headlamp which is comparatively smaller than the available Vida V1 Pro and the V1 Plus models.

Additional design insight shared by the trademark listing includes a flyscreen upfront and a double cradle frame painted in neon shade. The latter could be the casing for the primary powertrain including the electric motor, battery, and other crucial mechanical components.

The upcoming Hero Vida B2B E2W’s patent images also shows the placement of dedicated luggage racks on the side panels. We could also figure out alloy wheels used for both front and rear wheels with the braking being handled by disc brakes on both wheels.

Also Read: Okaya EV’s Ferrato Bringing Two New Electric Motorcycles, One E-Scooter In India

Expected Rivals In India

It is unclear in which price bracket this newly trademarked B2B E2W will be landing in India. But looking at the overall stance, it is expected to be a budget mobility solution for the Indian consumers. While the price range is difficult to guess, it is being said to take on the Kinetic e-Luna and Yulu bike.

Besides, only the patent filing information has surfaced online and the remaining details including the expected launch timeline are yet to be shared officially by Hero MotoCorp.

Key Highlights

• Hero MotoCorp patents new e-scooter model
• Could join the Vida e-scooter lineup
• Might share powertrain from the outgoing model

Hero MotoCorp after re-launching the affordable Vida e-scooter model (Vida V1 Plus) could be working on another new variant. The fresh patent filing of a mystery Vida e-scooter model indicates the company’s plan to expand its presence in the highly competitive EV sector in India. The trademark filing for the new Hero Vida e-scooter model shows the design sketch bearing resemblance to the outgoing Vida V1 e-scooter models. Here are the insights:

Also Read: Ather Upgrade Program Lets You Exchange Old Ather 450

New Hero Vida E-Scooter Trademarked: Design Highlights

Hero MotoCorp’s upcoming e-scooter’s patent filing documentation has emerged online which besides pointing at its developments hints the design language it will adapt. The new e-scooter from Hero is apparently based on the Vida V1 e-scooter’s platform. At least that’s what the leaked patent image of the mystery e-scooter hints.

The design elements which the newly registered Hero e-scooter will carry forward from the Vida V1 lineup comprises the similar fascia featuring, big single seat profile, along with a large grab rail for the pillion mounted at the rear. The e-scooter’s side profile gets basic designing cues indicating a rather subtle approach overall being opted for this new e-scooter.

The upcoming leaked patent image of the Vida e-scooter is has also revealed X-shaped LED DRL which gives it a shaper front look. The overall big profile of the trademarked Hero e-scooter is an indication that Hero is now focusing on the practicality aspects too. Hero could be betting high on comfort as well as boot space for luggage.

Also Read: Ather 450 Electric Scooter Lineup New Features Incoming

Upcoming Hero Vida Electric Scooter: Any Information On Powertrain And Features?

There is no clarification on the powertrain and feature-sheet of the newly registered Vida series e-scooter. But since i is said to borrow the same platform as the current Hero Vida V1 Pro and the Vida V1 Plus e-scooter models, we can expect some identical mechanics too. This could include the battery or motor setup in addition to the touchscreen LCD infotainment screen compatible with Bluetooth.

Key Highlights

• Ather Upgrade program announced
• Customers can exchange old-gen Ather 450 models
• Specific eligibility criteria set for exchange program

Ather Energy is currently all occupied for its upcoming Community Day celebrations where it will be launching a new e-scooter for family-centric consumers. But this doesn’t mean Ather is leaving out the existing customers owning 450 e-scooter lineup. In fact, the company has just announced a new upgrade scheme where consumers can exchange their-old-gen Ather 450 e-scooter models. What is this new offer and how can you grab the benefits? Read on the details below:

Also Read: TVS XL EV, E-XL Bags Trademark Registration In India: New Electric Two Wheelers?

Ather 450 E-Scooter Upgrade Program: Eligibility Criteria, Validity, And More

Ather Energy’s latest Ppgrade program is simplifying the process of exchanging old-gen Ather 450 e-scooter models with new variants. As a part of this scheme, the Ather 450 Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 e-scooter owners can visit the nearby dealership and exchange these models with new-generation variants. The Upgrade program doesn’t implement on the Ather 450S e-scooter models.

Only certain customers are eligible for the Ather Upgrade program who would need to get the assessment done before getting the new replacement. That said, the consumers who have registered for the Ather Update program back in January 2023 will only get the benefits. As mentioned above, the Ather 450 Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 models being exchanged will be first assessed at the service stations.

If the condition of the e-scooter is good, the primary criteria gets fulfilled. Besides, more details will be verified such as pending traffic fines and any body part damages before approving the exchange. Only if all the criteria meet, Ather would exchange the e-scooter. Furthermore, customers will also need to start with the registrations and complete all payments after the new-gen Ather 450 e-scooter models is handed over to the customer.

Now coming to the validity of the Ather Upgrade program, customers will get to avail the exchange program offer till March 31, 2024. This is only for the customers exchanging their old Ather 450X featuring a 2.9 kWh and 3.7 KWh battery variant. For the Ather 450 Apex customers, the Upgrade program is valid longer till April 30, 2024.

Also Read: Sokudu Introduces Three New Electric Scooters In India: Price Starts Below Rs. 60,000

Ather 450 Upgrade Program: Prices Associated

Under the Ather 450 Upgrade program, the Ather 450X e-scooter owners (2.9 kWh battery pack) will need to pay Rs. 80,000, while for the 450X 3.7 kWh battery variant combined with the Pro package will cost Rs. 90,000. The Apex 450 new unit with the exchange program is priced at Rs. 1.10 lakh.

Key Highlights

• Xiaomi SU7 official debut set for March 28
• Prices tipped to start under  CNY 500,000
• Affordable than most premium electric sedans

Xiaomi did a grand unveiling of its first electric SUV — the SU7 back in December last year. After dominating the consumer tech segment; specifically smartphones, the Chinese OEM has set its vision on the growing EV sector. The first look of the SU7 electric sedan revealed a top-tier EV heading to the markets. Now, the pricing hints Xiaomi is strategizing the moves to stay ahead in this race.

Also Read: MG Cyberster Electric Sports EV Featuring Scissor-Doors Arrives In India: Top Highlights

Xiaomi SU7 EV Official Pricing: Affordable Or Expensive?

The Xiaomi SU7 is tipped to retail with a price range starting below CNY 500,000. The pricing has been hinted by Lei Jun, Xiaomi Global CEO. The post shared by the Chinese firm’s CEO on Weibo (Chinese microblogging website) hints that the SU7’s pricing falls in line with the company’s trend of introducing reasonably priced products to get hold of a major market chunk.

Just for reference, the pricing for the Xiaomi SU7 EV, i.e., CNY 500,000 is an estimated price range with the actual cost varying depending on the models. This amount translates to roughly Rs. 57 lakh in Indian currency. At this cost, it will be contending against the likes of BYD Seal EV and the Ioniq 5. The standard Xiaomi SU7 EV model is likely to be priced lower compared to the SU7 Max EV variant. The differences will be clear once the official pricing announcement is made.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki eVX E-SUV Test Mule Spy Shots Snapped

Xiaomi SU7 EV Pre-Booking And Availability

Xiaomi is confirmed to commence pre-bookings for the SU7 EV lineup starting March 28 in China. The availability will also be limited to the company’s home country initially with its sales kicking off in India and global markets gradually. By 2025 we can expect Xiaomi to begin SU7’s deliveries in some other parts of the globe too but the first markets to get its grab would be clear in the coming months.

Key Highlights

• Okaya’s Ferrato series EV’s teased
• Two new electric motrocycles in two
• One e-scooter moder also upcoming

Okaya EV earlier this month took the curtains off its new EV lineup dubbed Ferrato. The EV manufacturer is now dropping hints on the models lined up to foray with the Ferrato branding. A short teaser video posted on Ferrato’s official YouTube handle hints at least three electric two wheeler models being prepped up for launch.

Also Read: TVS XL EV, E-XL Bags Trademark Registration In India: New Electric Two Wheelers?

Okaya EV Ferrato India Launch Roadmap: New Models Teased!

Okaya’s Ferrato division could be marking its debut in the two-wheeler electric vehicle market across India with three new models. The social media post shared on YouTube gives a glimpse of two new electric motorcycle and a single electric scooter. The Ferrato series will be comprising performance-oriented electric vehicles in its portfolio.

The newly teased electric motorcycles and electric scooter will also be categorized in the premium segment if we go by the developments. The teaser doesn’t reveal the exact monikers of the upcoming Ferrato-labelled e-motorcycle and e-scooter models. But going by the quick sneak peek it seems that indeed the brand is gearing up to launch premium models.

Also Read: Tata Tiago EV Gets Upgraded With New Features: Check Full Details

When Will Ferrato EVs Be Available For Sale In India?

Okaya EV’s Ferrato brand’s first two wheeler electric vehicle is likely to be made available for sale by the end of 2024 or by 2025. The latest teaser uploaded on the Ferrato’s YouTube India channel does hint an imminent launch with the “Coming Soon” tag. And we can come across the developments in the coming weeks. That includes the model’s getting off the production way making their way to the markets and the expected powertrain or performance-sheet.

Key Highlights

• New Ioniq 5 variant in works
• Will be an off-road-focused variant
• To get design facelift
• Availability likely in international markets initially

Hyundai Ioniq 5 is amongst the top flagship electric SUVs catering premium consumers globally. It seems Hyundai is getting a more rugged and performance-oriented Ioniq 5 model in markets. At least, that’s what the latest snapshots of the Ioniq 5 test mule hints at. Is a new Ioniq 5 off-roader getting off the production-bay to hit the shelves soon? Know all the developments here:

Also Read: MG Cyberster Electric Sports EV Featuring Scissor-Doors Arrives In India: Top Highlights

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Off-Road Trim Spotted Doing Test Run

The rumor mill is updated with a fresh test mule leak of the Hyundai Ioniq 5’s off-road variant. It is said to carry Ioniq 5 XRT badging featuring multiple design tweaks compared to the existing trims in the market. The design upgrades have been sighted with the prototype making test runs on the roads.

Also Read: Audi Q6 e-tron Electric SUV With 613km Range Hits Shelves Globally: Powertrain, Features

Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT E-SUV Off-Road Trim Design Upgrades

Primary design overhaul revealed by the Ioniq 5’s off-roader prototype suggests a slightly bigger profile and a better ground clearance besides other minor changes. The Ioniq 5 XRT off-roader’s camouflaged test mule highlights prominent body cladding painted in black and aroof rail addition.

For off roading capabilities, the ground clearance of the new Ioniq 5 XRT trim is also increased. The size difference is estimated to be around 38 mm higher than the standard trims. The prototype snaps has also revealed 18-inch black alloy wheels clubbed with 30-inch tyres. The test mule can be seen wearing all-terrain tyres which will improve off-road performance.

Also Read: Skoda Epiq Electric Crossover SUV: Here Are The Key Notes

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Off-Road Trim Drivetrain: Will There By Any New Upgrades?

The Ioniq 5 XRT variant considering being designed with off-road capabilities will possibly integrate the same dual motor AWD setup as the current top-spec variant. Performance sheet will comprise the same 325 hp of peak power and 640 Nm peak torque. Integrated 77.4 kWh battery pack will drive the Ioniq 5 XRT variant to a distance of up to 418 km per charge.

Key Highlights

• Citroen eC3 tested for Global NCAP safety standards
• Achieves 0 star adult safety rating
• Only 1 star child safety rating

Global NCAP is one of the essential safety certifications for four wheelers in India. Tata Punch.ev’s top rival, the Citroen eC3 was recently made to go through a series of crash tests. The results, well, certainly surprising! Did the eC3 proved its mettle in the Global NCAP crash testing or it’s an entire different picture we are looking at? Let’s find out:

Also Read: Audi Q6 e-tron Electric SUV With 613km Range Hits Shelves Globally: Powertrain, Features

Citroen eC3: Global NCAP Crash Test Results

Citroen eC3’s India-make model was put through multiple crash tests to test the safety standards for both passengers and drivers at the Global NCAP. The Punch.ev rival apparently logged 0-star rating in GNCAP safety crash test. Considering the eC3 is touted as one of the prominent rivals of the Punch.ev, the scores comes as a major disappointment.

Also Read: MG Cyberster Electric Sports EV Featuring Scissor-Doors Arrives In India: Top Highlights

Crash Tests Conducted And Scores

The Citroen eC3 safety standards were checked with the test mule comprising front airbags (driver and passenger side), a reminder for seat belt, and a belt load limiter. The electric hatchback’s front and side crash tests performed at different speed limits revealed the safety vulnerabilities for both adult and kids.

With adult occupants inside the cabin, the eC3 logged 20.86 safety points out of 34. Whereas, for child occupants, the eC3 achieved a score of just 10.55 out of 49. Speaking of the overall ratings, the Citroen eC3 Global NCAP safety crash test ratings stand at 0 for adults and 1 for kids.

As per the GNCAP crash test scores, the Citroen eC3’s bodyshell received a stable rating, but the footwell space is deemed unstable. The driver/ passenger head, neck protection ratings also received decent feedback.

Also Read: Skoda Epiq Electric Crossover SUV: Here Are The Key Notes