Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Hero Motocorp announces Vida Advantage Package
• Benefits worth Rs. 27,000 available for V1 Pro e-scooter
• Offer valid till April

Hero MotoCorp has just announced a new special deal for its popular electric scooter in India. The two wheeler manufacturer is offering Vida Advantage package on its first e-scooter — the Vida V1 Pro. With the latest package, the Vida V1 Pro e-scooter buyers will be getting service and other benefits for an extended duration.

Also Read: Top Electric Bikes Priced Under Rs. 2 Lakh In India

Hero Vida V1 Pro Vida Advantage Package Details

Hero MotoCorp’s new Vida Advantage package brings up to Rs. 27,000 benefits for the Vida V1 Pro electric scooter owners. With this new package, customers will be able to avail a range of services for up to five years. After purchasing the Vida Advantage package, the Vida V1 Pro will get quick servicing experience at Vida workshops and also 24 x 7 roadside assistance.

The Vida Advantage package also includes access for the Vida fast charging infrastructure across different Indian cities. Customers will get to access over 2,000 of such fast charging networks. Furthermore, the package will add an extended battery warranty with up to five-year or 60,000 km free maintenance and service option.

Interested Vida V1 Pro should hurry since the new Vida Advantage package is being offered for a limited period. The Advantage pack will be available only till April 31, 2024 in the country. The deal providing multiple servicing offers under Rs. 30,000 for a span of five years seems reasonable and is expected to enhance the overall EV ownership experience.

The Hero Vida V1 Pro is currently available for sale starting at Rs. 1.26 lakh in India. The prices are in effect with the Fame II subsidies. Buyers can opt from a range of color options including white, red, orange, cyan, and black.

Also Read: Ather 450 Electric Scooter Lineup New Features Incoming

Hero Vida V1 Pro Key Features

The Hero Vida V1 Pro is backed by a 3.94 kWh battery which provides a certified range of up to 165 km on a full charge. This e-scooter accelerates from 0- 60 kmph in 3.4 seconds and can reach up to 80 kmph top speed. The e-scooter’s feature-suite includes a 7-inch connected app compatible touch screen instrument cluster. It offers keyless ignition, cruise control, reverse parking mode, geo fencing, and navigation features.

Key Highlights

• BMW India brings iX xDrive50 e-SUV variant in India
• Is most powerful electric SUV
• Imported via CBU route
• Price in India set at Rs. 1.39 crores (ex showroom)

BMW India has added a new EV to its portfolio. The German automotive company has released a new electric SUV to its catalogue as a top-of-the-line electric SUV featuring a 111.5 kWh battery and up to 635 km range per charge. Check out the top highlights of the BMW iX xDrive50 along with its India pricing:

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

BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV Exterior, Interior Design Highlights

The BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV’s design language brings familiarity with the iX lineup and has the signature BMW’s signature 3-D bonnet upfront along with the kidney-style grille combined with sleek LED headlamps. Side profile comprises frameless windows and neat contours which adds to the luxurious touch. The rear profile of the iX xDrive50 includes a slender piece light bar.

The interiors of the BMW iX xDrive 50 features a hexagonal steering wheel which seems to be inspired from a sports race car. Dashboard and the remaining interiors comprises soft Vegan Leather finish combined with bespoke leather upholstery. The iX xDrive 50 electric SUV offers up to 1,750 liters of luggage carrying capacity which makes it perfect ride option for long commutes.

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

BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV Feature-Sheet

The suite features offered by the BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV ranges from a panoramic sunroof, multi-functional seats integrated with massagers, ambient lighting in the cabin, 18-speaker module for a premium audio experience, and more.

The BMW iX xDrive50 dashboard embeds a 14.9-inch curved display with high-resolution pixels and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster compatible with gesture and voice assistant control. The cabin gets connected tech system and is loaded with numerous advanced features. Both front and rear logo on the BMW iX xDrive50 features a washer with the latter including a rear parking camera sensor.

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

BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV Powertrain

The BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV features a powerful 111.5 kWh battery offering up to 635 km range per charge. It has a dual motor setup delivering 523 bhp of peak power and 765 Nm of peak torque. This premium e-SUV makes a sprint of 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

BMW iX xDrive50 e-SUV Price

The BMW iX xDrive50 is one of the most expensive e-SUV launched with a price tag of Rs. 1.39 crores (ex showroom) in India. This premium luxury electric SUV is being imported via CBU route in the country which explains the hefty price tag.

Key Highlights

• Tata upgrades Tiago EV with two new features
• Update released for high-end models
• New USB-C charging port added for charging convenience

Tata Tiago EV is amongst the first compact electric cars introduced for the Indian masses. For long, it retained the title for cheapest electric car with a price range starting below Rs. 10 lakh. While the crown for its most affordable electric car got taken over by MG’s Comet EV, the Tiago EV still grabs a decent market share. Tata has just released two new features for the Tiago EV to stay ahead in the EV hatchback race. Here’s are the new features added to the Tiago EV and the variants to receive this upgrade:

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

Tata Tiago EV New Features

Tata has added two new useful features to the Tiago EV for improved practicality. The Tiago EV will now come with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror inside the cabin that will aid with safe night drives. Additionally, the Tata has equipped a new USB Type-C charging port that supports 45W fast charging. This charging slot is given at the front.

Besides these two new additions, the Tiago EV will retain the existing set of features internally. For safety, there will be dual front airbags, ABS combined with EBD, and more. The dashboard integrates a 7-inch digital touchscreen infotainment screen with connected tech, and Android Auto/ Apple Car Play support. The Tiago EV additionally packs a rear parking camera, cruise control, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), and more.

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

List Of Variants Receiving This Upgrade

The new set of features added to the Tiago EV as an upgrade is only for select variants. The top-end variants only have been upgraded with the charging port and the auto dim rear view mirrors. The Tiago EV XZ+ Tech Lux and the XZ+ Long Range variants have received the 45W USB Type-C fast charging enabled port. On the other hand, the Tiago EV XZ+ Tech Lux model only gets the auto dimming inside rear view mirror console. The Tiago EV’s price range starts at just Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex showroom) in the country.

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

Key Highlights

• Audi Q6 e-tron e-SUV globally launched
• Built on 800V PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform
• Will come with 613 km per charge range delivery

German luxury automaker Audi has launched a new electric SUV globally. The latest EV from the company is the Q6 e-tron which comes with a single electric motor, a 100 kWh battery, and an advanced connected tech cabin. Check out the full feature-sheet and expected India arrival:

Audi Q6 e-Tron Design Highlights

The Audi Q6 e-tron boasts a similar design profile as the remaining variants in the e-tron lineup. Up front, the Q6 e-tron packs the signature Bulgarian Beard Grill which further integrates LED Matrix head lamps. The rear profile of the Audi Q6 e-tron flaunts a connected LED tail bar and OLED tail lamps. The Q6 e-tron has spacious dimensions measuring 4771mm in length, 2193 mm in breadth, and 2,899 mm in height.

Interiors also gets all-luxurious feel with the dashboard mounting a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen measuring 11.9-inches and 14.5-inches respectively. The digital cockpit runs on Android operating system and has range of useful features including voice assistance support.

Also Read: Xiaomi SU7 Electric Coupe Deliveries Starting Soon: March 28 Launch On Cards

Audi Q6 e-Tron Powertrain Details

The Audi Q6 e-tron is designed on the 800V Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform featuring a single electric motor that produces 382 bhp power. This Q6 -etron variant attains a top speed of up to 209 kmph and can throttle from 0- 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. The top-spec Audi Q6 e-tron SQ6 variant has a slightly higher power delivery of 510 bhp.

It’s top speed is also higher at 229 kmph compared to the standard variant. The Q6 e-tron Sportback model takes just 4.3 seconds for 0-100 kmph sprint. Both Audi Q6 e-tron models get a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery offering uo to 631 km range with each full charge cycle. Its battery supports 270 kW DC fast charging which offers 21 minutes recharge time for 0- 80 percent.

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

Audi Q6 e-Tron India Price And Sale

Audi has introduced the Q6 e-tron electric SUV globally and has not shared any details for its India launch. Therefore, its accurate pricing range would be difficult to guess at this point. But considering Audi could launch this new e-SUV in India, we will get some information related to its pricing too in the coming months.

Key Highlights

• Volco XC40 Recharge single motor model pre-registration begins
• Token amount set at Rs. 1 lakh
• Imported via CKD route

Volvo Cars India introduced a new XC40 Recharge model with an affordable price tag in India this earlier this month. The single motor variant being imported via CKD route comes as the entry-level model starting below Rs. 55 lakh (ex showroom). After just a few week of its launch, Skoda has started taking pre-registrations for the XC40 Recharge single motor model in the country. How much token amount you need to pay and what all it has in store in terms of features? Find out below:

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

Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Model: Pre Bookings, Price In India

Volvo is taking pre-bookings for the XC40 Recharge’s newly launched variant in India. The single motor model of the XC40 Recharge (Plus) is made available for pre-registrations at a minimum token price of Rs. 1 lakh. For reference, the pricing of the XC40 Recharge single motor model is kept around Rs. 3 lakh lower than the top spec dual motor AWD variant at Rs. 54.95 lakh (ex showroom). Skoda is likely to start with the XC40 Recharge single motor variant’s delivery soon in the country and will probably share the timeline via its social media handles.

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

Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Variant: Top Highlights

Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus	Powertrain
Motor	Single motor
Placement	rear axle
Power	236 hp
Battery	69 kWh
Range (WLTP)	475 km per charge
Top Speed	180 kmph
Price	Rs. 54.95 lakh (ex showroom)

The Volvo XC40 Recharge single motor variant called Plus only comes with powertrain alterations and retains the same design profile as the top-end “Ultimate” model. The electric SUV’s single electric motor which is placed on the rear axle churns out 236 hp peak power and 420 Nm torque. It equips a smaller 69 kWh battery module which claims a 475 km per charge WLTP range. It can reach up to 180 kmph top speed and make a sprint of 0- 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds.

Key Highlights

• Ather teases Rizta testing teaser
• TFT intrument cluster revealed
• Previous teaser confirmed same battery setup as 450 series

Ather Energy’s Rizta electric scooter is making headlines already prior its launch. Debuting as the first family e-scooter on April 6, the Ather Rizta is coming up as a practical option for daily urban commuters. Ather is creating a series of teasers ahead of the launch gradually lifting up the curtain from the Rizta. After the seat, storage, and battery, Ather has dropped a test run of the Rizta crossing a deep water logged terrain. Here’s all the insight we get from the fresh Ather Rizta test run video:

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

Ather Rizta E-Scooter Test Run Teaser Out

Ather Energy’s co-founder, Swapnil Jain’s latest post on micrblogging website shows the Rizta e-scooter steering swiftly through 400 mm water. With these series of pre-launch test teasers, Ather is touting how rugged and solid the battery of the Rizta e-scooter is.

See more

#AtherRizta and its IP67 rated battery pack are set to make a BIG SPLASH at #AtherCommunityDay24 on April 6.
Here's a Rizta cruising through 400 mm of water. Safe to say your new family scooter is puddle-proof.#Ather #Battery #WaterResistant pic.twitter.com/PHWBzpFyj7

— Swapnil Jain (@swapniljain89) March 19, 2024

The post shared confirms the battery pack of the Rizta electric scooter will be IP67 certified. Hence, it will be able to take on puddles which is amongst the big concerns for a two-wheeler EV owner. In the previous testing, Ather performed a 40m deep battery drop test which suggested it can survive ride through rough and rugged terrains.

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

Other Key Details

Besides the battery performance, the latest Ather Rizta e-scooter teaser shows a modern bar-shaped LED headlamp design. Its mounting is towards the bottom edge of the front apron and has turn indicators integrated.

Furthermore, we could also see the TFT digital instrument cluster but since the clear view isn’t available, it would be difficult to guess the exact range of smart features. However, we can expect Bluetooth app compatibility and navigational features onboard. The battery pack will be carried forward from the Ather 450 series itself.

Key Highlights

• Skoda Epiq EV showcased
• Is an electric crossover SUV with 4.1 m length
• Availability pegged for 2025

Skoda has just announced its new electric crossover SUV for the global markets. The Czech automobile giant is adding up a versatile urban EV to its fleet in the form of the Epiq. The upcoming Skoda Epiq EV is making its way to the international markets in 2025. In the meanwhile. Skoda has showcased some of the top highlights of the Epiq EV. Here are the key notes:

Also Read: Xiaomi SU7 Electric Coupe Deliveries Starting Soon: March 28 Launch On Cards

Skoda Epiq EV Top Highlights

Exteriors

The Skoda Epiq EV is designed as a modern-age electric crossover SUV which balances both functionality and practicality while maintaining an attractive appeal. This compact e-SUV measures 4.1 meters in length and adorns a redesigned radiator grille with glossy black texture. T-shaped LED DRLs takes up the corners of the grille under which the Matrix LED headlamps are integrated.

The side panels features the traditional tornado line design. Another major highlight of the Epiq EV’s design is the use of recyclable material for both interiors and exteriors which makes it a true eco-friendly EV.

Also Read: Maruti’s Upcoming Electric MPV Codenamed YMC: Will Use eVX Skateboard Platform

Interiors

Based on the Skoda’s Modern design language, the cockpit of the Epiq EV will offer a range of smart and advanced tech. It will come with a two-spoke steering wheel and a large 13-inch infotainment screen which will be mounted at the center console. There will also be an additional 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Also Read: Volvo EX30, EX90 Electric SUVs Indi Launch By 2024: Brand Confirms

Features And Functionality

The Skoda Epiq electric crossover SUV will be practical mobility solution with its large 490 litre luggage carrying capacity. Inside the cabin, there will be an open storage option to store daily use items including smartphones. The Epic EV will also offer wireless charging solution in the cockpit.

Powertrain

With the Epiq EV, Skoda aims to meet the sustainability standards which is the demand for modern mobility. Skoda hasn’t clearly revealed the powertrain specifics of the Epiq EV. However, the brand has confirmed bi-directional charging supported battery pack. This means the Epiq EV’s battery will also serve as a power source for external devices and machines.

While the battery capacity details have been kept hidden, its range delivery of up to 400 km per charge is tipped. With this we can expect the Skoda Epiq EV to be an performance oriented SUV suitable for long distances.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai Creta EV test mule spotted
• Exteriors identical to Creta facelift model
• Will offer 360-degree camera system and ADAS

Hyundai just got done with the Creta N line launch in India. Now, the South Korean tech giant is all set for the electrification of the Creta lineup in the country. The developments surrounding the Creta EV’s launch has been emerging for a while now. Just a few months ago, the production-ready test mule of the Creta EV was spotted. And now, the upcoming electric SUV has been spotted again. But this time its sightings comes from the company’s home country, i.e., South Korea.

Also Read: Xiaomi SU7 Electric Coupe Deliveries Starting Soon: March 28 Launch On Cards

Hyundai Creta EV Test Mule Images Leak Again

The latest test mule of the Creta EV has been snapped in South Korea wrapped heavily with camouflage covers. The exact cuts and silhouettes have been kept hidden with wrapping. But the overall stance of the Creta EV seems identical to the newly launched facelift variant.

The Creta EV’s test mule images does show the key distinctions it gets compared to the standard ICE model. The hood of the Creta EV gets a slightly more bold appeal and there are LED DRLs upfront aligned horizontally.

The front LED turn indicators will likely integrate sequential function and the charging port also seems to mounted at the front. Another major design overhaul which the Creta EV seems to get over the Creta ICE variant is the large 17-inch aerodynamic-type alloy wheels.

Also Read: Volvo EX30, EX90 Electric SUVs Indi Launch By 2024: Brand Confirms

Hyundai Creta EV Additional Details We Know

The newly leaked test mule image of the Creta EV has revealed the familiar exterior design only. The cabin overview is still missing as has been the case with the previous test mule sightings. But if we go by the available details, the Creta EV’s interiors will be kept the same as the ICE variant but with minor tweaks here and there.

The similarities we expect is in the dashboard layout where it will include dual screens with connected car tech, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay support. Ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, 360° surveillance camera system, and Level 2 ADAS could be amongst the suite of features the Creta EV will offer.

Key Highlights

• Xiaomi SU7 launch set for March 28
• Deliveries will commence soon
• Will offer 265 kmph top speed
• To be powered by a dual electric motor setup

Xiaomi is diving into the electric EV industry with its first EV model called the Xiaomi SU7. The Chinese firm showcased the SU7 officially back in December last year and within just a few months of showcasing, this EV’s availability is also revealed. Starting this month itself, the Xiaomi SU7 will be up for grabs. Here’s the launch timeline and delivery dates:

Also Read: Maruti’s Upcoming Electric MPV Codenamed YMC: Will Use eVX Skateboard Platform

Xiaomi SU7 Electric Coupe-Style Sedan Official Launch, Delivery Dates

Xiaomi has made an official announcement which reveals the launch timeline for the SU7 electric coupe. The brand is set to launch its first EV on March 28, 2024. The post has been shared by the company on the Chinese microblogging website, Weibo.

Furthermore, Xiaomi is also making the Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) electric sedan available for experience to the interested customers from March 25. During its showcasing, Xiaomi had only shared insight related to the design and features of the SU7. Since then, the rumor mill has been anticipating its launch in the global markets.

Now, Xiaomi has been taking pre-bookings for the SU7 electric coupe in its home country in at 59 partner dealerships in 29 different cities. The Xiaomi SU&’s global availability is uncertain, but we can expect some announcements related to the roadmap during its China launch.

Also Read: Volvo EX30, EX90 Electric SUVs Indi Launch By 2024: Brand Confirms

Xiaomi SU7 Powertrain And Features

Xiaomi SU7 is launching in two variants including standard and Max with the former features a single motor mounted on rear-axle and the former featuring an all-wheel drive dual motor setup. Top speed of the Xiaomi SU7 is up to 265 kmph with the standard variant making a sprint from 0- 100 kmph in 5.28 seconds and the Max variant accelerating from 0-100 kmph in 2.78 seconds. Amenities loaded inside the cabin will include connected tech cabin, a 16.1-inch screen, and more.

Key Highlights

• Kinetic e-Luna new design patent filed
• To come with a dedicated luggage carrier
• Might be packed with a bigger battery pack than the standard model

Kinetic Greens re-launched its retro moped in an all electric avatar recently in India. Priced under Rs. 70,000, the e-Luna electric moped arrived with a 2.2 km battery pack and up to 110 km range delivery. Now, Kinetic has filed a new design patent for the e-Luna in India and will bring it with an additional luggage carrier. Here are the developments:

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

Kinetic E-Luna Fresh Design Patent Filed: How Does It Differ From Original Model?

The latest patent filing for the E-Luna suggests the brand is taking up a new design approach for its retro-style electric moped. Unlike the standard model, the new E-Luna will include a luggage carrier at the rear. Except for the added luggage carrier, no overhaul will be given to the remaining design.

It appears that Kinetic is building up its niche with the E-Luna and will allow the customers to use this e-scooter for load carrying purpose too. The outgoing E-Luna electric moped currently can handle a payload capacity of up to 150 kg. The upcoming E-Luna model with the integrated luggage carrier will probably offer a higher payload capacity.

Also Read: Ather 450 Electric Scooter Lineup New Features Incoming

Kinetic E-Luna Luggage Carrier Variant Powertrain And Features

The spec-sheet of the Kinetic e-luna mounted with a luggage carrier isn’t confirmed. Only the trademark filing details have emerged. There are some rumors that this new model will probably have an identical powertrain but slightly bigger battery module than the standard model.

The existing E-Luna comes with 1.7 kWh and 2 kWh battery pack options with the former delivering 80 km range on a full charge and the latter delivering up to 110 km range per charge. The upcoming E-Luna variant with the luggage carrier is expected to come with a 3 kWh battery pack. Its range delivery would be difficult to guess at this point but we can expect somewhat similar figures as the current model.