Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Epic payment mode for Ather e-scooter reported from Jaipur
• Customer makes payments via Rs. 10 coins
• Exact model purchased unspecified

Ather Energy has been fairly successful ever since its venture into the Indian EV market. The brand has logged itself as one of the popular options for the first time EV buyers. But it seems like that the craze for Ather e-scooter is hitting all time high amongst the Indian consumers. In a bizarre event, a man hailing from Rajasthan opted for an unusual approach to purchase a new Ather e-scooter (using currency coins). Here’s how the latest Ather e-scooter purchase is taking over the headlines:

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

Ather 450 E-Scooter Purchased With Rs. 10 Coins

In a post shared on X by Tarun Mehta, Ather Energy CEO, a Jaipur resident has purchased Ather 450 electric scooter but with a twist. The caption on the post reads, ” A new Ather owner just bought himself a 450 in Jaipur … all with 10Re coins!”. The customer made the entire payment for the new Ather 450 electric scooter using just Rs. 10 coins. The post clearly displays the coin bags using which the e-scooter was bought neatly placed on the table top.

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A new Ather owner just bought himself a 450 in Jaipur

… all with 10Re coins! pic.twitter.com/VWoOJiQey2

— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) February 17, 2024

This is the first time such an incident is reported where the payment for a electric two-wheeler has been made using only currency coins. The image also shows the owner being handed over the keys for the new Ather 450 electric scooter that was purchased with the currency coins.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

Total Amount Paid And Model Purchased

Well, the exact amount is unspecified by the post. The company’s CEO has also mentioned a sum of over Rs. 1 lakh which has been paid using Rs. 10 coins. Also, the Ather 450 e-scooter model which has been purchased using the Rs. 10 currency coins also remains unknown.

Just to recap, there are currently three different Ather 450 models that are available for purchase in India with the starting price range being Rs. 1.10 lakh. The top end Ather 450 model costs up to Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex showoroom). Nevertheless, even if the customer purchased the base model of the Ather 450 electric scooter, the amount paid in coins makes up for a huge bulk which is evident with the image shared on X.

Key Highlights

• Dacia Spring EV debut global debut on February 24
• Could launch as Renault Kwid EV in India
• Design language could be borrowed from Dacia Duster SUV

Dacia is bringing a new EV for the global audience. The Romanian car manufacturer has announced the upcoming electric car launch which probably will be heading to India with a different yet familiar moniker. The upcoming electric car is anticipated to debut as the Renault Kwid in the country but its timeline remains under the wraps. Here are the expectations from new Darcia Spring EV aka the Renault Kwid EV:

Dacia Spring EV Official Launch Details

The 2024 Dacia Spring EV will be launching tomorrow, i.e., February 21, 2024 in the global markets. A teaser shared by the company confirms the aforementioned launch date. No other detail has been shared by the brand via the teaser. Speculations around its pricing as well as India arrival are limited.

Also Read: Skoda Enyaq Electric SUV Feb 27 India Launch Confirmed

Dacia Spring/ Renault Kwid EV India Launch Also On Cards

Dacia has only mentioned the Spring EV’s global launch date. However, the rumor mill indicates that this EV will be making an entry in the Indian market as well but rebadged as the Renault Kwid EV. This development is backed by the fact that Renault-Nissan has confirmed as many as six new four wheelers for the country including two EV models. The Renault Kwid EV could be the first model to be available in India.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

Dacia Spring EV Expected Design And Features

Unfortunately, the clear look of the Dacia Spring EV has been kept hidden officially. But the teaser poster’s graphics indicate an SUV-like portfolio which seems to borrowed from its older sibline, i.e., the Dacia Duster.

Up front, there could be a closed-off grille design and a prominent “DC” labeling. It is also being anticipated that the DC logo will also double up as the charging flap for on the Dacia Spring EV. The rear profile might get some distinctions compared to the ICE version and will possible include a revamped bumper design and LED lights.

Also Read: From Punchy To Premium: List Of Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In January In India

Renault Kwid EV: Expected Powertrain In India

Renault Kwid EV	Powertrain
Power	43 bhp
Torque	125 Nm
Battery	26.8 KWh
Range	230 km per charge

Exact powertrain configuration for the Dacia Spring or the Renault Kwid EV will be revealed during its global launch. But the already existing variant of the Kwid EV gets an electric motor with 43 bhp power and a peak torque of 125 Nm. This compact EV is powered by a 26.8 KWh battery module with which it can reach to up to 230 km with a full charge. The Kwid EV takes less than an hour to get a charge from 0-80 percent. This charging speed is with the 30 kW DC fast charger.

Key Highlights

• Fastag KYC becomes mandate
• New deadline announced for KYC Completion
• Process can be completed via official website

Fastag became an essential toll collection system for the Indian highways easing down traffic management across toll plazas. Multiple banks offer Fastag services which including Paytm Payments bank. But the latest rift between RBI and Paytm has come as a shocker for thousand of Fastag owners. NHAI has also declared that Pyatm Fastags will become invalid starting next month and has revealed the list of 32 banks which are authorized for the same. That’s not it, it is now mandate to complete KYC for Fastag so that services remains uninterrupted for the users.

List Of Authorized Banks For Paytm Fastags

S.No	Bank Name
1.	Airtel Payments Bank
2.	Axis Bank
3.	Bank Of Maharashtra
4.	Canara Bank
5.	Central Bank Of India
6.	Equitas Small Finance Bank
7.	Federal Bank
8.	Fino Payments Bank
9.	HDFC Bank
10.	IDBI Bank
11.	IDFC Bank
12.	Indusind Bank
13.	Kotak Mahindra Bank
14.	Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank
15.	Uco Bank
16.	South Indian Bank
17.	Saraswat Co-operative Bank
18.	State Bank Of India
19.	Uco Bank
20.	Union Bank
21.	Yes Bank Of India
23.	Allahabad Bank
24.	Cosmos Bank
25.	Indian Bank
26.	Karus Vyasa Bank
27.	J& K Bank
28.	Nagpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank
29.	Thrissur District Cooperative Bank
30.	Punjab National Bank
31.	Bank of Baroda
32.	City Union Bank

Also Read: Paytm FasTags Invalid From This Date: Why Should You Deactivate Paytm Fastags?

How To Get Paytm Fastag Directly Via NHAI

Step 1: Open Play Store or App Store on your Android or Apple devices

Step 2: Search for MyFastag application

Step 3: Download and install the application

Step 4: From the app’s homepage, head to the “Buy Fastag” option

Step 5: Use the in-app link to get redirected to Flipkart and Amazon page from where you can buy a new Fastag

Step 6: Now, follow the on-screen steps to activate and use the new Fastag

Key Highlights

• Ather Rizta E-Scooter teased again
• Side profile image leaked
• Is debuting at Ather Community Day celebrations

Ather Energy has created a massive hype with its upcoming electric scooter. For the first time, the EV startup is bringing a family-oriented e-scooter for the Indian consumers. Ather has been dropping teasers for the upcoming e-scooter and has also suggested its launch timeline previously. Now, the family electric scooter from Ather has been teased once again ahead of its India launch.

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

Ather Rizta E-Scooter New Teaser

The latest teaser shared by Ather shows Indian actor and YouTube Anurag Singh Bassi posing on the Rizta e-scooter. However, just like all the previous sightings, the Rizta e-scooter in the latest teaser is also wrapped heavily with camouflage. Only the side profile of the upcoming family e-scooter is visible in the teaser image.

Ather has been touting the largest seat size for its upcoming e-scooter and has also compared it with industry leading models. Clearly, Ather is betting high with the comfort levels offered by the Rizta e-scooter with all the teasers including the latest one.

The new teaser also highlights the large seat size in addition to the LED headlamps. Additionally, the teaser also indicates the Rizta e-scooter will be coming with a set of alloy wheels and the braking will be handled by disc brake system.

The latest Ather Rizta teaser further shows the digital instrument cluster. However, the console isn’t clearly visible. Hence, it becomes difficult to guess if its a colored LCD or TFT panel. Nevertheless, the Rizta e-scooter’s digital console would probably come with Bluetooth network support for pairing compatible devices like smartphones. It is also expected to display important ride notification

Also Read: BYD Seal Electric Sedan Spotted Testing In India: Should Tata, Mahindra Be Worried?

Ather Rizta E-Scooter Powertrain And Features

While Ather has been teasing the design, it has kept the Rizta’s powertrain details a mystery. Some rumors suggest that Ather will use the same battery pack as the Ather 450S variant in the Rizta e-scooter but with slight alterations in the module. The Rizta e-scooter might offer a range over 100 km on a full battery charge.

Key Highlights

• Paytm Payments Bank crisis affects linked-FasTags
• NHAI issues new list of associated banks for Fastags
• Deadline to be expanded till March 15

Paytm Payments Bank crisis is hitting the brand as well as its customers hard ever since RBI imposed a ban on its services. The associated services with it such as the Fastag is also taking a toll with RBI’s stringent action on Paytm Payments Bank. NHAI has ruled out a new guideline where it has confirmed that Paytm Fastags will be invalid going forward and customers will have to get a new Fastag from a different bank. As many as 32 banks will now be valid for Fastag services in India. But what can you do if you own a Paytm Fastag and how can replace and get a new one. Read on the steps below:

Paytm Fastags Banned?

Yes, Paytm Fastags will now be inoperable for toll collection at NHAI-authorized toll plazas across state highways in India. This directive comes from NHAI itslef which confirms the Paytm Payments Bank have been removed from this list of authorized Fastag service provides.

Also Read: River Indie Electric Scooter Prices Revised In India: Costly Commutes?

Deadline For Paytm Fastag

Now, the list includes only 32 banks that will be offering Fastag services to the consumers. As for the deadline, previously it was set for February 29, 2024. However, the deadline has been extended till March 15, 2024 now. After this, no more Paytm Fastag will be active for the users.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

Is Deactivating Paytm Fastag Necessary?

Yes, deactivating an existing Fastag linked with Paytm is a must process. This is to ensure there are no dual Fastags issued for a same vehicle and also there are no impact with the services. The government is already promoting “One vehicle one Fastag” initiative and deactivating an inactive Fastag comes as an integral part of it.

Also, KYC will not be done if the customer fails to deactivate the existing Paytm Fastag. This confirmation comes from RBI itself. So, in order to purchase and activate a new Fastag, one has to select from the list of 32 authenticated banks.

Key Highlights

• New BYD compact electric SUV launched
• Is positioned below Atto 3
• Might be introduced as Atto 2 in European and Indian markets

BYD is definitely getting its game stronger in the EV segment not just in its home country China, but the remaining markets as well including India. The Chinese automaker has logged itself as one of the leading brands in the EV industry with its electric SUVs, electric sedan, and hatchbacks. Now, the brand has added a new model to its portfolio which will be sitting between its popular offerings including the BYD Dolphin and the Atto 3. Called BYD Yuan UP, the upcoming variant will be a compact e-SUV which possibly will head to the European regions with a familiar moniker.

Also Read: From Punchy To Premium: List Of Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In January In India

BYD Yuan UP Design Language

The BYD Yuan UP aka the BYD Atto2 is said to be the Chinese car maker’s most smallest electric SUV until now. It will be debuting as a compact e-SUV which will measure 4310 mm in length, 1830mm in width, and 1675 mm in height. It will feature a 2620 mm of wheelbase which is slightly higher than that of the Atto 3.

The BYD Yuan UP features a front-mounted charging port and features a closed-off grille structure upfront painted in black. This compact electric SUV will be offering options for additional luggage rack and panoramic sunroof.

Connected LED tail lights and spoilers mounted on the roof enhances the overall appeal of the new BYD compact e-SUV. Interiors seems to be slightly trimmed down when compared to the Atto3. The BYD Yuan UP includes a big 12.8-inch and an 8.8-inch rotatable touchscreen infotainment and instrument cluster respectively.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

BYD Yuan UP: Powertrain And Features

BYD Yuan UP	Powertrain
Platform	e-Platform 3.0
Battery options	32 kWh and 41.5 kWh
Range	301 km per charge (32 kWh variant) 401 km per charge (41.5 kWh variant)
Top Speed	160 kmph

The BYD Yuan UP or the BYD Atto2 has been designed on the brand’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture. A front-axle mounted electric motor drives the BYD Yuan UP producing up tp 130 kW peak power. The compact e-SUV will be available in two different battery pack options including a 32 kWh and a 41.5 kWh model.

The smaller battery pack variant of the BYD Yuan UP can offer a driving range of up to 301 km on a full charge and the bigger battery model will offer approximately 401 km range with each full charge. The new compact SUV from BYD is capable of throttling to a max speed of up to 160 kmph.

Key Highlights

• BYD Seal arriving next month in India
• Recently spotted testing
• Will offer up to 700 km range on a full charge

BYD is all set to strengthen its presence in the premium EV segment in India. Two of the company’s top-performing electric vehicles’ launch have been tipped by the rumor mill. The BYD Seal electric sedan has been spotted out in the wild, while the BYD Dolphin has got trademarked. Now, BYD has revealed when it has scheduled the Seal EV’s launch in India. Below is the timeline:

Also Read: Skoda Enyaq Electric SUV Feb 27 India Launch Confirmed

BYD Seal EV India Launch Date Announced

The BYD EV sedan is coming to the Indian market on March 5, 2024. This means in just few weeks, the Chinese automaker will bring its most popular EV sedan in the country. This developments comes just a few days after the test mule of this mid-range electric sedan was spotted doing performance test on the streets of Chennai.

Do note that the BYD Seal EV went up for pre-bookings even before the confirmed timeline for its launch was revealed. However, dealerships have been taking pre-registrations unofficially for this upcoming electric sedan. Since the official date is now revealed, BYD could also initiate with the pre-reservations officially.

BYD Seal EV is likely to launch with a starting price range of Rs. 50 lakh in India with its possible rivals being Kia’s EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

BYD Seal EV Expectations: Exteriors, Interiors, Powertrain

The BYD Seal EV has been launched as an electric sedan in the global markets featuring 4.8 m length and 2.92 m long wheelbase. This premium looking SUV offers a practical approach with the large 400 liter boot space in addition to 53 liter frunk space. This electric sedan sports a glass roof which enhances its fluid aesthetics.

Interiors get modern aesthetics too and offers a large 15.3 digital touchscreen infotainment screen at the centre console. The Seal EV sports a rotary dial to switch between the available drive modes and central AC vents for stable and cabin temperatures throughout.

BYD Seal	Powertrain
Motor	Dual motor (front and rear axle mounted)
Power	530 hp
Battery	61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh options
Range	550 km and 700 km per charge respectively

As for the powertrain, dual electric motor is used to power the BYD Seal which are mounted on both front and rear axle. Buyers will probably get options to select from a 61.4 kWH and a 82.5 kWh battery variant.

The smaller battery pack model of the BYD Seal can run up to 550 km on one full charge, whereas, the larger battery pack model is said to offer 700 km range with each charge. Up to 180 kmph top speed can be achieved with the BYD Seal EV’s AWD (all-wheel drive) variant with the acceleration speeds being 0-100 kmph in 3.8 seconds.

Key Highlights

• Ola Electric has announced fresh discount deals on its e-scooter lineup
• All S1 e-scooters will have received price cut
• Offers announced for a limited period

Ola Electric’s two-wheeler e-scooter lineup has been amongst the trending models ever since their introduction in the country. The brand currently has three different e-scooter models for the Indian consumers and is working on to upgrade its portfolio by adding electric motorcycles in the future. Meanwhile, Ola is giving out discount benefits on its existing e-scooter lineups for this entire month. Let’s check out the deals and benefits you can get on Ola S1 e-scooters:

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

Ola S1 Series E-Scooter Lineup February 2024 Discount Deals

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You asked, we delivered! We’re reducing our prices by upto ₹25,000 starting today for the month of Feb for all of you!! Breaking all barriers to #EndICEage!

Valentine’s Day gift for all our customers 🙂❤️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oKFAVzAWsC

— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) February 16, 2024

In a post shared on X, Ola Electric CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal announced the latest discount deals on the S1 e-scooter lineup. The two-wheeler EV startup is currently giving up to Rs. 25,000 price cut on its existing e-scooters portfolio. All three variants including Ola S1X+, S1 Air, and S1 Pro’s prices have been axed. The timeline set for the discount is for this entire month, i.e., February 2024. The discount offers will end starting March 1, 2024.

Variant	Discounted Price
Ola S1X+	Rs. 79,999 (ex showroom)
Ola S1 Air	Rs. 1.19 lakh
Ola S1 Pro	Rs. 1.29 lakh

Following the latest discount, the Ola S1X+ e-scooter model is now up for purchase starting at Rs. 79,999 (ex showroom) instead of its previous Rs. 1.04 lakh retail price. On the other hand, the Ola S1 Air e-scooter variant is being sold at Rs. 1,19,999 whose original retail price is around Rs. 1.22 lakh. Likewise, the top-spec Ola S1 Pro model which has been selling at around Rs. 1.32 lakh is now listed with a reduced asking price of Rs. 1,29,999 (ex showroom) with the February discount offers.

Also Read: Kinetic E-Luna: Retro Moped Revived With All-Electric Powertrain

Good Time To Buy New Ola E-Scooter

Ola has been proactively slashing the prices of its popular e-scooter models. The brand had also provided deals on these three e-scooters last month as well. With frequent discounts being offered on the Ola e-scooters, we can safely assume the brand is creating a competitive market to take on the rivals. Besides, the reduced costs of the Ola S e-scoooter lineups definitely comes as one of the solid deals that you should grab if you are planning to switch to EVs.

Key Highlights

• Kabira Mobility KM300 and KM400 second-gen Mark II variants launched
• Both models offers increased performance efficiency
• India price starts at Rs. 1.74 lakh

Kabira Mobility, an Indian EV startup has launched its second-generation electric motorcycle models for the masses. The brand has brought in second-generation models of the KM3000 full-fairing e-bike and the KM4000 naked sports e-bike. Both new models of the KM3000 and KM4000 Mark 2 e-motorcycles comes with improved performance delivery and speeds. Full details are mentioned below:

Kabira Mobility KM3000 Mark 2 E-Bike Powertrain

Model	KM3000	KM3000V
Battery	4.1 kWh	5.15 kWh
Power	12 kW	12 kW
Torque	192 Nm	192 Nm
Range	178 km per charge	201 km per charge
Top Speed	120 km/h	120 km/h
Acceleration	0-100 kmph in 9.5 seconds	0-100 kmph in 9.5 seconds

Starting with the battery pack, the KM3000 e-bike is equipped with a 4.14 kWh battery module that is capable to run up to 178 km on a full charge. It will take around 3 hours for a full battery charge. The peak power output produced by its motor is 12 kW and torque produced is 192 Nm.

This electric motorcycle offers 120 kmph top speed and a quick acceleration speed of 0-100 kmph on just 9.5 seconds. There is also a KM3000V variant which has the exact same powertrain but slightly higher range of 201 km and a larger battery size of 5.15 KWh.

Also Read: River Indie Electric Scooter Prices Revised In India: Costly Commutes?

KM4000 Electric Bike Powertrain

Model	KM4000	KM4000V
Power	12 kW	12 kW
Torque	192 Nm	192 Nm
Battery	4.1 kWh	5.15 kWh
Range	178 km per charge	201 km per charge
Top Speed	120 kmph	120 kmph
Acceleration	0-100 kmph in 9.5 seconds	0-100 kmph in 9.5 seconds

Just like the KM3000, KM4000 also comes in two variants including the standard and the KM4000V model. The former is equipped with a 4.1 kWh battery and the latter gets a bigger 5.15 kW battery pack.

The power output is same as the above variant, i.e., 12 kW. This naked sports-style e-bike can deliver 178 and 201 km range per charge respectively and a top speed of 120 km. Acceleration from 0-100 kmph will take 9.5 seconds.

Also Read: Electric Vehicle (EV) Stocks Surge Following Indian Budget Declaration: Here’s Why

KM3000, KM4000 Mark 2 E-Bikes Similarities

Both these new high-speed electric motorcycles bear several similarities in terms of features. Both KM3000 and KM4000 comes with three ride modes including Eco, City, and Sports. A large 5-inch digital instrument cluster is also present on both newly launched electric motorcycles which gets Bluetooth network support. Dual mode braking regeneration system is also present on the KM3000 and KM4000 electric motorcycles.

Also Read: Hero Electric Dirt Bike Introduced At Bharat Mobility Expo 2024: Expected Features, Price

KM3000, KM4000 Electric Motorcycles India Prices

The KM3000 Mark 2 model comes with a starting price of Rs. 1.74 lakh, while the naked sports-style KM4000 Mark 2 model is launched at Rs. 1.76 lakh.

Key Highlights

• Kia EV9 India launch inching closer
• Test mule spotted without camouflage coverings
• Design identical to the global variant
• Features and powertrain will also be the same

Kia next entrant in the Indian EV market is the flagship EV9 electric SUV. Its showcasing as a concept at the Auto Expo 2023 suggested its future arrival in the country. But the EV9 made its initial debut in the international markets instead and is now heading to the Indian market as well. The test mule of the EV9 has just been spied without any blinding coverings which gives us sufficient clues related to its launch in the country.

Also Read: BYD Seal Electric Sedan Spotted Testing In India: Should Tata, Mahindra Be Worried?

Kia EV9 Spy Shots Leak: What All’s Revealed?

The leaked test mule of the Kia EV9 brings us a closer look of its exteriors only. This e-SUV gets signature sleek headlamps with star-map L-shaped DRLs. The EV9 wears a sharp front featuring a single air vent. The boxy frame of the EV9 e-SUV will surely be a head turner on the Indian roads.

Not just the front, but the side and rear profile are same as the international model. One clear distinction that the EV9’s Indian variant gets over the international model is the design of the alloy wheels. Unfortunately, the spy shots of the EV9 fails to give a glimpse of the interiors. But we can safely assume it be identical as the global model.

Also Read: Skoda Enyaq Electric SUV Feb 27 India Launch Confirmed

Kia EV9 Interiors

The Kia EV9 interiors will possible include a modern cabin design comprising dual 12.3-inch digital display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It could come with three-zone climate control feature and ventilated thermal seats among other new-age features.

The Kia EV9 is also expected to come with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and 360-degree surveillance camera which will boost its security aspects overall.

Also Read: Top Electric Cars And SUVs Launched In 2024

Kia EV9 Powertrain

Kia EV9 Variant	AWD Variant (All Wheel Drive)	RWD Variant (Rear Wheel Drive)
Power	203 PS	383 PS
Torque	350 Nm	700 Nm
Battery	99.8 KWh	99.8 kWh
Range	562 km per charge	504 km per charge
Top Speed	183 kmph	200 kmph

Kia has launched the EV9 e-SUV in two different powertrain options. One comes with RWD (rear wheel drive), while the other comes with AWD (all-wheel drive) option. The standard EV9 RWD variant gets a 99.8 kWh battery pack and delivers 562 km of WLTP combined range. This variant’s power delivery is 203PS, while the torque generated is 350 Nm.

On the other hand, the EV9 AWD variant also uses the same 99.8 kWh battery pack but produces better power output of 383 PS. The torque produced by the high-end EV9 model is 350 Nm. As for the top speed, the RWD and AWD models achieve up to 183 kmph and 200 kmph respectively.