Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Apex 450 e-scooter comes as the fastest e-scooter from Ather
• Introduced with a new TecPac+ mode
• Special color scheme complemented by a transparent rear design
• Over 100kmph top speed

Ather Energy has finally taken the wraps off its most hyped electric scooter- Apex 450. The EV startup from Bengaluru has kickstarted 2024 with this new high-speed electric scooter which also is now the most premium offering. Priced starting at Rs. 1.89 lakh, the Ather Apex 450 has already gone up for pre-orders a few weeks back in India. For more details, read below:

Ather Apex 450 Powertrain And Features

Motor

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Ather has loaded the Apex 450 with an electric motor that has 7kW rated capacity. This is a marginal upgrade over the Ather 450X that utilizes a 6.4 kW motor. The Apex 450’s motor can produce a peak torque figure of 26Nm. This new motor aids with increasing the top speed of the e-scooter.

Also Read: Kinetic Zulu Vs Ather 450S: Electric Scooter Comparison

Battery And Range

Ather hasn’t made any changes to the battery size. The 450 Apex is packed with the identical 3.7 kWh battery module as the Ather 450X. But despite the same battery size, Ather has made significant improvement with the performance and the range is increased to 157 km per charge. This is achieved with the new regenerative breaking system.

Do note that this is the certified range and the True range claimed by the company is 110 km per charge. As for the battery charging time, Ather claims Apex 450 will take around 5 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge.

Also Read: Best Electric Scooters With Fast Charging You Can Buy In India

Acceleration And Top Speed

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The upgraded electric motor inside the Apex 450 e-scooter allows it to reach over 100kph. That’s when the high-performance mode is activated. This makes it the only Ather scooter till date to reach this top speed. Additionally, the Apex 450 e-scooter features Warp+ mode. This is an exclusive mode for the new variant which helps it to reach 0-40kph in just 2.9 seconds.

Also Read: ElectricPe Partners With Ola Electric, Hero Electric, And Ather: Scooters Available At New Mobility Centers

Additional Features

Amomgst the unique set of features offered by the Apex 450 e-scooter is the ‘Magic Twist’. This feature slows down the e-scooter by simply twisting the accelerator backward by 15 degrees without actually using the brakes. Furthermore, the Apex 450 e-scooter features a large 7-inch digital display with navigation support.

Also Read: Gogoro CrossOver All-Terrain Electric Scooter Launched In India: Top Features, Price

Ather 450 Apex Price In India

The Ather 450 Apex e-scooter is launched with a starting price tag of Rs. 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This new flagship Ather electric scooter will be available in Indium Blue color option. The pre-bookings have started and the deliveries are set to commence starting March this year.

Also Read: DIY Maintenance For Electric Scooters: Easy Tips For A Smooth Ride

Conclusion: Worth A Buy?

With the Apex 450 electric scooter, Ather definitely has created a competent atmosphere in the EV space. And when we consider the premium category, Ather’s 450 e-scooter lineup has been quite popular in the country. The fresh variant is promising overall when it comes to design language and performance delivery which makes it worth a buy under Rs. 2 lakh price bracket.

Key Highlights

• New Mahindra 400 electric SUV facelift launching soon
• Fresh walkaround video leaked online
• Exteriors and interiors revealed

Mahindra is planning to upgrade its EV fleet with a bunch of new electric cars and SUVs this year in India. Amongst the top anticipated models from the brand is the upcoming XUV400 electric facelift model which has been seen being tested on several occasions recently. Adding on to the set of leaks is the new walkaround video of the XUV 400 electric SUV’s top-end variant which gives us a clean insight into the design.

Also Read: Xiaomi’s First EV Teaser: Upcoming SU7 Electric Car To Run On HyperOS

2024 Mahindra XUV400 El Pro Model Upgrades

Exteriors

The latest walkaround video of the 2024 Mahindra XUV400 electric has been leaked on YouTube. Thanks to the video, the design aspects of the facelift variant has been revealed prior launch. That said, the upcoming Mahindra XUV400 electric SUV will wear the same design wrap as the existing variant.

There isn’t any major design upgrade when we speak of the exteriors. It still retains the boxy and masculine form. It’s just the added EV badging at the rear which seems new. Besides, the color option revealed by the walkaround video is an amalgamation of Satin Copper and Everest White shades.

Also Read: Volkswagen New Entry-Level Electric SUV Launch Imminent: T-Cross E-SUV Successor?

Interiors

Inside of the cabin is where the upcoming 2024 Mahindra XUV400 electric gets some noteworthy upgrades. The significant add on in the new model is the large 10.25-inch touch-enabled MID which gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless) support. For reference, the existing version features a slightly smaller 7-inch digital console.

Mahindra has also revamped the steering wheel design and added an XUV700-like flat bottom steering topped with the copper-finished Twin Peaks badging. A center armrest for the front and HAVC-equipped USB-C ports are also visible in the leaked walkaround video.

Furthermore, the 2024 Mahindra XUV 400 EL Pro variant’s walkaround video has revealed dual-zone automatic climate control feature with memory function and dual-tone dashboard (mix of black and ivory). Seems like Mahindra is all pepped up to deliver a more premium experience with the 2024 XUV400 electric SUV by improving the cabin design.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny Electrified: Iconic Off-Roader Goes Electric

Key Highlights

• New Bajaj Chetak e-scooter launched
• Brings multiple upgrades
• Is equipped with a new TFT digital instrument cluster
• Priced in India starts below Rs. 1.20 lakh

Bajaj Auto revived its iconic two-wheeler scooter Chetak in an all-electric avatar and marked its entry in the EV space with the same model. Recently, a new version of the Chetak e-scooter was teased which now has officially made it to the Indian market. The 2024 Bajaj Chetak has been introduced in two different variants with a price range starting under Rs. 1.20 lakh in the country. What remaining upgrades this new e-scooter comes with? Take a look below:

2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter Variants

The 2024 Bajaj Chetak electric scooter has been launched in two different models. The models are named Bajaj Chetak Urbane and Chetak Premium respectively. Notably, the former variant has already been introduced by the company last month and the latter broke its covers yesterday. Bajaj will begin deliveries of the upgraded Chetak e-scooters shortly.

Also Read: Gogoro Partners With Swiggy For Electric Scooter Deliveries In India

2024 Bajaj Chetak Urbane, Chetak Premium: Price, Color Options

The 2024 Bajaj Chetak Urbane variant has been launched at a starting price of Rs. 1.15 lakh. The second variant, i.e., the Chetak Premium costs slightly higher and can be purchased at Rs. 1.35 lakh. Both these variants of the Chetak e-scooter carry a reasonable price tag which will probably prove beneficial with improving the sales chart.

Speaking of the color variants, the 2024 Bajaj Chetak Urbane e-scooter will be available in Brooklyn Black, Coarse Grey, Cyber White, , and Indigo Metallic Blue shades. As for the 2024 Chetak Premium e-scooter, it will be up for grabs in Brooklyn Black, Indigo Metallic Blue, and Hazelnut shades.

Also Read: Electric Vehicles Reduce Oil Usage By 1.8 Million Barrels: Key Impact Of EV On Environment

2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter Powertrain Details

The latest 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium e-scooter employ a 3.2 kWh battery pack, while the Chetak Urbane e-scooter is equipped with a 2.9 kWh battery pack. The former delivers a maximum riding range of up to 127 km on a single charge, whereas, the latter offers 113 km range on a single charge. An 800W charger is used for battery recharge.

2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium, Chetak Urbane E-Scooter New Features

One of the prominent upgrades added to the 2024 Chetak e-scooter is the 5-inch TFT screen. Bajaj has also added a bunch of additional features which include Hill Hold assist mode, music control, turn-by-turn-navigation, reverse mode, and more.

Conclusion

With the launch of 2024 Chetak e-scooter Bajaj has brought in some sold heat for the rival brands in the electric two-wheeler segment. Ola, Ather, Hero, and TVS now gets a new rival in the form of refreshed Chetak e-scooter loaded with a plethora of advanced tech and improved powertrain.

Key Highlights

• Tata launched the Nexon EV facelift in September 2023
• Buyers in Mumbai may face an 8-10 week waiting period based on their preferences
• The updated Nexon EV features a new design, advanced interior, and two battery options

Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon EV facelift in India on September 14, 2023, with a new look and enhanced features to compete with rivals like the Mahindra XUV400. However, potential buyers should be prepared for a waiting period before getting their hands on this popular electric vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know. Also Read | Tata Punch EV Test Mule Spotted Again: Redesigned Interiors?

Waiting Period Details

Customers eager to purchase the updated Nexon EV will need to exercise patience, facing a waiting period of 8-10 weeks from the day of booking. It’s important to note that the waiting time can vary based on factors such as the chosen battery pack, variant, color preference, dealership, and other considerations. Keep in mind that these details specifically apply to bookings made in Mumbai. For more accurate and personalized information, it’s advisable to reach out to the nearest authorized dealership.

Exciting Upgrades In The Facelift

The facelifted Nexon boasts several exciting upgrades. Its exterior features a completely redesigned fascia, with a striking LED light bar running along both the bonnet and the tailgate. Tweaked LED headlamps and taillamps, along with newly designed front and rear bumpers, contribute to the vehicle’s refreshed appearance. On the inside, the Nexon EV offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, electronic parking brakes, a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, ventilated front seats, and a single-pane sunroof.

Also Read | Tesla Achieves Record Q4 Deliveries, Misses Top Spot To BYD

Battery Options And Performance

Buyers have the choice of two battery pack options: Medium Range and Long Range. The claimed range for these options is 325km and 465km, respectively. The electric motor delivers an impressive performance, generating up to 143bhp and 215Nm of torque. Charging the battery from 10 to 100 percent is a convenient process, taking six hours using a 7.2kW AC charger.

Verdict

While the Tata Nexon EV facelift promises an enhanced driving experience, potential buyers should anticipate a wait of 8-10 weeks, making it essential to plan their purchase accordingly.

Also Read | Tesla Rival VinFast Eyes Indian Market To Set EV Battery Plant

Key Highlights

• VinFast’s new Thoothukudi plant will produce EV batteries
• VinFast announced plans for assembly factories in India and Indonesia
• The investment size and operational timeline for Tamil Nadu are unclear

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, often seen as a rival to Tesla and BYD from China, is looking to establish its first manufacturing facility in India, specifically in the Tamil Nadu region. Also Read | Ayodhya Introduces EV Golf Car Service Ahead Of Ram Mandir Inauguration

Battery Production Plant In Thoothukudi

VinFast plans to open a new plant in Thoothukudi, focusing on the production of batteries for electric vehicles, according to sources close to the matter cited by Reuters.

Exploring Opportunities In India

VinFast has been actively exploring opportunities in India, with reports in September indicating hiring efforts for various roles such as sales, legal, and back-office positions.

Investment Size And Timeline

While the exact investment size and operational timeline for the Tamil Nadu plant remain unclear, the company is considering bringing both electric scooters and cars to the Indian market.

Also Read | Tesla Achieves Record Q4 Deliveries, Misses Top Spot To BYD

Global Expansion Plans

In October, VinFast announced plans to build assembly factories in India and Indonesia, each with a capacity of up to 50,000 cars annually. The initial capital expenditure for these projects is estimated to reach up to $200 million, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.

Tesla’s Entry into India

Concurrently, Tesla is in the final stages of negotiating the establishment of its manufacturing plant in Gujarat, India. The electric vehicle manufacturer is expected to enter the Indian market soon.

Gogoro’s Investment In India

Gogoro, a Taiwanese battery-swapping company, is also planning to increase its investments in India. The focus is on manufacturing electric two-wheelers and developing a battery-swapping infrastructure for these vehicles in the coming years.

EV Market Growth In India

As of December 29, according to Vahan data, EV registrations in India rose to 15.13 lakh units in 2023, up from 10.25 lakh units the previous year. Two-wheelers continue to dominate the EV space, with registrations growing 34 percent year-on-year to 8.49 lakh units in 2023.

Also Read | Tata Punch EV Test Mule Spotted Again: Redesigned Interiors?

Key Highlights

• Tesla’s record Q4 deliveries fall short of BYD’s surge
• BYD’s price-cutting strategy pays off
• Challenges and Adjustments for Tesla

In a strong fourth-quarter performance, Tesla exceeded market expectations by delivering a record 494,989 electric vehicles. Despite this achievement, the U.S. automaker lost its position as the leading EV manufacturer to China’s BYD, which handed over an impressive 526,409 vehicles during the same period. Also Read | Servotech Signed MoU With Lloyd Campus For EV Innovation Hub And Charging Station

BYD Surpasses Tesla As Top EV Maker

Warren Buffett-backed BYD’s success in the EV market signals a shift, as the Chinese company’s deliveries outpaced Tesla’s. This development suggests a preference among car buyers for more affordable models in a high-interest-rate economic environment, predominantly in China.

Tesla’s Strong Year-End Push Falls Short Of Internal Target

While Tesla’s year-end sales push contributed to 1.8 million deliveries in 2023, it fell short of CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious internal target of 2 million vehicles annually. Despite missing this goal, Tesla remains ahead of BYD in total deliveries for the year.

BYD’s Strategy: Price Cuts And Market Share Expansion

Susannah Streeter, Head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, notes that BYD’s successful deliveries indicate the effectiveness of its price-cutting strategy. Despite potential impacts on margins for both companies, BYD prioritizes market share and recognition over short-term profitability.

Tesla’s Response: Discounts And Incentives

Tesla implemented discounts and incentives to stimulate sales, including six months of free fast charging for deliveries by the end of December. These efforts led to an 11% growth over the previous quarter, with a total of 494,989 vehicles produced in Q4.

Also Read | Tesla’s Red Model X Spotted In Bengaluru: The EV Turns Heads And Trends Online

Challenges And Regulatory Scrutiny For Tesla

Tesla faces challenges beyond market competition, including scrutiny over its self-driving technology. A recent recall of over 2 million vehicles aimed to address safety concerns raised by federal regulators, and Consumer Reports suggests that software updates may not be sufficient.

Potential Price Adjustments Post-Tax Credits

With the end of tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, analysts speculate that Tesla may need to continue price cuts to sustain demand. Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar, suggests that the company might adjust prices further, particularly for models like the Model 3 facing the loss of tax credits.

Model Breakdown And Future Outlook

Model 3 and Model Y constituted the majority of deliveries in Q4, with 461,538 units. Tesla, however, did not disclose whether these figures included the recently launched Cybertruck. Analysts anticipate ongoing market dynamics and potential price adjustments based on interest rates and tax credit changes.

Also Read | Ayodhya Introduces EV Golf Car Service Ahead Of Ram Mandir Inauguration

Key Highlights

• EV Golf Car Service started before the Ram Mandir inauguration
• It aims to provide zero-carbon emission E-vehicle transport facilities
• Ram Temple worship ceremony scheduled for January 22

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated an environmentally friendly golf car service in Ayodhya in preparation for the worship ceremony of the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22. This service aims to provide zero-carbon emission E-vehicle transport facilities in Ayodhya. Also Read | Tesla’s Red Model X Spotted In Bengaluru: The EV Turns Heads And Trends Online

Ayodhya Development Authority’s Action Plan

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has begun developing a full action plan to implement the eco-friendly transport initiative in Ayodhya. The plan focuses on the use of electric vehicles, particularly those manufactured in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Initial Phase Implementation

In the first phase of implementation, 15 four-wheeler EV Plus vehicles with a seating capacity of four passengers each have been introduced in Ayodhya. The preference is given to EVs produced locally to support the national ‘Make in India’ campaign.

E-Cart Service For Devotees

Since the Deepotsav program last year, an e-cart service has been operational in Ayodhya. This service, with a seating capacity for six passengers, primarily assists elderly devotees in traveling to Hanumangarhi, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex, and other pilgrimage sites.

Lucknow-Ayodhya EV Transport Service

The government has announced the commencement of an EV transport service between Lucknow and Ayodhya. Currently operated by ADA through a private partnership, this service contributes to the initiative of environmentally friendly transportation.

Also Read | Volkswagen New Entry-Level Electric SUV Launch Imminent: T-Cross E-SUV Successor?

VVIP Movement And Fleet Deployment

In preparation for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Pran-Pratishtha program, a significant VVIP movement, including artists and tourists, is planned in Ayodhya from Makar Sankranti (January 15) to January 22. To accommodate this, the government has initiated the deployment of a fleet of 200 e-vehicles, emphasizing zero-carbon emission transportation.

‘My EV Plus’ Cab Service

As part of the EV transportation process, Passion International Private Limited is offering a cab service named ‘My EV Plus’ in collaboration with ADA. The director of the company, Prashant Garg, has highlighted that the service, which operates as a pick-and-drop facility, will be available for pilgrims arriving at Ayodhya airport starting January 6.

Pricing

Passengers using the service between Lucknow and Ayodhya will be required to pay a fee of Rs. 3,000 for a one-way journey. Additionally, within Ayodhya, the fare structure is outlined as follows:

These measures aim to ensure smooth and safe journeys through Google Location and Google Maps access.

Also Read | Servotech Signed MoU With Lloyd Campus For EV Innovation Hub And Charging Station