Category: Auto Tech

Key Highlights

• Updated version of Bajaj Chetak electric scooter coming to India
• Improved range expected
• New design tweaks also expected

Bajaj Auto is bringing a new electric scooter to the Indian shores. The company is confirmed to introduce a new updated version of its legendary Chetak e-scooter. The upcoming improved Bajaj Chetak e-scooter os confirmed to debut next week in the country with a new design and upgraded internals for a better and quality ride. What all upgrades will the 2024 Chetak e-scooter will be offering? Here we have listed the details:

Upgraded 2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter: Launch Timeline

The 2024 Bajaj Chetak e-scooter will be launching on December 9, 2024 in India. The latest iteration of the company’s iconic electric scooter is said to come along with notable mechanical as well as design improvements.

This new version of the Chetak e-scooter’s launch comes soon after the Urbane e-scooter that marked its debut a few weeks back in the country. This is a clear indication that Bajaj is proactively upgrading its electric two-wheeler fleet to sustain the competition in the EV space.

Also Read: Ather 450 Apex E-Scooter January 6 India Launch Confirmed: Expectations And Pricing

2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter: Price And Pre-Booking Details

Both the pricing and pre-booking details are currently kept a mystery by Bajaj. We are not sure how much price difference there would be between the existing Bajaj Chetak e-scooter and the 2024 variant. The pre-booking details are also expected to surface post the official launch on January 9 or a few days prior.

2024 Bajaj Chetak E-Scooter Powertrain: Upgrades We Expect

Besides some minor tweaks to the design, the 2024 Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is said to come with several performance and feature upgrades. It will possibly be packed with a larger battery module that will offer an increased riding range and a higher top speed over the existing variant.

Battery

Battery pack tipped for the updated 2024 Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is a 3.2 kWh module. This is a slightly bigger battery pack used by the current-gen Chetak e-scooter. For reference, a 2.8 kWh battery pack drives the existing Bajaj Chetak electric scooter model.

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

Range

Range delivery offered by the upcoming 2024 Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is claimed to be around 127 km per charge. This is a significant improvement over 113km range per charge delivered by the current model.

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

Battery Charging Time And Top Speed

The new Bajaj Chetak 2024 electric scooter model’s battery is speculated to take around 4 hours and 30 minutes for a full battery recharge. The top speed achieved could be around 73 kmph as per the leaks.

Also Read: Bajaj To Launch New Chetak Electric Scooter Model? ‘Vector’ Trademark Sparks Speculations

Feature Upgrades

The 2024 Bajaj Chetak electric scooter is possibly get multiple feature upgrades that will aid with the performance boost. Bajaj is rumored to ship this new version of the Chetak e-scooter with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Keyless ignition, and turn by turn navigation along with Bluetooth support.

Key Highlights

• Ather’s fastest e-scooter will be called Apex
• Is confirmed to debut on January 6
• Pre-bookings already started

Ather is rolling up its sleeve for its next big launch. The EV startup is set to add yet another electric scooter to its portfolio that will be joining the existing Ather 450 series. This time Ather is launching the 450 Apex e-scooter which as per the brand will be its fastest yet e-scooter in the country. Previously Ather teased its upcoming e-scooter and also started taking pre-booking hinting an imminent launch. Now, the official date for the Ather 450 Apex e-scooter’s launch is also revealed.

Ather 450 Apex E-Scooter: Official India Launch Date

Ather Energy has announced the 450 Apex e-scooter’s launch date. The brand will be taking the wraps off its fastest e-scooter on January 6, 2024 in India. Just for reference, Ather has already commenced the pre-booking for the 450 Apex e-scooter in the Indian market but will begin the deliveries few months from now.

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

Ather 450 Apex E-Scooter: Pre-Bookings And Delivery Timeline

The Ather 450 Apex electric scooter’s pre-bookings went live a few weeks back in India. The company has been taking pre-registrations for its premium and fastest electric scooter with a small token amount of Rs. 2500. Interested buyers can visit Ather Energy’s official India website for the pre-bookings. The deliveries of the Apex 450 e-scooter is said to begin starting from March 2024 in the country.

Also Read: Revolt RV 400 Electric Motorcycle Refreshed With Latest Lightening Yellow Shade: Price, Powertrain

Ather 450 Apex E-Scooter Pricing (Expected)

While Ather has confirmed the official launch date for the 450 Apex e-scooter, it has remained silent with the pricing details. Words doing rounds suggests that the Ather 450 Apex e-scooter might have a higher price tag compared to the 450X which is the top-end variant. This indicates the pricing could be over 1.70 lakh (estimated price range).

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

Ather 450 Apex E-Scooter Powertrain And Range

The powertrain details are also not confirmed; except for the fastest speed that Ather has been teasing. But the figures for the top speed is also not revealed as of now. Nevertheless, Ather is claiming the 450 Apex e-scooter to be top notch with performance.

The Ather 450 Apex electric scooter is said to arrive with as many as four different riding modes. It is likely to offer Eco, Ride, and Sport mode in addition to the Wrap+ mode. This mode is likely to replace the existing Wrap mode that is available with the Apex 450 e-scooters.

Also Read: Bajaj To Launch New Chetak Electric Scooter Model? ‘Vector’ Trademark Sparks Speculations

Conclusion

The 450 Apex e-scooter from Ather is expected to certainly raise the bars and bring some heat for the popular performance oriented e-scooters in the Indian market. And we have been witnessing a rapid transition in the EV industry to which Ather and other brands are proactively participating. The upcoming e-scooter is further expected to rope in the modern technologies for a better performance.

Key Highlights

• A red Tesla Model X spotted in Bengaluru caused a stir online
• Photos of the Tesla Model X flooded social media
• Tesla is set to announce a manufacturing plant in Gujarat during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit

In a surprising turn of events, a vibrant red Tesla Model X SUV was recently seen traveling the streets of Bengaluru. The captivating photos of the electric vehicle quickly took over social media, causing a buzz among netizens. The sighting occurred near Minsk Square, near the Cubbon Park metro station. Also Read | Tesla Cybertruck Hitting Production Bay Soon? Spotted On Road

Social Media Fever

See more

Tesla test drives Bengaluru roads 👌.

📍Minsk Square #Tesla #India #Bengaluru #ElectricDrive#BengaluruRoads#FutureOfMobility#TechInnovation pic.twitter.com/7A2HbS9SU6

— North BangalorePost (@nBangalorepost) December 30, 2023

The images of the Tesla Model X sparked widespread excitement on various social media platforms, with users eagerly retweeting and commenting on the sleek vehicle. Speculations ran wild, with some suggesting it might be a “private car” with Dubai registration. One user shared, “Looks more like a private car registered in Dubai…” while another chimed in, “It’s not a test drive; someone is on an official visit and driving his car from Dubai, which is very much allowed for a limited period.”

Local Observations

Adding to the intrigue, a user remarked, “That’s a Dubai registered Tesla on Carnet. Come to Kerala, very common here.” Others shared similar encounters, like one user who mentioned spotting the same vehicle in Koramangala a few days earlier, speculating it could be a private owner’s car.

The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 80,000 views, showcasing the widespread interest in the appearance of the Tesla Model X on Bengaluru’s roads.

Also Read | FAME II In Focus: Government Considers Extending Scheme For EVs In 2024 Budget

Tesla’s Future In India

Amid the excitement, reports suggest that Tesla is gearing up to announce the establishment of its car manufacturing plant in Gujarat. The big reveal is anticipated during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit scheduled for January 2024. Sources indicate that Tesla CEO Elon Musk may make the announcement in person.

Gujarat’s Appeal To Tesla

Gujarat has emerged as Tesla’s favored location for its manufacturing plant, attributed to its strategic location and business-friendly environment. The state government has offered choices like Sanand, Dholera, and Becharaji as potential locations for the Tesla plant. The move is strategic, aiming to meet both domestic and international demands, including exports, from the manufacturing hub in Gujarat.

Also Read | Tesla’s India Entry At Risk: No Subsidies On EV Imports, What’s Next For Elon Musk?

Key Highlights

• VinFast Klara S patent filing complete in India
• Could arrive by 2025
• Expected range deliver around 120 km per charge

Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast is gearing up to challenge popular players in the Indian market. The company has already laid foundations for its biggest manufacturing facility in the country (Tamil Nadu) and will soon start adding electric two and four wheelers to its portfolio. The first of the lot from VinFast is expected to include the Klara S e-scooter. The development around the upcoming e-scooter comes in the form of a patent filing.

Also Read: Top Electric Motorcycles Under Rs. 2 Lakh In 2024

VinFast Klara S E-Scooter India Patent Filing Details

VinFast Klara S is the first e-scooter for which the Vietnamese EV brand has filed a patent in India. With its first e-scooter, VinFast seems to targeting the family segment in the country. VinFast is expected to get its EV venture rolling by 2025 in India.

The Klara S could be the first e-scooter model that will be introduced then. That’s considering this variant has been patented. VinFast might patent more models in the coming months and it would be interesting to see which all variants it will bring to the Indian shores. Since the Kalara S e-scooter is already up for grabs internationally, we expect it to come with exact same design, mechanics, and features.

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024: Govt’s Big Plans To Supercharge Electric Vehicle Growth

VinFast Klara S E-Scooter Powertrain

VinFast Klara S	Powertrain
Battery	3.5 kWh
Battery type	LFP
Range	120 km per charge
Top Speed	48 kmph

Featuring a conventional e-scooter design, the VinFast Klara S will meet the practical aspects for daily commutes. It will be packed with LFP battery pack under the hood. The battery size is expected to be 3.5 kWh which will deliver around 120 km range on a full charge.

This high riding range will be achieved when the scooter is running with a standard speed limit of 30 kmph. As for the top speed, the Klara S can will deliver a decent 48 kmph max speed.

VinFast Klara S Expected India Price

It will be too soon to comment on the exact price range of the VinFast Klara S e-scooter in India. But since the brand has started its own manufacturing unit in India and with the local production, we can expect it be priced reasonably. Looking at the powertrain, it should retail somewhere between Rs. 1.20 to Rs. 1.30 lakh price range. Again, this information is based on speculation and should be considered as a grain of salt.

Key Highlights

• Tata Harrier EV launch set for 2024 in India
• Expected to offer over 500 km range
• Will be an AWD e-SUV

Tata has lined up multiple new electric SUVs to launch in the Indian market. Amongst the expected Tata EVs breaking covers next year is the Harrier EV which will be an AWD e-SUV. Expected to launch under Rs. 30 lakh, the Tata Harrier EV is likely to offer longer range than the current-gen Nexon EV. What else we know about the upcoming Tata Harrier EV? We have answered the top queries below:

Tata Harrier EV India Launch Date

Tata is expected to launch the Harrier EV in 2024 in India. While the confirmed launch date is not announced, its expected arrival is by later half of 2024. It is worth noting that Tata has already showcased the Harrier EV at the Auto Expo 2023 which confirmed the developments across its production.

Also Read: Upcoming Electric SUVs In India In 2024

Tata Harrier EV Price Range

Tata has not made any announcements related to the pricing of the Harrier EV. However, inline reports indicate a starting price range from Rs. 26 lakh. This sub Rs. 30 lakh pricing category for the Tata Harrier EV will surely bring in some heat post launch.

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

Tata Harrier EV Design

Since the Tata Harrier EV made it to the Auto Expo 2023 centerstage, we got a good glimpse of the design. But it is said to bear heavy resemblance to the Harrier EV facelift model. The AWD e-SUV will sport slim LED DRLs and connected LED tail lamp. There will be Harrier.EV badging at the rear. Overall, the Harrier EV will have the same sporty SUV stance as the new-generation Harrier.

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

Tata Harrier EV Powertrain

The Tata Harrier electric SUV is said to built on the Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced (OMEGA) architecture and will be the first e-suv to utilize this platform. This AWD e-SUV is expected to be powered by dual electric motors that will generate high power for 4×4 off-road drives. Additionally, the Harrier EV is said to come with both V2V (Vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2L (Vehicle-to-load) options.

Also Read: Bajaj To Launch New Chetak Electric Scooter Model? ‘Vector’ Trademark Sparks Speculations

Tata Harrier EV Battery And Range

The Tata Harrier EV is expected to launch with a powerful 60kWh battery pack. It is said to deliver over 500 km range on a single charge.

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

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon EV model which is currently one of the most popular compact e-SUVs in the market delivers around 450 km range per charge. The better range offered by the Harrier EV will certainly help the brand improve the sales chart.

Key Highlights

• Tork Motor’s upcoming e-scooter spotted
• Is expected to compete Ather, Ola, and others
• Powertrain details under the wraps

Tork Motors started its venture in the EV market with Kratos electric motorcycle. Now, the company seems to be gearing up to launch a new e-scooter in the country too. The upcoming electric scooter from Tork has recently been spotted testing which hints at its imminent launch. The spy shots have also made their way to the web. Here’s what all we know so far:

Tork E-Scooter Launching Soon?

The upcoming Tork e-scooter has been recently spotted out in the wild. The test mule of the Tork e-scooter has been captured on the streets of Pune alongside Kratos e-bike which hints the brand is getting done with the final test runs.

This further is an indication that Tork will launch an e-scooter in the Indian market soon. While the timeline is not known as of now, we are expecting its debut by 2024- 2025. Well, that’s mere speculation and Tork could confirm the developments in the coming months.

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

Tork E-Scooter Leaked Spy Shots: What All Is Revealed?

Coming to the revelations made by the leaked spy shots, a large grab rail for the pillion is clearly visible. However, the e-scooter has been covered in a camouflage wrapping which hides the crucial design elements.

The Kratos e-scooter further appears to feature flat wide seat for comfortable rides. The upcoming Tork electric scooter is also seen sporting twin shock absorbers suspension system. That’s all the leaked spy shots reveal when we speak of the design.

Also Read: Bajaj To Launch New Chetak Electric Scooter Model? ‘Vector’ Trademark Sparks Speculations

Expected Powertrain

Since this is the first ever sighting of the Tork Motor’s electric scooter, the details related to the powertrain is also under the wraps. It is being suggested that the company will be using a hub electric motor which will help with effective cost management.

The battery capacity equipped inside the Tork electric scooter and the range offered by it is also not known currently. But it wouldn’t be long before the rumor mill starts spilling the beans.

Also Read: Top E-Scooters With Swappable Battery And Long Range

Expected Rivals

Tork will possibly launch its first electric scooter with a reasonable price range. We are assuming it to go up against some of the popular e-scooters from Ather, Ola, Bajaj, and TVS, etc. But the exact models with which it will be competing can only be known once its entire powertrain, features, and pricing details surface.

Key Highlights

• Bajaj Auto’s recent filing of the ‘Vector’ trademark in India
• It could be a sportier version of the Chetak EV
• Possibly a rebadged model based on the Husqvarna Vektorr

Bajaj Auto has recently submitted a trademark application for the name ‘Vector’ in India, leading to widespread speculation about a potential addition to its Chetak line of electric vehicles. Let’s check out the details here. Also Read | Tesla’s India Entry At Risk: No Subsidies On EV Imports, What’s Next For Elon Musk?

Trademark Filing: A Hint At Bajaj’s Electric Scooter Expansion?

While the filing of a trademark does not guarantee the production of a specific model, two significant factors have fueled speculations. In 2020, Bajaj established Chetak Technologies, a subsidiary dedicated to the development of electric two-wheelers. During the same period, Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna unveiled the ‘Vektorr’ EV concept, believed to be based on the Chetak EV. This scooter was even seen undergoing tests on Indian roads alongside other Chetak e-scooters.

Also Read | FAME II In Focus: Government Considers Extending Scheme For EVs In 2024 Budget

The KTM Connection: Could ‘Vector’ Be A Sportier Chetak EV?

Bajaj Auto holds a 48 percent stake in KTM AG, the parent company of motorcycle brands KTM and Husqvarna. This connection raises the possibility that ‘Vector’ might be a rebadged version of the Husqvarna Vektorr, potentially offering a sportier variant of the Chetak EV. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these are currently speculative assumptions.

Bajaj Auto’s Current Electric Scooter Portfolio

Presently, Bajaj Auto boasts two electric scooters: the Chetak Premium and the recently introduced Chetak Urbane. Although both models share similarities, the Urbane variant stands out with its ‘TechPac,’ featuring additional elements such as hill hold, reverse mode, smartphone connectivity, tamper alerts, and more. Moreover, it offers a 10 kmph increase in top speed compared to the base-spec variant, reaching up to 63 kmph. The Chetak Premium is priced at Rs. 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Urbane variant is available at Rs. 1.15 lakh, (ex-showroom).

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

Key Highlights

• Volkswagen’s upcoming electric SUV launching soon
• Said to be an entry-level e-SUV
• Will be debuting by 2026 globally

Volkswagen is expected to launch its new-generation electric SUV in the market targeting the premium-end consumers. The upcoming electric SUV from Vokswagen is reportedly heading towards its launch and the images revealing design as well as the interiors have surfaced online. Anticipated to be a successor to the Volkswagen T-Cross, the next-gen electric SUV is likely an entry-level model that will see a global availability by next year.

Upcoming Volkswagen E-SUV: What Will It Be Called?

Volkswagen has currently maintained a silence across the upcoming budget electric SUV’s badging. However, it is rumored that we might see the next-gen Volkswagen electric SUV to retain the “ID” moniker as the previously introduced ID Buzz MPV. It is further being said that this upcoming electric SUV from Volkswagen borrows the same compact MEB entry platform as the ID 2.

Also Read: Upcoming Electric SUVs In India In 2024

When Is The Launch Timeline?

Current rumors indicate at an upcoming launch by 2024. However, some reports also hints the availability of the next-gen entry-level Volkswagen SUV by 2026 globally. We are expecting some information from Volkswagen soon.

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

Design

Talking of the design, the images of the next-in-line entry-level Volkswagen electric SUV moves away from the curvy stance as the previous-gen models. It rather boasts a cleaner and bold SUV look complemented by the hefty rear spoiler and bulky wheel arches.

Interiors of the upcoming Volkswagen electric SUV is said to feature an identical design as the ID 2 hatchback. It is speculated to offer a 10.9-inch or larger digital infotainment display. This electric SUV will further feature dedicated control keys for climate control, audio playback, and more. A rear spoiler will add on to the neat SUV appeal.

Also Read: 2024 EV Launch Roundup: Top Upcoming Mahindra Electric Cars And SUVs In India

Powertrain (Expected)

Upcoming Volkswagen Entry-Level Electric SUV	Expected Powertrain
Motor	Single electric
Mounting	Font axle
Battery Option	38 kWh 56kWh
Peak Power	223 hp
Charger	125kW
Charging time	10-80 percent in 20 minutes

The entry-level Volkswagen electric SUV is said to be powered by a single electric motor. The motor will be mounted on the front axle and is said to offer 223 hp peak power. This will make it all capable even for tough terrains.

It is further being said that the upcoming entry-level electric SUV from Volkswagen will be made available in two different battery size options. There will be a base variant with a 38 kWh battery pack and high-end model equipped with a bigger 56 kWh battery module.

That said, range delivery expected by the upcoming entry-level electric SUV is said to be around 450 km on a single charge. Volkswagen is said to ship a 125 kW charger with the upcoming electric SUV. This is said to take around 20 minutes for a 10-80 percent charge.

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

Conclusion

With the launch of the entry-level electric SUV, Volkswagen will surely grab a good chunk of the market. That’s considering the demand for compact and affordable SUVs is surging. That said, the pricing would be one crucial factor that will be deciding how successful it will be in the market.

Key Highlights

• Xiaomi CEO shared a glimpse of the forthcoming Xiaomi SU7
• Seamless connection with smartphones and smart home accessories
• Equipped with Xiaomi’s HyperOS operating system

In Xiaomi’s opening event dedicated to electric vehicle technology, scheduled for December 28, the tech giant teased the company’s first-ever passenger car, an all-electric sedan called the Xiaomi SU7. The SU in its name signifies “Speed Ultra,” and it is set to be equipped with Xiaomi’s innovative HyperOS operating system. Also Read | FAME II In Focus: Government Considers Extending Scheme For EVs In 2024 Budget

A Sneak Peek At Xiaomi SU7

Lei Jun, the Chief Executive Officer of Xiaomi, took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to share the first official image of the Xiaomi SU7. The post, accompanied by the caption “Hello, Xiaomi SU7 Welcome to Human x Car x Home,” hints at the vehicle’s integration with smartphones and smart home accessories. Notably, the sedan will run on the HyperOS operating system, reflecting Xiaomi’s commitment to intelligent technology.

The teaser poster showcases the Xiaomi SU7 in an elegant grey sedan-style design, featuring five-spoke alloy wheels adorned with Michelin tires. Lei Jun emphasized the vehicle’s intelligent features, drawing inspiration from advanced car systems like the Tesla Model S. The side view mirror is noteworthy, housing a camera reminiscent of Tesla cars.

Also Read | Tata’s 2024 EV Lineup: Three EV Marvels To Debut Next Year

Stride Event

Xiaomi has announced its first EV launch event outside China, named “Stride,” scheduled for December 28 at 2:00 PM Beijing time (11:30 AM IST). Lasting three hours, the event will focus on unveiling the technology underpinning Xiaomi’s debut electric car rather than product releases. Despite the absence of technical specifications, the Xiaomi SU7 is currently in trial production and is expected to hit the domestic market in the coming months. Pricing details remain undisclosed, with Lei Jun assuring that it will surpass expectations.

Expected Models: Xiaomi SU7 Lineup

Speculation is rife about Xiaomi unveiling a lineup of electric vehicles, potentially including models such as Xiaomi SU7, Xiaomi SU7 Pro, and Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. While specific details on range and features are yet to be revealed, the Xiaomi SU7 is anticipated to offer varying speeds, with the lower-end model reaching 210 km/h and the SU7 Max variant potentially boasting a speed of up to 265 km/h.

Also Read | Kia’s Expected EV Offerings For 2024: What’s Coming?