Category: Featured

Key Highlights

• NIO launches the ET9 executive sedan
• ET9 introduces a 5nm self-driving chip and fast-charging cylindrical batteries
• It would be priced at RMB 800,000

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has introduced its long-wheelbase executive sedan, the ET9, during an unveiling event on December 23. Priced at $112,160, this model represents a significant milestone for NIO, incorporating features and technologies aimed at redefining the upper levels of the premium vehicle market. Also Read | New Hyundai Kona EV N Line Variant Under Development: Feature And Performance Upgrades In Tow?

NIO ET9: Technological Marvels

1. Advancements In Autonomous Driving

At the heart of the ET9 is NIO’s revolutionary self-driving chip, the Shenji NX9031, using five-nanometer process technology—a first in China’s automotive industry. This chip empowers the sedan with enhanced computing power for partially automated driving, positioning NIO as a pioneer in semiconductor innovation.

2. Innovative Battery Technology

NIO’s in-house developed cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, the 46105 type, make the ET9 stand out. Boasting a cell-level energy density of 292 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), these batteries enable rapid charging with a 120kWh pack, providing a range of 255 kilometers after just five minutes of charging at a 5C rate. The company’s strategic move in battery development hints at a commitment to efficiency and performance.

3. Intelligent Chassis for a Luxurious Drive

NIO has raised the bar with its SkyRide Intelligent Chassis System, a technological marvel in the mass-produced consumer car segment. Featuring a steer-by-wire system, rear-wheel steering, and an adjustable suspension, the intelligent chassis promises a refined driving experience. Notably, it can be raised or lowered by 50 millimeters in just one second, enhancing passenger comfort during entry and exit.

Also Read | Tata EV-Only Showrooms India: Locations, What Makes It Different?

NIO ET9: Aesthetics And Interior Sophistication

1. Sleek Design With Cutting-Edge Gadgets

The ET9 sports a sleek and contemporary appearance. Notable features include high ground clearance, large 23-inch wheels, and futuristic laser sensors on the roof and sides for comprehensive environmental awareness.

2. Interior Excellence

Inside the ET9, passengers are treated to a modern design language. The cabin showcases an expansive two-meter console, integrated with luxurious amenities such as a 10-liter fridge and folding tables, delivering a first-class seating experience. The sedan’s spacious dimensions, measuring 5.3 meters in length with a 3.3-meter wheelbase, rival luxury counterparts, offering comfort and opulence.

NIO ET9: Price And Availability

Priced at approximately RMB 800,000 (Rs. 93,13,481.42) with deliveries set for the first quarter of 2025, the ET9 positions itself as NIO’s flagship executive sedan, aiming to carve a niche in the luxury market. The sedan competes with offerings from larger rivals, signaling NIO’s aspirations to upscale and capture a discerning consumer base.

Also Read | Xiaomi’s EV Technology To Take Center Stage At Stride Event On December 28

Key Highlights

• Xiaomi’s EV technology will be the highlight of the upcoming Stride Event on December 28
• The event promises to showcase Xiaomi’s advancements in EV technology
• All eyes will be on Xiaomi as it takes center stage to unveil its strides in the electric vehicle sector

Xiaomi is gearing up to showcase its entry into the EV domain. In a 2021 declaration, the Beijing-based tech giant expressed its intention to venture into the electric vehicle market, with the expected launch of its inaugural EV slated for 2024. Earlier this year, glimpses of a hidden electric vehicle, code-named ‘Modena,’ undergoing testing in harsh, wintry landscapes surfaced, heightening anticipation for Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive sector.

Also Read | New Hyundai Kona EV N Line Variant Under Development: Feature And Performance Upgrades In Tow?

Stride Event Details

Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the grand reveal of its EV technology will unfold at the Stride launch event scheduled for December 28 at 2 PM Beijing time (11:30 am IST). Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, clarified that the upcoming event is dedicated solely to showcasing the advancements in EV technologies, dismissing any expectations for a product debut. The main vision for Xiaomi’s EV endeavors, as outlined by Jun, encompasses the integration of automotive, consumer electronics, and smart ecosystems, to redefine the technological landscape of the automotive industry.

Regulatory Approval And Investment Commitment

Amidst Xiaomi’s ambitious foray into EVs, the company secured the nod of approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the regulatory authority overseeing investments and production capacity in the country’s auto sector. Xiaomi has committed a large investment of $10 billion (approximately Rs. 82,700 crores) over the next decade to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle space. The company envisions beginning mass production of its initial fleet of cars by the first half of 2024.

Also Read | Zeekr’s Game-Changing Fast-Charging LFP Battery For EVs Unveiled: Details

Testament To Technological Prowess

In January of the current year, a significant milestone in Xiaomi’s EV journey unfolded with the testing of the ‘Modena’ in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This testing phase, purportedly assessing the vehicle’s battery performance in extreme cold conditions, underscored Xiaomi’s commitment to technological innovation. Having recruited over 500 experts globally, the company has been actively developing in-house autonomous driving technology.

Sneak Peek Into ‘Modena’ Design And Features

Images captured during the testing of the Xiaomi Modena offer a glimpse of a sleek sedan characterized by an aerodynamic silhouette, featuring a lengthy hood and a gracefully tapering roofline towards the rear. Notable design elements include retractable door handles and LiDAR sensors adorning the vehicle’s roof, highlighting Xiaomi’s meticulous approach to blending aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

Also Read | Tata EV-Only Showrooms India: Locations, What Makes It Different?

Key Highlights

• Indian transportation getting modernized with new tech
• Government plans to implement GPS toll collection system
• Current system uses Fastag RIFD toll collection

Ever since the introduction of RFID based toll collection via Fastags, traffic management has become easier at toll plazas across India. But now, the government plans to make it more convenient for the citizens by introducing GPS-based toll collection system. The development has been announced by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways itself. What is this new toll collection system and how does the government plans to execute it? Read on below:

GPS-Based Toll Collection System: What Is It?

The GPS-based toll collection system is in works as announced by the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This new initiative is intended to make traffic management more efficient across the Indian state highways.

Currently, all major toll stations in the country have been integrated with Fastag which essentially is RIFD-based toll collection system. But it is expected to be replaced with the new GPS-based toll collection system going forward.

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

When Will GPS-Based Toll Collection System Start In India?

Going by the information shared by the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, this new toll collection system would be active by March 2024. The government has reportedly completed two pilot projects and will be ready to implement this project entirely by March next year.

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

How Will It Work?

The current an RFID-based system is used to collect toll tax across all major toll stations in India. In this, dedicated RFID readers are installed at the toll collection booths which deducts payments from the FASTag stickers on the car.

For the GPS-based toll collection system, ANPR (Automatic number plate reading) cameras will be equipped for the toll collection. This will not only cut down on excessive traffic congestion at the toll plazas but also help with effective traffic management.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai’s Kona EV N Line variant launching soon
• Will be a new-generation electric SUV
• Expected to offer better features and performance

Hyundai has one of the most premium electric vehicle fleet comprising several powerful electric SUVs. Amongst the top premium electric SUVs from the brand includes the ioniq EV lineup and the Kona EV. The latter is apparently getting refreshed with a new variant. It is being reported that the company has started working on the Kona EV ‘N Line’ version with an all-electric powertrain. What all the developments reveals? Take a look:

Hyundai Kona EV N Line Model Launching Soon?

The Hyundai Kona EV is getting refreshed in an all sporty form factor. The brand is now set to launch the Kona EV’s N Line variant soon. Some reports indicate that the brand will be introducing the new version of the Kona EV by 2024. However, Hyundai is yet to announce the confirmed launch date for the Kona EV N Line variant and also the markets where it will be debuting first.

Hyundai Kona EV N Line Model Pricing (Expected)

The price range for the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV N Line model is not known at this point. It can’t be said for sure if it will be available with the same price range as the standard Kona EV, i.e., starting at Rs. 23 lakh approx.

Considering the new variant is expected to bring along multiple new upgrades in terms of performance as well as design over the previous-gen model, we can expect a slightly higher price range. But this is speculative information, hence, is to be taken as a grain of salt.

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

Hyundai Kona EV Upgrades We Can Expect

Design

Hyundai might make multiple upgrades with the Kona EV N Line variant. Rumors are rife that this all-electric SUV will offer a sporty stance that will be credited to the improved aesthetics. The Hyundai Kona EV N Line variant’s test mule spy shots surfaced recently revealing a new N Line badging and wide DRLs horizontally running across the front panel.

Also Read: Top Upcoming Electric SUVs In India In 2024: From Tata To Mahindra

Powertrain

Unfortunately, the information related to the Kona EV N Line’s variant’s powertrain is limited. Hyundai hasn’t shared any spec-sheet yet that could confirm the powertrain enhancements which the new sporty model of the Kona EV will receive. But we are keeping a close eye on all the developments and will be sharing the details once available.

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

Conclusion

Hyundai Kona EV has had a successful run since its launch in the premium electric SUV segment. The sportier version of the Kona EV is expected to carry forward the same legacy and come up as a potent e-SUV under Rs. 30 lakh segment.

Key Highlights

• Kolkata man’s social media post brings attention to defects in Tata Tiago EV
• Images and videos vividly showcase dents, interior flaws
• Another customer from Bengaluru shares similar grievances about a defective Tata Nexon

Chitrabhanu Pathak’s eagerly anticipated journey into electric vehicle ownership took an unexpected turn as he found himself navigating a series of challenges with his newly purchased Tata Tiago EV XZ Plus Tech LUX. Priced at Rs. 12 lakhs, the dream car quickly transformed into a source of frustration, prompting Pathak to share his ordeal on social media platform X. Also Read | Tesla’s India Entry At Risk: No Subsidies On EV Imports, What’s Next For Elon Musk?

Unveiling Of Issues

Pathak’s post on X served as a visual exposé, showcasing a myriad of problems plaguing his Tata Tiago EV. From dents on the door to structural issues within the vehicle’s interior, the images and videos presented full documentation of the car’s flaws, all recorded during visits to the service center. Notably, the post underscored the unsuccessful attempts at spot welding by the service center to remedy a persistent cranking noise.

Continuous Quality Concerns: A Frustrating Eight-Month Journey

Despite eight months of ownership, Pathak’s dissatisfaction lingered as the videos highlighted strange noises persisting during driving, indicative of unresolved quality concerns. Expressing his dismay, Pathak remarked, “A gift from Tata Motors. An underprepared Tiago EV XZPLUS TECHLUX car from Tata Motors. Paid twelve lakh rupees to get this luxury car, but got a faulty one with major manufacturing defects. Service center spot welded to stop the cranking noise from the car. But all in vain.”

Also Read | Zeekr’s Game-Changing Fast-Charging LFP Battery For EVs Unveiled: Details

Another Customer Shares Defective Tata Nexon Experience

Pathak’s experience is not one incident. Sharath Kumar from Bengaluru echoed similar frustrations after receiving a defective Tata Nexon, priced at Rs. 18.2 lakhs. In an Instagram video, Kumar disclosed unexpected defects that marred the long-awaited delivery of his vehicle, shedding light on the challenges faced by customers dealing with manufacturing discrepancies from Tata Motors.

Also Read | Tata EV-Only Showrooms India: Locations, What Makes It Different?