LML is making a comeback to the Indian two-wheeler industry. Well known for their scooters, the company had also launched multiple motorcycles such as Graptor, Freedom, Adreno and Energy. The company is now gearing up to launch multiple electric models, starting with the Star. A lot of you will also remember the original petrol Star scooter was a bit hit in India. Lets quick show you more about the upcoming Star electric via images.
Citroen currently sells two models in India – the premium C5 and the entry level C3. The latter is positioned in the mass market segment and will soon be offered in an EV avatar as well. The electric hatchback is currently under-going real world tests and evaluations and should hit the market in the next 4-6 months.
The Citroen C3 is based on the company’s global CMP platform which is also EV ready. Peugeot e208 is one such car present in the global markets that is based on the same platform. This one gets powered by a 50 kWh battery pack – however for the cost conscious Indian market, a smaller battery might be used.
The WLTP range sticks to 362 km in Europe and the electric motor generates 135 bhp of power with a peak torque of 260 Nm. The French carmaker might tweak in the power and torque figures and bring the car with a slightly lower battery pack to reduce the costs. Once launched, C3 will target the buyers of Tata Tigor EV and Nexon EV.
Also Read: This is India’s cheapest electric car
The smaller battery pack on the Citroen C3 electric could ring in the Indian market with just 300 km of range. Do expect a charging time of 7-8 hours from the AC source and we’re hoping the carmaker will introduce the e-hatchback with fast charging capability via the DC source.
Feature-wise, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment, manual AC, a digital instrument cluster, diamond-cut alloy wheels, halogen lights with LED daytime running lights and more will be seen.
What’s interesting is that the C3 Electric could also get some features that are missing from the ICE version. These are automatic climate control, power folding ORVMs, cruise control, alloy wheels, adjustable headrests and more like these.
Also Read: Tata Tiago NRG XT vs Tiago XT – Know The Differences Here
As far as the prices are concerned then do expect the C3 Electric to be priced north of Rs 11 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The car will make its debut by December 2022 and the launch is expected to be in the first quarter of 2023. By then we’re hoping that the carmaker will be operating in more cities as well.
India’s largest selling electric car is the Tata Nexon EV. This e-SUV has contributed to the company’s growth in India’s market for electric four-wheelers. The motor bay of the Nexon EV has recently undergone modification by Tata Motors. Select Nexon EV variants no longer have the motor cover as a standard fitment. This could be a cost-saving measure, but the brand hasn’t said anything specifically about why it made the decision.
Also Read: LML is making a comeback in electric avatar!
The engine cover or motor cover keeps the engine bay clean and protects it from unwanted debris. By removing the motor cover, the motor bay seems more exposed and now clearly displays the Nexon EV’s motor components. With the exception of the XZ+ Lux and XZ+ Lux Dark, all models no longer have an e-drive top cover. The cover will still be provided by the Nexon EV Max. Additionally, you may buy the motor cover bolt-on kit as an official accessory if you desire the tidy-looking motor bay. Since the manufacturer is still selling this as an accessory, the removal will not have an impact on the vehicle’s safety.
Tata Nexon Prime and Nexon EV Max are the two main variants of the Nexon EV under which different trims are divided. A 30.2 kWh battery pack inside the Nexon EV Prime can generate 127 bhp of output and 245 Nm of peak power and torque. The Nexon EV Max has a 40.5 kWh battery and can produce a maximum torque of 250 Nm and 141 bhp of motor power.
Also Read: A Quick Guide To Electric Car Insurance & Top Things To Know
The Nexon EV Prime costs between Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 17.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The cost of the Nexon EV Max ranges from Rs 18.34 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs 19.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
In India, the use of electric vehicles has been growing quickly in recent years. New automobiles are being released by automakers, and several major automakers are already offering some electric cars in India. Options range from Mahindra, Tata, Hyundai, MG & BYD, and they keep expanding. Compared to their ICE equivalents, electric cars are less expensive to operate over the long term. However, there is still some concern among the public over the upkeep and other maintenance aspects of electric cars. Prospective purchasers are still not entirely sure how the electric car insurance differs from that for ICE vehicles.
Electric vehicle insurances are similar to ICE vehicles but comes at a premium price. EVs are more expensive than ones driven by petrol and diesel vehicles. Replacing or repairing their parts are done at a premium price tag. Therefore, you could have to pay a little bit more each year for electric vehicle insurance renewal.
The EV car insurance coverage provides financial security for your automobile against liabilities like theft, unintentional damage, fire, riots, natural disasters, and third-party injuries or property damage. You may prevent out-of-pocket costs by selecting the appropriate protection for your electric vehicle.
When compared to traditional or fuel-powered vehicles, electric automobiles are more costly. They have a high Insured Declared Value (IDV), as a result. The cost of auto insurance will increase as the IDV rises. Although they initially cost more, electric automobiles end up being more affordable in the long term. The insurance premium also fluctuates depending on the vehicle’s power outputs. A higher premium would be requested for an electric automobile with more power output as compared to the less output vehicle. Additionally, the premiums may differ somewhat based on add-ons and accessories.
The repair or replacement of battery or motor is another factor in the premium cost of EV insurance. Due to the difficulty in obtaining their parts, electric car repairs are more expensive than those for ICE vehicles. Only certified mechanics in company centres are able to fix EVs. When compared to specialists for petrol and diesel cars, the number of specialised EV mechanics is currently rather small.
Make Sure You Get A Good Insured’s Declared Value (IDV)
Different insurers offer different IDVs for your car, which is the most money you could get in the event of damage or total loss. To prevent burning your own pocket in the event of an accident, you must take advantage of the maximum IDV.
Select A Comprehensive Plan
You must have a clear understanding of the kind of coverage you will be purchasing as a customer. Comprehensive insurances cover both the resulting damages and the related legal costs. As a car owner your responsibility is to make sure you have this so that obtaining a suitable protection for your electric automobile is made simpler.
Take Add Ons If Possible
More elements of the vehicles are covered by the insurance add-ons. In the case of EVs, add-ons are available to safeguard your home charger, portable charger, key protection, roadside assistance, and other items.
Also Read: Driving On An Expressway? Here Are Some Tips You Must Follow
Verdict: The popularity of electric vehicles will rise as more people become aware of their advantages in daily life. Brands are now concentrating more on encouraging the usage of EV technology. Potential purchasers will also benefit from knowing about electric car insurance and enjoy a hassle-free ownership experience.
Key Highlights
Ather is working on a new update of its 450X electric scooter. Yes, the updated battery details have leaked online via NCT-type approval documents. The 2023 Ather 450X Gen 4 is what we anticipate this could be. However, the updated scooter might remain largely the same as the Gen 3. The main changes are under the seat compartment where the battery and motor are fixed.
Also Read – Mahindra-Peugeot Kisbee Electric Scooter Spied On Test In India
Speaking of the leaked document shows the battery and specs of this new scooter. Ather 450X Gen 3 was launched a few months back with a bigger battery and riding range. However, the upcoming update gets a bigger battery. The Gen 4 might use a 3.66 kWh battery pack. For reference, the Gen 3 comes with a 2.6kWh battery pack. Additionally, the leaked document shows that there are two settings for approval. These settings refer to two variants i.e. a 450 Plus and the 450X. The battery package on the Gen 4 is also heavier as it weighs 22 kg as compared to the 19 kg of the Gen 3.
The peak power for the 450X stands at 6.4kWh which is more than the Gen 3. Additionally, it gets all the riding modes as the current Gen 3. The riding range is also more or less the same as the current scooter. The main talking point is the absence of Warp mode on Setting 2. As anticipated, this setting 2 is a reference name for the standard variant. Additionally, the Setting 2 scooter makes less peak power of 5.8 kW. This variant also misses the Warp mode & hence its power is restricted. According to the leaked documents, the peak power in Sport mode is 5.8 kW, 3.2 kW in Ride, 2.3kW in Smart Exco, & 1.9kW in Eco mode.
We also anticipate that the Gen 4 scooter might get more features. These might include the use of a bigger infotainment screen, more efficient riding assist functions, etc. Additionally, the new scooter might also feature bigger wheels and revised overall dimensions.
As per the leaked document, this upcoming scooter is more like a generation update. However, we think it is too early to decide on it. Additionally, there are reports on the internet about Ather developing a small e-scooter to compete with Ola S1 Air. Meanwhile, the leaked details showcase that these specs are not of a small e-scooter. We suspect that if it’s the Gen 4; it won’t be any time soon before 2023 that we see it nearing production.
Also Read – 2022 Ola S1 Air Launched In India For Rs 84,999 With 101 Km Range
As the world is shifting slowly to EVs, big cult manufacturers are taking their time. One such maker is Royal Enfield which has been spending a lot of time researching the EV market. Now, the Royal Enfield electric bike that seemed a dream; is finally becoming a reality. The latest statement from officials has revealed that its first e-bike will soon begin the testing phase. However, the plans to debut it lay around 2025.
Also Read – Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Debut Next Month At The EICMA 2022
RE’s entry into the EV world is no surprise. Most of the makers worldwide, may it be four-wheelers or two-wheelers, are plunging into EVs. Hence, RE coming into this market will be no surprise. However, the surprising thing will be the product. Because it is known for making retro modern ICE bikes with thumping engines. An EV is not just silent but also doesn’t have the ICE characteristics for which Royal Enfield is popular. Meanwhile, the officials of RE have confirmed that they are soon to begin the testing of their first e-bike. Not many details about it are known but it is anticipated to be an urban bike.
Given the infrastructure lag for EVs in India, RE claims it is in no hurry for launching an EV. This means that the upcoming e-bike will take its good time before launch. According to the company, it is still reading the Indian electric market needs in detail. Hence, a product will only take its final shape once the study gives a green flag. As per the lack of EV charging infra, we can say the first bike will be an urban model. Additionally, the company also told that it is in process of securing a hefty investment as a PLI scheme. This investment can be as big as Rs 2,000 crores for developing electric products.
To construct this e-bike, hiring has begun in India as well as the UK-based R&D center of RE. This also shows the keen interest of a cult maker in EVs. Hence, one can say that EVs are the real future of the automotive world.
While the EV debut of RE is due for 2025, its main focus shall remain only on the ICE bikes. This month, Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 & Shotgun 650 bikes are going to debut. These models will debut at the EICMA 2022. Hence, the electric future of RE still awaits.
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Ola Electric is trying to erase the biggest issue that users face on an electric two-wheeler. Yes, we are talking about limited range. For this, the company is making a significant investment in electric mobility and its infrastructure. Ola Electric has a bold ambition to put 1 lakh public chargers in 400 cities across the nation. The first set of 50 chargers are now in place and these are aptly termed as ‘Hyperchargers’. Why? You can get 50km worth of charge in just 15 mins. Icing on the cake comes in the form of no user fee for the limited time period.
Also Read: LML Is All Set To Launch Its Star Electric Scooter, Bookings Open
Although the chargers are free as of now, we can expect the business to introduce a subscription plan or a small fee in the future to charge the scooter and to streamline transactions. According to the brand, a special application will make it simple to locate a charging site, plug in, monitor the charge’s progress, and even pay for the service after the scooter is fully charged.
For now, you can locate the chargers on Ola Electric’s website. The green dots refer to the ones that are planned and the green ones are the ones that are operational. We do have a long term Ola S1 Pro at 91Wheels and will use a Hypercharger very soon to get you our experience of using the same. The company is also ensuring that such chargers come up on highways, thereby making intercity travel a reality with the S1 electric scooter. Currently, at reasonable speeds of 60-70 km/h, the scooter does not offer a range of over 150km. If you see the map closely on the website, you will see an upcoming Hypercharger at Leh as well. Wow!
Verdict: The installation of these Hyperchargers will enable Ola Electric to expand its network of infrastructure for charging electric two-wheelers.
Remember the good old LML scooters on Indian roads, the ones that used to compete with Bajaj models? The same brand is now making a comeback but in a different avatar all together. Keeping up with the modern times, LML has decided to ditch petrol engines and go green, the electric way. They will launch three products by end of 2023 and the first one will be the ‘Star’ – the petrol version of this name plate was on sale in India some years back. The new Star, with an electric heart will unique in a lot of ways. Let’s quick have a look at the features below.
The images you see here will for sure get your attention. There are already a lot of good and unique looking e-scooters in India but the LML Star will have its own identity. The red finish for parts like the rear suspension, grab rail et al, sharp body panels, ‘hidden’ DRLs etc do end up making this both futuristic and sporty
Most electric scooters positioned above Rs 1 lakh do come with a touch screen that offers a lot of functionality. LML however will make Star’s screen even better and more interactive. Apart from Bluetooth connectivity, there are chances that the system might offer some level of AI assistance.
This is something we have not seen in the Indian two wheeler space before. While more details are awaited, this could mean an ‘auto headlamp’ feature. Once it gets dark or if the vehicle enters a tunnel or a closed parking, the headlamps could switch on automatically.
We don’t know as of now if this is for the seat height or the seat positioning – ahead or back. However, again, this feature is not seen in any of the Indian scooters at this point of time. The adjustable feature will mean the LML Star will be easy to ride for riders of all heights.
Yes, you read that right. The upcoming LML Star electric scooter will come with front and back 360 degree cameras. The display for the same would be on the touch screen up front. How useful will this be? We can’t wait to ride the scooter to understand the same!
Another industry first feature will be haptic feedback based navigation signals on the handlebars. This will be a big boon for a rider when he / she wants to use navigation on the go. This also means the LML Star’s touchscreen will offer navigation as standard.
Verdict: This is one ‘futuristic’ electric scooter that will be worth waiting for! Welcome back LML…
In India, the market for personal electric vehicles is expanding. India has a large number of two-wheeler EVs. For a better and green future, internal combustion engines should give way to electric propulsion. Given the issues associated with electric two-wheelers, it is critical for electric mobility companies to concentrate on strengthening the EV market with updated innovations. One of those innovations is the adoption of removable battery technology. To facilitate quick charging of the vehicles, the companies are now developing removable & swappable battery. Here are the top electric scooters with removable battery in India.
Also Read: Ola Electric’s 50 Hyperchargers Are Now Live Across The Nation
The Bounce Infinity E1 is one of the most cost-friendly electric scooter available with a removable battery in India. A hub motor that generates 83 Nm of wheel torque is combined with a 2 kWh and a 48V 39 Ah swappable battery pack that powers the Bounce Infinity E1. The lithium-ion battery with an IP67 rating takes four to five hours to fully charge, and after that, it has a range of 85 km. There are two riding options, with the Eco mode’s real-world range being estimated at 65 km and the Sport mode’s at 50 km.
iVOOMi Energy is a Pune-based manufacturer of electric two-wheelers. The business recently unveiled its futuristic electric scooter, the JeetX180, which, under Indian driving conditions, can travel over 180 kilometres in sports mode and over 200 kilometres in eco mode. With the JeetX, iVOOMi Energy has a dual replaceable battery arrangement as an accessory. The company’s products, like the iVOOMi S1 and other low-speed variations, make this configuration accessible. The brand offers a twin replaceable battery system on all of its e-scooters, making it the first company in India to do so. The battery for the scooter has a 3-year warranty.
Also Read: 2022 Ola S1 MoveOS 3.0 Software Update Is Now Available
Simple Energy’s Simple One electric scooter has a longer range than any other electric scooter currently available in India. The scooter has an IDC range of 236 kilometres, while its actual range in eco mode is 203 kilometres. A 3.3 kWh fixed unit (under the footboard) plus a 1.5 kWh removable battery pack stowed in the boot provide the battery pack a total capacity of 4.8 kWh. The recharge time for the removable battery pack is 75 minutes, compared to 2.75 hours for the permanent battery. The Simple One has a range of 2.5 kilometres after a 60-second charge using the Simple Loop fast-charging network.
Okinawa Autotech is one of the leading e-scooter manufacturer in India. A 3.3 kWh lithium-ion removable battery pack is included with the Okinawa i-Praise Plus, giving it a range of up to 139 kilometres. The battery in this electric scooter charges in 4-5 hours and has a micro-charger with an auto-cut feature. A 3-year battery guarantee and a 3-year or 30,000 km (whichever comes first) electric motor warranty are both provided by the brand.
Also Read: LML Is All Set To Launch Its Star Electric Scooter, Bookings Open
The Hero Vida V1 is Hero Motocorp’s first electric scooter and the most recent entrant in the electric two-wheeler market. The Hero Vida is available in two versions: the Vida V1 Pro and the Vida V1 Plus. The Vida V1 Plus features a 3.44 kWh battery compared to the Vida V1 Pro’s 3.94 kWh battery. The batteries on both scooters are detachable. While the latter’s range is only 143 km, the former has a 165 km range. In terms of features, both scooters offer a touchscreen instrument cluster with a lot of information. Both scooters have three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sports.
The Raft Indus Pro comes with a permanent 48 V 135 Ah Lithium-ion battery pack as well as a removable 48 V 65 Ah battery pack. The detachable battery is under the seat, while the fixed battery is under the footboard. Additionally, there is boot room for the charger. The E scooter has a 325 km range with a fixed battery and 155 km with a removable battery. The E scooter can travel 480 kilometres in total. For any electric scooter, it has a considerable range. Keeping the Rough Indus NX at its top speed of 40–45 kmph while carrying a 75 kg load allowed us to test its range.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Electric Bike Reaches Testing Phase – Launch By 2025
Verdict: These are the top electric scooters with removable battery currently on the market in India. With a removable battery, the owner can take the battery out and charge it wherever they like.
Not all know but Pravaig has been developing an electric SUV for the past 5 years. Infact, couple of years back, their e-sedan was also spied on test. The word now out is that their first product will be an SUV – Defy! The company has already teased some images of this upcoming model. This made-in-India electric SUV will be launched in November and the talking point is the 504 km driving range and its futuristic design. Considering the EV infrastructure in India, this range is more than sufficient for those planning to cover long-distance journeys in an electric vehicle.
For now, the battery capacity is yet unknown, however, it gets a top speed of 200 kmph and a 0 to 100 kmph sprint is achieved in just 4.3 seconds. It offers a driving range of 504 km in one charge and the batteries can be juiced up to 80% in just 30 minutes via fast charging.
The carmaker is also offering a 10 lakh km battery life which is phenomenal. This electric SUV belts out 402 bhp of power with a whopping peak torque of 620 Nm. It gets equipped with a multi-VAC high-performance server and sensors. These figures are something that we Indians have never seen on a locally produced EV.
Feature-wise, this electric sub SUV gets a limousine partition, on-board ultrafast WiFi, a 15-inch folding desk for laptops, multiple 220V power outlets sockets, Himalayan air quality with PM 2.5air filtration, Devialet speakers, wireless charging, USB type C ports and more. Some of these can be seen in the pictures here.
Design-wise, Pravaig Defy is a looker. The flush door handles, single-strip LED taillight bar at the rear, large alloy wheels, coupe-styled silhouette and more. Also expect suicide doors as we’ve seen in the Rolls Royce. This made-in-India electric SUV not only tops in design but also in specifications too.
Pravaig Defy is launching in November. It will be offered with features loaded up to the brim and we believe there will be a single top-of-the-line variant for the same. This luxury SUV is expected to target other EVs in its segment.
