The initial offering will include a fixed-battery electric Activa and a moped equipped with swappable battery technology for direct-to-consumer customers. For a considerable time, startups like Ola and Ather have dominated the Indian 2W EV revolution. However, mainstream manufacturers such as TVS and Bajaj have recently entered the market to establish a segment for themselves. Honda, being the second-largest 2W manufacturer and the largest scooter manufacturer in India, does not intend to be left behind. The company's comprehensive strategy will be unveiled on March 29th, and reportedly, it will consist of 10 EVs for India, with two of them serving as a foundation for future EVs. The first two vehicles will be an electric Activa with a non-removable battery and a moped, probably Benly-e, with a detachable battery. Honda is planning to launch 10 electric two-wheelers (2W EVs). Honda is said to be developing 10 electric vehicles (EVs) aimed at different customer segments. The company's EV lineup is expected to offer various speeds, ranges, body styles, features, and prices to cater to a wide range of customers. According to the company's roadmap released last year, the lineup will include maxi-scooters, motorcycles, mini-bikes, and various scooter models with different designs and body types. The company's holistic approach aims to create a portfolio that can cater to the majority of customer bases. With Hero MotoCorp's Vida brand entering India's 2W EV space, Honda is expected to act fast. The first Japanese brand to step into the EV space. Honda is planning to launch its 2W EVs by the end of this decade, starting with the Electric Activa in 2024 and the Benly-e (likely) soon after that, featuring swappable battery technology. These models are codenamed GJNA and K4BA (not respectively). This move will make Honda the first Japanese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer to enter the EV market in India. Ola is currently the highest seller in this segment, offering a wide range of features. Honda may rely on the popularity of its Activa brand instead of focusing on features to boost sales. The concept of battery swapping stations Honda's strategy for gaining an advantage over its competitors is expected to hinge on battery swapping technology. To this end, Honda has established a new vertical in Bengaluru called Honda Power Pack Energy India. In collaboration with HPCL and Bengaluru Metro, Honda plans to set up swapping stations in Bengaluru that can provide 1.35 kWh battery packs for electric two and three-wheeled vehicles. After this initial launch, swapping stations will be rolled out in major cities across India. More details about the company's plan will be unveiled on March 29, 2023. Capacity for Production of Honda's Electric Two-Wheelers According to insiders, Honda plans to sell 500,000 units of their first two EV offerings in 2024, with the aim of reaching 1 million units by 2027. For the first year alone, they are targeting up to 150,000 units, and a double-digit YoY growth rate. To facilitate this, the Manesar factory in India will undergo a significant upgrade and be transformed into a global hub for the production and export of motorcycles and scooters, now called the 'Global Resource Factory.' The revamped factory will allow Honda to manufacture and export high-quality products from India to their 40 different markets worldwide, and will also bring all corporate functions under one roof to improve efficiency across teams and verticals. Honda's comprehensive roadmap aims to revitalize their manufacturing capabilities, which will help them meet their ambitious goals for EV production and sales. Motorcycle with Flex-fuel for Commuting The Japanese automaker is keen on exploring the potential of flex-fuel technologies in India, similar to what is already available in its Brazilian counterparts. With this technology, motorcycles can run on either petrol or ethanol, allowing riders to switch back and forth between fuels as they prefer. Ethanol is a more cost-effective and efficient fuel option, making it an attractive alternative for consumers.
The iconic BMW M3 is poised to enter its seventh generation, embracing a bold new strategy that blends tradition with innovation. In a move that caters to diverse customer preferences, BMW will offer both petrol-powered and electric variants of the esteemed M3, ensuring the classic driving experience endures while embracing a sustainable future.
Defying industry trends, BMW has chosen to retain the traditional petrol-powered M3, recognizing the timeless appeal of internal combustion engines. This decision will delight enthusiasts who crave the visceral thrill of a petrol engine. The classic M3's continued presence ensures that drivers seeking an authentic driving experience will still have options.
Simultaneously, BMW is forging ahead with an electric version of the M3, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This eco-friendly variant will appeal to environmentally conscious drivers who prioritize sustainability without compromising performance. The electric M3 promises to deliver exceptional performance while minimizing its ecological footprint.
By integrating both powertrain options, BMW offers consumers flexibility and choice, balancing performance with environmental considerations. This innovative approach:
As BMW embarks on this dual-path journey, the question remains: will the traditional allure of a petrol engine compete or coexist harmoniously with its innovative electric counterpart? Only time will tell, but BMW's versatile and dynamic offerings position the brand to lead the way.
BMW's bold move sets a precedent for the industry, demonstrating that tradition and innovation can coexist. As the automotive landscape evolves, the BMW M3's dual-path journey will undoubtedly influence the direction of performance and sustainability in the years to come.
Alpine has made a groundbreaking debut with the Alpenglow Hy6, a hydrogen-powered sports car that embodies the brand's commitment to sustainable and high-performance technology. Premiering at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, this innovative concept showcases Alpine's dedication to merging eco-friendly technology with dynamic performance.
The Alpenglow Hy6 boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, fueled by hydrogen, producing an impressive 740bhp. This twin-turbocharged engine features:
Built on a lightweight LMP3 carbon chassis, the Alpenglow Hy6 balances speed and efficiency. Key design features include:
Alpine's VP of Motorsports, Bruno Famin, emphasized the brand's dedication to hydrogen innovation: "Developing the new Hy6 V6 engine showcases our commitment to hydrogen research, paving the way for high-performance motorsport applications." As Alpine explores adapting this technology for mass production, the Alpenglow Hy6 concept represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in motorsport.
The Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 is a testament to the potential of hydrogen-powered sports cars, blending high-performance technology with sustainable innovation. As Alpine continues to push boundaries, the future of eco-friendly motorsport looks brighter than ever.
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as five popular vehicles prepare to undergo significant generational upgrades. These overhauls promise enhanced comfort, advanced safety features, and sleek designs. Let's dive into the details of the upcoming: 1 Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2 Honda Amaze 3 Hyundai Venue 4 Toyota Fortuner 5 Mahindra Bolero
Cutting-edge design Advanced technological integration Enhanced safety measures Stay tuned for updates as these highly anticipated vehicles hit the market.
Citroen Unveils Next-Gen C5 Aircross Concept: A Glimpse into the Future of SUV Design Citroen has officially unveiled the C5 Aircross concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, offering a tantalizing preview of the next-generation C5 Aircross, slated for release in 2025. This bold new design marks a significant shift towards a more assertive and modern aesthetic in Citroen's popular SUV lineup.
####The upcoming C5 Aircross will be the first Citroen model to utilize the advanced STLA Medium platform, engineered to support:
The new SUV measures 4.65 meters in length, providing ample space for five passengers. Although interior details are still under wraps, enthusiasts can expect:
While specific mechanical details are yet to be released, the current-generation C5 Aircross offers:
In India, the existing C5 Aircross boasts:
The Citroen C5 Aircross concept heralds a new era in SUV design, blending style, sophistication, and advanced technology. With its STLA Medium platform and enhanced dimensions, this next-generation model promises to deliver a superior driving experience. Stay tuned for updates on the production-spec C5 Aircross, slated for release in 2025. Source: 2024 Paris Motor Show
Mini's latest electric powerhouses, the John Cooper Works (JCW) Electric and JCW Aceman, stole the spotlight at the Paris Motor Show 2024. These high-performance models elevate Mini's electric lineup, blending thrilling dynamics with sustainable mobility.
The JCW Electric and JCW Aceman boast a potent 254bhp electric motor, paired with a sporty suspension setup, delivering the signature go-kart feeling Mini fans adore. Both models share a 49.2kWh (net) battery, yielding impressive driving ranges:
Exterior designs prioritize aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal:
Inside, the JCW theme continues:
Mini has announced plans for a petrol-powered JCW Mini Cooper, with technical details forthcoming. Deliveries of the electric JCW versions are slated to begin in international markets by April 2025.
The JCW Electric and JCW Aceman solidify Mini's commitment to electric mobility while maintaining its iconic sporty performance and design. Stay tuned for updates on Mini's latest innovations and the forthcoming petrol-powered JCW model.
The Oilstainlab HF-11, a revolutionary supercar, has made its debut, pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and design. Limited to just 25 units worldwide, this exclusive vehicle is priced at USD 1.8 million (Rs 15.13 crore) for the flat-six engine variant and USD 2.3 million (Rs 19.33 crore) for the electric model.
The Oilstainlab HF-11 is a masterpiece of performance, engineering, and design, poised to make a significant impact in the luxury supercar market. With its pioneering swappable powertrain, advanced features, and exclusive production run, this supercar is a coveted piece for enthusiasts and collectors.
Jeep India has unveiled the facelifted Jeep Meridian, introducing a new 5-seater variant and advanced features to enhance its premium SUV offerings. Bookings are now open with an initial deposit of Rs 50,000.
At the recent 'We, Robot' event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the CyberCab, a revolutionary autonomous self-driving robotaxi poised to transform urban mobility. This futuristic vehicle embodies Tesla's innovative spirit, showcasing a unique blend of sustainability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
Tesla is on the cusp of transitioning from supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) to fully unsupervised version, with deployment anticipated in Texas and California by next year. The CyberCab represents a pivotal move towards achieving completely autonomous driving.
Elon Musk projects autonomous vehicles to achieve safety levels 10-20 times greater than human-operated cars. Operating costs are estimated at USD 0.20 per mile (approximately Rs 16.81), significantly lower than city buses (USD 1 per mile, roughly Rs 84.06).
Tesla is also developing Optimus, a versatile robot capable of performing various tasks, priced between USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 (about Rs 16.81 lakh to Rs 25.22 lakh).
The Tesla CyberCab represents a bold step in redefining urban mobility, prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. As autonomous driving approaches, the implications for traffic congestion and emissions reduction are profound, promising a cleaner, more connected future for city travel.