Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced an expansion of its ultra-high-speed public electric vehicle (EV) charging network in India. The expanded setup includes 11 ultra-fast charging stations spanning across six major cities and five substantial highway locations within India. This latest development underscores Hyundai's ambition to be a trailblazer in promoting EV adoption in the country.
The ultra-high-speed EV charging network from the South Korean automotive leader now stretches into some of the prime city and highway locations across India. Each of these 11 new charging locations boasts of three charging points, armed with 150 kW, 60 kW, and 30 kW DC capabilities.
Hyundai's actions reflect its mission to innovate and lead in the EV industry. The expanded ultra-high-speed public EV charging network is designed to tackle the widely held 'range anxiety' among EV drivers. It seeks to provide greater convenience for both intercity and intracity drivers and instil more confidence in the use of EVs.
Jae Wan Ryu, Executive Director, Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., reflected on the development. “At Hyundai Motor India Ltd., we are tirelessly working to set new standards and lead the industry. In alignment with our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, we are constantly striving to meet all our customer needs. Hyundai Motor India Ltd. is committed to enhancing the EV ownership experience and supports the Government of India’s objective to establish a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem.”
In expanding its ultra-fast charging stations to 11 locations, Hyundai is making a significant commitment to enhancing the EV infrastructure. As the only OEM to establish such stations in public areas in the country, Hyundai reinforces its commitment to align with the Indian Government's electrification vision.
In the next phase of its expansion, Hyundai aims to extend its ultra-fast charging station network to a minimum of 10 additional locations by 2024. Wig a wider geographical distribution, these sites will underline Hyundai's dedication to enhancing the EV experience, irrespective of whether one owns a Hyundai vehicle or not. By 2027, Hyundai hopes to install 100 charging stations in accordance with the agreement with the Government of Tamil Nadu reached during the Global Investor Meet in January 2024.
The enhanced public ultra-fast charging network is now offering services in six major cities: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Bangalore, and five key highway locations: Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Jaipur, Hyderabad-Vijayawada, Mumbai-Surat, and Mumbai-Nashik. These stations, open 24x7, cater to both Hyundai and non-Hyundai EV users.
In addition to this, each station will be manned by dedicated staff and will be surrounded by multiple customer-friendly amenities such as coffee shops and restaurants. This is designed to provide users with leisure options while they wait for their vehicles to charge.
Hyundai's ultra-fast DC chargers offer a swift charging experience, particularly useful for Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners who can charge their vehicles from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. The chargers are available at attractive rates - Rs. 18 per unit for the 30 kW charger, Rs. 21 per unit for the 60 kW charger, and Rs. 24 per unit for the 150 kW charger.
The myHyundai app provides a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the needs of EV users. The app offers a range of functions besides locating charging stations such as pre-booking charging slots, route navigation, real-time charging status, and digital payments all within a single platform. Moreover, this app is not exclusive to Hyundai users and extends its services to non-Hyundai EV users as well.
Design Highlights:
Key Features:
Variant Pricing: The Ebony Edition is approximately ₹15,000 more than the standard AX7 and AX7 L variants.
Safety Update:
Rear Seat Belt Reminders: All Mahindra XUV700 variants now come standard with rear seat belt reminders, enhancing passenger safety.
The XUV700 Ebony Limited Edition is now available for bookings, offering customers a unique blend of style and performance.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2025 CLA, introducing both electric and hybrid variants to its lineup. This move signifies a shift from developing separate electric models to integrating diverse powertrains within a single model range.
Electric Variant:
Porsche is working on an all-new SUV that will be available with both petrol and hybrid powertrains, expanding its portfolio beyond its existing electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) offerings. This upcoming model is expected to provide customers with a blend of performance, efficiency, and adaptability to evolving market trends.
New Model Strategy and Market Positioning
Engine Specifications:
New Turbocharged Engine: The foundation of this hybrid system is a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, internally designated as the G20E. This engine is engineered to support both plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid configurations.
Compact Design: Featuring a shorter piston stroke and lightweight construction, the Toyota G20E engine is optimized for hybrid integration without significantly increasing the vehicle's weight.
Performance Expectations:
Power Output: In standard road versions, the G20E engine is anticipated to produce over 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. For motorsport applications, outputs exceeding 600 horsepower are projected.
Motorsport and Production Integration:
Versatile Application: The G20E engine is designed for both competitive motorsport and consumer vehicles, aligning with Toyota's strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across its performance lineup.
Prototype Testing: The engine has been showcased in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept, indicating ongoing development and testing efforts.
Future Outlook:
By integrating hybrid technology into its GR sports cars, Toyota aims to balance high performance with environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards in various markets.
As development progresses, more detailed specifications and launch timelines for these hybrid-powered GR models are expected to be announced.
Aston Martin is set to introduce its latest flagship grand tourer, the 2025 Vanquish, to the Indian market on March 22.
This new model succeeds the DBS Superleggera and positions itself as a direct competitor to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Performance and Powertrain:
At the heart of the Vanquish lies a formidable 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering an impressive 835 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the rear wheels, the Vanquish accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 345 km/h.
Design and Features:
Exterior:
The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish is anticipated to be priced above ₹6 crore (ex-showroom) in India, excluding optional features. This pricing positions it as a premium offering in the luxury sports car segment.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, the Vanquish aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian automotive landscape.
Tesla is advancing its plans to enter the Indian market by submitting homologation applications for its Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles (EVs). This crucial step ensures that the vehicles comply with India's regulatory standards before their official launch.
Progress Towards Indian Market Entry:
The Indian government is considering reducing import duties on specific EVs from the previous range of 70%–110% to 15%. This reduction aims to encourage foreign manufacturers like Tesla to enter the Indian market. However, to benefit from these concessions, manufacturers are required to commit to domestic production by investing at least $500 million within three years.
Implications for the Indian EV Market:
Tesla's potential entry is poised to invigorate the Indian EV sector, offering consumers advanced electric mobility options. The Model 3 and Model Y are expected to appeal to a broad audience, aligning with India's push towards sustainable transportation solutions.
As Tesla progresses through the homologation and certification stages, further details regarding the official launch dates and vehicle specifications tailored for the Indian market are anticipated.
Design and Dimensions:
Despite the heavy camouflage, the Tata Sierra's distinctive boxy silhouette is reminiscent of the original model. When observed next to the Hyundai Creta, the Sierra's larger dimensions are evident, suggesting a more spacious interior and commanding road presence. The test vehicle was equipped with alloy wheels, indicating a focus on both style and functionality.
Powertrain Options:
The upcoming Tata Sierra is expected to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants:
ICE Version: Anticipated to feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 168bhp and 280Nm of torque. Additionally, a 2.0-litre diesel engine, currently powering the Harrier and Safari models, may be available, producing 168bhp and 350Nm of torque.
EV Version: Set to utilize Tata's Gen2 EV platform with the acti.ev architecture, the Sierra EV is expected to debut later this year, aligning with Tata's commitment to sustainable mobility.
Market Positioning:
The Tata Sierra aims to blend nostalgic design elements with modern features, targeting consumers seeking a robust and versatile SUV experience. Its availability in both ICE and EV formats reflects Tata Motors' strategy to cater to a diverse customer base in the evolving automotive landscape.
As testing progresses, more details regarding the Tata Sierra's specifications, features, and launch timeline are anticipated, generating excitement among automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.
