Archive for the ‘Electric vehicles’ Category

Tata displays Nano EV at Geneva Motor Show!

The Nano EV can accelerate well and has a 160km range thanks to L-Ion batteries

In a shocking incident, Tata Motors took the wraps of the Nano EV on the first day of the Geneva Motor Show.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors -

Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.

The Tata Nano EV can seat four individuals comfortably. The range is specified as 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds is decent.

The Tata Nano EV uses super polymer lithium ion batteries just like the Tata Indica Vista EV.

click through for higher resolution image

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on March 2nd, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Tata Nano

Renault plans to launch Twizy Z.E in India

Autocar India is reporting Renault has chalked out plans to introduce the Twizy Z.E in India in the coming years. The Twizy is a zero emissions car and seats just two, one behind another. It has four wheels, is less than two and half metres in length and can be mistaken for a golf cart.

The Twizy is an electric vehicle which was brought to the Auto Expo last month. Renault is considering a partnership to produce this car in India. Is REVA reading this?

Powered by a 20bhp electric motor the Twizy Z.E makes 7.14kgm of max torque and can attain a top speed of 75kph. The size of the vehicle allows it to be parked and driven into narrow or congested lanes.

Is the era of personal transportation in India about to take another turn?

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on February 12th, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Renault

Random Thoughts – How can Tata sell EVs?

Tata’s Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) will be available to customers in India in 2011, reports Rediff. Brands like GM and REVA have plans to boost production and market EVs aggressively.

The Indica Vista EV will also be exported to European countries where there is adequate facilities for charging. India’s yet to install a proper facility and we have heard many times in the past that companies are working with the government to make it happen.

India’s not yet seen a proper electric car. The REVA can only seat two adults comfortably and is cramped for tall people. It doesn’t have decent luggage space or features found on petroleum powered automobiles. The Tata Indica Vista or Chevrolet Spark EV with electric powertrain can offer the comfort and convenience that they otherwise offer, and still cost less to run.

The Indica Vista EV was showcased at the Delhi Auto expo last month and will be available at dealer showrooms in 2011. The Tata Indica Vista Electric could cost between Rs 600,000-700,000 bracket, not bad for a large hatchback that costs a fraction to run, is silent but comes with extra torque.

Tata could try handing out a hundred EVs to its Indica Vista diesel/petrol customers on a trial basis. Their feedback could be very valuable as they can point out where exactly the cars lags behind in real world conditions. The company can use this information to make changes to the product or understand where the improvements can be carried out. This is a better process than selling them, receiving feedback, and then making changes.

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Tata

Hyundai i10 EV – Reality or Fiction?

Hyundai_i10_EVThe i10 EV stands next to a pretty woman at the Auto Expo

Looks reality from the company’s perspective. The Korean auto manufacturer who showcased the i10 EV at the Auto Expo last week (Don’t know? Then definitely Shah Rukh stole its limelight) is finding ways to put it in our homes.

The demand for EVs isn’t much in India, but will likely balloon in the future if the government takes steps to strengthen infrastructure and encourage use of non-polluting vehicles. Whenever that happens, Hyundai sees an opportunity to slide the i10 EV into the choice list.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Director (Marketing and Sales) Arvind Saxena -

A growing awareness among consumers for all things green inspired us to introduce the electric version of our compact car i10

The i10 electric was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year and the company will make limited volumes for Korean market. The 5-door i10 EV hatchback is run by 49kW / 65HP electric motor and a 16kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has been co-developed with Korea’s LG.

Driving range is expected to be in the range of 100 miles or 160 kilometers and a top speed of over 80 mph or 130 km/h makes it a nippy city hatch.

The petrol-engined i10 has clocked sales of over 3 lakh units since the time of its arrival in 2007.

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on January 11th, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Hyundai

REVA trucks and buses to follow shortly

Reva_NXRREVA wants to license EV technology to global CV manufacturers

After trying numerous experiments with passenger cars and electric equipments, REVA is now trying its hand in electrifying the commercial vehicle business.

Similar to the GM-REVA deal, the company is in talks with global commercial vehicle manufacturers for licensing its technology and tie-ups.

REVA is said to have a fully functioning prototype of an electric bus in its facility. It is trying to transplant versions of its technology into three wheelers, buses and commercial vehicles.

Chetan Kumar Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, Reva -

We are in talks with global commercial vehicle makers, including domestic CV players, for technology licensing tie-ups and expect at least five such partnerships to shape up by 2013

REVA is eying satellite plans through a franchisee model in US, Europe, Australia and South East Asia. Instead of concentrating on production in one location, REVA looks to attack key areas on globe with regional plants which will have an annual capacity of about 5,000 vehicles.

click through for Image Gallery

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on December 29th, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles, Reva

Bangalore based Eko launches world’s first hybrid bike

EKO-et-120On the left – world’s first hybrid two-wheeler from a company we’ve never heard of

Many of you might have thought hybrid two-wheelers are a joke. For those of you, here’s some serious proof that will make you eat your words.

Bangalore based Eko vehicles recently launched the ET-120 which is India’s first hybrid two-wheeler.

The ET-120 uses a 70cc petrol engine and an electric motor to propel the wheels, which helps it return 120kmpl!

That is more than any Hero Honda, Bajaj or TVS.

The dual-power bike was possible thanks to a tie up between Eko and US based Emerging Vehicle Technologies. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 65kmph which is more than sufficient for crowded metros. The power and torque figures according to the company is that of a 120cc petrol engine.

Alan Rubeinsten, a U.S collaborator -

We developed a hybrid technology which will allow the electric motor together with the gasoline motor or petrol motor to be in combination. So, they should get unlimited range. So, when you drive in gasoline, you are charging the motor

This wonder bike of 120cc capacity will halve carbon emission.

Anil Ananthkrishnan, Chairman and CEO, Eko Vehicles -

Their calculation is that half a tonne of carbon emission is reduced as compared to a gasoline power vehicle when you use a electric vehicle

The ET-120 is priced at 40,000 rupees and that makes it the best electric vehicle you can buy in India today. Not exactly today since the bike goes on sale next year in the month of May.

Rumors of Mahindra’s hybrid two-wheeler is starting to make sense after this development.

click through for press release and high resolution image

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on December 18th, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles

Australian electric vehicle maker manufactures Hyundai Getz EV

The Getz EV uses smart technology which gives it low maintenance & high range

Australian company Blade Electric Vehicles retrofits the Hyundai’s Getz with an electric motor. The ‘Blade Electron’ as they are called, have reached more than 20 customers in Australia.

The motor is driven by a Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and on a single charge, which takes about an hour’s time, it can run 100km.

So why did Blade Electric Vehicles choose the Getz as its donor car?

Company founder Ross Blade -

Our major concern was, how appropriate is its design for upfitting. The second was how safe is it after upfitting and, of course, the third consideration was how it fits into the business model; what will be practical in Australia, and the answer was the Getz.

The Blade Electron has successfully negotiated crash safety tests in Australia, and will take the more rigorous ANCAP tests next year.

The unique aspect of this vehicle is its serviceability. It need not be brought to Blade’s service station in case of a repair as any qualified auto electrician can diagnose and rectify the problems.

How?

click on “Read More” to find out

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on December 1st, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles

BSA Motors launch five electric scooters

bsa-diva-electric scooterBSA Diva Electric Scooter

BSA Motors recently launched five models of BSA Motors electric scooters in Orissa – Smile, Diva, Street Rider, Roamer and Roamer Plus – to double its business in the country in year’s time.

Mr. S. Krishnaswamy, general manager, BSA Motors -

The electric scooter market in India is currently estimated at Rs 400 crore. The industry is expected to double in a year’s time and we hope BSA Motors will register an equal growth momentum during the same period.

Each electric scooter will have four colour options with the exception of Diva which will have five colour options and these scooters come with some great features like protective safety switch, twin passenger foot rest, ergonomically designed seats, adequate storage space, side reflectors and many more other features which are latest in the market. Out of the five models, three models are in 250 watts, one in 500 watts and one in 800 watts.

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on November 20th, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles

Reva heads to Dubai to clean the atmosphere and perceptions

REVA_DubaiThe tiny Reva is attempting to make a big impact with its eco-friendly nature

Our good friend Reva has been shipped to Dubai to take part in the ‘Green Car Programme’. The car has been gifted to the Dubai Municipality for three days by SS Lootah Company, which is associated to Reva. The idea is to give the municipality officials a peek into electric vehicles which don’t affect the environment as much as conventional fuel vehicles.

The car, parked at the entrance of the main building of the Municipality, is pitching to the officials. It is trying to make a case for itself and help the body spread the message of eco friendly automobiles.

‘The Green Car Programme’ initiative was taken to achieve a Dubai with a much cleaner environment. An EV can be used by any strata of the Dubai population, and that’s the message the Reva is out to convey.

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on October 24th, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles, Reva

Nissan could launch electric vehicles in India soon

Nissan Land GliderThe Land Glider is one of the three EVs Nissan’ displaying at Tokyo

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan revealed it could be launching electric vehicles in the Indian market in the next few years as part of its global plan to sell cars that were cleaner and used alternative sources of power.

On the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan Motor Corporation CEO Carlos Ghosn-

If there is a market, yes sure. There is absolutely no limitation for where the car will go.

Nissan is showcasing three electric vehicles at the show. Nissan is making a foray into the EV segment in the US, Japan and European markets next year. Nissan has already said the Leaf EV could arrive in India as CBU in the near future.

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on October 23rd, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles, Nissan

GM will sell not hundreds but ‘thousands’ of Electric Chevrolet Sparks

Chevrolet_Spark_EV_India_REVAThe Chevrolet Spark EV could be priced around 3.5 lakh rupees

REVA, the Bangalore-based electric car maker has sold just over 3,000 EVs around the world just before unveiling the NXG and NXR at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That makes REVA the largest maker of electric vehicles in the world.

Come next year, GM India could pip REVA and occupy the top spot, with heavy assistance from REVA themselves. GM India claims it will sell not hundreds, but thousands of Spark EVs in India.

The skeleton and panels including the dashboard and furniture will remain the same. Changes will be made inside the structure as the IC engine will be done away with and instead an electric powertrain supplied by REVA will guard the space.

The customer will be given the option of either the high powered lithium ion battery unit or the cheaper Lead Acid option. Depending on his choice, the car could cost up to 3.50 lakh rupees.

click through to read more

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on October 20th, 2009 and filed under Chevrolet, Electric vehicles

Two new products from YO Bikes for this festive season

Yo_ExplorYO Explor ER accommodates an extra battery pack for extended range

After the success of YO Smart and YO Speed, The Electrotherm Group, makers of YObykes, have launched two new models YO Electron and YO Xplorer this festive season.

Their extra-range variants YO Electron ER and YO Xplor ER were also launched. Both of these are zero-pollution, environment friendly economical models

These two new launches run on rechargeable battery and a 250 W motor. Once the battery is fully charged YO Xplor ER can travel up to 105-110 km whereas YO Electron ER can cover 95-100 km. Both these models have the option of an extra battery which enhances range by 70-80 km.

click through for features and specifications

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on October 19th, 2009 and filed under Bikes, Electric vehicles

Official – General Motors India and REVA form partnership to build EVs

GM_Spark

We saw this one coming. Today, the press gathered in the country’s capital to witness a one of kind partnership between two very different auto companies.

It was to convey that GM India and REVA have joined hands to bring out electric vehicles.

The companies will also work with the government to setup the required infrastructure for these vehicles. GM’s platform’s will be handed to REVA who will fit it with their technology. The end product could also be shipped to European countries, which are better prepared to handle electric vehicles.

No word on the vehicles that will enjoy the result of the partnership. The earlier report stated it will be the Spark. We think the new Spark would also be a good idea.

Our sources add within twelve months from this notice, GM India will roll out its first EV.

Let us see.

click through to read the press release

Read More

See Also:
Entry posted on September 24th, 2009 and filed under Electric vehicles, General motors
Next Page »
« Home