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Car and Bike news, reviews and videos.Copyright 2022 Haymarket Media Pty. Ltd.Sat, 23 Apr 2022 09:17:54 +100010Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: Key Highlights
Hyundai recently launched a special Knight Edition variant of the popular Creta SUV. Essentially a blacked-out version of the regular Creta, this is Hyundai’s effort to encash on the Dark Edition trend that has been popularised by Tata Motors, as well as Jeep who joined the bandwagon recently with Compass Night Eagle edition.
Here we are going to explore what exactly sets the Creta Knight Edition apart from the regular model.
Creta Knight Edition available with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines
Gets all-black exterior and interior theme with red accents
Available on new mid-spec S+ and top-spec SX(O) trims
Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: exterior updates
Exterior updates include a new gloss black finish for the grille with red inserts, blacked-out front and rear skid plates and red front brake calipers. The wing mirrors, roof rails, side sills and C pillar garnish also get a blacked-out treatment. The wheels, meanwhile, have been finished in a new gun metal shade, with a Knight Edition emblem on the tailgate.
Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: interior updates
On the inside, the all-black theme continues for the seat upholstery and the dashboard, and for some contrast, the AC vents are finished in red. There’s red contrast stitching for the seats as well. It also gets a new glossy black finish for the centre console. Incidentally, the black and red interior theme is already offered on the turbo-petrol versions of the Creta to mark it out as a sportier variant.
Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: new variant added
With this new Knight Edition model, Hyundai has added a new mid-spec S+ trim to the Creta line-up. Thus, the Creta Knight Edition is available in two trims – S+ and top-spec SX(O). There, however, hasn’t been any major changes to the features offered with these trims. The new S+ trim is based on the existing SX Executive trim and carries over most of the features. Similarly, the equipment list on the top-spec SX(O) trim also remains unchanged.
Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: available with two engines
Hyundai is offering the Creta Knight Edition only with the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines of the Creta. On the S+ trim, you only get the option of the 6-speed manual gearbox with either the petrol or diesel engines. Meanwhile, the Knight Edition SX(O) is only available in automatic guise – CVT for petrol and 6-speed torque converter for diesel. The Knight Edition is not available with turbo-petrol variants of the Creta.
Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: price
Prices for the manual variants of the Creta Knight Edition range between Rs 13.35 lakh-14.31 lakh. Meanwhile, the automatic variants are priced between Rs 17.05 lakh-18.01 lakh, both prices ex-showroom, India. Compared to the regular SX(O) version of the Creta, the Knight Edition variant commands a premium of Rs 14,000 and is the new range-topping variant in the Creta line-up.
What do you think of the Creta Knight Edition? Let us know in the comments below.
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Saptarshi MondalSaptarshi MondalHyundai Creta Knight Edition: Key HighlightsHyundai Creta Knight Edition front2461402461401Saptarshi MondalHyundai Creta Knight Edition: Key HighlightsHyundai Creta Knight Edition interior 2461402461401Sat, 23 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +1000424254Saptarshi MondalAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 18:52:28 +1000Compared to the equivalent SX(O) variant of the regular Creta, the Knight Edition commands a premium of Rs 14,000. Compared to the equivalent SX(O) variant of the regular Creta, the Knight Edition commands a premium of Rs 14,000. Sat, 23 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +1000"hyundai" "creta" "knight" "edition": "key" "highlights"
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424254Fancy a Defender convertible? This Dutch coachbuilder will do it for you
Dutch coachbuilder Heritage Customs is putting the finishing touches to its latest coachbuilt creation: a convertible version of the Land Rover Defender.
First 5 SUV owners have opted for the powered soft-top
Powertrain will remain unchanged
Cost matters
Official images from the production line show the Valiance Convertible – as the Defender 90-based creation is called – being heavily modified by hand at the firm’s headquarters in the town of Enter.
Renders also show how the vehicle will look when the process is completed, with unique colours and a power-operated canvas roof being the key differentiators over the standard Land Rover car – which is currently available in hard-top form only.
Heritage will build five examples this year, each costing over £1,00,000 (around Rs 1 crore) – more than double the price of the entry-level Defender. That price includes the base car and the cost of conversion, for which the coachbuilder quotes £58,200 (around Rs 58 lakh).
What can be changed
Although no changes will be made to the 4x4’s powertrain – which will be whatever variant of the short-wheelbase Defender 90 owners bring in – the Valiance Convertible will feature custom forged alloys and bespoke interior and exterior detailing.
Company co-owner Niels van Roij said that the convertible – an evolution of the firm’s existing modified Defender, the Valiance Custom – is “the beginning of a journey of discovery” as “owners can help shape the car of their dreams”.
He added, “Owners will find details and parts in their Valiance Convertible that have never been seen on a Defender before.”
Jan-Pieter Kroeze, the other owner, said that the first five SUV owners have “tailored their ultra-limited, handcrafted Defender with the power-operated soft-top, Magic Metal elements and a beautifully handcrafted interior exactly to their wishes”.
Do you like the modifications done on the Defender 90? Let us know in the comments.
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Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News DeskFancy a Defender convertible? This Dutch coachbuilder will do it for youLand Rover Defender convertible side2461402461401Autocar India News DeskFancy a Defender convertible? This Dutch coachbuilder will do it for youLand Rover Defender convertible rear fender2461402461401Sat, 23 Apr 2022 08:30:00 +1000424244Autocar India News DeskAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 15:08:38 +1000Heritage Customs will build five examples this year. Modifications – other than the roof – will be limited to alloys, interiors.Heritage Customs will build five examples this year. Modifications – other than the roof – will be limited to alloys, interiors.Sat, 23 Apr 2022 08:30:00 +1000"fancy a defender convertible? this dutch coachbuilder will do it for you"
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424244Global NCAP crash test ratings: Top 10 Indian SUVs
Safety in cars has been given a greater emphasis ever since Global NCAP started testing Indian cars in 2014. So far, the safety watchdog Global NCAP has crash tested over 50 cars under its ‘Safer Cars for India’ programme. Currently, there are five 5-star rated models on sale in India, with four of them being SUVs. Read on to see the Top 10 safest SUVs on sale in India, as rated by Global NCAP.
1. Mahindra XUV700 - 57.69 points out of 66
The Mahindra XUV700 is the only three-row SUV to get a full 5-star rating for adult occupant protection. Child occupant safety, too, is an impressive four stars. The XUV700 scored 16.03 points out of a possible 17 for adult occupant protection and 41.66 points out of 49 for child occupant protection (total 57.69 points out of 66). It was adjudged to offer good protection to the driver’s and passenger’s head, neck, chest and knees. The SUV’s body shell and footwell area have been rated as ‘stable’ and ‘capable of withstanding further loadings’.
Mahindra has packed in a lot of safety tech into the XUV700, and while lower variants get only the basics, the fully loaded variants get all the bells and whistles, including seven airbags and advanced driver aids like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and more.
2. Tata Punch - 57.34 points out of 66
In Global NCAP’s crash tests, the Tata Punch scored 16.45 points out of a maximum of 17 (5-stars) for adult occupants, which is the highest score achieved by any car in India. Coming to child safety, the SUV earned 40.89 out of a maximum of 49 points, giving it a 4-star score in this category. The body shell of the Punch was rated as ‘stable’ and ‘capable of withstanding further loadings’.
Standard safety features on the Punch include dual airbags, ABS, EBD, brake sway control, seatbelt reminder, high speed alert, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
3. Mahindra XUV300 - 53.86 points out of 66
The Mahindra XUV300 has secured a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection (16.42 points) and a 4-star rating for child occupant protection (37.44 points) in Global NCAP’s crash tests. The XUV300’s structure and footwell were ‘stable’ during the crash. Head, neck and knee protection for adult occupants was ‘good’, and while chest protection for the front passenger was also ‘good’, it was rated ‘adequate’ for the driver.
As standard, the Mahindra XUV300 gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, disc brakes for all four wheels, front seatbelt reminder system, front seatbelt pretensioners, and a passenger airbag deactivation switch. What’s exclusive to the fully loaded W8 (O) variant are seven airbags, front parking sensors, heated ORVMs, seatbelt reminders for all passengers, and a three-point seatbelt for the middle-seat passenger.
4. Mahindra Thar - 53.63 points out of 66
The Mahindra Thar managed to secure four stars for adult occupant protection (12.52 points). Global NCAP reported that, on impact, the Thar’s bodyshell was stable and capable of "withstanding further loadings", but its footwell area was rated unstable. The SUV fared equally well on the child occupant protection front, scoring four stars and 41.11 points out of a maximum 49.
The SUV comes with three-point seat belts as standard for all passengers, and also has standard ISOFIX child-seat mounts, which helped it secure the impressive rating. The model tested by Global NCAP was the higher-spec Mahindra Thar LX with a hardtop.
5. Toyota Urban Cruiser - 50.2 points out of 66
For adult occupant protection, ToyotaUrban Cruiser was awarded 4 stars, scoring 13.52 points out of a possible 17. The protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was adjudged to be good while the bodyshell was rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. In terms of child occupant protection, the compact SUV scored 3 stars, securing 36.68 points out of 49. The testers noted that the inclusion of ISOFIX child seat mounts (that are clearly marked) as standard helped the SUV’s score.
The Urban Cruiser tested by Global NCAP was equipped with safety features like dual airbags, ABS, front seatbelt pretensioners and ISOFIX mounts. While the Toyota’s crash test ratings are impressive, it is worth noting that the Urban Cruiser is due for a major update in the coming months. This will include sheet metal changes and more safety features, so it’s likely that the upcoming Urban Cruiser facelift's crash test rating could change.
6. Tata Nexon - 41.06 points out of 66
After receiving a 4-star rating initially, Tata updated the Nexon with seatbelt reminders and the SUV also passed a side-impact test which bumped its score up to 5 stars (16.06 points) for adult protection. The Nexon became the first made-in-India, sold-in-India model to register this high a score. It was adjudged to have good protection for the head and neck of the driver and passenger, and adequate protection for their chests. In terms of child occupant protection, the Nexon scored 25 points out of 49 for a 3-star rating.
However, it’s worth noting that the model tested was the pre-facelift one, with the model currently on sale further upgraded to meet pedestrian protection norms. At the time of the test, all variants of the Nexon – from the base XE to the top-spec XZ+ – got ABS and two airbags as standard, while Isofix child-seat mounts were offered only on the XZ+ and XZA+ trims.
7. Nissan Magnite - 36.73 points out of 66
The Nissan Magnite has received a 4-star rating in the adult occupant protection test, scoring 11.85 points out of a possible 17. However, it failed to perform as well in its child occupant protection test, scoring just 2 stars, with 24.88 points out of a possible 49.
Testers rated the Magnite’s bodyshell and footwell area as stable after the crash test, though the protection provided to the driver’s chest and knees was marginal. The child occupant protection rating suffered as the base-spec Magnite tested did not have any ISOFIX anchor points for a child seat and securing them with the three-point seatbelts resulted in excessive forward movement.
8. Hyundai Creta - 36.29 points out of 66
The new Hyundai Creta was tested by Global NCAP earlier this month and it managed to secure a 3-star rating for adult protection (8 points from 17). The report marks the SUV’s body shell as ‘unstable’ and not capable of ‘withstanding further loadings’. The footrest was also rated unstable. The Hyundai also secured a 3-star rating for child occupant protection, with 28.29 points out of a maximum 49. The base variant of the Creta does not get ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and hence, the child seats had to be secured with seat belts.
As standard, the Creta features dual airbags and ABS with EBD. Side and curtain airbags are available only on the top-spec SX (O) variant, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), child seat anchorages, and rear disc brakes are available from SX Executive trim onwards.
9. Renault Kiger - 33.39 points out of 66
Given that the Renault Kiger shares its platform with the Nissan Magnite, it isn’t a surprise that it received a similar safety rating. In the adult occupant protection test, the Kiger obtained a 4-star rating, scoring 12.34 points out of 17, while in the child occupant protection test, the SUV scored 21.05 points out of 49, for a 2-star rating.
The testers noted that the Kiger’s bodyshell was unstable and not capable of withstanding further load. Its footwell area was rated stable, while the level of protection offered to adults was similar to the Magnite. Even though the Kiger has ISOFIX mounts in the rear, it ended up losing points in the child occupant protection test as they were unmarked and covered up by seat fabric, making them hidden from regular customers. Hence, the child seat was only secured by the three-point seat belt in the test, which led to excessive forward movement.
10. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza - 30.44 points out of 66
Maruti’s Vitara Brezza was tested by Global NCAP back in 2018, where it received a 4-star rating for adult protection, scoring 12.51 points. It was noted that the protection offered to the driver and passenger head and neck was good and the Brezza's bodyshell was rated as stable with capability of withstanding further loadings. For child protection, the Maruti was awarded 2 stars (17.93 points).
But, it’s worth keeping in mind that the model tested was the pre-facelift, diesel-powered model, so the results for the current petrol model could differ. Furthermore, the upcoming Brezza facelift could also become the first Maruti model to receive a 5-star rating. In an interview with Autocar India, GNCAP secretary general, Alejandro Furas, said, “The car [Brezza/Urban Cruiser] is not far away from a 5 star, there’s not much they need to do to achieve this.”
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Soham ThakurSoham ThakurGlobal NCAP crash test ratings: Top 10 Indian SUVs2461402461401Sat, 23 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +1000424240Soham ThakurAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 11:39:34 +1000We’ve compiled a list of the safest SUVs on sale in India, as rated by Global NCAP.We’ve compiled a list of the safest SUVs on sale in India, as rated by Global NCAP.Sat, 23 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +1000"global ncap crash test ratings: top 10 indian suvs"
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424240EV fires: Nitin Gadkari warns of tough penalty for negligent companies
Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has come down heavily on electric vehicle manufacturers in light of the recent spate of incidents where EVs have caught fire. The fires are caused due to the thermal runaway phenomenon and you can read in detail about it here.
Taking to Twitter, Gadkari said it is unfortunate that some people have lost their lives in EV fires, while several have been injured. There have been several such cases, from individual scooters to showrooms full of EVs that have fire.
The minister said that the government has hence set up a committee to look into these incidents and make recommendations on how it can be curtailed. Quality-centric guidelines will soon be issued soon, he added. “If any company is found negligent in their processes, a heavy penalty will be imposed and a recall of all defective vehicles will also be ordered,” he tweeted.
Gadkari also suggested that EV companies recall defective batches immediately and fix any issues. Recently, Okinawa, whose scooter was among those that caught fire, issued India’s first two-wheeler EV recall.
These steps from the government are critical in ensuring safety of EV buyers and that there’s no dent in their confidence in green two-wheelers.
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Rishabh BhaskarRishabh BhaskarEV fires: Nitin Gadkari warns of tough penalty for negligent companies2461402461401Sat, 23 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +1000424253Rishabh BhaskarAutocar India staff photograherSat, 23 Apr 2022 08:53:01 +1000A number of e-scooters with lithium ion batteries have caught fire in the recent past due to thermal runaway.A number of e-scooters with lithium ion batteries have caught fire in the recent past due to thermal runaway.Sat, 23 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +1000ev fires: nitin gadkari warns of tough penalty for negligent companies
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4242532022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 facelift price, variants explained
The updated Maruti SuzukiXL6 has just been launched in India and the prices range from Rs 11.29 lakh for the base trim to Rs 14.55 lakh for the top-spec model (ex-showroom). Maruti Suzuki began accepting bookings for the MPV earlier this month for Rs 11,000, with the carmaker already receiving over 3,500 bookings so far.
With the introduction of the facelift, Maruti Suzuki has expanded the XL6’s range with three trim levels now on offer – Zeta, Alpha and Alpha+. We have compiled all the features available on each of these variants below.
Powering the refreshed XL6 is a new 1.5-litre DualJet engine, with Maruti Suzuki's smart-hybrid system with start-stop technology (same unit as the one in the Ertiga facelift). The unit produces 103hp and 136.8Nm. The engine comes paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a new 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6: competition check
In terms of competition, the new XL6 continues to rival the diesel-powered Mahindra Marazzo, Kia Carens and Hyundai Alcazar (available with both petrol and diesel engine options) and its sibling – the Ertiga facelift.
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Nishmanya BahadurNishmanya Bahadur2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 facelift price, variants explained2022 Maruti Suzuki XL6 front2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:55:00 +1000424250Nishmanya BahadurAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 17:57:28 +1000The XL6 gains a number of new features as well as a new top-spec trim – Alpha+.The XL6 gains a number of new features as well as a new top-spec trim – Alpha+.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:55:00 +1000"2022 maruti suzuki xl6 facelift price, variants explained"
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424250Kia Carens CNG spied; could launch this year
As fuel prices continue to rise, carmakers are now adding CNG-powered models to their mainstream passenger vehicle line-up. With Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors continuing to add CNG-powered models to their portfolio, Kia India seems to be eager to get its slice of the pie. A CNG-powered Carens has been spotted on test, which follows the sighting of a Sonet CNG test mule that was seen recently.
With the Carens CNG, Kia will have a third fuel option in the model's range, along with the existing petrol and diesel powertrains. As the spy photo suggests, Kia is likely to introduce the CNG with the more powerful 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo engine.
Kia Carens CNG to rival Ertiga CNG, XL6 CNG
Could hit the showrooms this year
CNG option likely to be available in multiple variants
Kia Carens CNG: what does the spy photo suggest?
The spy photo clearly shows the Carens with a CNG tank in its boot. Kia's choice of offering the Carens with the 1.4-litre engine, is likely to give it a power advantage over the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor. The engine will likely be paired to the 6-speed manual transmission. Apart from the two petrol engines, the Carens is also available with a 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel unit.
While almost every CNG-powered model in India comes with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, Kia India seems to be bucking the trend and taking the turbo-petrol route, with the Carens CNG being the second turbo-petrol model being readied. The Sonet CNG test mule that was spotted recently also seems to be equipped with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Kia Carens CNG: rivals in India
Kia could introduce the Carens CNG sometime this year, following the launch of the Sonet CNG. On its arrival, the Carens CNG will take on the facelifted Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga CNG. Maruti Suzuki could also consider going the CNG route for its recently facelifted premium MPV – the XL6.
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Pradyumna KalagiPradyumna KalagiKia Carens CNG spied; could launch this yearKia Carens CNG collage 2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:06:00 +1000424246Pradyumna KalagiAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 17:53:25 +1000Similar to the recently spied Sonet CNG, the Carens CNG seems to be equipped with a turbo-petrol engine.Similar to the recently spied Sonet CNG, the Carens CNG seems to be equipped with a turbo-petrol engine.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:06:00 +1000kia carens cng spied; could launch this year
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424246TVS makes additional investment in Norton Motorcycles
The TVS Motor Company has announced that it will invest £100 million (over Rs 100 crore) in Norton Motorcycles, the British brand that it acquired in April 2020. The company said that the investment will be towards electrification, technology, manufacturing, sustainability and the future of mobility. This announcement was made on the sidelines of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit to India.
The investment is expected to create around 250-300 direct jobs over three years, and another 500-800 indirect jobs across the supply chain. Some of these investments have already been made, leading to the creation of a facility at Solar Park in Solihull, UK, and the imminent launch of re-engineered Norton bikes – the V4 SV and 961 Commando – by TVS.
The new facility also houses Norton’s manufacturing capability and the company’s new global design and R&D hub. The investments will also result in a range of products for the global market, says TVS.
The new facility is supported by the West Midlands Growth partnership and the UK Government. “Trade and investment between the UK and India is creating good jobs and sustaining livelihoods in both of our countries,” Johnson said. “I am very pleased that TVS Motor Company and other Indian companies are investing in the UK, boosting our future mobility sector and driving economic growth.”
TVS has also acquired a majority stake in UK-based e-bike brand EBCO, which is a British company that provides mobility solutions in the form of e-bikes. The company is the sole distributor of the Corratec e-bikes in the UK.
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Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News DeskTVS makes additional investment in Norton Motorcycles2461402461401Autocar India News DeskTVS makes additional investment in Norton Motorcycles2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:33:00 +1000424248Autocar India News DeskAutocar India staff photograherMon, 1 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +1000 TVS claims the £100 million (around Rs 100 crore) investment is expected to create around 250-300 direct jobs in the near future. TVS claims the £100 million (around Rs 100 crore) investment is expected to create around 250-300 direct jobs in the near future. Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:33:00 +1000"tvs" "makes" "additional" "investment" "in" "norton" "motorcycles"
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424248Ola says no scooter malfunction in recent Guwahati accident
A Twitter user named Balwant Singh recently claimed that his son had an accident in Guwahati aboard an Ola S1 Pro when the scooter’s regenerative braking system allegedly malfunctioned, accelerating the vehicle over a speedbreaker instead of decelerating it. As per Singh’s tweets, his son ended up with fractures in his left hand and 16 stitches in his right hand.
The graveness of the situation has prompted Ola Electric to issue a statement and release the telemetry from the scooter at the time of the accident. It claims that there was no malfunction or fault with the scooter.
The speed trace shown in the statement reports that in the 25 minutes preceding the accident, the scooter was taken up to speeds in excess of 100kph on at least five different occasions, and that it even reached a top speed of 115kph. The statement goes on to conclude that the rider was overspeeding.
As for the fall itself, Ola says that the scooter’s telemetry shows that all three braking actions (front brake, rear brake and regen) were initiated suddenly and at once, at around 80kph. The company, therefore, concludes that the rider braked in a panic, and lost control of the vehicle, leading to a fall. There was “no sudden torque or acceleration observed after braking”, and “there is nothing wrong with the vehicle”, Ola added.
With no way of verifying the truth behind Singh’s side of the story, or whether Ola’s telemetry is legitimate, getting to the bottom of this case, at least for the moment, seems difficult. It’s worth noting, though, that Ola scooters have a history of malfunctions relating to the motor, and this is something that we have faced as well. In our time with the scooter in Mumbai, we found it accelerating forwards in reverse mode and backwards in forward mode on one occasion. Read all about it here.
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Zaran ModyZaran ModyOla says no scooter malfunction in recent Guwahati accidentThe company says there was nothing wrong with its vehicle in the recent Guwahati accident.2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:23:00 +1000424247Zaran ModyAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 16:26:52 +1000Contrary to the plaintiff’s claims, Ola Electric says there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. It has also released telemetry data from the scooter just prior to the accident.Contrary to the plaintiff’s claims, Ola Electric says there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. It has also released telemetry data from the scooter just prior to the accident.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:23:00 +1000ola says no scooter malfunction in recent guwahati accident
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424247Niti Aayog releases EV battery swapping draft policy
The government’s think tank Niti Aayog has released a draft policy for implementing battery swapping stations in an effort to encourage buyers to opt for electric vehicles. While presenting the Union Budget on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced plans to introduce a Battery Swapping Policy and interoperability standards.
Development of battery swapping networks will take place in phases
Vehicles with swappable batteries to be sold without a battery, as per the draft policy
Niti Aayog to host consultation for the draft until June 5, 2022
Niti Aayog said with the draft policy it aims to promote swapping of batteries with Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries to decouple battery costs from the upfront purchasing costs of EVs. It aims to create unique battery codes for ACC batteries falling under this policy.
Battery Swapping draft policy: details
As per the draft policy, electric vehicles with swappable batteries will be sold without a battery, thus reducing purchasing costs for potential EV customers. Individuals can set up swapping stations at any location while maintaining technical, safety and performance standards.
The draft policy also stated that all metropolitan cities with a population above 40 lakh will be prioritised for the development of battery swapping network under the first phase. Major cities such as state capitals, Union Territory headquarters and cities with population above 5 lakh will be covered under the second phase, the draft policy said.
“The target vehicle segments for battery swapping are e-2Ws and e-3Ws, which are heavily concentrated in urban areas,” the draft said, adding that the rollout of battery swapping stations will also take place in a phased manner.
Battery Swapping draft policy: benefits
As it stands, battery swapping allows an owner to remove and replace their depleted battery with a fully charged one. Manufacturers like Hero Electric, Revolt, Bounce and Simple Energy currently offer the removable battery technology with their electric two-wheelers.
The policy aims to improve interoperability standards that will reduce range anxiety among EV owners. Niti Aayog is currently working on inviting suggestions from its stakeholders as a form of consultation for the policy until June 5, 2022.
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Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News DeskNiti Aayog releases EV battery swapping draft policy2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:22:00 +1000424241Autocar India News DeskAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 14:24:09 +1000The draft policy stated any individual or entity is free to set up swapping stations at any location provided they follow specific technical, safety and performance standards.The draft policy stated any individual or entity is free to set up swapping stations at any location provided they follow specific technical, safety and performance standards.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:22:00 +1000"niti aayog releases ev battery swapping draft policy"
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424241Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge showcased in India
Rolls-Royce has showcased the all-new Ghost Black Badge sedan in India. The model is now available to be commissioned, with prices available on request. Based on the latest-gen Ghost sedan, the Ghost Black Badge gets more power and improved dynamics, all in the interest of making it relatively more exciting to drive.
Ghost Black Badge adds a new ‘Low’ driving mode
Gets 21-inch bespoke alloy wheels
Black Badge series aimed at younger Rolls buyers
Ghost Black Badge: what's to know?
In terms of styling, the Ghost Black Badge borrows several elements form other cars in the Black Badge series, namely the Cullinan and the now-discontinued Wraith and Dawn. As such, the features include a darker chrome shade for the exterior brightwork and grille, and a blacked-out Spirit of Ecstasy. Additionally, the version also offers a new, bespoke set of alloys with a carbon-fibre barrel.
On the inside, there are black wood veneers and technical fabrics, a more subdued tone for the interior trim, as well as a tailor-made interior clock that is flanked by a new design for the Ghost’s LED-illuminated fascia.
Like all Rolls-Royces, the Ghost Black Badge too can be customised. You can choose from over 44,000 colour options, but black remains the most popular for the series.
Ghost Black Badge: engine, powertrain and tech
The changes to the series are also under the skin. The Ghost’s twin-turbo V12 now produces 600hp and 900Nm of torque, about 29hp and 50Nm more than the standard car. All this power and torque is available from as low as 1,700rpm.
The all-wheel-drive Ghost also features a ‘Low’ driving mode that enhances driving functions, including 50 percent sharper gearshifts from the 8-speed automatic and a tweaked exhaust note.
Other dynamic enhancements over the donor car include more voluminous air springs, which are designed to reduce body roll in hard cornering, a bespoke throttle map, revised tuning for the all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive steering systems, and raising of the brake pedal’s biting point while reducing its travel; although the braking system is carried over from the standard Ghost despite an increase in power.
Ghost Black Badge: rivals in India
Given its price, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge will take on the Bentley Flying Spur as its closest rival. The standard Ghost also rivals the recently launched Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, especially, the top-spec S680 version with the V12 engine.
Globally, the Black Badge series is currently available only on the Cullinan and the Ghost, with the flagship Phantom missing it. According to the brand, the Black Badge series has been crucial in reducing the average age of Rolls-Royce buyers, which has dropped from 56 years to 43 years – making it the brand to have the youngest average age of buyers in the BMW Group. Such is their popularity that Black Badge models account for about 40 percent of all Rolls-Royces sold, far greater than the 15 percent that Rolls originally envisaged.
What are some of the features you like in the Black Badge over the standard Ghost? Let us know in the comments below.
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Pradyumna KalagiPradyumna KalagiRolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge showcased in IndiaRolls Royce Ghost Black Badge front 2461402461401Pradyumna KalagiRolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge showcased in IndiaRolls Royce Ghost Black Badge India launch2461402461401Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:21:00 +1000424242Pradyumna KalagiAutocar India staff photograherFri, 22 Apr 2022 14:31:57 +1000The Black Badge version produces 29hp and 50Nm more from its twin-turbocharged V12 engine, compared to the standard Ghost.The Black Badge version produces 29hp and 50Nm more from its twin-turbocharged V12 engine, compared to the standard Ghost.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:21:00 +1000rolls royce ghost black badge showcased in india
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