At the Mexico City E-Prix, the first race with the new third-generation electric racing cars, German carmaker Porsche made a successful start to the season: The race win went to Jake Dennis from customer team Andretti ahead of Porsche works driver Pascal Wehrlein in second place. Third place went to Lucas di Grassi for Mahindra […]
Mahindra has announced an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra and plans to invest the equivalent of Rs. 1.14 billion for the purpose over a period of seven to eight years.
The Volkswagen Group and Indian vehicle manufacturer Mahindra have signed a term sheet for the supply of MEB components for Mahindra’s new Inglo all-electric vehicle platform. Mahindra has also provided a preview of the first five models.
Volkswagen and the Indian vehicle manufacturer Mahindra are exploring the use of MEB components in Mahindra’s new “Born Electric Platform”. A cooperation agreement that has now been concluded sets the framework for further evaluation of the collaboration.
Ten companies have applied for an Indian government programme to promote the domestic production of battery cells, with plans for factories with a total capacity of 130 GWh – significantly more than the 50 GWh planned by India’s government.
Indian automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra has issued plans to launch 16 electric vehicles by 2027 across SUV and light commercial vehicle categories. Mahindra is also considering a new subsidiary brand name for the electric SUVs.
Amazon India has just partnered with Mahindra Electric and has announced they will deploy close to a hundred Mahindra Treo Zor EVs in seven major cities across the country. Amazon’s rival on the e-commerce marketplace in India, Flipkart, has also just announced that they will deploy more than 25,000 electric vehicles by 2030.
The Israeli electric mobility startup Ree Automotive is investing 92 million US dollars in a new ‘Engineering Centre of Excellence’ in England, at MIRA Technology Park in Warwickshire.
At the 3DEXPERIENCE Conference 2020 in India, Dassault Systèmes announced their contribution to Mahindra’s development process: Using their Simulia applications, the Indian vehicle manufacturer was able to reduce costs, improve fuel efficiency, and to bring their vehicles to market more quickly.
GenZe, the US subsidiary of the Indian car manufacturer Mahindra specialises on electric scooters and electric bicycles. GenZe is on the verge of collapse and Mahindra plans to dissolve the subsidiary within the next six months, reabsorbing the intellectual property rights for various other projects.
The Indian government has issued a contract for multiple electric vehicles, however instead of going for vehicles from their home market, such as Mahindra or Tata, the government decided to opt with Hyundai’s Kona, which costs about twice the amount as Indian competitors.
Automobili Pininfarina is planning a full series of further electric models, such as an SUV and a sedan, to follow its fully-electric super sports car Battista presented in March. According to the CEO, the brand now wants to develop a platform for these models.
Mahindra say they successfully completed a pilot project using electric vehicles on safaris in India’s Taboda Andhari National Park. The manufacturer is now ready to supply Mahindra Supro Eco-Rangers to other parks and tiger preserves as well.
The EV popularization scheme in India is off to a slow start. The government in Delhi reportedly ordered hundreds of electric cars from Tata and Mahindra but officials are refusing to use them, the reason being range.
Italy’s design studio Pininfarina is turning into an electric carmaker, drawing from the money of owner Mahindra and its experience from designing for the Formula E. The newly created European brand, Automobili Pininfarina, will cater for the premium segment.
Rumors persist that the Italian design firm Pininfarina may begin producing electric vehicles in their own right. An official statement is to be made around the Formula E race in Rome on the 14th of April.
Ford and Mahindra have announced a partnership to produce the potentially least expensive electric vehicle ever made. The model will be based on the compact Ford Aspire.
Mahindra has signed a contract with LG Chem to supply batteries for the electric vehicles currently under development by Mahindra and SsanYong. They plan to use lithium ion batteries on the basis of NMC (Nickel, Mangan, Cobalt), as well as new concepts.
Mahindra has announced that they plan to invest another 9 billion rupees, or about 113 million euros, into the expansion of their EV manufacturing capabilities. Over the next four to five years, output is to increase more than tenfold.
India’s Mahindra has showed up at its home show with the new architecture for electric cars called MESMA. It accommodates various motor set ups and battery sizes. A first model on the modular platform is due within the next three years.
The HK GT Concept will only be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show, but two images were released ahead of the debut. The two-door Coupé is the fourth concept electric car to come out of the joint venture between Pininfarina and HKG.
The car maker’s electrification plans are obviously more extensive than previously known. According to the FactorDaily, the Indian company want to launch all-electric variants of almost all of its passenger cars.
Dutchmen to ban combustion-powered cars by 2030: The new Dutch government coalition has published its plans for the upcoming years, underlining the ambition to make all newly registered cars emission-free by 2030. A ban of diesel and petrol vehicles has been discussed in the Netherlands since last year. But the new government, consisting of four coalition parties, had to struggle a lot to find common positions. Now, more than 200 days after the election in March, they have finally released the plan they agreed upon. electrek.co, nltimes.nl, telegraaf.nl (in Dutch)
EU to introduce carbon credits instead of EV quota? The European Union refrains from the idea to implement an EV quota, Reuters reports. Instead it favours a carbon credit initiative, inspired by California’s zero-emission policy – with the difference that carbon credits shall not be tradable in the EU. According to the press agency, the proposal additionally includes 800m euros of EU funding to motivate governments, regions and cities to erect more EV charging points and 200m euros to boost battery development between 2018 and 2020. The EU proposal’s official release is expected on 8th of November. reuters.com
A dozen bills for more EVs in CA: California’s governor Jerry Brown has signed a dozen bills to accelerate the state’s shift towards electric mobility. Besides extending the EV incentive programme with special focus on low-income Californians through 2019, pilot schemes for new charging stations and giving EV drivers further the right to use the carpool lanes, the government itself is willing to set a good example: At least half of the state’s car fleet shall get emission-free by 2025, the same is required for 30 percent of the state’s heavy-duty fleet by 2030. sacbee.com, gov.ca.gov
Electric bus made by New Flyer: The U.S. manufacturer has presented the next generation of its electric-powered bus Xcelsior called Xcelsior Charge. The new model is equipped with a Siemens motor and a battery pack by XALT Energy or A123 Systems, enabling a capacity of up to 600 kWh. Bus operator LA Metro has already ordered 35 units for Los Angeles and signed an option to purchase again 65 buses. greencarcongress.com
Mahindra extends its EV line-up: The Indian car giant plans to add all-electric versions of each of its existing SUV and crossover models to its line-up. First model to get a fully electrified twin next year is Mahindra’s compact SUV KUV 100. So far, the company’s electric assortment includes just two cars: the E20 and the e-Verito. autocarindia.com, financialexpress.com
Green4U presents electric SUVs: Don Panoz’ Green4U Technologies intends to launch two electric-powered SUVs in 2018: Both, the MTU-6 and the Enov, shall be able to reach up to 370 km. In the upcoming years, the U.S. company plans to create more and more electric models – among them sedans, vans and utility vehicles. autoblog.com, government-fleet.com
Dedicated EV by Infiniti: Nissan got electrification in its veins and it will pump up its premium arm by 2019 when Infiniti plans to launch its first electric model. Rather than building on an existing one or even on a Nissan platform though, it shall be an all new model and a sleek and powerful one on top. Debut is set for Detroit next year. Infiniti showed an electric concept back in 2012 and also electrified Pebble Beach this year (we reported). autocar.co.uk
EV brand by Mahindra and Pininfarina? The Indian conglomerate may engage its Pininfarina subsidiary in setting up an all-electric label to target the premium segment. Multiple models could emerge over the next 3 – 5 years, effectively turning the design house that used to sign responsible for Ferrari into an EV manufacturer to catch up with Tesla. ndtv.com
Volvo presents XC40: The new compact SUV has made it into the Swedes’ line-up and is the first to utilise the CMA platform, which builds the base for all following 40 series Volvo. This includes the plug-in versions although these are not offered at this initial launch of the XC40. Volvo has not given a precise on-sale date for the EV and PHEV in Europe but it is certain, they will come. Fancy stuff like a smartphone compartment with inductive charging is included in all variants. carscoops.com, autonews.com, volvocars.com
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Toyota pushes for performance and has created a new label called GR for Gazoo Racing. The first GR versions will hit Japan before they reach European markets at a later date. As Toyota announced recently, its wants to offer its hybrod bestsellers in two variants, one efficient the other powerful, so expect to see a Prius GR soon. autoexpress.co.uk, japantimes.co.jp
Electric motorbike from Italy: Tacita has brought its T-Cruise to the AIMExpo in the States. The electric motorcycle is offered in three battery variants (7.5 – 27 kWh) with the highest lasting for a cruise of up 270 km. Prices start at 11,000 dollars in the USA. tacita.it
Tesla understatement: The EPA has rated the long range version of the Model 3 and attests 537 km, more than the manufacturer’s estimate of 500 km. Tesla may have understated the range on purpose in order to distinguish the economy model more clearly from the Model S. teslarati.com
Redemption of sorts: The Hummer gives way to electric cars and where AM General once made that quasi-tanks for “civilians” like Arnold Schwarzenegger, SF Motors is to take over. The subsidiary of Chongqing Sokon Industry Group bought the plant in South Bend, Indiana for 110m dollars and will keep on most of the 400+ strong workforce as well. It is the third acquisition in the States for the Chinese firm after it also set up shop in California as well as Michigan (we reported). While SF Motors is advised by Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, an actual electric vehicle has yet to emerge. popularmechanics.com
Fisker has opened the order books online in the meantime and 2,000 dollars guarantee a reservation. Careful though, real prices start from 129,500 dollars so the cap at two reservations per person seem a bit of a luxury problem. The EMotion’s official presentation is set on August, 17 and a new video allows for a detailed preview. carscoops.com, fiskerinc.com, vimeo.com (video)
Nissan blows the cover of its new Leaf and has confirmed the date for its official launch: September, 5 or 6 considering the time difference to Japan. A new image emerged to tease the occasion, this time showing a blue grille and some chrome but mostly the Nissan badge. autoblog.com, motorauthority.com
Manufacturing network: BMW i Ventures took a stake in Xometry, an on-demand platform for product designers, engineers and procurement managers to find production facilities nationwide. Launched in 2014, the start-up now claims to have 5,000 customers. electriccarsreport.com
Electric SUV by Mahindra: The Indian carmaker is working on a production version of its XUV Aero concept, following positive reception at various shows earlier this year. A near-to-production model can be expected at Auto Expo 2018 with market entry set for later that year or early 2019. ibtimes.co.in, drivespark.com
Gaming got serious as Volvo Cars and Swedish supplier Autoliv cooperate with Nvidia, known for its graphics technology in computer games. The U.S. firm shall now turn that expertise into AI-based software for self-driving vehicles, which Volvo plans to introduce by 2021. reuters.com
EU plans plug-in opportunities: European energy ministers agree, new and newly refurbished buildings must feature EV charging stations from 2025. If the FAZ report is accurate, the ministers mostly followed the EU commission’s previous proposal that called for residential buildings with more than ten parking stalls to at least put in place the necessary wiring for EV chargers. Parking in commercial buildings must offer one charging opportunity and put wires at every third spot although small enterprises might be exempt from that rule. However, for the draft to become law, both the EU Parliament as well as the Council of Ministers must consent first. electrive.net via faz.net (both in German)
E-mobility receives a “si¡” in Spain, where the government decided to continue its Movea funding scheme. Another 14.26m euros have been earmarked for EV incentives such as 5,500 euros per electric car given it got a list price below 32,000 euros. Charging infrastructure is facilitated with 1,000 euros when installing an AC charger and 15,000 euros can be claimed for each fast-charging station. hibridosyelectricos.com (in Spanish)
Indo-Korean EV cooperation: Korean SsangYong Motor is working on an electric SUV with its Indian owner Mahindra. Together they aim for 300 km range and a launch by 2020. It will be the first fruit of the recently announced partnership in which both vied to spend 1bn dollars for joint EV development. yonhapnews.co.kr
Zotye EV label: Chinese Zotye has created a brand likely dedicated to its electric offering. Junma, officially Chongqing Junma New Energy Vehicle Company suggests a focus on electric and plug-in hybrids made in Chongqing but no more details have been published so far. automobil-produktion.de (in German)
Arcimoto’s low cost e-trike is ready to hit the market but all that is missing is cash. So the start-up decided to file for an IPO and hopes to find 9.3m dollars at the stock market to finalise and ultimately produce the electric three-wheeler. The SRK Generation 8 EV can already be pre-ordered online and aims at the lower market segment at a price point of 11,900 dollars. insideevs.com
Rejuvenating Aqua: Toyota gives its Aqua hybrid a make over in Japan. Known as Prius C off the islands, its drive remains but is to become a little more efficient. The model however now includes a crossover variant for the first time. carscoops.com
Tesla’s China factory ready for realisation? The Californian EV maker is allegedly close to sign an agreement with the city of Shanghai in order to build a Tesla plant in the Lingang development zone. Bloomberg quotes insiders, stating the deal may be done before the week’s end. With the negotiations being private, it remains unclear, who may become Tesla’s joint venture partner required to be allowed to produce in China. Chinese internet giant Tencent only recently accumulated a 5 percent stake in Tesla but their role is likely to help with communications if anything. Once Tesla starts producing in China, the 25 percent import tax would become obsolete. bloomberg.com
Hyundai gears up FCV: 3,600 units may be made of Hyundai’s new fuel cell serial model based on the FE Fuel Cell Concept presented at the Geneva Auto Salon. If insiders are right, that represents a significant increase compared to the predecessor ix35 Fuel Cell that sold less than 1,000 times to date. Hyundai’s motivation could be to surpass Toyota’s Mirai FCV, which has found almost 3,000 buyers. businesskorea.co.kr
GAC with concrete strategy: Seven new EV and PHEV models are set for launch before the year’s end, says GAC, thus manifesting previous announcements. The Chinese company wants to electrify 20 percent of the total sales volume of 1m cars by 2020. It also set sight on entering the States by 2019. greencarcongress.com
Mahindra doubles its investment into e-mobility as it earmarks up to 12bn rupees (167m euros) for its electric transport division. Mahindra Electric is then to provide electric propulsions to Mahindra and other OEMs. A new factory in Chakan to produce EVs and to install battery packs is underway as well. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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First photos of Kia Stonic: Ahead of its official debut at the IAA in September, pictures of Kia’s Stonic have appeared online. Like the recently unveiled Kona, the Korean compact crossover shall have an electric powered twin from launch. carscoops.com, autodato.com
Phat market entry: 20 mph is the top speed of a new electric scooter supposed to go 30 to 50 miles on a single charge. Made by Arizona start-up Phat Scooters, the battery sits flush under the deck. Pre-orders are possible from this week onwards. prnewswire.com, electric.phatscooters.com
China delays electric quota: German lobbying seems to have shown success as first details emerge from Foreign Minister Gabriel’s China tour – he speaks of a done deal on e-mobility and talks being “on the right way.” In more concrete terms, this means a delay of the 8% EV quota, which was planned for 2018 but is now most likely to be moved to 2019, according to Handelsblatt. The deal is said to also include transitional arrangements and even the obligation of installing R&D units on Chinese ground may be dispensable. While both the government and carmakers worked together to water down the rules, they were joined by internal forces as their concerns were echoed by Chinese manufacturers. Nonetheless, Beijing’s threat has worked and spurred the likes of Volkswagen and Mercedes to strengthen their JV activity. GM has meanwhile promised at least ten PEV for the Chinese market, while Honda too will use the red giant as testing ground for an electric car from next year. dw.com, handelsblatt.com (original source, in German)
While the dragon may crouch, the tiger speeds up its electrification as India’s Mahindra lays out its Roadmap EV 2.0. Its electrification plan aims to double EV production capacity already this year and to further invest in electric drivetrains as well as charging infrastructure. Furthermore, Mahindra seeks to offer a three-wheeled EV within the next two months and to launch a bus with space for 32 passengers in about 18 months. Development of a 400km battery is well underway and may bear fruit in the second half of 2019, according to the company which has recently undergone a name change to Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd. to depict its endeavour to offer transport solutions. electriccarsreport.com
Entry level EQ: Mercedes intends to put a new member of its EQ sub brand in the spotlights at the IAA, Autocar learnt. The concept is supposed to preview the future EQ A, Daimler’s entry-level model and pitched to rival the upcoming VW I.D. and BMW i3. autocar.co.uk
Audi makes electric motors in Hungary: All of Audi’s upcoming EVs will be powered by tech build at the Hungarian factory Győr, Audi’s head in Hungary Peter Kössler said. He added that production is to start in about two weeks already. bbj.hu
VW’s hybrid show cars: The German carmaker caught the audience’s attention at the annual Worthersee GTI meeting by presenting its Golf GTE Variant impulsE as well as the Golf GTI First Decade. The first is a hybrid with upgraded battery capacity (from 8.8 to 18.8kWh), the latter a 404bhp hybrid version of the Golf GTI that is capable of driving solely electric, too. greencarcongress.com, autoexpress.co.uk, carscoops.com
Hyundai has launched its first electric bus Elec City as planned with a 256kWh battery pack for a said range of 290 km. Production is set for 2018 but price information has not been provided. theinvestor.co.kr, koreatimes.co.kr
Renault expects EV price parity: After Volkswagen and BMW, the French follow suit in their prediction of a drastic decrease in costs for electric vehicles thanks to better battery technology. Renault’s leading EV figure, Gilles Normand, said that the Zoe will reach price parity with small combustion-engined cars by the beginning of the next decade. Already, sales of the little EV have increased by 90 percent between 2016 and 2017. For the C-segment, prices will equalise around 2025, according to Normand. autoexpress.co.uk
Ford’s electrified cars may grow into a whole line-up of no less than 13 models by 2022, plans uncovered by Autocar suggest. Ford trademarked the Energi label for such electrified vehicles as the C-MAX in its plug-in hybrid version. Plus, there will be other PHEVs like the F-150, Mustang as well as the Transit Custom and an all-electric SUV (we reported). Next in line may be the Kuga and Explorer. autocar.co.uk
Mahindra to electrify all models: The Indian carmaker decided that all new platforms are to offer options for electrification from the start, including light commercial vehicles. The move will enable Mahindra to easier electrify each and every model in the future. business-standard.com
Ampera-e pricing NL: Opel released prices for its Ampera-e aka the Chevy Bolt in the Netherlands, where it will be offered from 40,995 euros. Deliveries are to start early next year via 28 selected Opel dealers, the so-called Ampera-e-Agents. opel.nl (in Dutch)
Kiepe Electric is the new name for the recently acquired Vossloh Kiepe now owned by Knorr Bremse. The subsidiary will concentrate on systems for electrification in the bus and rail sector. automotiveworld.com
As Mini readies the Countryman plug-in hybrid version for its official outing at the end of June reportedly, some journalist got the chance to take it for a first ride. Impressions are good but be warned that its electric range revolves around 30 rather than said 42 kilometres. autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk
Expect a new electric Citroën by 2020 but it will not be a dedicated model. The group will instead leave it to consumers to make the sensible choice or opt for a gasoline version of the same make. Which model that will be is undisclosed but after the C-Zero und e-Mehari, Citroën will stay within the (sub-) compact segment with PSA’s planned platform e-CMP. It lays the foundation for up to 450 km range and is being developed together with PSA’s partner in China, Dongfeng. autonews.com
Karma comeback: Former Fisker, Karma Automotive started deliveries of the Karma successor Revero this month and marks the occasion with a new TV spot. The firm hopes to send about 1,000 PHEVs on their way this year, each costing 130,000 dollars at least for an electric range of 80 km. video, electrek.co, insideevs.com
Meanwhile the Model 3 has made a new appearance and this time all in white. The pictures were taken in California and truly look like spy shots, queer angles and “agents” included. Indulge. electrek.co (Design), electrek.co (supercharging)
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Mahindra’s Brexit: The Indian carmaker has ceased sales of its e2o in the United Kingdom due to meagre demand. Mahindra will thus wind up all its British operations in fact, although it initially hoped to use the Isles as a gateway to European markets like the Nordics and the Netherlands. reuters.com
Workhorse electric: This is the first time, the planned electric pick-up truck by Workhorse can be seen. The 338 kW strong W-15 lasts for 130 electric kilometres but also carries a range extender. Workhorse says it has received more than 2,000 pre-orders already and wants to produce from 2018. insideevs.com
Make the Moke great again by giving the odd Mini beach buggy a new life as electric vehicle. Note that this e-Moke is not a Mini as it used to be but by a company called Moke America. The remake claims a 40 mile range at a top speed of 25 mph. Enough to shift some sand, surely and available now. geeky-gadgets.com, autoblog.com