Apart from Mahindra Reva and an innovative Chinese company, the Auto Expo 2014 has shed some light on the investment that is going to happen over the next few years for electric mobility in India.
Consider this, Terra Motors - a Japanese company wants to invest here and launch their e-bikes, electric autos and an electric superbike. Hero Electric has continued to innovate and launch new products. Even a company like Renault have showcased their electric car. This is just the beginning. By the next Auto Expo, we could see huge interest in electric mobility for the Indian market.
Consider this, Terra Motors - a Japanese company wants to invest here and launch their e-bikes, electric autos and an electric superbike. Hero Electric has continued to innovate and launch new products. Even a company like Renault have showcased their electric car. This is just the beginning. By the next Auto Expo, we could see huge interest in electric mobility for the Indian market.
The electric superbike - Kiwami
Terra Motors
The biggest news was splashed by a Japanese company called Terra Motors. They showcased three products :
The electric scooter - A4000i, is just the kind the next generation e-bike that the Indian market needs. We know about the troubles of the current generation e-bikes, they use old lead acid batteries, take forever to charge, have low power motors that allow a top speed of 25 kmph (most models) and have generally been poorly received in the Indian market. We did blog about a startup company based out of Chennai, who are working on a next generation e-bike.
So the future is indeed bright for e-bikes.
But when a multinational like Terra Motors comes into the picture we need to sit up and take notice.
The biggest news was splashed by a Japanese company called Terra Motors. They showcased three products :
- An electric scooter - the A4000i
- An electric three-wheeler named T4
- An electric super-bike named Kiwami
The electric scooter - A4000i, is just the kind the next generation e-bike that the Indian market needs. We know about the troubles of the current generation e-bikes, they use old lead acid batteries, take forever to charge, have low power motors that allow a top speed of 25 kmph (most models) and have generally been poorly received in the Indian market. We did blog about a startup company based out of Chennai, who are working on a next generation e-bike.
So the future is indeed bright for e-bikes.
But when a multinational like Terra Motors comes into the picture we need to sit up and take notice.
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Check out the specs of the A4000i - 1.8kWh Lithium Ion battery (The Mahindra e2o stores 10kWh of energy, just for reference), Charge time - 4 hours (as compared to 8-9 hours of the current generation e-bikes), range of 65 km and top speed of 65 kmph (as compared to 25kmph offered by the current generation )
Some of the features are cool too, like a removable battery, smart phone integration,LED display and decent boot space. This product will surely be a hit, if priced aggressively and launched across India.
Some of the features are cool too, like a removable battery, smart phone integration,LED display and decent boot space. This product will surely be a hit, if priced aggressively and launched across India.
Terra Motors also showcased their electric auto, which can use a Lead Acid or a Lithium Ion battery pack, can charge 80% in 1 hour (which is ideal for auto guys), can go upto 80 km and have a top speed of 40kmph.
Estimated to cost around 2 Lakh, Terra are showcasing that the overall ownership cost is way lesser as compared to a petrol or a CNG auto.
Estimated to cost around 2 Lakh, Terra are showcasing that the overall ownership cost is way lesser as compared to a petrol or a CNG auto.
Most impressive was their electric super bike called - Kiwami. This bike has chiseled looks and an bad boy image that most college kids crave for. This is the kind of bike that the e-bike industry lack. the e-bike comprises of state-of-the-art Japanese technology and has an output of 10 KW of power from its electric motor. The bike can hit a top speed of 160 km/hr with a range of 200 kms and can be completely charged in six hours.
However with a whopping price tag of 18 Lakhs, lets just forget about this bike ever making a dent into the 2 wheeler industry. However its a start and with mass manufacturing in India and reduction in component costs, we could see a market for such e-bikes here.
However with a whopping price tag of 18 Lakhs, lets just forget about this bike ever making a dent into the 2 wheeler industry. However its a start and with mass manufacturing in India and reduction in component costs, we could see a market for such e-bikes here.
The best part about Terra Motors is that, they are not like other multinationals who showcase electric mobility products and don't bother investing in the Indian EV market.
Terra Motors are serious about India. Toru Tokushige, CEO and founder, Terra Motors, said,
“India is a very important market for us and we are committed to deliver quality products to our customers in India. We plan to invest Rs 300 million in India during the next fiscal and we expect to sell nearly 10,000 units of our electric two-wheelers in this region. We plan to set up a factory in India at an investment of Rs 150 million either at Hyderabad or Uttar Pradesh"
He continues, “Terra Motors is set to deliver electric vehicle (EV) of high quality and services
just what Japanese manufacturing process are known for. With the expertise and a strong
research and technology background for electric vehicles we strongly believe that our products
will exceed market expectations. Along with the product superiority, we also would like to garner
sales and service support though our seasoned dealers who can enrich customers experience.”
Terra Motors plans to commercially bring the A4000i to India later this year and is currently working on setting up dealerships.
This is one heck of a company to keep tabs on. Lets hope they really make a dent in the Indian market.
Terra Motors are serious about India. Toru Tokushige, CEO and founder, Terra Motors, said,
“India is a very important market for us and we are committed to deliver quality products to our customers in India. We plan to invest Rs 300 million in India during the next fiscal and we expect to sell nearly 10,000 units of our electric two-wheelers in this region. We plan to set up a factory in India at an investment of Rs 150 million either at Hyderabad or Uttar Pradesh"
He continues, “Terra Motors is set to deliver electric vehicle (EV) of high quality and services
just what Japanese manufacturing process are known for. With the expertise and a strong
research and technology background for electric vehicles we strongly believe that our products
will exceed market expectations. Along with the product superiority, we also would like to garner
sales and service support though our seasoned dealers who can enrich customers experience.”
Terra Motors plans to commercially bring the A4000i to India later this year and is currently working on setting up dealerships.
This is one heck of a company to keep tabs on. Lets hope they really make a dent in the Indian market.
Renault
Renault ZOE has a motor on the front wheels, with astounding torque of 220 Nm , a 22kWh Lithium Ion battery pack gives a range of around 145 km. The ZOE takes 9 hours to charge up its batteries. It is the most popular electric car in Europe, which has sold 10000 units within first year of launch there.
Sadly there are no plans to launch this cute little EV here, as like most manufacturers they are waiting for government incentives and support. The fact that they got the car here, shows that they are exploring their options here.
Sadly there are no plans to launch this cute little EV here, as like most manufacturers they are waiting for government incentives and support. The fact that they got the car here, shows that they are exploring their options here.
Hero Motors
India's top e-bike manufacturer, Hero Motors/Electric has continued innovating and developing cool products for the EV market in India.
The Hero SimplEcity was revealed at the Auto Expo 2014. The lightweight “urban” electric motorcycle is aimed at personal transportation. The specs are impressive - 4kw motor, 1kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack, 0-60kmph in under 10 seconds and top speed of 60 kmph.
The Hero SimplEcity was revealed at the Auto Expo 2014. The lightweight “urban” electric motorcycle is aimed at personal transportation. The specs are impressive - 4kw motor, 1kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack, 0-60kmph in under 10 seconds and top speed of 60 kmph.
Here is a cute little video from Hero Motors
Some interesting features are
- Removable tail light and battery pack
- Smart phone integration
- "Walk Mode" - lets the rider roll the SimplEcity effortlessly while walking
While this effort from Hero is a concept vehicle, it shows the cool innovation that is happening in our country. This is the future of mobility and its right here - Now!
Other showcases included the BMWi8 hybrid , Mahindra XUV 500 hybrid, Hero Leap hybrid scooter and products from Hero Electric and YoBykes.
Other showcases included the BMWi8 hybrid , Mahindra XUV 500 hybrid, Hero Leap hybrid scooter and products from Hero Electric and YoBykes.
Hero Electric Photon at the XEV Pavillion at the Expo
Final Words
What we are seeing is that India is ready for the EV invasion. Companies are recognizing this fact and are showcasing innovative products and technologies.
By the next auto expo, we will see more products for the EV market, who knows, consumers might even have a nice subsidy from our new government. Now, wouldn't that be sweet?
What we are seeing is that India is ready for the EV invasion. Companies are recognizing this fact and are showcasing innovative products and technologies.
By the next auto expo, we will see more products for the EV market, who knows, consumers might even have a nice subsidy from our new government. Now, wouldn't that be sweet?