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Auto Expo 2018 highlights: Electric Vehicles steal the limelight

The Auto Expo 2018 is now underway at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida – the expo will go on from February 9th to 14th. The biggest motor show in Asia will see participation from a number of automobile manufacturers with new launches, concepts and more. However, Electric Vehicles (EVs) stole the limelight at Auto Expo 2018.

The automobile industry showcased its vision for electric-powered transport solution at the pre-open day of the Auto Expo 2018. The first day of the event witnessed several Indian and global automobile companies joining the EV bandwagon, including Renault, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra. Overall, about a dozen automakers have been targeting the EV space in the quest to fulfill India’s goal to switch to electric cars by 2030.

Auto Expo 2018 – Cars

Tata Motors

Starting with Tata Motors, the Indian company stole the show, showcasing six futuristic electric vehicles. The country’s largest automobile company by revenue showed off close to 25 vehicles. But the highlights were the six EVs and two novel platforms for its passenger vehicles segment.

Tata Motors’ platform was built around the theme of “Smart Mobility, Smart Cities” and they showcased an electric version of its compact sedan Tigor, which is a fully electric bus. Also, there was an electric version of its first race car RaceMo, among others.


Mahindra & Mahindra

Another Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra, the only EV seller in the country unveiled showcased a range of electric vehicles (EVs) at Auto Expo 2018. The company unveiled e-KUV100, a bus called e-COSMO and a lithium-ion battery-powered three-wheeler called Treo and a two-wheeler UDO among others.

The e-KUV100 is the unique combination of an SUV along with the advantages of an electric vehicle. It boasts of a range of over 140 KM in a single charge and optional fast charging which can extend its range by 80 percent in less than an hour. It also features smartphone connectivity, cabin pre-cooling, location tracking and monitors your driving pattern and battery status.

Apart from that, the company displayed some new electric vehicle concepts including the UDO which is a compact two-seater concept electric mobility pod which has been conceptualized to address the traffic issues. Also, there was a three-wheeler Treo which is powered by Li-ion battery.

Hyundai

Hyundai Motors, India’s second largest car maker, also showcased technological advancements in electric and hybrid technology with its first electric vehicle in India under its IONIQ brand at Auto Expo 2018. Hyundai is the first carmaker to offer an electric, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain in one single body type. The new Hyundai IONIQ Electric can travel 280 km on a single charge, while the IONIQ Plug-in can drive up to 63 km in pure electric charging mode.

Renault

Renault India Pvt. Ltd showcased a number of electric cars as well. There was the Zoe, a mini electric car, the Trezor, a two-seater electric supercar and the Renault Zoe E-Sport Concept, which is already on sale in most of the European countries. According to Renault, the Zoe is perfect for the Indian market and will introduce it when the proper ecosystem is built for electric cars in India.

Talking about the Renault Zoe e-Sport Concept, it features two engines using high capacity permanent magnet technology to achieve good power. The engines are supplied by two batteries with a storage capacity of 40 KW that allows full power to be achieved. Renault Zoe e-Sport Concept can reach 100 kmph in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 210 Km/h in about 10 seconds.

Maruti Suzuki

India’s oldest carmaker Maruti Suzuki also didn’t leave any stone unturned to join the EV bandwagon. The company showcased the concept e-SURVIVOR targeting it to take to the electric transition taking place in the country. The concept vehicle is Maruti’s first electric vehicle and it will be launched in India in 2020.

Auto Expo 2018 – Bikes

Emflux Motors

Apart from cars, electric bikes were also in the spotlight. A Bengaluru-based tech start-up Emflux Motors unveiled India’s first electric superbike dubbed as the Emflux One at the event. The E-bike has a top speed of 200 kmph with an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 3 seconds.

The pre-orders for the Emflux One will start in July this year while the first deliveries are expected to begin in April 2019. The Emflux One will be priced between Rs. 5.5 – 6 lakh when it is launched. It will be also be showcased at the company’s experience stores in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

UM Motorcycles

UM Motorcycles has also introduced three new motorcycles including the Renegade Thor, which is the world’s first electric cruiser motorcycle. Talking about its specifications, Renegade Thor generates 30 kW power with 70 nm torque and is equipped with 5-speed transmission gearbox. It offers a wide range of 270KMs in a single charge. Its price in India starts from Rs 4.9 lakh and it will be launched in India in 2020.

Auto Expo 2018 is scheduled to open for public from February 9 to 14, 2018 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The 14th edition of the largest automobile event will see global automakers gearing up to showcase their best products to the world. The biennial Auto Expo is expected to see 24 new launches and unveiling of over 100 vehicles this year which is much higher in comparison to 2016’s event.

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Satyendra Pal Singh

Satyendra explores the latest happenings in the tech world and writes stories about those. He likes to play around with the latest gadgets and shares his views through articles. In his free time, you can find him watching movies/TV shows and/or reading books.