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The Best Tesla Alternative Electric Vehicles In 2024.

August 28, 2024August 21, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

In the electric vehicles car market, many other great electric vehicle options have hit the market.

Electric Vehicles, loaded with various features and impressive ranges, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, and Chevrolet Blazer are hitting the electric vehicle market with attractive deals and financial offers.

TESLA:

Tesla is the largest electric vehicle seller in the U.S. market. Still, some other best alternative manufacturers and models are also available to give tough competition to the leading EV manufacturer Tesla.

At the beginning of the EV era, Tesla was leading the other manufacturers, but now it does not have as big a lead over its competitors. Though its EVs are still among the best, competing automakers have trapped up and have even surpassed Tesla in some areas.

12 Rivals of TESLA Electric Vehicles is different Technical Aspects:

1. BMW i4 electric vehicles:

The BMW i4 is the main rival of the Tesla Model 3.

# The cost of the single model i4 e-drive 35 is $52,200.

# The sprint time of this model is the same as that of the base model 3

# The range is up to 276 miles.

The longest-range model is the dual-motor $61,600 i4 xDrive 40, with a claimed EPA range of up to 307 miles and an acceleration time of 4.9 seconds.

Specifications at a glance of BMW i4:

# BMW i4 offers:

Power: 536 hp

Sprint Time to 60 mph of 3.7 seconds.

2. Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric vehicles:

Hyundai Ioniq 6, is launched with an aerodynamic shape and looks like a pebble- a design that seems to split opinions.

The new Hyundai and Kia EVs are coming with an E-GMP platform. This platform runs on 800 volts, which makes the car quick to charge and efficient.

The cost of the Ioniq 6 starts at $ 37,500 and can give 240 miles of range from its 53-kilowatt-hour battery and just 150 horsepower from a single rear-mounted electric motor. It achieves 0 to 600 mph in around 805 seconds.

The variant SE of Ioniq 6 costs $ 42,450 and delivers a range of 361 miles & quick acceleration with 225 horsepower and a bigger battery of 77.4 kWh.

Specifications At a Glance of Hyundai Ionoq 6:

# Hyundai Ioniq 6 base Model:

Cost: $37500

Range: 240 miles

Battery: 53 kilowatt- hour

Power: 150 horsepower

# Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Model:

Cost: $42450

Range: 361 miles

Battery: 77.4 kilowatt-hour

Power: 225 horsepower.

3. Polestar 2 Electric Vehicles:

The Polestar is one of the bigger rivals of the Tesla Model 3, which was launched in 2020.

The single-motor, 299 hp model Polestar costs $49,900. Its sprint is 60mph in 5.9 seconds and its range is 320 miles.

The dual motor all-wheel drive polestar of 421 hp power and 276 miles range costs $55,300.

Specifications At a Glance of Polestar:

# Polestar Single-motor Model:

Cost: $49,900

Range: 320 miles

Power: 299 horsepower

# Polestar Dual-motor Model:

Cost: $55,300

Range: 276 miles

Power: 421 horsepower.

4. Hyundai Ioniq 5:

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 5 is the rival of the Tesla Model Y.

Specifications at a Glance of Hyundai Ionoq 5:

# Hyundai Ioniq 5 base Model:

Cost: $41,800

Range: 220 miles

Power: 168 horsepower.

5. Kia EV6:

The Kia EV6 is very similar to the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in terms of mechanical properties.

Its unique look is like the hi-tech rally car. It offers a more dynamic driving experience compared to its Hyundai counterparts.

Specifications at a Glance of Kia EV6:

# Kia EV6 base Model:

Cost: $43,000

Range: 232 miles

Battery: 58 kilowatt-hour

Power: 168 horsepower

# Kia EV6 Advanced Model:

Cost: $45,590

Range: 310 miles.

Power: 225 horsepower

Battery: 77.4 kilowatt-hour

# Kia EV6 Long Range AWD Model:

The long range AWD model adds a second motor on the front axle which gives 320hp in combination. Its range drops to 282 miles.

Cost: $49,850

Range: 282 miles Power: 320 horsepower.

6. Ford Mustang Mach-E:

The Ford Motor is manufacturing one of the more fun to drive electric crossovers, the Mustang Mach-E. It’s interior is very impressive and coming with a decent Range.

Specifications at a Ford Mustang Mach-E:

# Ford Mustang Mach-E base Model:

Cost: $41,990

Range: 250 miles

Battery: 58 kilowatt-hour

Power: 267 horsepower from a single rear-mounted electric motor

To upgrade for extended range of battery pack, it costs $45990 for a range up to 320 miles.

The drive unit gets more power to compensate for the heavier battery and still delivers a similar 6.1-second benchmark sprint time.

The Rally model Ford Mustang Mach-E, gives more power and allows you to have fun sliding around a dirt road at a vehicle cost of $60.900 only.

7. Chevrolet Equinox EV:

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is very much liked drive in most of the first drive experiences. It is normal in drive with breadth of capabilities.

Specifications at a Glance of Chevrolet Equinox EV:

# Chevrolet Equinox EV base front-wheel-drive Model:

Cost: $34,995

Range: 319 miles on a single charge

# Chevrolet Dual-motor 2LT Equinox EV all-wheel-drive Model:

Cost: $43,295

Range: 285 miles on a single charge

The price goes up to $46,795 for the top 3RS variant.

8. Polestar 4:

The Polestar 4 Crossover is a splash in the EV market. Its coupe-like rear end looks like the Model Y and Mach-E in terms of body style.

Specifications at a Glance of a Polestar 4 Crossover:

# Polestar 4 Crossover base Model:

Cost: $54,900

Range: 300 miles of EPA range

Power: 272 horsepower from a single rear-mounted electric motor

# Polestar 4 All-wheel-drive Model:

Cost: $62,900

Range: 270 miles.

Power: 544 horsepower.

9. BMW i5 :

The BMW is manufacturing both the combustion and the electric versions of its 5 series sedan.

Specifications at a Glance of a BMW:

# BMW i5 eDrive40 base Model:

Cost: $67,100

Range: 295 miles

Power: 335 horsepower from a single rear-mounted electric motor

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 5.7 seconds

# BMW i5 xDrive40 all-wheel-drive Model:

Cost: $70,100

Range: 266 miles

Power: 389 horsepower

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds

# BMW i5 xDrive40 all-wheel-drive Model:

Cost: $70,100

Range: 266 miles

Power: 593 horsepower

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 3.7 seconds

10. Lucid Air:

The luxury carmaker Lucid Air developed the most efficient and longest-range premium electric sedan on its proprietary platform of 900 volts. It is very comfortable, roomy inside, and even fun driving around a twisty road. This car provides balanced driving with precise steering that allows an accurate placement while operating on the road.

Specifications at a Glance of Lucid Air:

# Lucid Air Pure base Model:

Cost: $71,400

Range: 411 miles

Battery: 88 kWh

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds

# Lucid Air the Grand Touring Model:

Cost: $111,400

Range: 516 miles

Battery: 118 kWh

# Lucid Air Sapphire Model:

Cost: $250,500

The Lucid Air Sapphire is the top-performance model and is one of the quickest-accelerating cars on the planet with the combined power of three electric motors.

11. Porsche Taycan:

The Taycan was the only rival of the Tesla Model S, before the launch of Lucid Air and BMW i5.

Specifications at a Glance of Porsche Taycan:

# Porsche Taycan base Model:

Cost: $99,400

Range: 274 miles

Power: 402 hp from a single motor

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds

# Porsche Taycan Turbo Model:

Cost: $173,600

Range: 292 miles

Power: 871 hp

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 2.5 seconds

# Porsche Taycan Turbo S Model:

Cost: $209,000

Range: 266 miles

Power: 938 hp

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 2.3 seconds.

12.Mercedes-Benz EQS:

Mercedes launched its electric vehicles in a similar look to its combustion engine cars. To make it aerodynamic efficient and to maximize its interior space its EQS sedan looks egg-shaped. It may not be the prettiest sedan, but it’s far from being a luxury EV, with a futuristic interior and plenty of range from its big battery pack.

Specifications at a Glance of Mercedes-Benz EQS:

# Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ base Model:

Cost: $104,400

Range: 274 miles

Battery: 118 kWh

Power: 355 hp from a single motor rear wheel drive

# Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG Model:

Cost: $147,550

Range: 274 miles

Battery: 118 kWh

Power: 649 hp from a single motor rear wheel drive

Sprint: 0 to 60mph in 3.4 seconds

CONCLUSION:

Many top manufacturers are going ahead of TESLA in making electric vehicles and many are in the process just behind. There are many various best options to the consumers for going for an electric vehicle. Market is open and the manufacturers are in the race to compete with each other to give their best.

Maruti to introduce first Electric Vehicle:”A step for eco-friendly technology”

August 13, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

Electric Vehicle, Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids, CNG, etc are the future of mobility. The world is working for clean, green, and sustainable energy sources. India is not far behind and in this, our automobile sector is trying to contribute through minimizing the use of fossil fuel in their upcoming vehicles. Many manufacturers like Tata Motors, Maruti, and Mahindra are already working and have even introduced their various models of alternate fuel vehicles on Indian roads.

Maruti Suzuki revealed intentions to introduce its first electric vehicle this financial year and promote diverse eco-friendly technologies like hybrid, biogas, and CNG to reduce emissions. Chairman RC Bhargava highlighted a diversified strategy to meet national objectives.

To produce and promote affordable small cars, the company aims to satisfy different market segments.

The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki said it would launch its first electric vehicle in the local market in the ongoing financial year, and will simultaneously encourage customers to adopt eco-friendly technologies like a strong hybrid, biogas, flex fuel, and CNG which are available at varied price points to reduce emission and fuel consumption in the country.

Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava said in the annual report release, that a policy framework to accelerate the move towards these alternate technologies will help minimize sales of petrol and diesel vehicles and thereby reduce emission and fuel consumption.

Tax on Electric Vehicle In India:

In India, a reduced GST rate of 5% on Electric Vehicles is applied, compared to 28% (plus Cess) on hybrids. Several state governments extend additional incentives including waiver of registration charges on EVs.

The government has also accepted that in India there is a need to use different technologies, he said, adding” Some states like UP, have already taken steps in this direction. We now await a policy framework that would lead to the promotion of all technologies that result in petrol and diesel cars being replaced by cars using other technologies.”

Maruti’s Plan for Electric Vehicles:

Maruti Suzuki currently sells two strong hybrid vehicles- SUV Grand Vitara and MPV Invicto. The company has scheduled to launch its first EV later this fiscal and plans to have half a dozen models in the space by FY31.

Know the difference between hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and Electric Cars.

July 12, 2024June 30, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction: Electric cars, Hybrid cars & Plug-in Hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars also known as self-charging cars incorporate a small battery and an electric motor to boost efficiency. It requires a petrol or diesel engine as its primary propulsion and then runs in pure electric mode.

In plug-in hybrid vehicles, apart from petrol or diesel engines, a larger battery is also incorporated there, delivering an electric range of up to 50 miles, depending on its model.

The battery of a plug-in hybrid car is used to recharge with a home charging point or can also be charged using a public charging network.

Electric cars, battery electric vehicles, or all-electric battery vehicles depend completely on a battery pack as its means of propulsion. It must be plugged in when the battery is low on juice.

Remember this rule:

In a hybrid you cannot plug in, in a plug-in hybrid you should plug in, and in an electric car, you must plug in.

1. Hybrid Cars:

Electric Cars ,Hybrid Cars: Toyota Prius

The most famous hybrid car on the planet is Toyota Prius, which was launched in 1997. This was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.

A hybrid car pairs an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. It means the driver has access to three forms of propulsion i.e. by engine, by pure electric, or both. Hybrid cars are more efficient and economical than conventional gas-powered engines.

Hybrid Cars: Pros and Cons:

Pros:

1. Familiarity:

The hybrid car is very familiar with the conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. While driving, you will not notice much difference between both and even need not to worry about recharging the battery.

2. Efficiency:

In hybrid vehicles, an electric motor is there to improve fuel economy and overall efficiency. Hybrids are more efficient than petrol, and more economical than diesel cars in the town.

Hybrid vehicles can recharge their batteries either by using an internal combustion engine or by regenerative braking. In regenerative braking, the energy that would have been lost under braking or when lifting off the accelerator pedal is diverted to the battery to power the electric motor.

3. Tax:

The government has announced Tax rebate on hybrid vehicles. As per rule, lower CO2 emission means lower vehicle excise duty (VED), especially in the first year of purchase of the vehicle.

4. Towing:

For anyone looking for an electric car for towing, the hybrid car is the best choice. The maximum towing capacity might be slightly less in hybrid cars as compared to petrol or diesel cars but it is significantly more than of a pure electric car. Even many electric cars are not allowed and approved for towing purposes.

Cons:

1. Cost:

The cost of purchase is higher in the case of hybrid cars as compared to petrol or diesel cars.

2. Range:

The electric range of hybrids is very limited.

3. Ban:

As the government aims to go carbon neutral by 2050, The sale of new hybrid cars is to end in 2035 and petrol and diesel cars are already going to be a history after 2030.

2. Plug-in hybrid cars:

The PHEV, a Plug-in hybrid vehicle is equipped with a battery pack to store and deliver power to an electric motor to run the petrol or diesel engine. The battery pack in the plug-in hybrid vehicle is recharged at home or a public charging network.

The plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity and in the U.K the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the best-selling car model.

Because of a large battery pack, the plug-in hybrid vehicles travel more than the hybrid on electric power.

Generally, a plug-in hybrid car should go up to 20-30 miles of electric range, and in some brands and models, it can go up to even 50 miles of range. The BMW X5 xDrive45e claims a range of 54 miles.

Plug-in hybrid cars: pros and cons

Pros:

Backup engine:

In plug-in hybrid vehicles, the petrol or diesel engine supports the running range of the vehicle, and there is no range anxiety. When the battery is exhausted, the vehicle switches to a petrol or diesel engine. Moreover, refueling petrol or diesel is just like that of conventional gas-powered vehicles.

Less Fuel Consumption:

The plug-in hybrid cars typically start in electric mode and generally, people do not require running the gas engine to complete the shorter trips. Indeed, the average car’s daily trip is generally not more than 10 miles, and for this, the driver does not require switching the gas-powered engine.

Tax:

Especially for company car drivers, it matters great in tax benefits as the Lower CO2 emission means the Tax benefits are greater.

Lower Running Cost:

Driving of Plug-in Hybrid is as easy as a regular gasoline car, only you need to plug-in the vehicle as and when required. The combination of electric and petrol and diesel power delivers improved performance without the high running costs of a fast petrol car. Although, it is a very minor thing but in case if you don’t have access to a charging point, no need to worry much, you simply use the engine until you get home or find a charging station.

Cons:

Upfront cost:

The initial investment cost of a plug-in hybrid is a major drawback. For example, the cost of the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is around £24,000, while the plug-in hybrid and electric versions are priced at around £30,500.

Change In Driving Habits:

The plug-in hybrid drivers will have to add in their habits of recharging their car before going for the next trip, otherwise, they will have to switch on the conventional gas engine petrol or diesel mode, which will be expensive. A plug-in hybrid is not the best choice if you are not using the battery mode.

Handling:

The Plug-in hybrids are fast in a straight line, with plenty of torque for swift overtaking. The weight of the big battery pack can have a slight disadvantage on the car’s ride and handling. They are less comfortable over pitted roads and more bulky when cornering.

3. Electric cars:

Electric Vehicles in India are growing rapidly. It is a demand to go green and save the environment with sustainable development. In this way, alternative fuel vehicles are in global demand. Electric vehicles are the most popular and adopted way to go green globally. In India, many Indian manufacturers as well as foreign investors have already launched many brands in the Indian Market.

India is growing their electric vehicles market in all segments like two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial buses & trucks.

Indian Government has supported with several rebates like manufacturing rebates to the producers and tax rebates to the customers.

Electric cars: pros and cons:

Pros:

Incentives:

The government is offering a rebate of £2,500 towards the cost of new electric cars costing less than £35,000.

A separate grant of £350 is available via the electric vehicle home charge scheme when buying a home charge unit.

Tax:

The government taxes on the purchase of all-electric cars are meager and rebated. These vehicles qualify for the free VED (vehicle Excise duty), lowering the purchase cost.

Low Running Cost:

An electric car is always cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car. It will be more economical if you charge at home and take advantage of special tariff offers to electric vehicle owners.

The servicing and maintenance cost of electric vehicles is much less as there is no engine and hence no need to do periodic maintenance like lubrication, oiling, etc.

Air quality:

The main attraction of electric vehicles is their zero-emission quality, as there is no combustion engine and no tailpipe.

Driving experience:

The instant torque makes an electric car responsive and fun to drive and gives a great driving experience.

Cons:

Quoted range:

The range of electric cars is a major part of the concern. For a long go you, if your battery juiced, then there is no other option left with you, to go further.

With the range of available electric cars, you do not even think about running long in a single go.

Upfront Cost:

Although the running cost is lower in the case of electric cars, the initial upfront cost is big.

A figure of around £30,000 is more realistic, while some upmarket EVs break the £100,000 mark.

Charging:

Anyone without access to a garage, driveway, or off-street parking might struggle to charge an electric car at home, and while the public charging network is getting better rapidly, some areas remain underserved, and there are some reports of inoperative charging units.

Conclusion:

So, if you are planning to go green on wheels and are willing to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle. Think once which one either hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle is good for you? It all depends on your circumstances, so doing some planning and market surveys is essential.

If your daily running by car is within the city and not much more range is required, then go for the hybrid. A hybrid is a better alternative to a petrol or diesel car, for short trips and city movements.

A plug-in hybrid is an excellent route to a pure electric car, only you must plug it in, before your drive.

The pure all-electric car is the best alternative fuel vehicle with many new technological advances, government rebates, and support.

Top 5 most affordable Indian cars with sunroofs under Rs 10 lakh only

June 14, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

A few days back, sunroofs in cars were an exclusive luxury feature, now sunroofs are becoming a popular feature in cars. Initially, the sunroofs were coming with luxury cars priced over 15 lakhs, but now it is also coming with many mid-range cars under 10 lakh rupees. Sunroofs are still a selling point for many carmakers as they gained popularity over the last few years. The sunroofs allow fresh air and natural light into the car’s cabin, giving an open-air feeling to the passengers. A vehicle with a sunroof is always the first choice for many car buyers but their high price was always a concern for some people. Now it is no longer a dream for budget-conscious buyers as there are many options for cars with sunroofs under 10 lakh. Now, the sunroofs are coming with various petrol, diesel, CNG, and even Electric car models

Check the list below of some best cars under 10 lakh with sunroofs:

1. Tata Altroz With Sunroofs:

On Indian roads, the Tata Altroz is the most affordable and best-looking hatchback with sunroofs in India under rupees 10 lakh.

Tata Altroz now gets sunroofs for all 13 new variants across the petrol and diesel variants.

The following are the variant-wise prices of the new Tata Altroz variants (all prices, ex-showroom):

XM Plus (S) Petrol	Rs. 7.89 lakh
XMA Plus (S) Petrol	Rs. 9 lakh
XZ Plus (S) Petrol	9.04 lakh
XZ Plus (S) DarkPetrol	Rs. 9.44 lakh
XZ Plus (O) (S) Petrol	Rs. 9.56 lakh
XZA Plus (S) Petrol	Rs. 10 lakh
XZA Plus (S) Dark Petrol	Rs. 10.24 lakh
XZA Plus (O) (S)Petrol	Rs. 10.56 lakh
XZ Plus i-Turbo (S) Petrol	Rs. 9.64 lakh
XZ Plus i-Turbo (S) Dark Petrol	Rs. 10 lakh
XM Plus (S) Diesel	Rs. 9.25 lakh
XZ Plus (S) Diesel	Rs. 10.39 lakh
XZ Plus (S) Dark Diesel	Rs. 10.74 lakh

2. Tata Punch with Sunroofs:

Tata Punch (Image: Tata Motors)© Provided by The Financial Express

Tata Punch is a small and full-featured best-seller car of Tata Motors. The micro SUV is priced a Rs 6.12 lakh onwards ex-showroom and the variant that gets the sunroofs option is priced at Rs8.34 lakh onwards.

After launching the Punch CNG with a sunroof, Tata has now prolonged this feature to the regular petrol variants of the micro SUV.

The prices of the sunroof-equipped variants are given below:

Sunroof Variants	Price	Difference Over Corresponding Variant
Accomplished S	Rs 8.25 lakh	+ Rs 50,000
Accomplished Dazzle S	Rs 8.65 lakh	+ Rs 50,000
Accomplished S AMT	Rs 8.85 lakh	+ Rs 50,000
Creative DT S	Rs 9.20 lakh	+ Rs 45,000
Accomplished Dazzle S AMT	Rs 9.25 lakh	+ Rs 50,000
Creative Flagship DT	Rs 9.50 lakh	N.A.

All prices are ex-showroom Delhi

3. Hyundai i20 with sunroofs:

The i20 is priced at Rs 7.04 lakh | Image: Hyundai© Provided by The Financial Express

The sunroof option is available in selected models of Hyundai i20 and is under 10 lakh and few variant comes around 10 lakh.

Variant Name	Ex-Showroom Price, India	Sunroof/Moonroof
Sportz (O) 1.2 MT	₹ 8.73 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
Sportz (O) 1.2 MT Dual Tone	₹ 8.88 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
Asta 1.2 MT	₹ 9.34 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
Sportz (O) 1.2 IVT	₹ 9.78 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
Asta (O) 1.2 MT	₹ 10.00 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
Asta (O) 1.2 MT Dual Tone	₹ 10.18 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable

4. Hyundai Exter Sunroofs:

The Sunroof option is available in selected models of Hyundai Exter.

The variants below 10 lakh are:

Variant Name	Ex-Showroom Price, India	Sunroof/Moonroof
SX 1.2 MT	₹ 8.23 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX 1.2 MT Dual Tone	₹ 8.47 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) 1.2 MT	₹ 8.87 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX 1.2 AMT	₹ 8.90 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX 1.2 AMT Dual Tone	₹ 9.15 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX 1.2 CNG MT	₹ 9.16 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) 1.2 AMT	₹ 9.54 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) Connect 1.2 MT	₹ 9.56 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) Connect 1.2 MT Dual Tone	₹ 9.71 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) Connect 1.2 AMT	₹ 10.00 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable
SX (O) Connect 1.2 AMT Dual Tone	₹ 10.28 Lakh	Electrically Adjustable

5. Mahindra XUV 3X0:

Mahindra XUV 3XO (Image: Mahindra)© Provided by The Financial Express

The fifth vehicle on the list is the newly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO, which, in essence, is the facelifted version of the XUV300. The Mahindra XUV 3XO’s prices start from Rs 7.49 lakh ex-showroom onwards, while the variant with a sunroof costs Rs 8.99 lakh ex-showroom, making it the most affordable sub-4 meter SUV in the segment. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is priced between ₹ 7.49 to 15.49 Lakh.

The U.S. Government Is Intended To Increase Tax Credit Eligibility By Relaxation In Electric Vehicles Battery Rules.

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

#Electric Vehicles News:

The U.S. government on Friday loosened some rules governing Electric Vehicles tax credits, potentially making more EVs eligible for credits of up to $7,500 but leading critics to accuse the Biden administration of helping China.

The Treasury Department announced final regulations for the credits under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, giving automakers more time to comply with some provisions about where battery minerals can come from.

Electric Vehicles Credit Range:

The credits range from $3,750 to $7,500 for new EVs. There’s also a $4,000 credit for used ones.

They’re aimed at juicing demand for EVs in an effort to reach a Biden administration goal that half of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. This year the credits are available at the time a vehicle is purchased from an authorized dealer rather than waiting for an income tax refund.

Qualifying for the credits depends on a person’s income, the price of the vehicles and requirements related to battery makeup and minerals that get tougher each year. To get the credits, EVs must be assembled in North America. Some plug-in hybrids also can qualify.

Starting this year, complex rules are being phased in to promote development of a domestic electric vehicle supply chain. The rules would limit EV buyers from claiming the full tax credit if they purchase cars containing battery materials from China and other nations “of concern” that are considered hostile to the United States. Those include Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Under the final rule, however, small amounts of graphite and other minerals used in batteries would be exempt from the restriction until 2027, because their country of origin is nearly impossible to trace, officials said. Without the exemption, some vehicles that met nearly all of the requirements could get knocked out of tax credit eligibility due to tiny amounts that couldn’t be traced, Treasury said.

The National Mining Association slammed the new exemptions as a giveaway to China.

“Congress created these tax incentives to secure our supply chains and generate American jobs while supporting EV adoption. They did not intend for loopholes to be created that essentially amount to a blank check from the American taxpayer to China,” said Rich Nolan, the mining lobby’s president and CEO.

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said that through the new rule, the Biden administration “is effectively endorsing ‘made in China.’ ”

Manchin, who played a key role in passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, President Joe Biden’s landmark climate law, said the law specifically prohibits EVs that contain materials from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia from being eligible for the tax credit after 2024. “But now Treasury has provided a long-term pathway for these countries to remain in our supply chains. It’s outrageous and illegal,″ he said.

This year half of the critical minerals in an EV’s battery have to be mined or processed in the U.S., or a country with which it has a free trade agreement. Sixty percent of the battery parts have to be made or assembled in North America.

Starting in 2025, batteries with any critical minerals from nations of concern would not be eligible for any tax credits. But after getting comment from the auto industry and others, treasury officials decided to loosen that restriction.

The rule issued Friday is likely to make more EVs eligible for credits in 2025 and 2026, but the auto industry says that’s difficult to tell until automakers finish tracing the origin of all the minerals.

“The Electric Vehicles transition requires nothing short of a complete transformation of the U.S. industrial base,” John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large industry trade group, said in a statement. “That’s a monumental task that won’t – and can’t – happen overnight.”

The rule change, he said, “makes good sense for investment, job creation and consumer EV adoption.”

At present, China dominates crucial parts of EV battery supply and production, even as automakers race to establish key mineral and components efforts elsewhere.

Of 114 EV models currently sold in the U.S., only 13 qualify for the full $7,500 credit, the automotive alliance said.

Despite the tax credits, sales of electric vehicles grew only 3.3% to nearly 270,000 from January through March of this year, far below the 47% growth that fueled record sales and a 7.6% market share last year. The slowdown, led by Tesla, confirms automakers’ fears that they moved too quickly to pursue EV buyers. The EV share of total U.S. sales fell to 7.15% in the first quarter, according to Motorintelligence.com.

“The Inflation Reduction Act’s clean vehicle credits save consumers up to $7,500 on a new vehicle, and hundreds of dollars per year on gas, while creating good paying jobs and strengthening our energy security,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

The Challenges & Opportunities of Electric Vehicles In India.

April 14, 2024April 14, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

A electric vehicles (EV) charging station (represetataional image)

Source: Reuters https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid

India is growing their EVs market in all segments like two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial buses & trucks.

Indian Government has supported electric vehicles with several rebates like manufacturing rebates to the producers and tax rebates to the customers.

Despite that, there are still electric vehicles are still facing many challenges.

# Challenges for Electric Vehicles:

1. Mindset of the Consumers for Electric Vehicles:

The majority of Indian Customers are unaware of the impact of emissions on the environment and the after-effects of the same on future generations, so they are not very sensible to stop the pollutants and make their environment clean and green.

2. Affordability of EVs:

Even after government incentives and tax rebates, still electric vehicles are costlier compared to gasoline-engine vehicles. The running cost of these electric vehicles is less but the initial cost of purchasing the vehicle is high. The Indian government has reduced costs with FAME 2 incentives. The two-wheelers and three-wheelers can achieve cost uniformity and even reduce cost in the long term for vehicles operating in commercial activities. But we are behind in achieving this equality for four-wheeler segments.

3. Charging Anxiety with EVs:

Even though the electric vehicles market in India is growing and the consumer base is increasing day by day. Still, there is a fear in the mind of the electric vehicle driver of getting discharged their car vehicles in between trips. The charging infrastructure is not growing very rapidly in India; we have only 20,000 public charging stations to date. Many major players are in the field to develop the charging infrastructure but it will take a long time to come into existence.

4. Range of EVs:

The average range of Indian electric cars is around 350 to 400 k.ms and this is good for the city and around-the-city movement but in the end, there is always a fear of being discharged, during the trip.

5. Convenience: Charging a vehicle takes time to get it fully charged and is not as easy as re-filling the fuel in the vehicle. Even though the public charging stations are not very close around out of the city, it is also a tough job to get your vehicle fully charged. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours to get it at its full charge.

6. Regulatory Challenges:

The government policies and regulations are not very clear and consistent. The well-defined regulations, clear tax incentives & rebates, and setting clear targets for electric vehicle adoption can encourage investment and innovation in the sector.

#Opportunities of Electric Vehicles in India:

Apart from all the challenges with electric vehicles in India, there are many opportunities also associated with this like:

1. Government Support to Electric Vehicles:

The Indian government is committed to the development and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles as part of these initiatives comes under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme. The FAME is the financial scheme supported by the Indian Government to provide financial incentives for the adoption of Electric Vehicles.

2. Growing Market:

The urban population of India is growing rapidly and this population is of literate people, who are more concerned about environmental issues. As the awareness of a clean and green environment rises, more consumers are willing to switch to alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the best available choices to date.

3. Job Creation:

The electric vehicle development and growth create many employment opportunities in the fields of research and development, design, manufacturing, sales, service, and various sister concerns.

4. Innovations:

The Indian electric vehicle market provides opportunities for innovations in different areas like battery technology innovations, charging infrastructure development, and electric mobility solutions for the country’s special needs and challenges.

5. Rural Electrification:

The rural electrification initiative will be geared up with the adoption of electric vehicles, as this will accelerate initiatives like solar-powered charging stations. This could bring clean transportation options to remote areas.

6. Partnership and collaboration:

The Indian government, industry players, and academia can come together and in collaboration, they can drive innovations and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Partnerships with international players can provide new innovative technologies and even foreign investments.

7. Export Potential:

India has the potential to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles with a cost-effective and skilled workforce.

Conclusion:

This is the new era of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the most popular globally. There are many of government support to promote electric vehicles in India. The government is providing many rebates and tax relaxation. FAME is employed to promote the faster manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles throughout India. Even though, there are many challenges in the expansion of electric vehicles unawareness of Indian consumers, less and undeveloped Infrastructure like charging networks, High initial cost of the vehicles, etc.

Despite all the challenges, we should come forward to sustainable development to provide a clean and green environment for future generations.

Hybrid Cars Are Gaining More Popularity Than Electric Cars.

April 2, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

In India, Hybrid Cars are going ahead of Electric cars. Indian Consumers prefer hybrid vehicles to pure battery electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are a blend of internal combustion engines and electric motors, while the only battery-powered electric cars only depend on electric motors powered by batteries.

Source: https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/automotive/car-repair-maintenance/general-car-repair-maintenance/what-are-hybrid-vehicles-196425

Why Hybrid Cars are overtaking pure electric Cars?

#Hybrid Cars are Reliable & Affordable with low Maintenance Cost:

Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular as these vehicles are reliable and affordable and the maintenance cost of hybrids is low. On the other hand, very limited range, lack of charging facilities and expensive insurance are the major concerns that the Electric Vehicles ecosystem needs to address effectively to make it easy for Indian customers.

# Hybrid Cars are Cheaper:

Hybrid cars are cheaper as compared to all-electric cars i.e. battery electric cars. The market researcher Jato Dynamics reports that the average retail price of a hybrid is 16.98 lakh while that of an electric vehicle is Rs 17.71 lakh. The total hybrid vehicles sales from January to December 2023 was 12.6 % of the total passenger vehicles sold whereas the share of electric vehicles was only 2.3%.

The president of Jato Dynamics, Mr. Ravi Bhatia says that the hybrids may continue to play a major role in an intermediate technology like Stepping Stone towards adopting a full adoption of electric vehicles and will help to educate and familiarize consumers with alternative fuel technologies to transit completely to electric mobility.

One of my known, who is an IT engineer, was initially planning to buy an electric version of Tata Nexon ev of having an Ex-showroom price of Rs18.69 lakh is changed his mind and opted for a hybrid Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta of price Rs. 18.33 lakh. He says the challenges of charging infrastructure and lower outstanding value made him go for a hybrid.

Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars:

#Range Anxiety:

The lack of enough charging stations creates range anxiety among potential electric vehicle buyers. Hybrids with their dual power source, offer the comfort of long-distance travel without relying solely on electricity.

# Affordability:

Compared with electric vehicles, hybrid technology is more mature and more affordable.

# Tech Familiarity:

The familiar combustion engine in hybrids brings down the apprehensions about new tech.

# Govt. Incentives:

While the Indian Government offers incentives for both electric vehicles and hybrids, policies often favor the hybrids.

# Urban Driving Conditions:

Stop-and-go traffic in cities favors hybrids as it switches seamlessly between electric and ICE power.

# Consumer Preference:

Many consumers are still hesitant about electric vehicles. Hybrids with a longer presence in the market, benefit from brand recognition and customer trust.

Conclusions:

Many car manufacturers swear that electric vehicle is the technology of the future, as they will help in meeting COP26 goals, and in going carbon neutral in the long term. However, not everyone in the automotive industry is convinced that electric vehicle is the solution.

“Electricity generation in India is largely through thermal means and hence electric vehicles don’t help in furthering COP26 objectives. Also, there are functional transportation needs in a growing economy. Electric vehicles with the high cost of acquisition and lack of charging infrastructure have limits in addressing this requirement”.

“We need to support all sustainable fuel technologies (hybrids/ethanol blended, hydrogen, and CNG) proportionately so that we can displace petrol and diesel.” Regulatory pushes, such as CAFE or corporate average fuel efficiency that requires companies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency–– are pushing manufacturers to launch more models in different segments.

RC Bhargava, chairperson of the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, says hybrids are much more acceptable to the customer as it is cleaner than EVs. He says, “We need to have multiple technologies at different price points catering to a diverse set of customers to cut down the carbon footprint.”

Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director of Maruti Suzuki, says the company will follow customer preferences “even as we meet regulatory requirements”.

The future, it seems, will be powered by many powertrains.

Ford plans to re-enter India with focus on Electric Vehicles: Report

March 4, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

According to a report, the major auto manufacturer in the United States, FORD is planning to re-enter the Indian auto market by focusing on electric vehicles. The Hindu Business Line reported that the global automaker Ford, which departed India in 2021, is working on a return to the Indian Market with a focus on hybrid and electric vehicles, by using its manufacturing facility in Chennai for the production of these cars. Times of India reported that the car manufacturer Ford has applied for design patents for a sleek, modern midsize SUV. This design is considered to compete with already existing popular models like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Source: https://images.wsj.net/ Ford has updated its outlook for 2024. PHOTO: ANGUS MORDANT/BLOOMBERG NEWS

Ford Electric Vehicles Planning:

Recently, the company has patented the design for its upcoming Endeavour SUV, which will carry the Everest Moniker.

The company is in the process of recruiting personnel for its Chennai factory.

Moreover, Ford has secured the trademark for “Mustang Mach-E” in India. It is expected that Ford may come back by introducing its electric crossover to rival other premium electric vehicles like the Mercedes EQE, BMW iX, and the Audi Q8 e-tron.

Source: https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/photo/108033946.cms

The majority of consumers of mid-size passenger cars are hesitant to go for electric vehicles because of their high price and very few marked charging infrastructure. In this view, the automaker has also cut production and prices of its battery-powered Mustang Mach-E, while it pivots to boost the output of gas-electric hybrid models.

As Bloomberg reported, The Company has recently stopped deliveries of its F-150 Lightning plug-in pickup for an undisclosed quality issue. In an official statement, the automaker said it stopped shipping the Lightning on February 9 to ensure the quality. The Company said, “We expect to ramp up shipments in the coming weeks as we complete thorough launch quality checks to ensure these new F-150s meet our high standards”.

According to the report of last month, it is predicted that the Indian market of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is expected to grow at a compound Annual Growth Rate of 35 % with expected annual volumes to touch 27.2 million units by 2032.

The central government’s commitment to promoting an indigenous Electric Vehicle ecosystem is evident in the approval of a 3.5 billion US dollar production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the manufacturing of automobiles and auto components, promoting the development of the electric vehicle supply chain in the country.

Conclusions:

The Indian market of electric vehicles is growing and many major car manufacturers are investing to develop their establishment and the infrastructure in India to capture the broad market of India. That’s why the Major car manufacturer Ford is rethinking and planning to rejuvenate its existing plant and machinery already at Chennai.

Hoping the best for the Ford and the Indian as well as the global market for the alternative fuel vehicle and the electric vehicles.

05 Alternatives to Battery-Powered Drivelines…

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction:

The battery-powered vehicle system plays a very important role in reducing carbon emissions to the environment. Even though there are many other ways also to achieve carbon-neutral mobility than adopting battery-powered electric vehicles.

Now, battery-powered transport systems are playing a major role in shifting toward carbon-neutral mobility. Even though researchers are continuously involved in developing other ways also to achieve the goal of no or minimum carbon emission drivelines.

Below are the 05 key alternative fuels other than battery electric vehicles:

1. Hydrogen Electric Vehicle (HEV):

Hydrogen is a ready-to-use option for both the combustion engine and the fuel cells, but the efficiency of hydrogen is considerably higher in fuel cells. Hydrogen electric vehicles are zero-emission drivelines, generally hybrid vehicles with a battery as used for buffer. HEVs are self-sufficient vehicles and are fast to refill easily. The European Union, under AFIR recommended expanding a huge network for sourcing hydrogen from renewable energy sources to scale up the infrastructure and overcome the tight bottlenecks.

2. e-fuels in Compare to battery-Powered Vehicles:

The e-fuels are the chemical combination of green hydrogen and CO2 capture. It is a zero-emission by CO2 compensation. Germany has opened the door to using e-fuel after the European Union ban in 2035.

Source: https://www.cng-mobility.

3. Bio Fuels:

Biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas are the prime sources of energy for propelling vehicles. The biofuels are derived from biomass, which includes organic materials like crops, agricultural residues, algae, or waste products.

The common biofuels are:

i). Ethanol:

Ethanol is the extracted form of crops like corn, sugarcane, wheat etc and is commonly blended with gasoline to create ethanol-gasoline blends such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).

Flexi- fuel : Alternative to Battery- Powered

Figure 1 The Toyota Innova Hycross Flex Fuel MPV is designed to operate exclusively on Ethanol

ii). Biodiesel:

Biodiesel is the product from the residual of vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. It can be used in diesel engines either by mixing with petroleum diesel in blended form or directly in pure form.

iii) Biogas:

Biogas is the product of the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like agriculture waste, sewage, or landfill. The vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) or the converted vehicles run on bio-methane use biogas as fuel.

4. Compressed Air Vehicles (CAV):

Compressed Air Vehicles (CAVs) are vehicles powered by compressed air stored in onboard tanks. The concept of using compressed air as a power source for vehicles has gained attention as a potential alternative to traditional internal combustion engines or electric vehicles.

The compressed air is stored in a tank mounted on the vehicle. This stored energy is then used to power the vehicle’s engine or motor.

5. Solar-Electric Vehicles (SEV):

Solar electric vehicles (SEVs) are those, which use energy from the direct Sun i.e. solar energy to produce electricity for propelling the vehicles. These vehicles usually include solar panels, which receive sunlight and transform it into electrical energy this electrical energy is then stored in batteries, and from the battery, this energy is used to power the electric motor of the vehicles for developing the propulsive power.

Figure 2 The Squad Solar City Car, as presented of the Fully Charged 2022 event in Amsterdam

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Squad_Solar_Car

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are used to convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

Solar electric vehicles are powered by electric motors. The electricity generated from the solar panels is used to charge the vehicle’s batteries, which in turn power the electric motor. Some SEVs also can directly power the motor using solar energy during operation.

Conclusion:

To shift towards a more sustainable and integrated transportation system a sole carbon-neutral mobility system or a combination of new technologies and strategies is required to implement, even though battery electric vehicles play a substantial and diversified role in addressing the challenges of carbon emissions in the transport sectors.

Many innovations and technologies are there to cope with and solve issues like carbon emissions and sustainable mobility.

Carbon-neutral mobility is the demand and the future of the coming era for a more eco-friendly and sustainable environment.

Let us come together to achieve the goal for our future generation.

“8 recommendations For saving your electric cars battery life…

February 18, 2024January 31, 2024 by vikas.sinha21

Introduction Electric Cars battery:

The batteries of Electric cars are facing trouble in cold weather and this affects their performance. The batteries are being discharged soon and taking a long time to recharge again.

Certain temperature windows are optimal for batteries in terms of their life span and effective capacity. If the battery can be kept within this window without the need to cool or heat, it will perform at its best and give the electric car the longest possible range.

In cold weather, the batteries became cool and it required additional support to reach the optimum operating temperature. In addition, the battery contributes to heating the car interior at that time, which increases the electricity consumption slightly.