Electric vehicles, the toast of AutoExpo 2018
With India preparing for only electric vehicles by 2030 regime, the most prevalent theme during the ongoing AutoExpo 2018 was electric mobility. Automakers displayed their technical competency and design finesse at the expo. Auto major including Maruti, M&M, TVS and Ashok Leyland displayed there concept electric vehicles (EVs).
Among four-wheelers, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti led the pack. Maruti showcased its spectacular off-road electric vehicle concept e-SURVIVOR. The EV, is packed with future mobility features including four-wheel drive, autonomous and connectivity. Meanwhile, Maruti's unlisted arch rival Hyundai Motor India, who plans to launch EVs in 2019, unveiled its electric vehicle Ioniq.
M&M displayed six electric conceptual vehicles including UDO, Atom and e-KUV100. Atom is fitted with company's new electric Powertrain with batteries that can be swapped to enable long distance drives. The company also displayed its electric SUV, KUV100, a concept two-seater pod, UDO, electric bus e-COSMO and an upgrade for its electric car e2o NXT.
Meanwhile, global auto major Renault displayed two concept electric vehicles, Trezor and Zoe, which the company might launch in the Indian market after extensive testing. On the other hand, newcomer Kia announced that it will launch 16 electric vehicles by 2025 in India.
On the two-wheeler front, TVS showcased its concept electric scooter 'Creon'. The scooter has a range of 0 to 60 kmph in under 5.1 seconds. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a rapid charge time of 60 minutes for 80 per cent charge.
Whilst in the heavy vehicle segment, CV maker Ashok Leyland launched its first electric bus, Circuit- S. The electric bus has a seating capacity of 25 to 35 and targets state transport corporation clients.