Komaki M-5 STD

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Suzuki Japan developing more affordable hybrid tech for India: RC Bhargava

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

<ul><li>Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava revealed that Suzuki Japan was working on hybridisation for small cars that will be available at a more affordable cost, providing better fuel economies and lower emissions. </li></ul>

Maruti Suzuki's annual sales volume crosses 2 million units

Maruti Suzuki Logo

<ul><li>The annual sales volume of Maruti Suzuki surpassed 2 million units in FY2024 and the company retained its position as the top exporter of passenger vehicles in India for the third consecutive year.</li></ul>

Foreign automakers eager for Chinese partners at Beijing auto show: Report

Auto China 2024

<ul><li>Impressed by the bold leaps of BYD and other Chinese automakers at Auto China 2023 in Shanghai, foreign automakers are now avidly searching for Chinese partners and announcing new tie-ups.</li></ul>

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility to deliver 2,000 Xpres-T EVs to Vertelo

Tata XPRES-T electric sedan

<ul><li>Tata Passenger Electric Mobility and Vertelo have signed an MoU and as part of the agreement, the automaker will deliver 2,000 Xpress-T EVs in a phased manner.</li></ul>

Mercedes Benz launches EQS facelift: When will it come to India?

Mercedes EQS facelift

<ul><li>Mercedes EQS facelift comes with certain design tweaks, more features inside and, more importantly, a bigger battery pack that promises more range per charge. Mercedes is expected to launch the new EQS in India soon.</li></ul>

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor SUV launched: Maruti Fronx in a new package?

Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor launch

<ul><li>Toyota has launched its latest rebadged Maruti car Urban Cruiser Taisor which is based on the Fronx SUV. While most of the car remains similar to the Maruti model, the Taisor comes with subtle changes. Here is a quick look at the smallest SUV from Toyota in India.</li></ul>

Bolero Neo, Amaze disappoint, Carens improve safety ratings at Global NCAP

Bolero Neo Amaze Carens Global NCAP

<ul><li>Mahindra Bolero Neo returned with one-star rating, Honda Amaze's safety rating fell from four--star to two-star while Kia Carens managed to secure three--star rating after a dismal zero star performance last year. Here is a look at all three crash tests conducted by Global NCAP recently.</li></ul>

Hyundai Creta vs Creta N Line comparison: Which SUV suits you more?

Hyundai Creta vs Creta N Line

<ul><li>The Hyundai Creta N Line is a sportier version of the carmaker's flagship and best-selling SUV. With little to differentiate between the two, it is a tough choice between the standard and N Line versions of the SUV.</li></ul>

TVS iQube Electric is a technologically advanced electric scooter that blends style, efficiency, and sustainability. With a focus on urban mobility, this electric scooter is designed to provide a reliable and eco-friendly commuting solution.
<b>Price:</b>
<ul>
<li>Minimum Price (Ex-Showroom): ₹1.17 Lakhs</li>
<li>Maximum Price (Ex-Showroom): ₹1.23 Lakhs</li>
</ul>
<b>Specs and Features:</b>
<ul>
<li>Engine: TVS iQube Electric is powered by a 4.56 kWh electric battery, delivering a robust 4400 W of motor power. This combination ensures a smooth and efficient ride, ideal for city commuting.</li>
<li>Mileage: Offering an impressive range of 100 kilometers per charge, the iQube Electric allows riders to cover substantial distances on a single charge, reducing the need for frequent recharging stops.</li>
<li>Transmission: Featuring an automatic transmission, the scooter simplifies the riding experience, making it accessible even to those new to electric vehicles.</li>
<li>Speed: With a maximum speed of 78 km/h, the TVS iQube Electric is well-suited for city traffic, offering both agility and acceleration when needed.</li>
<li>Safety Features: The scooter includes essential safety features like a responsive front disc brake, ensuring riders can confidently navigate through crowded streets.</li>
<li>Fast Charging: The iQube Electric supports fast charging, which significantly reduces downtime. In just 4 hours and 6 minutes, the battery can be fully charged, making it convenient for daily use.</li>
<li>Mobile Connectivity: With mobile connectivity features, riders can stay connected on the go, accessing important information and notifications via their smartphones.</li>
<li>Navigation: Equipped with built-in navigation, this scooter helps riders find their way efficiently, reducing the chances of getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the city.</li>
<li>Charging Point: The availability of charging points adds to the convenience factor, allowing users to top up their battery when needed, ensuring they're never left stranded.</li>
<li>Headlight and Speedometer: Essential features like a headlight and speedometer are included, enhancing safety and providing critical information to riders.</li>
</ul>
<b>Rivals:</b>
<ul>
<li>PURE EV Epluto 7G</li>
<li>Okaya EV Faast F2F</li>
<li>Okaya EV Faast F2T</li>
<li>Hero Electric AE-29</li>
<li>SUPER ECO Super Eco S2</li>
</ul>
<b>Conclusion:</b>
The TVS iQube Electric emerges as a reliable and efficient electric scooter, designed to cater to the demands of urban commuters. Its impressive range, fast charging capability, and essential features make it a compelling choice in the electric scooter segment. For those seeking a sustainable and practical solution for daily commuting, the TVS iQube Electric deserves serious consideration.

<p>Electric two-wheelers make a lot of sense for people who will be using them only for city commutes and for performing their daily chores. Moreover, they are quite practical also. Electric two-wheelers are becoming more and more popular especially since legacy manufacturers such as Bajaj and TVS entered the segment.</p>

<p>TVS Motor Company first launched the <a class="autobacklink-topic" target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/new-bikes/tvs/iqubeelectric" data-name="iQube electric">iQube electric</a> scooter in January 2020. Then they provided a significant update to the iQube in 2022. The manufacturer introduced three variants - Base, S and ST. It is important to note that the ST variant has still not gone on sale, TVS has not yet revealed the price nor they have announced a delivery timeline. One of the questions, that people have is whether they should wait for the ST trim or buy the current variants. Well, I have also booked the iQube ST and to find out whether it is worth waiting or not, I decided to live for a few days with the iQube S. Here are my views after riding the iQube S for 500 km.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Looks and build quality</h2><p>In terms of design, all the variants of the iQube look identical apart from the variant badging and colour schemes. The iQube does not really stand out while riding in the city, it has a very conventional design, just like an ICE-powered scooter. There is a U-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamp on the handlebar while the headlamp and tail lamp are thin strips of LED units. The throw from the headlamp is quite good and is quite decent even on the highbeam. An interesting touch is the Electric badging on the rear left swingarm that glows blue while charging. The iQube is very well built, and there are absolutely no rattles from anywhere while going over bad roads.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Battery pack, range and charging</h2></p>

<p>This is the area where there is quite a big difference when compared to the ST variant. The iQube S comes with a 3.04 kWh battery pack, TVS claims a riding range of 100 km in Eco mode and 75 km in Power mode. However, the screen would show a DTE read-out of 105 km at 100 per cent battery. On the other hand, the iQube ST has a larger 4.56 kWh battery pack that has a claimed range figure of 145 km in Eco mode and 110 km in Power mode. I found the range to be quite believable, there were no sudden range drops, the DTE was always very consistent and after a while, your confidence starts increasing as you start trusting the DTE more. This is when the range anxiety slowly starts going away. However, still, 105 km of range for some people might not be enough.</p>

<p>For my use case scenario, I used to plug in the scooter whenever I returned home, then use the scooter in the evening and plug it in again when I returned home. I didn't have to charge the scooter overnight as I used to turn off the charger before sleeping and the scooter would often be around 100 per cent, always ready for the next day. In terms of charging times, TVS says that the scooter takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge but that is the thing, for my use case, I never had to fully charge it so charging times were not as long and this might be true for many other people as well. A special mention goes to the way the charger is designed, it is long and there is a dedicated handle that can be used to pick up the charger. Having said that, a charging case would have been nice and it does take some time to get used to the way the charger clicks into the charging socket.</p>

<p>Speaking of charging, the iQube ST comes with a faster 950 W charger that takes 4 hours and 6 minutes to fully charge and there is an optional 1500 W charger as well that takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is regenerative braking also that helps in preserving the battery and it is quite strong but once you get used to it, the usage of traditional brakes decreases quite a lot.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Ride and handling</h2><p>The ride quality of the iQube is very good, it is subtle and comfortable. The suspension setup absorbs most of the bad patches and only the sharpest bumps are transferred to the rider because the suspension starts bottoming out. Now, the handling part, iQube S feels nimble, it maintains its line while cornering but the front-end does feel a bit heavy in bumper-to-bumper traffic.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Performance</h2><p>All the variants of the iQube are powered by a BLDC hub-mounted motor that produces 4.4 kW of peak power, 140 Nm of peak torque and 33 Nm of rated torque output. A special mention goes to how smooth and silent the scooter is.</p>

<p>As mentioned above, the scooter has two riding modes, there is Eco and Power. The Eco mode packs in enough performance that one can ride the scooter in the city without any issues but the top speed is limited. Then there is the Power mode, in which the increase in power delivery can be felt instantly. The scooter starts pulling strongly and hits its speedo-indicated top speed of 86 kmph. The scooter does not limit its performance even after using it in Power mode for long durations. However, one thing that I did notice is that the instrument cluster would show an error but there would be no error in the system which is quite weird.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Braking</h2><p>The braking duties on the iQube S are done by a disc in the front and a drum at the rear. The brakes have a good bite but they come with CBS and there is no ABS on offer. While it is useful in most cases, white riding on gravel roads, the wheels seem to lock-up because of the CBS. It would have been nice if TVS offered ABS or maybe they can add it to the iQube ST.</p>

<p>In terms of features, the iQube S is equipped with a digital screen that shows all the vital information. It does come with day/night themes but they don't change automatically. What does change automatically is the brightness but it is quite slow to respond. The screen is not a touchscreen unit, that is reserved for the ST trim. To operate the screen on the iQube S, there is a joystick but it is quite finicky to use. There is also connected tech and its application is quite slick for the most part. However, connecting it to show music and navigation details is quite finicky. There is also a USB port under the seat that can be used to charge mobile devices. Apart from this, there is LED lighting, a hazard switch and reverse mode but it is a bit awkward to use. One important thing to note is that the scooter does not make any sound which is good for an electric vehicle but this means that often other people can't hear it.</p>

<h2>TVS iQube S: Verdict</h2><p>The iQube is one of the most sorted electric scooters that a person can buy in the Indian market. A person who will be using the scooter only for city duties can opt for the S trim and if he or she is on a budget, even the Standard trim should be fine. The ST trim makes sense for those who need that extra bit of riding range, touchscreen, fast charging and more features. The Standard trim of the iQube is priced at  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>99,130 whereas the iQube S costs  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.04 lakh. Both these prices are ex-showroom, Delhi and include Fame II subsidy. The iQube has to compete against other electric scooters such as <a class="autobacklink-topic" target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/new-bikes/atherenergy/ather450x" data-name="Ather 450X">Ather 450X</a>, <a class="autobacklink-topic" target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/new-bikes/bajaj" data-name="Bajaj">Bajaj</a> <a class="autobacklink-topic" target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/new-bikes/bajaj/chetak" data-name="Chetak">Chetak</a> and Ola <a class="autobacklink-topic" target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/new-bikes/olaelectric/s1" data-name="S1">S1</a>.</p>

<p>The Chetak was Bajaj’s pioneering move into the electric mobility segment. It’s hard to think then that the Chetak has been around for four years. That’s largely because its sales and distribution haven’t been as dramatically high as its rivals. Bajaj acknowledges this and says they want to take slow but sturdy steps with the Chetak. This would explain why it's not aggressively sold at every Bajaj outlet and has its own experience centres instead. The Chetak is now completely localised unlike the first version that went on sale and in its fourth year, the electric scooter gets the much-needed set of features that were missing. But is that enough to keep up with the competition? We spent some time with the 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium in Pune to find out.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Design</h2><p>The Bajaj Chetak was always a head-turner and this writer is happy to report that nothing on that front has changed, which probably is a good thing. Why fix something that’s not broken? The retro-styling is on-point with the horseshoe-shaped LED DRL, sequential LED turn indicators, multi-spoke alloy wheels and curved panels. The Chetak remains the only electric scooter to get an all-metal body and the model exudes the “built-to-last” feeling throughout. I do believe that the Chetak is the best-built Bajaj ever and the 2024 model continues to hold that position within the brand’s two-wheeler family.</p>

<p>For 2024, Bajaj has added new dark grey accents on the Premium trim, instead of the brushed silver seen on the Urbane variant. The top-spec variant also gets a different floor mat and seat colour to visually distinguish the two variants apart.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Features</h2><p>The 2024 Bajaj Chetak has seen a bigger update on the feature front. The Premium variant now comes with a 5-inch TFT screen, a big departure from the round LCD unit that’s still available on the Urbane variant. There’s no touch functionality like Ather or Ola scooters but Bajaj says the TFT unit will be more reliable in the long run. The new screen brings more functionality with livelier colours, graphics and more features.</p>

<p>Most of these features are available with the TecPac, which is an optional extra and adds Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, music and volume controls, as well as Hill Hold, which works well. The TecPac also adds the ‘Sport’ mode, which should’ve been standard on the e-scooter to be fair. Everything else has been carried over on the 2024 Chetak including the illuminated switchgear, self-cancelling indicators, reverse mode, and more.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Battery and Range</h2><p>The new Chetak Premium is now equipped with a bigger 3.2 kWh battery pack as against a 2.9 kWh unit seen on the Urbane. The bigger battery pack has also made way for more range at 126 km (ARAI certified), which is a healthy update over the previous 108 km. The claimed range has also gone up on the Urbane promising 113 km (ARAI certified) on a single charge, albeit from the older battery pack. Bajaj says the real-world range should be a little over 100 km, allowing users to charge the e-scooter every 2-3 days, based on their usage. Bajaj says the new battery pack is a more compact package, which has helped improve the under-seat storage space at 21 litres, 3 litres more than before. A full-size helmet won’t fit still but a small backpack, knick-knacks and more can be easily stored.</p>

<p>The 2024 Chetak Premium also gets a bigger 800-watt onboard charger as opposed to a 650-watt charger on the Urbane. This essentially means you’ll need to lug just the charging cable instead of the bigger charger to charge the electric scooter, making the under-seat storage more usable.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Performance</h2><p>Nothing has changed on the mechanical front and the 2024 Chetak packs the same motor and power output as before. However, the top speed on the Chetak Premium has gone up to 73 kmph from 63 kmph on the Urbane. It can be increased on the latter as well with the TecPac. The Chetak was never about out-and-out performance and instead, it offers a more composed power output.</p>

<p>Power delivery is sluggish in the Eco mode and the throttle has a bit of play. But the Chetak is more responsive in Sport and there’s a sense of urgency. Power delivery is quick in the latter and you will tend to stick to Sport unless it's the range that’s keeping you anxious. The regenerative braking also works better in Sport mode and will kick in easily when you get off the throttle.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Handling</h2><p>The Chetak continues to use the trailing-link suspension, a homage to the original scooter, while the rear gets a single shock absorber. The suspension setup comes across as wooden for the most part but the ride settles on smooth roads going over small bumps. However, the thuds will translate to your back when going over a larger pothole, especially with sharp edges. Despite the rigid suspension, the cushioning on the seat is worth taking note of and does most of the job to keep you comfortable. The ergonomics remain unchanged and the Chetak is accessible to riders of all sizes with its low seat height. The floorboard isn’t the widest and those with larger feet will find it compact.</p>

2024 Bajaj Chetak: Verdict</h2><p>Prices for the 2024 Bajaj Chetak now start at  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.15 lakh for the Urbane trim while the Premium trim will set you back by  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices have seen a drop on the Chetak with the latest iteration but the difference is a good  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>20,000 between both variants. Then there is the TecPac with the connected features that will further set you back by  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>8,000 on the Urbane and  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>9,000 on the Premium variants.</p>

<p>The updates are incremental on the Bajaj Chetak and make the model more wholesome. The electric scooter effortlessly oozes style and is now more equipped to become a substantial offering in the segment. We also like how easy it is to ride one and Bajaj says the Chetak manages to attract quite a lot of attention from the women riders, as much from the male ones.</p>

<p>As a standalone offering, the updates on the Chetak are a big welcome and only go on to make the model a much better offering. However, the competition is miles ahead in comparison and that’s where the Chetak falls short. We would’ve liked a higher top speed for instance and a more pliant suspension for starters. A touchscreen console would’ve also been in line with current times. So, if are looking for an effortless electric scooter that can do reasonable distances, the Chetak is easy to recommend. But if performance and tech are what you crave, there are plenty of options to look out for instead.</p>

The Ather Energy 450X is a noteworthy addition to the electric two-wheeler market. This electric scooter combines eco-friendliness with impressive performance, making it a compelling choice for urban commuters.

<b>Price:</b>
<ul>
<li>Minimum Price (Ex-Showroom): 1.25 Lakhs</li>
<li>Maximum Price (Ex-Showroom): 1.29 Lakhs</li>
</ul>
<b>Specs and Features:</b>
<ul>
<li>Engine: Electric</li>
<li>Battery Capacity: 2.9-3.7 kWh</li>
<li>Motor Power: 6400 W</li>
<li>Transmission: Automatic</li>
<li>Range: 146 Km</li>
<li>Charging Time: 6 hr 40 min</li>
<li>Max Speed: 90 kmph</li>
<li>Charging Point: Yes</li>
<li>Self Start Only: Yes</li>
<li>Body Type: Electric Bikes</li>
<li>Navigation: Yes</li>
<li>Fast Charging: Yes</li>
<li>Headlight: LED</li>
<li>Mobile Connectivity: Yes</li>
<li>Speedometer: Digital</li>
</ul>
The Ather 450X boasts an electric powertrain with a respectable 6400 W motor that delivers a maximum torque of 26 Nm, ensuring a zippy ride through urban landscapes. Its range of 111-150 Km, combined with fast-charging capabilities, minimizes range anxiety and ensures convenience.

Safety features like CBS enhance braking efficiency, while LED headlights and a digital speedometer improve visibility and readability. Moreover, the inclusion of mobile connectivity and navigation adds to the convenience of urban commuting.

<b>Rivals</b>

When comparing the Ather 450X to its rivals, such as the Vida V1, Kabira Mobility KM 3000, White Carbon Motors GT5, and SVITCH BIKE XE+, it's evident that the Ather 450X stands out with its balanced performance, range, and features. Its competitive pricing makes it a compelling choice in the electric scooter segment.

In conclusion, the Ather Energy 450X ticks the boxes for urban commuters seeking an electric two-wheeler with a combination of style, performance, and advanced features. Its competitive pricing and impressive specifications make it a reliable and eco-friendly alternative for daily transportation needs.

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS	M-5	V1
Brand	Komaki	Vida
Price	₹ 99,000	₹ 97,800
Range	100-120 km/charge	100-110 km/charge
Battery Capacity	-	-
Charging Time	-	5 Hours 55 Minutes

Starting
Push Button Start	Remote Start,Push Button Start

Max Speed
90 kmph	-

Charging at Charging Station
No	Yes

Charging at Home
No	Yes