According to the new mandate, all new cars sold from January 1, 2026, must have mechanical door release handles, both on the outside and inside of every door, except for the tailgate.

​Hidden door handles are electrically actuated and sit flush with the car’s body. The main idea behind this is aesthetics and aerodynamics gains, especially for EVs. Such handles pop up only when the key fob is triggered.

In case of an accident or loss of electrical power in the vehicle, the flush door handles become inoperative, which can restrict emergency first responders from rescuing passengers trapped inside. However, it remains to be seen whether other countries, including ours, will consider this point and ban flush door handles on cars sold in India.

The post China Bans Flush Door Handles Citing Safety Reasons first appeared on Turbocharged.

Our journey started with a quick bolt from the Delhi-NCR to Chandigarh, on arrow-straight highways. The Creta Electric was quick to offer the same, friendly and comforting feel we’ve known its ICE-powered versions to offer. Even more impressive was the fact that I still had 50 percent charge and a range of over 200km left, even 250km later, as the powertrain was returning nearly 9km per kWh consistently. This translates to over 450km on a single charge, which meant I could drive straight from Gurugram to Shimla, without needing to recharge the battery!

That said, finding a DC fast charger right next to the highway at Chandigarh called for a short break for me and a quick top-up charge for the Creta. Shopping malls, fuel stations and restaurants all offer DC fast charging today, ensuring range anxiety is a thing of the past. Chandigarh is also where the boring, arrow-straight highway made way for winding roads. And the Himalayan Expressway leading to Shimla is a four lane highway with bend after bend, which was helping me enjoy the Creta Electric’s performance and handling. Let’s not forget, it is the most powerful Creta yet, with 170PS on tap!
This is also where I was able to make the most of the multiple regen modes, especially i-Pedal. i-Pedal mode lets you brake by simply taking your foot off the throttle, and also offers maximum regenerative braking, adding to convenience and helping you recover charge. As I approached Shimla, a 45kW DC fast charger next to the highway was another opportunity for a quick top up charge, because you’re also consuming charge quicker uphill. A number of such fast chargers dotting my route meant I only needed a couple of short, 15-20 minute breaks on the way to Spiti, as the Creta Electric can go from 10 percent charge to 80 percent in just 58 minutes. And with the surroundings getting very picturesque courtesy the hills and dense forests with tall pine trees around me, I was feeling refreshed, even as the Creta Electric was affording rapid progress through Shimla’s traffic. The well-tuned suspension and plush seats were also soaking up the broken roads to ensure I was comfortable, even after hours of driving.

A few hours later, I was in for a pleasant surprise courtesy the MyHyundai app, as it helped me locate a newly installed 30kW DC fast charger just beyond Rampur Bushahr. The fast charger meant I could charge the battery to 100 percent quickly and drive straight to Kaza! Besides pin-pointing every charger around, the MyHyundai app had also eliminated the need to install multiple charging apps on my phone. On the other hand, Hyundai’s Bluelink app was multitasking for me – not only was it offering information about charging status and range and letting me lock/unlock the car or turn climate control on remotely, Bluelink was also enabling in-car payments for charging!

Just about an hour later, I had killed more than two birds with one stone – the Creta Electric’s battery was fully charged and so was my laptop’s, thanks to the SUV’s V2L or Vehicle to Load function, and managed to send out a bunch of important emails! V2L is a feature unique to electric SUVs and one that internal combustion engine powered SUVs simply cannot offer, and while the car’s battery pack was getting charged, I was also charging my laptop via the plug point below the seat. You can also use the Creta Electric’s external charging port to power coffee machines, LED TVs, exterior lights and more when camping, making the SUV apt for those who live the outdoor life.

Soon thereafter we got to Nako, which is where the topography changes from green to brown and barren, because Spiti is a high-altitude desert. But while it all looks dry and arid, the mountains and countryside look stunning, and you are crossing one mountain pass after another. But the Creta Electric was feeling effortless even at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, because unlike internal combustion engine powered SUVs there was no loss in its performance. Internal combustion engines are left gasping for air at the altitude, but power delivery courtesy the electric motor was instant and without any losses. Also, while I was losing charge climbing up the mountains, driving downhill on the other side was helping me recover charge and extend range, something possible only in an EV like the Creta Electric.

Getting to Kaza, which sits at 12,000 feet, made for a massive sense of achievement as it meant I had driven 800km already, with just 2-3 short charging stops! Hikkim was only 15km ahead, and I still had 21 percent charge left, good for driving another 70km. This meant I could have driven to Hikkim and back directly but I decided to play it safe and halt at Kaza for charging. There are no fast chargers in Kaza though, which meant I had to use a regular (16Amp) wall socket, which was going to take more than a day for a full charge! On the positive side this meant I would be able to acclimate myself before climbing up to Hikkim, which was crucial to avoid altitude sickness, as I was going to climb an incredible 2,500 feet across a distance of just 15km.

And once the Creta Electric was back to 100 percent the next day (and so was I!) I started for Hikkim. It was a steep uphill climb with no tarmac, and in fact the surface was akin to a rally stage. This is where being able to dial down regen levels came in handy, and I dropped Regen Level to 0 so I could hold a constant speed and maintain momentum. But discovering a pristine stretch of tarmac midway, which was also downhill, had me switch back to i-Pedal mode to recover some of the lost charge – this is an advantage only EVs can offer! As I closed in on Hikkim the sense of accomplishment was beginning to hit, and I was also glad I was driving the Creta Electric there, an SUV with zero tailpipe emissions.

The post office at Hikkim was opened in 1983 to help locals stay connected to the world, but visiting it and posting letters has become a bucket list item for travellers from around the world. Given its popularity, a new post office building has been set up, in the shape of a letterbox! As I ascended to view the large red ‘postbox’ I broke into a smile, knowing I had made it to the world’s highest post office, in the Creta Electric! Hikkim isn’t even a tiny spec on the world map but the government setting up a post office there, which has been functional for over four decades, is heart-warming. And to drive to the post office in an electric SUV like the Creta Electric – one of the only EVs to get there – felt heart-warming too! The drive was challenging, but by making it to Hikkim the Creta was also bearing testimony to Hyundai’s solid engineering yet again.

My journey had also helped in proving that even the remotest corners of the world can be reached in an electric vehicle today, given how good EVs like the Creta Electric are, and also how rapidly charging infrastructure is improving. And I guess, this was also the most special way to celebrate the Hyundai Creta’s 10th birthday!

The post Special Feature: The Creta EV Reaches For The Sky – And Reaches The World’s Highest Post Office! first appeared on Turbocharged.

However, we are a little bit disappointed that it doesn’t have a roaring ICE heart under that svelte, long bonnet. The Engine of the Lexus LFA (the usage of the uppercase E is intentional) is worthy of its admission to the MoMA, the TATE Modern or the Centre Pompidou. The 1LR-GUE even-firing V10 was developed with a little bit of help from Yamaha, and not just the mechanical engineering division. Yamaha acoustic engineers had a hand in tuning the sound, which is often referred to as ‘angelic.’

As the Lexus LFA concept is just that — a concept — it may not make it to production as a BEV, though. The recent reversal of the EU’s ban on ICE vehicle sales post 2035 means Lexus may very well do a 180° turn and plonk a hybrid powerplant in it. It is quite possible the Lexus LFA concept was designed for a future that may never arrive, and we, the petrolheads, are nothing but thankful for it.

The post Lexus LFA Concept is is an Electric Sportscar from Toyota first appeared on Turbocharged.

The reason for this price increase has also not been shared by the manufacturer. However, it is worth noting that the Sealion 7 is the only CBU vehicle in the marque’s Indian portfolio. The other vehicles, such as the eMAX 7, the Atto 3 and, most notably, the Seal (which is also a part of the Ocean series to which the Sealion 7 belongs), are all CKD imports. The cars are assembled in India, and thus attract different import duties. This may be the driving force behind the imminent price adjustment that Sealion 7 is going to be subjected to, as changing government regulations are most likely the catalyst for the increased prices. This is often the case in our market.

However, even with the increased prices, we feel the Sealion 7 continues to offer great performance to the customers, with the Premium putting out 313PS / 390Nm while the Performance, with its dual-motor AWD powertrain, sends 517PS / 690Nm to the wheels. This results in 0-100kmph sprint times of 6.7 and 4.5 seconds, respectively. Both trims come with over 540km of NEDC-rated range (claimed). Both trims share the 82.56kWh LFP blade battery and have a safety rating of 5 Stars by Euro NCAP, which is a lot more stringent than Bharat NCAP.

The post BYD Sealion 7 Prices to Increase from January 2026 first appeared on Turbocharged.

The Nexon EV 45 remains relatively unchanged as compared to the previous Nexon EV LR. The design, interiors, alloy wheels and colour options remain the same, barring the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof in the top-end Empowered+ variant and a 12-litre frunk, which is absent in lower variants, though the frunk’s odd shape restricts its usability. 

We’ve always liked the Nexon’s comfortable driving position, and its responsive steering (with the  rather annoying toggle switches on it that you tend to press accidentally pretty frequently while turning) and these haven’t changed obviously. Fit-finish levels haven’t changed either, and could be better. The 45 also continues to come equipped with the sharp-looking 12.25-inch touchscreen, excellent instrument cluster display with customisable views, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and the brilliant JBL audio system, besides the gamut of features including 360-degree, TPMS, voice assist functions and ventilated front seats to name a few.

Getting to the heart of the matter, the bigger, 45kWh battery pack has also allowed Tata Motors to bump the Nexon EV’s power output by 5PS, and peak power produced now stands at 150PS, though peak torque remains the same at 215Nm. Claimed range is 489km per charge, up from the claimed 390km for the previous LR or Long Range version that used a 40.5kWh battery pack. The claimed real world figure now stands at 370km, up from 310km earlier.

Nearly 60 percent of my time with the SUV was within city limits including bumper to bumper traffic. I was able to cover 352km using 89 percent of the charge, with regen set to two. So the claimed figure of 370km, or perhaps higher is achievable in the real world. Maybe, with a lighter foot and in Eco mode. Another big update is the fact that the Nexon EV 45 supports DC fast charging at speeds of up to 60kW, up from the previous 50kW. 10-80 percent charging can now be done in 40 minutes as compared to 56 minutes earlier, at 60kW, which is a significant improvement. The 3.3kW and 7.2kW wallbox chargers will take about 17.5 hours and 6.5 hours respectively. The Nexon EV has always impressed as a city slicker and the 45 feels as good if not better, thanks to its responsive steering. The well-tuned suspension adds to its likeable matters too by offering a plush ride along with confident handling. This likeable demeanour, coupled with the impressive range per charge and faster charging speeds mean the Nexon EV 45 is a tempting proposition. Prices begin from ₹13.99 lakh ex-showroom and go up to ₹16.99 lakh for the fully loaded Empowered + variant. Effectively, the premium of ₹70,000 over the previous LR version is not a big ask as the improved range and convenience of faster charging justify it.

The post Tata Nexon EV 45: First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

The company is initially aiming for superfast chargers and four charging bays at each Mega Charger station and will also provide restroom, refreshment services and 24×7 assistance. These Mega Chargers will be accessible to all CCS2-equipped EVs from other brands, but Tata.ev customers will get priority access and up to a 25-percent preferential tariff. These chargers will be listed on Tata’s IRA.ev app, which will also facilitate payments for their usage. A unified RFID-based payment system will also be deployed across multiple CPOs’ locations.

Tata.ev has also extensively audited 700+ CPOs’ public charging locations against stringent criteria and the IRA.ev app now features a five-point rating scale for these locations. A rating above four stars marks the charger “.ev Verified”. Further, a Unified Charging Call Center has been set up to provide 24×7 assistance to Tata.ev customers for all charging related issues and will even provide route planning assistance for longer trips.

The company has also resolved to install 30,000 new public charging points in collaboration with key CPOs and to help increase the number of EV charging points available in the country to 4,00,000. This figure will include Tata.ev home chargers, community charging stations and public charging facilities.

The post Tata.ev launches all-new EV Mega Charger network first appeared on Turbocharged.

When it comes to styling, family scooters prefer to be conservative or in the case of electric family scooters, moderately conservative. The Ampere Nexus sticks with convention, with its clean lines and large body panels. Underneath though, is clever engineering in the form of vents where air is channeled from behind the front wheel through the bodywork before exiting through vents below the tail lamp. This airflow helps cool the battery and motor. No gimmicks here. Just plain ol’ engineering. It gets a premium-looking LED headlamp with LED DRLs, and flush-fitting LED turn indicators on the front apron.

The Nexus focuses on space management. It gets a 712mm long seat that is one of the largest in its class besides being accessible with its low 765mm height. While it has a large 235mm floorboard that can hold a gas cylinder, we wished for more underseat storage space – while the 24-litre storage bin is deep, it could do with more width. It also has a bottle holder on the front apron.

We liked the flush-fitting pillion footpegs that are easy to open, and close with a satisfying click. Quality-wise, the Nexus impresses with its fit and finish levels and paint job but the quality of plastics in some places could be better. For example, the plastic flap covering the charging port and retractable storage hook on the front apron feels flimsy to operate.

While the Nexus does not break new ground in terms of features, it comes with important ones like all-LED lighting and a 7-inch colour TFT instrument console. The console has a clean layout with responsive touch input. The screen offers Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity with the Ampere app enabling turn-by-turn navigation and music controls from the switchgear. The Piano-styled switchgear though isn’t as intuitive and takes time to figure out, especially on the go.

Power comes from a 4kW mid-mounted electric motor that sends power to the rear wheel via a belt drive. The scooter is powerful enough to keep you entertained but more importantly, with 16 degrees of gradeability, it can climb up most inclines you’d encounter in the city, with a full load. The Nexus gets three riding modes – Eco, City and Power – besides Limp Home and reverse modes. Performance is brisk in City and Power mode with the scooter accelerating quickly to 40kmph with performance tapering off only post 60kmph. Claimed top speed is 93kmph which is quite good for a family electric scooter.

It gets a 3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery that is claimed to be 1.3 times safer than conventional Lithium Ion battery packs besides being denser as well. Claimed range is 136km and we managed to eke out 100km while mostly riding in City and Power modes. Claimed charging time of 3.3 hours is impressive as well.

The Ampere Nexus gets a robust frame that claims to be four times stronger than its competitors. It gets robust suspension components as well, consisting of telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers. While the 12-inch wheels help tackle potholes and speed breakers, the suspension is a tad soft for our liking. It does feel top-heavy as well but is easy to ride.

The 7-inch TFT instrument console is bright and responsive

Charging time is impressive with a full charge taking less than 3.5 hours

The 24-litre boot space is deep but could do with a wider layout

LED tail lamp looks premium, especially with the transparent plastic cover

Front disc brake offers good bite while the 12-inch wheels help improve ride quality

The Ampere Nexus is available at an introductory price of ₹1.1 lakh for the EX variant and ₹1.2 lakh for the ST variant (both prices ex-showroom). These prices are on par with the lower variants of its competitors which makes the Ampere Nexus come across as a no-nonsense, value-for-money scooter. It does have its rough edges which once ironed out, will make the Ampere Nexus a hard-to-beat family scooter.

The post Ampere Nexus first appeared on Turbocharged.

Led by CEO Tianshu Xin, a seasoned executive with a background in Stellantis China, the management team is gearing up for an ambitious expansion into nine European countries, slated to commence in September 2024. The company’s footprint will soon extend beyond Europe, with plans for penetration into key growth regions such as India & Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America later in the year.

The initial focus of Leapmotor International will be on introducing two flagship models, the T03 and C10, each designed to cater to distinct consumer segments. The T03, an urban-savvy A-segment car, promises a WLTP range of 265km while offering interior space comparable to the B-segment. On the other hand, the C10 is a family-centric D-segment car, boasting a premium ride and handling experience, a WLTP range of 420km, and a 5-star E-NCAP rating.

The partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor is said to sign a concerted effort to address pressing environmental concerns while delivering value to consumers worldwide. Leveraging Stellantis’ global commercial presence, Leapmotor International aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles beyond the confines of Greater China, where the company has already established its presence.

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasising the potential of Leapmotor’s vehicles to compete effectively in international markets. Jiangming Zhu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Leapmotor, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the synergy between Leapmotor’s technological prowess and Stellantis’ global resources.

The launch strategy of Leapmotor International reflects an approach to market expansion, with a phased rollout planned across multiple continents. With dedicated country managers and an extensive network of sales points, the company aims to ensure a good customer experience, starting with Europe and gradually expanding to other regions.

The post Leapmotor’s Electric Leap Across Continents first appeared on Turbocharged.

Gurugram, April 2, 2024: In another endeavour, sustainability advocate Sushil Reddy educated the students through the ‘SunPedal Ride’- a cross-India drive from the streets of Mumbai to the wildlife sanctuary of Kaziranga. This expedition, over 25 cities and 9,000+ kms, marked a significant milestone in Reddy’s mission to promote sustainable mobility and challenge prevalent myths surrounding electric vehicles (EVs).

The MG ZS EV, India’s first Pure Electric Internet SUV, is at the heart of this journey, symbolising the fusion of innovation and environmental awareness. On this odyssey, Reddy unveiled  the enduring potential of EVs across diverse terrains and cultures of India. Along the route to Kaziranga, Sushil visited prominent colleges and institutes to educate students on EVs’ advantages, including their economical running and ownership costs, reduced carbon emission, comfortable driving experience, evolving charging infrastructure, and battery types and safety, and many other compelling benefits.  

The college sessions concluded with a quiz and a demo of the MG ZS EV, which has a range of 461km*, including a test ride opportunity for some students. Through this program, Sushil Reddy, connected with more than 5,000 students in 20 universities over 60 days. 

Reddy’s expedition is intended to navigate a strong narrative capturing electric mobility’s sophistication, cost-effectiveness, comfort, and reliability and nurture the minds of those who are the country’s future. With every mile travelled, the MG ZS EV paves the way for a greener tomorrow, where sustainability and elegance converge in perfect harmony. Reddy encourages people to join the move towards a sustainable future by challenging misconceptions and fostering dialogue. On its part, MG Motor India is committed to creating a robust EV ecosystem through several initiatives. 

The post Guinness Book record holder, Sushil Reddy, takes an Eco ride with MG ZS EV to spread awareness on sustainable mobility first appeared on Turbocharged.

Gensol EV says the certificate shows that its electric car is getting close to being put into production and entering the Indian automotive market. The car will be manufactured in the company’s plant in Chakan, Pune and have an annual production capacity of 30,000 units.

The upcoming two-seater electric car as teased on Gensol EV’s website has a claimed range of 200km and a top speed of 80kmph. The interior also seems to feature touchscreen infotainment and instrument consoles, moonroof and driver assistance technology, with what the company calls AI-driven cloud analytics. More details about the car are expected to be revealed soon. It will go up against the likes of MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV.

The post Gensol EV receives ARAI certification for its upcoming EV first appeared on Turbocharged.