The anticipation around the Auto Expo 2018 is building up and one of the main reasons for this is the amount of attention electric cars are getting. Electric mobility and electric cars are going to take centre stage this year as there are close to 12 new EV start-up companies that will take part in the biennial motor show. Main stream manufacturers too are going to display their electric mobility prowess and these include Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, Tata Motors and Mercedes-Benz to name a few. With India moving towards electric mobility by 2030, this is a key step in that direction. Let's take a look at some of these EVs that will take centre-stage at the Auto Expo 2018.
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Maruti Suzuki first showcased the e-Survivor Concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The e-Survivor Concept is Maruti's first concept EV and pays tribute to Suzuki's 4-Wheel Drive heritage. It's a quirky SUV and builds upon the success of the Jimny and Vitara. The Suzuki e-Survivor comes with four in-wheel electric motors, two-seats without a roof, and extremely short overhangs at both front and rear axles. The Suzuki e-Survivor concept also brings in autonomous technology for future mobility.
(The Maruti Suzuki e-Survivor Concept will light up the company's stall at the 2018 Auto Expo)
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Tata Motors launched the Tiago in India back in 2016, and, ever since, it has proved to be a successful story for the company. Taking things forward, Tata will showcase an updated and electrified version of the Tiago hatchback at the Auto Expo 2018, which was showcased at the 2017 Cenex LCV (low carbon vehicle) show in the United Kingdom last year. Built and engineered by Tata Motors European Technical Centre from United Kingdom, the Tiago EV will come powered with an 85 kW motor that makes peak torque of 200 Nm and has a FWD unit. According to the company, the Tata Tiago EV in Sport mode has the ability to go from standstill to 100kmph in under 11 seconds, making it the quickest EV in India once launched. It has a top speed of 135 kmph.
(The Tiago EV will provide a glimpse into what to expect from Tata Motors)
Also Read: Electric Tata Tiago Concept With 100km Range Showcased
Next on the list is yet another product from the Tata Motors' stable. The Tigor EV is already plying on the Indian roads as part of the Indian Government's order of electric vehicles from the Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). Tata Motors' rolled out the first batch of the Tigor EV in December last year from the company's Sanand plant in Gujarat.
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Tata Motors is required to deliver 250 Tigor EVs to EESL, and will also make it available in the passenger vehicle segment once showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Visually, the Tata Tigor EV looks similar to the standard Tigor, with the only noticeable difference being the illuminated 'EV' badge on the grille. The electric powertrain is developed and supplied by Electra EV.
(The Tata Tigor EV is one of most anticipated of cars to be showcased at the Auto Expo)
Also Read: Tata Motors Delivers First Batch Of Tigor Electric Vehicle To EESL
Renault will be showcasing a range of products at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018, with focus on electric mobility. Taking centre-stage will be, however, the electric vehicles and the Formula 1 car. Among the EVs, all eyes will be on the Renault Zoe EV. While it is already on sale in the European market, we expect Renault will soon bring in the Zoe electric hatchback to the Indian market.
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The electric hatchback is powered by a 41kWh battery that offers a range of 400 km and can be charged in 65-80 minutes at a quick charging station. If the Zoe does come to India, it will certainly open up the EV segment in India with more OEMs focusing on introducing EVs for the Indian market, as the government plans to go all-electric by 2030.
(Renault will use the Auto Expo 2018 stage to showcase the Zoe EV)
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First showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017, Mercedes-Benz will have prime focus on electric mobility and the EQ concept will be the eye-candy at the Auto Expo 2018. With the EQ Concept, Mercedes-Benz aims to set a precedent of what lies in the future for the company. The EQ Concept is the company's first step in introducing as many as 10 electric cars in its line-up by 2022. The new EQ concept will serve as basis for its future electric crossovers.
(The Mercedes-Benz EQ Concept will make its debut in India at the Auto Expo)
Also Read: Auto Expo 2018: Mercedes-Benz To Showcase EQ Concept
(Hyundai Ioniq EV will be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo)
Amid much rumors, Hyundai India has finally confirmed that the Ioniq electric range will be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018. While Genesis brand took centre-stage at the last Expo, this year, the focus shifts to electric vehicles. We had earlier reported that Hyundai will most likely launch the Ioniq plug-in hybrid in India post its debut at the Auto Expo. The Ioniq is Hyundai's answer to Toyota's Camry/ Prius and will help the company in working on an affordable EV for the Indian market.
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