Electric Vehicle Archives

TC Euro Cars to sell Renault Zoe EV again

Joining the growing list of electric vehicles (EVs) available in the Malaysian market is the Renault Zoe, imported by TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault passenger vehicles in Malaysia. The Zoe is actually not to TCEC as the company brought in a small batch six years ago. However, without incentives from the government and with the limited number of public charging stations then, interest was not great so TCEC focussed on other models in the Renault range.

Now, with the government providing full exemption on import duties, there’s greater interest and there is also a push to develop the charging station network. This will encourage people to consider an EV as they will feel confident of travelling long distances and be able to get their EV ‘refuelled’ with electricity.

The Zoe (its name is derived from ZerOEmission) is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) which means it runs only on electricity, as opposed to be hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) which has a petrol engine and electric motor working together). The model, originally introduced in Europe in 2012, was designed from the outset as a BEV and this latest second generation has the benefit of many technical improvements over the past 10 years.

Two versions
TCEC will offer the Zoe in two versions – the Zoe R110 at RM163,000 (without insurance) and the Zoe R13 at an estimated price of RM175,000 (without insurance).

Both have Renault’s new 52 kWh Z.E. 50 lithium-ion battery pack which has a claimed range of up to 395 kms per full charge. This is a 25% increase over the previous battery pack without any changes in size. To achieve this, Renault’s engineering wing worked specifically with their supplier, LG Chem, on the shape and arrangement of the lithium-ion cells that make up the battery pack. Their collaborative work showed that it is possible to increase the storage density by developing cells that are slightly higher than usual.

Capacity is one thing, but range also depends on energy efficiency which is optimised in the Z.E. 50 battery packs. Regenerative braking and ECO mode also help extend the range although, like a petrol engine, how far the car can go depends on driving style and conditions.

30 minutes for 145 kms
Recharging time is an important consideration for owners and for now, it takes a lot longer than filling up petrol so EV owners will just have to get used to it. In the case of the Zoe, it is possible to charge the battery pack to provide up to 145 kms of range within 30 minutes if you use a DC fast-charger.

You can also use AC Type 2 charging which will take between 3 hours (with a 22 kW supply) or 9.5 hours (with a 7.4 kW supply). This is to recharge a fully empty battery pack to full. In practice, owners might be topping up periodically, just as you would recharge your mobilephone from time to time. So the long period might not be the case in actual use.

The Zoe powertrain is quite straightforward with a single electric motor powering the front wheels. The R110 has an output of 80 kW/225 Nm while the R135 produces 100 kW/245 Nm. That should be sufficient for brisk performance around town although the Zoe does weigh around 1,500 kgs.

Updated technology
As mentioned earlier, the Zoe has been in the market for 10 years and the one now being imported by TCEC is a new generation. As such, it has a redesigned cabin with modern features such as a wide 10-inch customisable TFT instrument cluster and the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system.

The infotainment system has a 7-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone replication made possible using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Eco-friendly materials
Even with the first generation, there was emphasis on eco-friendliness and sustainability, not just in the powertrain but also in the way the car is made. Renault has also made smart use of ethical and sustainable materials in the interior featuring tactile textiles on key touchpoints. Up to 22.5 kgs of recycled synthetic materials are used, mostly in housings and other hidden parts of the car that provide protection. Floor mats are usually the only visible parts made from these recycled synthetic materials.

For those who wish to take a closer look at the Zoe, there’s a unit on display at the Renault showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Orders are also being accepted and customers can register their interest to be kept informed of further developments.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to spend 23 billion euros on massive electrification push

Hyundai N Vision 74 combines BEV and FCEV technologies for higher performance

Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology is not new to Hyundai Motor. In fact, the company was already carrying out R&D on such vehicles, which use hydrogen, from the early 2000s. By 2013, it was able to commercialise a FCEV in the form of the iX35, the first carmaker to do so.

Since then, development on FCEVs has advanced further and the company has accumulated even more experience and feedback through the use of its FCEVs over millions of kilometres in many parts of the world.

Hyundai N, the performance arm, is also looking at FCEV technology for the future and has developed the N Vision 74 as a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid rolling laboratory. While it is the first such high-performance rolling lab for Hyundai N’s engineers to use, it is not the first time for N where FCEV technology is concerned.

In 2015, the company also created the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo with the launch of the N brand to envision the future of hydrogen-based high performance. The futuristic N 2025 was conceived to represent Hyundai in the Vision Gran Turismo program, a series of fictional concept cars for the Gran Turismo videogame by Polyphony Digital. While it was never produced as a real-life running model, it had advanced technologies that gave extremely high performance which gamers could experience.

For the N Vision 74, Hyundai’s engineers developed a hybrid structure of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in combination with an FCEV system, placed in an all-new layout. By having a fuel cell system and battery-electric system powering the car together, the cooling efficiency is improved.

The two different power sources can be used together or independent, depending on different driving conditions. This fine-tuned logic system enables better torque vectoring by twin motors on the rear, allowing a precise and responsive cornering experience. Moreover, the N Vision 74 explores the balance between the performance and cooling with a 3-channel cooling system.

Measuring 4952 mm long, 1995 mm wide and 1331 mm tall on a 2905 mm wheelbase, the design of the concept car is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept of 1974. This concept car developed by the designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was a proposal for a sportscar based on the very significant model in Hyundai Motor’s history. The concept car was then built into prototypes for what was to be Hyundai’s first production sportscar. Although it could not reach production in the end, the daring attitude set the tone for the entire company.

The N Vision 74 inherited the pure surface, dynamic proportioned profile and the unique B-pillar from the Pony Coupe concept. In addition, the lighting units have Parametric Pixel lighting, a feature which is seen on the latest models.

“N Vision 74’s future-oriented design reflects the respect and appreciation we have for the dedication and passion that went into the Pony Coupe concept,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre.

RN22e concept shows how Hyundai N will ensure high performance in fully electric cars

Hyundai IONIQ 6 ‘Electrified Streamliner’ launched in Korea

These days, there’s a new electric vehicle (sometimes even more than one) being launched or previewed every month and the technical aspects sound pretty much the same. The technologies to are generally similar with each company having some advancements of its own to shout about.

So with the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor seems to skirt the technical parts and instead draws attention to the inside of the first sedan in its EV sub-brand. The interior of the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ is developed to serve as a comfortable and personalized ‘hideaway’, providing a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and their passengers.

“IONIQ 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”

The cabin takes advantage of the E-GMP (the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform) which allows an extremely long 2950 mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. The E-GMP supports a streamlined body with an overall length of 4855 mm, 1880 mm width and 1495 mm height, which puts it in the D-segment.

A modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs. The infotainment system provides real-time travel radius mapping based on the current state of charge, while connected car services help search and plan the best route to include a charging station along the way.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring favourite smartphone apps to the widescreen display. For those without compatible smartphones, there’s also Bluetooth multi-connection support available. Two devices can be paired at the same time — one for phone calls and one for music streaming.

The premium Bose sound system’s 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience. Complementing this is a ‘spaceship-like’ sound with a sound texture that changes based on the vehicle’s driving status. How this will be received by the occupants of the car remains to be seen. Perhaps the new generation of car-buyers brought up in the digital age will appreciate such sounds!

The optional Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row promote leisure by simply adjusting the seat angle. In addition, all of its seats are specifically-manufactured for all-electric models, and they are approximately 30% thinner than those in other conventional models, providing more space for passengers.

Dual Colour Ambient Lighting allows a driver to customize the look and feel of the interior space by selecting from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 pre-selected themes. The Speed Sync Lighting mode adds emotion to the driving experience by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row based on the car’s travelling speed.

The IONIQ 6’s personalized driving experience is further enhanced by the EV Performance Tune-up system. This allows the driver to freely adjust steering effort, motor power, accelerator pedal sensitivity and driveline mode. Drivers can create a variety of different combinations with just a few button clicks to meet their individual needs.

Of course, we still need to tell you something about the technical aspects and here, the powertrains are varied. Customers can choose a long-range 77.4-kWh battery with 2 electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor set-up is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 325 ps/605 Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h of 5.1 seconds.

Hyundai Motor claims an impressive energy consumption rate of under 14 kWh/100 kms, with the 53-kWh standard battery pack, 18-inch tyres and RWD. It supports 400V and 800V charging infrastructures and with a 350 kW charger, the recharging time from 10% to 80 percent is said to be within 18 minutes. A fully charged battery pack should be good for over 610 kms.

The IONIQ 6, like the IONIQ 5, is also able to function as a mobile power station to charge electric devices. This would be ideal not only for camping but also when there is a disruption to power supply. In addition to the external power outlet, there is a second outlet under the back row seat which can be used for charging laptops, phones and other devices.

This EV Is Hyundai Motor’s first model to offer the Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates for various controllers. This allows owners to upgrade the car’s controllers for electric devices, autonomous driving, battery, maps (and more) without having to go to a service centre. As such, the systems will be kept up to date and optimised.

In the Korean market, the IONIQ 6 is priced between 55 million – 65 million won (about RM185,000 – RM218.000). Production is to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year with exports to selected markets starting in early 2023.

Hyundai to use new Integrated Modular Architecture for all future BEV models

Production of the BMW i3 EV has ended after 8½ years

BMW’s experience making electrically-powered vehicles (EVs) goes back 50 years when it replaced a number of 1602 cars with an electric motor. The 1602e was developed specially for use during the 1972 Olympics that were held in BMW’s home city of Munich in Germany. Its main role was to lead long-distance runners without blowing unhealthy exhaust fumes in their faces.

*The 1602e produced for use at the 1972 Olympic Games was BMW’s first EV.*

In the years that followed, the company continued with R&D on EVs with a number of models shown to the public, run on public roads and largely used in real-world testing. The urgency to ‘electrify’ the range was not evident yet so attention was instead given to developing other technologies like EfficientDynamics.

In 2013, BMW began its era of electrification that continues to this day when it introduced the i3 as the first volume-produced model with a fully electric drivetrain. The i3, manufactured at the Leipzig factory, was a pioneer in many different ways. It had an independent architecture consisting of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carried the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery pack as well as a passenger cell made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This module was referred to as the ‘life module’.

BMW’s fifth generation eDrive technology that is used in the latest BMW and MINI EVs can trace its origins to the i3. The high-voltage battery pack developed for the model has also undergone continuous development since 2013, doubling its storage capacity while retaining the same installation space. In its final form with a cell capacity of 120 Ah and a gross energy content of 42.2 kWh, the final version of the i3 could travel up to 307 kms on a single charge.

In addition to its electric drive, the i3’s eco-balance stemmed from the choice of materials fully geared towards sustainability and resource-conserving production. It was the first BMW Group model to receive an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors at the time of its market launch, confirming its optimised environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle.

Partly recycled raw materials were used for its outer skin made of thermoplastics. The plastic used in the interior contained 25% recycled material. The textiles used for the seat surfaces were made entirely from recycled fibres, with the door panels of kenaf fibres. Eucalyptus wood from certified cultivation in Europe served as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel.

After a production run of 250,000 units (sold in more than 74 countries), production of the i3 has ended, bringing an era to close. But the farewell is also linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility. In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured at the Leipzig factory and from 2023, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the same location.

In the 8½ years that the i3 was on sale, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the EV segment in many markets than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in attracting additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80% of all buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.

Many i3 owners were ‘early adopters’ and reported being impressed by the reliability, low energy and maintenance costs. They reported that the brake pads did not need replacing even after more than 250,000 kms – because a large part of the deceleration power was provided by recuperation. The long-term quality of the battery pack was also praised as there was only a negligible reduction in range even after long running times. The BMW Group took this positive experience as an opportunity to increase the maximum mileage associated with the 8-year warranty period for the battery pack, extending it from 100,000 kms to 160,000 kms at the beginning of 2020.

BMW i3 EV 2022 — To commemorate the end of i3 production, BMW produced a HomeRun Edition (below) with extra features and a Frozen paint finish from BMW Individual for the first time. Only 10 units of this special edition were produced, making it a very exclusive i3. Customers who had bought the HomeRun Edition were invited to witness the completion of their cars in the assembly hall.

BMW’s new i3 is a fully electric 3-Series sedan only for China

The digital and electric evolution of MINI design for the next generation revealed

In the 1950s, when Sir Alec Issigonis began to think of a small city car that would become the legendary Mini, styling was probably of a low priority compared to the design. How it looked would largely follow what was required of it – form follows function. And he certainly followed that design principle which could be traced back to the 19^th century.

Form follows function
Quite simply, he wanted to create a small car which had the largest possible interior on the smallest possible footprint. Applying ‘form follows function’ strictly to automotive construction, he came up with a car that would be revolutionary. The spatial concept of the Mini was unique, and transversely mounting its engine made significant waves in the motoring industry at the time.

The brilliant design of the original Mini which strictly adhered to the ‘form follows function’ principle. Inset shows the actual sketch that its designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, drew on a napkin in 1956.

When the BMW Group continued the Mini story, it fully respected not just the history but also the design language that would provide guidance for the 21^st century version. The original design philosophy was revised in keeping with the times, while simultaneously preserving the essential Mini character. While form continues to follow function, innovative technical solutions allow this principle to be applied to a greater degree.

Evolution continuation
The modern MINI appeared in 2001 and has undergone evolutionary continuation of the legendary formal language that defined the original Mini. The systematic expansion of the model family also show how new life has been introduced to the brand’s fundamental values and, building on this, to open up authentic and intriguing perspectives for the future of the brand.

*The modern MINI and the original classic Mini in 2007.*

Digital and electric influences
Now the MINI team is again looking ahead at the next generation of models and this time, there are strong electric and digital influences. The MINI models of the future will bring together a modern and purist exterior and an interior design that focuses on the essentials, just as it always has.

The new design language also exploits the opportunity of electrifying the powertrain to generate the driving pleasure you expect from MINI entirely without local emissions. “Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

The architecture for the new MINI model generation has been developed for purely electric mobility from the outset. This differs from previous generations where the electrified version used a platform that was developed to also be able to take combustion engines. As such, every centimetre of the available installation space is used even more efficiently. This means that it will be possible to continue to offer the ideal combination of a small footprint and available interior space in the future.

Concept model to be shown in July
The core of the brand will also be embedded in the future model generation of the MINI 3-door – purely electric and consistently geared towards urban driving pleasure. The successor to the current Countryman will also have purely electric drive and a concept model (shown camouflaged in this pictures) of this will be shown at the end of July.

“The MINI Design DNA will clearly come through in every model of this new generation, leaving its brand affiliation in no doubt whatsoever,” declared Heilmer. “At the same time, the MINI design team has successfully created strong product features with individual accents that more than ever before underscore a sense of independence.”

‘Charismatic Simplicity’
Creation of independent vehicle personalities is one of the central features of the new design language. ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ gives each member of the future MINI model family its own individual charisma that is unmistakably based on the brand’s core, reinterpreting it confidently and in its own way. The authentic reference to the essential values of MINI is expressed in a very modern design language featuring clearly and cleanly modelled surfaces.

Charismatic Simplicity reduces the number of components and concentrates on essential elements, helping the design of future MINI models achieve an emotional, intuitively perceptible identity. “We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language,” explained Heilmer. “For example, innovative LED technology gives the typical Union Jack design of the MINI combination rear lamps a variety of forms, creating an individual light signature for each model.”

Combining tradition and progress
The combination of tradition and progress will be evident in the interiors of future models. The key to this is both in advanced digitalisation in operation and connectivity, and in a clearly designed interior with intuitive functionality.

In the cockpit of future models, ‘reduction’ does not mean having to do without. For example, the OLED technology for the fully digital display and control unit (shown in the MINI Vision Urbanaut concept) means significantly more functions can be combined in a single control unit. This is presented in the archetypal circular central instrument in the middle of the dashboard.

MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer a touch display with a fully usable round surface. The innovative display technology paves the way for a new user interface design. At the same time, the design retains analogue control units such as the toggle switches below the central interface. These embody the attention to detail and distinctive design features that transform intuitive functionality into an emotional experience.

“The future of MINI design is based on the courage and determination to shape change and stamp a distinctive and inimitable profile on the brand,” said Heilmer. This also includes a range of materials with a focus on sustainability. The new model generation will move completely away from leather surfaces and also reduce its use of chrome components to almost zero. A minimal ecological footprint is deeply anchored in the brand’s tradition and is incorporated more comprehensively than ever by MINI Design into the new model generation.

MINI STRIP – showing a sustainable approach to automotive design and manufacturing

Polestar releases uncamouflaged image of its first SUV – fully electric, of course

Polestar, the Swedish car company which makes and sells on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), will hold the world premiere for its next model, the Polestar 3, this October. This will be a SUV, the company’s first, and reflects the significance of the segment which is the most competitive today. Polestar will be entering one of the highest margin and growth segments in the automotive industry, particularly in the USA.

Customers can expect to order Polestar 3 in initial launch markets from the day of the premiere. Production is expected to begin in early 2023, and besides China, the model will be manufactured in the USA. This follows carmakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW which set up factories for their first SUVs in the USA in the 1990s.

“This is a major milestone for our company, one that boosts our growth trajectory and takes us into our next phase,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. “Polestar 3 is the SUV for the electric age. Our design identity evolves with this high-end large luxury EV, with a strong, individual brand character. With this car, we bring the ‘sport’ back to the SUV, staying true to our performance roots.”

The company said that Polestar 3 will, over time, offer autonomous highway piloting powered by the best-in-class LiDAR sensor from Luminar and centralized NVIDIA computing power. At launch, it will have a dual-motor drivetrain for all-wheel drive and a large battery, with a range target of over 600 kms.

Polestar plans to launch a new model every year for the next 3 years, starting with Polestar 3. Polestar 4 is expected to follow in 2023, and it will be a smaller SUV coupe. In 2024, the Polestar 5 performance 4-door GT is expected to debut as the production evolution of Polestar Precept.

While Polestar is a recognised carmaker today, its origins were rather unusual as it started off as the name of a racing team in 1996. It gained prominence in the Swedish Touring Car Championship running Volvos and by 2015, Volvo Cars decided to take it in and give it a role involving high performance products.

*The Polestar name first appeared with a successful racing team running in the Swedish Touring Car Championship with Volvos.*

With Volvo Cars being acquired by the Geely Group in 2010, Polestar also became part of the group while its racing activities have been run by Cyan Racing. Under the Geely Group, Polestar grew further and besides developing and selling electric performance cars, it offers performance hardware upgrades and engine software optimisations for Volvo models through their Polestar Engineered division.

Polestar also functions as an innovation lab for Volvo Cars, developing designs and technologies. Being part of a huge group, Polestar enjoys technological and engineering synergies and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result, as well as sharing resources. Polestar has production facilities in China, and as mentioned earlier, there will be a new factory in the USA to manufacture the new SUV model.

To date, Polestar has produced two models – the Polestar 1 which was built between 2019 and 2021 as a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbonfibre body, and the Polestar 2 which sells in larger volumes.

The company plans to increase its presence to at least 30 global markets by the end of next year. This supports its plans to grow ten-fold from global sales of approximately 29,000 in 2021 to approximately 290,000 by the end of 2025.

Polestar O2 concept shows that sportscars will still exist in the electric age

What a future Mercedes-AMG model will look like

Everyone is going electric and so will Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG. And it is no longer a change that will take place in the next decade – stricter regulations have forced carmakers to act quickly and most have already a few fully electric models on sale, with more in the pipeline during this decade.

At Mercedes-AMG, it’s not just about switching to electric powertrains but doing so while retaining the high performance which the brand has built its reputation on. “We’re developing everything from scratch, from the dedicated AMG.EA platform to the revolutionary drivetrain technology with which we will take performance electric mobility to a whole new level,” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“AMG is reinventing itself. As was once the case with our founding fathers, there has been an amazing feeling of new beginnings here in Affalterbach [the home base of AMG] for quite some time now. The course has been well and truly set for an electrified future, and we’ve set the bar high. That’s because our customers expect something very special from all-electric cars. We have already well and truly proven our expertise in this regard with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, our own E PERFORMANCE hybrid technology and the first Mercedes-EQ derivatives,” he said.

To provide a glimpse of what its future high-performance products will look like, it has built the Vision AMG showcar. Like the Vision EQXX concept presented by Mercedes-EQ earlier, the Vision AMG is a design study which is not the basis for a future model though its technologies will be used in a new sportscar that will be out in 2025.

Monolithic sculpture
The proportions of the car are defined by a long wheelbase, and emphasised by short overhangs, powerful shoulders, large wheels, a distinctive rear spoiler and star-shaped headlamp signature. Joints and shut lines are reduced to a minimum, and the rear and side windows are painted in the same Alubeam silver as the car itself. The result is an overall look that reinforces the impression of a monolithic sculpture.

The graceful greenhouse is integrated into the flowing overall form and blends seamlessly into the low-lying silhouette. The roof tapers as its line drops elegantly towards the rear, flowing directly into the rear spoiler. The overall effect is a visually fascinating and aerodynamically advantageous teardrop form, not unlike that of the VISION EQXX.

The sharply angled tear-off edge at the rear incorporates an active spoiler, elongating the side view while at the same time improving the aerodynamics. It is framed by a precisely cut band of light that accommodates a variety of different light installations, providing an effective contrast with the large black AMG logo on the rear of the car.

Technical details are provided in general terms, with mention of a dedicated high-performance high-voltage battery pack and revolutionary drive technology. The powerful heart of the Vision AMG is its innovative Axial Flux Motor developed by Mercedes-Benz’ wholly owned subsidiary, YASA. With its compact and lightweight design, can deliver substantially more power than conventional electric motors.

Closed-off AMG grille
While an EV has no cooling requirements like a car with a combustion engine, the AMG grille with vertical bars is retained as a distinctive brand feature. The grille is therefore closed off, painted in body colour and fully integrated into the front end. As the visual focal point, the grille emphasises the futuristic look of the Vision AMG with its illuminated bars and three-dimensional exterior contour. The three-pointed star is positioned prominently on the bonnet.

Star-shaped light signature
The headlamp light signature is unique with 3 LED elements forming a stylised, three‑dimensional Mercedes star, ensuring the Mercedes and AMG branding is visible night and day. The two headlamps are visually connected via the horizontal band of light above the grille. This light band can display a variety of animations – ranging from a welcome signature to constant light.

The round lights at the rear have a light design that is new yet familiar. On each side, three LED rings are positioned in cylindrical tubes. Here, too, small stars link to the Mercedes brand. By way of contrast, the expressive rear diffuser is painted deep black.

Connection to Formula 1
The Mercedes-AMG name is very prominent in Formula 1 with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team having won the world championship 8 times. The Vision AMG makes a direct connection in visual details. Examples are the silver paintwork with a large-format star pattern across the shoulders and rear wings; functional elements in exposed carbonfibre; the aerodynamic design of the 22-inch wheels with aero claddings; the AMG logo; and elements on the sills and diffuser in the PETRONAS colours.

30 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz F 100 showed the future of motoring

Tata Motors reveals AVINYA concept to preview new EV model for 2025

Following the presentation of the CURVV concept early in April, Tata Motors recently unveiled a second concept car which will be the basis of a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that will enter the market in 2025. The new concept car is called the AVINYA, the name being derived from the Sanskrit language to stand for ‘Innovation’.

“While making the AVINYA Concept a reality, the central idea was to offer a mobility solution like no other – a state of the art software on wheels that is well designed, sustainable and reduces the planet’s carbon footprint,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors. “Green Mobility is at the nucleus of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), and the AVINYA Concept is the perfect reflection of what the company stands for – a creation that will not only accelerate the adoption of EVs but also lead this movement.”

Expanding on Mr. Chandrasekaran’s statement, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said: “It is indeed a matter of pride for us at TPEM to present the AVINYA Concept to the world, a vision pivotal in signalling a ‘New Paradigm’. Holding on to its values of Simplicity, Timelessness, Effortlessness and Grace, the AVINYA is not only a concept but is our new identity, an identity which is here to challenge the status quo. It gives me an intense sense of optimism to present a new typology of vehicles that will introduce the automobile industry to options beyond mobility – a tranquil space which will offer you a complete sensory experience while on the move.”

The AVINYA Concept is the first model built on the GEN 3 architecture developed for BEVs. This global platform offers high structural safety and has the next level of waterproofing and dust protection which may be a necessity in India and some other markets.

This architecture is built with the use of next-gen lightweight materials, efficient electronic componentry and proprietary energy management strategies and algorithms for efficiency management.

With this architecture, Tata Motors plans to produce a range of globally competitive EVs. These will have new age technology, software and Artificial Intelligence working in the background. To help in widening adoption of BEVs, Tata Motors aims to make the model fairly accessible to a majority of customers of fast-growing, high-volume segments of today.

The catamaran design served as inspiration for the AVINYA Concept, conceived as a premium hatchback with the versatility of an SUV and the roominess and functionality of an MPV. A significant highlight on the front and the rear of the vehicle is the new identity. Each side has ‘Butterfly’ doors, hinged at the front and at the rear. When both are open, a wide opening is available for entry and exit.

Such a concept is usually shown in concept cars but does not always continue in the production models. There are some models that do have it, like those from Rolls-Royce and as we have seen recently, the new Mazda MX-30.

The AVINYA Concept also has a skydome to further enhance the overall sense of space by letting in natural light from above. Sustainable materials are used, communicating the ethos of the product and as a finishing touch, there is an aroma diffuser.

Tata Motors’ designers have made an interesting departure from the trend of having more display screens (and larger ones too) around the cabin. They believe that less screen time is the way to go, and have minimised this aspect. This will eliminate distractions inside the car and create a stress-free environment for the mind and soul, they feel.

Tata Motors does not say much about the powertrain but intends to provide a battery pack with ultra fast-charge capability that will give a 500-km range in under 30 minutes. Other subsidiaries in the Tata Group will develop the batteries and EV technologies, giving the company an advantage in what will become a competitive segment of the global auto market.

Tata CURVV concept SUV previews next-generation electric model from carmaker

Updated Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets more powerful battery pack and digital mirrors

The 2022 World Car of the Year – the Hyundai IONIQ 5 – which is just starting to appear on Malaysian roads has received enhancements for better performance and new features. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which is just over a year old in the global market, is the first model to use the Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated BEV platform, Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

A major upgrade is the capacity of the lithium-ion polymer battery pack; when launched, it was available with a 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery pack but now, there is an additional battery pack with a greater 77.4 kWh capacity. Compared to the 58 kWh battery pack which has 24 modules/288 cells, and the 72.6 kWh battery pack with 30 modules/360 cells, the new one has 32 modules/384 cells. It also operates on the 800V system and is available for both RWD and AWD versions.

*Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform with the battery pack in the middle.*

Better performance and range
The new 77.4 kWh pack has an increased range of up to around 500 kms (with RWD) and a power increase of 11 ps compared to the 72.6 kWh battery pack. An 80% recharge should be possible in 18 minutes using ultra-fast chargers.

The operating temperature of the battery pack is extremely important to performance and its service life. The conditions cannot be too hot or too cold and to maintain an optimum environment, there is a new battery heater and conditioning feature. This will enable the system to adapt its battery temperature while on the move to achieve optimal charging conditions when reaching the charging point. Ultimately, the owner benefits with improve charging performance in hot or cold ambient conditions.

Three digital camera-based mirrors
Besides the more powerful battery pack, the latest IONIQ 5 will be available with video-based digital interior and exterior mirrors. Instead of using conventional reflective surfaces, the mirrors will display real-time imagery from small cameras. For the inside rearview mirror, the camera is mounted on the IONIQ 5’s rear spoiler.

The Digital Side Mirrors have already been available for Korean-market models and are now being offered outside the country in a Hyundai Motor Group vehicle for the first time.

Namsan Edition
In some markets, there will be a special Namsan Edition of the IONIQ 5. This has a very generous equipment level and top technical specifications. The Namsan Edition is named after Namsan Mountain in Seoul, from which where there are expansive views across the skyline of the capital city and a national park covering over 3.3 million square metres

The IONIQ 5 Namsan Edition honours the Korean landmark with its full-length vision roof presenting an unobstructed panoramic view, whilst there is leather upholstery, relaxation seats and spacious interior cossets occupants within.

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