2020 Auto Expo: Electric vehicles likely to be showcased
The 2020 Auto Expo, which is India's largest automobile show, is scheduled to take place between February 7-12, 2020. As has been the trend, the Auto Expo provides a global platform for Indian and international automobile manufacturers to showcase their upcoming concepts and also production ready offerings. The 2020 Auto Expo has been in news not for the expected four- and two-wheeler launches but also for the sheer number of mainstream manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, Audi, BMW and Land Rover who have decided to stay away from the event. The reason for that is the slump in automobile sales that has compelled almost every manufacture to alter their strategies in India. However, the 2020 Auto Expo will also be an important one considering the focus on EVs and cleaner tech that will be showcased at the motor show. Here's a list of all the electric vehicles that could be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo.
Maruti SuzukiIndia's largest automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki could bring the much anticipated all-electric WagonR that it has been testing in the country. While there is no confirm information on the type of motor, batteries and the driving range of this one, it is believed to offer a range of 150km in one single charge. Also, Maruti Suzuki will be selling its EV range of passenger vehicles through its Nexa dealers in India.
Tata Motors
Tata Motors have already made it official that their first all-electric offering will be the Nexon EV. The company has already been testing the electric SUV at various parts of the country. In addition to that, Tata Motors is also expected to get the Altroz EV at the motor show. This one could be more of an unveil if not a formal launch. The EVs from the Tata Motors portfolio will be powered by the company's Ziptron electric powertrain.
MG
MG (Morris Garages) is already off to a good start with the Hector. And now the company is planning to launch the ZS EV in India. It will be offered with an electric powertrain that makes 143PS and generates 353Nm of torque. MG will be offering a 44.5kWh battery pack in the ZS EV. We have already drives the ZS EV and here is the detailed review of the same.
Mahindra and Mahindra
Mahindra and Mahindra showcased a bunch of EV concepts at the last iteration of Auto Expo, which includes the Udo and the Atom electric concepts. However, this time around we expect Mahindra to bring production ready versions of the eKUV 100 and also the XUV300. The eKUV is essentially the replacement of the Mahindra e2o. While the powertrain will be similar to the one in the eVerito, there can be certain tweaks for better driving range. This one is could be making 42PS/91Nm with a range of driving range of 181km and could also come with fast charging.
Renault
Renault launched the electric version of the Kwid hatchback in China, termed the Renault City K-ZE. This version gets new styling elements which also give us a good idea of what the upcoming facelifted Renault Kwid might look like. The City K-ZE is based on the same CMF-A platform as the current Kwid but accommodates an all-electric drivetrain. There is a 26.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power this and give the city runabout a range of 240 km. The motor puts out 44PS and 125 Nm and gives the K-ZE a top speed of 105 kmph. This EV could also be the basis of an electric Kwid if Renault finds such a project viable for India.
Mercedes-Benz
Premium car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is expected to bring its stunning EQ range - EQC electric SUV and EQS electric sedan at the Auto Expo 2020. The EQC is powered by two electric motors mounted on each axle which gives it all-wheel drive capabilities. This set up combines to put out 407PS and 765 Nm. The two motors are not identical, the one in front is tuned towards efficiency while the latter is tuned towards spirited driving. Power comes from an 80 kWh battery which can get from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 40 minutes with a fast charger. On the other hand, the motors in EQS put out 350kW of power and 760Nm of torque and can propel this saloon from 0-100kmph in a fairly quick 4.5s. Mercedes-Benz claims a 700km range for the EQS and the fast charging can recharge 80 per cent of the batteries in 20 minutes. The electric powertrain is also scalable and modular, confirming that the EQS underpinnings will spawn other body styles and sizes.
Hyundai
Korean car major Hyundai will showcase the Kona EV at the 2020 Auto Expo. Motivation for the front axle mounted 100kW electric motor comes from a 39kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The powertrain claims a 0-100kmph sprint time of under 10s. The Kona Electric has been certified by the ARAI for a range of 452km per full charge, but we expect real-world figures to be in the range of 220-320km. There are three ways to charge the Hyundai Kona's battery. The basic charger plugs into a conventional plug point and needs 19 hours for a full charge. An AC stand-alone wall-mounted charger manages to charge the battery in around six hours. The Kona is also DC charging compatible, a 100kW DC fast charger will charge up to 80 per cent of the battery in 57 minutes.
Kia
Kia entered India this year with the Seltos SUV which has been gaining popularity amongst the Indian audiences. The company's second offering for India will be the Carnival MPV that is expected to be launched in India at the Auto Expo 2020. Kia could also bring in the Soul EV to showcase the car and also possibly gauge the reaction of the prospective customers in India