October 2023: Electric Two-Wheeler Sales Hit 71K, 10-Month Total Reaches 688K.

Due to the festive season and exciting offers from top two-wheeler brands, October and November 2023 are anticipated to register record sales for Indian EVs and Auto. During the 42 days of festive season, starting from October 15 to 15 Days after Dhanteras, the ICE and EV segments are continuously seeing incredible sales spikes.

According to the Government of India’s Vahan website, as of November 1, 2023, 71,604 electric two-wheelers were sold in October 2023.

With last month’s two-wheeler sales data, it's clear that even after the FAME subsidy cut, the sales of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market are growing. The cumulative sales for April-October 2023 and January-October 2023 have registered at 471,325 units and 688,442 units, respectively, increased by 27% and 41% YoY.

October 2023 has become the third month to register the highest sales after May 2023, with 105,521 units, and March 2023, with 86,339 sales units. The demand for motorcycles and electric scooters was also high because of the Shradh period, which was from September 29 to October 14; it’s a time when most Indian customers avoid purchasing new vehicles. Though the October retail sales figure of electric two-wheelers indicate a positive growth in sales figure, the sales figures were 7% lower compared to the sales figure of October 2022, recorded at 77,267.

ELECTRIC TWO -WHEELER RETAIL SALES BETWEEN JANUARY AND OCTOBER 2023 & YOY COMPARISON

| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Total ||----------|--------|--------|--------|--------|----------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|----------|| CY2023 | 64,691 | 66,087 | 86,339 | 66,869 | 1,05,521 | 46,065 | 54,577 | 62,729 | 63,960 | 71,604 | 6,88,442 || CY2022 | 30,121 | 35,738 | 54,403 | 53,287 | 42,408 | 44,392 | 46,603 | 52,223 | 53,284 | 77,267 | 4,89,726 || % change | 115% | 85% | 59% | 25% | 149% | 4% | 17% | 20% | 20% | -7% | 41% |

HOW INDIA EV INC HAS FARED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF CALENDAR YEAR 2023

| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Total ||----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|-----------|| CY2023 | 1,02,871 | 1,07,219 | 1,40,906 | 1,11,350 | 1,58,396 | 1,02,535 | 1,16,450 | 1,27,014 | 1,28,246 | 1,34,193 | 12,29,180 || CY2022 | 51,469 | 58,070 | 83,082 | 77,531 | 69,904 | 75,860 | 80,872 | 89,006 | 94,903 | 1,17,498 | 7,98,195 || % change | 100% | 85% | 70% | 44% | 127% | 35% | 44% | 43% | 35% | 14% | 54% |

The data also indicates that around 298,935 electric two-wheelers have been sold out since June 2023 at higher prices after a reduced FAME subsidy. Moreover, the cumulative sales of the first nine months of CY2023 were recorded at 688,442 units, 41% higher than January-October’s 2023 sales, which was 489,726 units. The India EV sales have even surpassed the entire CY2022 retail sales of 631,174 units, and two months are remaining, showcasing a further increase in CY 2023 two-wheeler sales data.

According to experts, the Diwali and Dhanteras shopping for electric two-wheelers can increase sales to 7,50,000 to 8,00,000 units, translating into 18% YoY growth.

Brand Wise Electric Two-Wheeler Sales Report for October 2023

Around 165 OEMs' two-wheeler sales data for October 2023 was revealed by the Government of India’s Vahan website. The top 9 electric two-wheeler manufacturers sold over 1,000 units while collectively generating 64,478 units, contributing 90% of total sales in October. Ola Electric and TVS Motor Co are two top electric two-wheeler brands in India, according to sales figures.

Ola Electric sold 22,565 units in October 2023, commanding 31% of the market share and registering 21% of MoM growth. The EV maker has already surpassed the 2,00,000 units of sales milestone in the first ten months of CY2023. Along with Ola Electric, the S1 series of e-scooters has already touched 75,000 bookings.

TVS Motor CO sold 15,729 units last month, registering 0.93 MoM growth and a market share of 22%. The two-wheeler manufacturer generated 15,584 sales in September 2023, continuously maintaining a stable sales figure in the domestic market. The data also states that the company TVS sold 134,279 units of iQubes between January and October, while the iQube has achieved the 2,00,000 units of sales milestone in just 45 months since it launched in January 2020. In August 2023, TVS Motor launched its premium and flagship EV, the TVS X, with a starting price of Rs 250,000 at a mega event in Dubai.

Bajaj Auto, a popular two-wheeler brand in India with a large portfolio in the domestic market and flagship offerings like the Chetak scooter, registered 8,519 units of sales in October, 20% up from September’s 7,097 units of sales. October was the second-best month for Bajaj Auto after May 2023, when it sold 9,983 units of electric two-wheeler.

Ather Energy witnessed monthly sales of 8,113 units, accounting for 13.45% of MoM growth when compared to the September 2023 7,151 units of sales figure. In July, Ather announced 100% on-road financing for its on-sale electric two-wheelers and also offered a 60-month loan product with a starting EMI of Rs 2,999. The company partnered with IDFC First Bank, HDFC Bank, Hero FinCorp, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finance, and Cholamandalam Finance to offer its finance services to customers.

Greaves Electric Mobility stood fifth with sales of 4,050 units in October, registering 12% of MoM growth. The sister company of Greaves, Ampere Vehicles, stood at 15th position with sales of 352 units in October. The combined October month sales for this electric two-wheeler brand reached 4,402 units.

Hero MotoCorp, with the flagship offering Vida scooter, got 1,899 sales units in October and witnessed 255% MoM growth. In September 2023, Hero sold out 532 Vida scooters to domestic customers.

Okinawa Autotech secured its ranking in seventh position with October sales of 1,430 units, a 20% MoM decline when compared to September 2023, with sales of 1,790 units. In January 2023, the company got 4,408 units of sales, which has continuously declined in recent months.

Bgauss Auto hit the best monthly sales in CY2023 with 1,147 units and 22% MoM growth. Other OEMs also saw a positive trend in their monthly sales, like Lectrix EV, which sold 1036 units and registered 41% of MoM growth, while Wardiwizard Innovations and Kinetic Green sold 864 units and 385 units of sales and 25% and 64% of MoM growth, respectively.

| EV OEM | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | MoM Change ||------------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|------------|| Ola Electric | 18,353 | 17,772 | 21,428 | 22,063 | 28,726 | 17,678 | 19,384 | 18,736 | 18,691 | 22,565 | 20.72% || TVS Motor Co | 10,464 | 12,674 | 16,891 | 8,758 | 20,433 | 7,868 | 10,398 | 15,480 | 15,584 | 15,729 | 0.93% || Bajaj Auto | 2,626 | 1,219 | 2,207 | 3,720 | 9,983 | 3,006 | 4,123 | 6,577 | 7,097 | 8,519 | 20.03% || Ather Energy | 9,227 | 10,071 | 12,183 | 7,800 | 15,427 | 4,600 | 6,679 | 7,139 | 7,151 | 8,113 | 13.45% || Greaves Electric | 87 | 153 | 382 | 551 | 1,155 | 1,440 | 2,159 | 2,925 | 3,612 | 4,050 | 12.12% || Hero MotoCorp | 157 | 304 | 298 | 145 | 751 | 465 | 990 | 914 | 532 | 1,889 | 255.00% || Okinawa Autotech | 4,408 | 3,846 | 4,510 | 3,218 | 2,908 | 2,619 | 2,265 | 2,001 | 1,790 | 1,430 | -20.00% || Bgauss Auto | 716 | 667 | 781 | 771 | 1,814 | 191 | 661 | 923 | 936 | 1,147 | 22.54% || Lectrix EV | 117 | 201 | 188 | 320 | 1,000 | 115 | 150 | 210 | 735 | 1,036 | 40.95% || Wardwizard Innovations | 157 | 215 | 260 | 295 | 364 | 440 | 458 | 527 | 690 | 864 | 25.21% || Okaya EV | 1,265 | 1,232 | 1,764 | 1,563 | 3,877 | 424 | 784 | 1,151 | 885 | 853 | -3.61% || Revolt Intellicorp | 14 | 79 | 1,140 | 526 | 572 | 714 | 484 | 514 | 887 | 676 | -23.78% || Hero Electric | 6,401 | 5,863 | 6,662 | 3,333 | 2,110 | 1,137 | 779 | 783 | 843 | 660 | -21.70% || Pur Energy | 717 | 488 | 584 | 506 | 510 | 819 | 516 | 499 | 532 | 470 | -11.65% || Kinetic Green | 1,028 | 817 | 1,645 | 848 | 897 | 203 | 232 | 384 | 234 | 385 | 64.52% || Ampere Vehicles | 4,370 | 5,851 | 9,348 | 8,324 | 9,621 | 1,602 | 1,414 | 773 | 585 | 352 | -39.82% || KLB Komaki | 307 | 337 | 402 | 346 | 361 | 362 | 363 | 420 | 351 | 297 | -15.38% || Quantum Energy | 38 | 33 | 26 | 72 | 59 | 79 | 218 | 271 | 300 | 255 | -15.00% || Battre Electric | 170 | 129 | 81 | 652 | 1,200 | 83 | 135 | 291 | 257 | 226 | -12.06% || Tork Motors | 62 | 24 | 88 | 84 | 210 | 45 | 66 | 90 | 150 | 168 | -12.00% || Jitendra New EV | 522 | 308 | 350 | 264 | 481 | 41 | 18 | 24 | 165 | 150 | -9.09% || Goreen E - Mobility | 298 | 337 | 324 | 247 | 278 | 316 | 232 | 244 | 236 | 178 | -24.57% || Ivoomi Innovation | 149 | 141 | 194 | 227 | 229 | 188 | 227 | 164 | 144 | 148 | 2.77% || Being India Energy | 571 | 337 | 446 | 340 | 269 | 253 | 195 | 143 | 167 | 103 | -38.32% || Twenty Two Motors | 520 | 416 | 363 | 324 | 720 | 164 | 198 | 132 | 153 | 101 | -33.98% |

Electric Two-Wheeler Sales Projection for November 2023

While October 2023 saw promising sales for electric two-wheelers in India, the sales figures will likely be even higher in November 2023. During the month, particularly on Diwali and Dhanteras, the sales of EVs, including electric scooters and bikes, are likely to increase exponentially. The rise in petrol prices and availability of several budget-friendly and durable electric two-wheelers has attracted Indian customers to prefer EVs over traditional two-wheeler options.

Further, the OEMs offer new product deals, exchange offers, and finance options to make the purchase more convenient for EV buyers. EV sales across the country have touched the 1.2 million mark in the first ten months of CY2023.

Stay tuned with CarBike360 for future updates on electric two-wheeler sales data.

Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara SUV might soon make headlines for its safety features. A leaked video suggests that this popular SUV is currently being tested by Bharat NCAP, India's safety rating agency. If the claims are true, the Grand Vitara will be the first Maruti Suzuki car to receive a safety rating from Bharat NCAP.

Testing and Expected Results

The video, which surfaced on YouTube, shows several images of the Grand Vitara undergoing various crash tests. These include frontal impact, pole impact, and side impact tests—key elements that determine a vehicle's safety rating. Though the authenticity of the video hasn't been verified, it has generated significant interest among car enthusiasts.

Launched in 2022, the Grand Vitara had not been subjected to crash tests by any agency until now. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, had previously announced that flagship models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, and Baleno were listed for Bharat NCAP tests. The results are eagerly awaited and could be officially announced soon.

Competitor Comparison

The Grand Vitara competes with other popular SUVs in the compact segment, such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. If the Grand Vitara achieves a high safety rating, it could bolster its standing in the market. The SUV is built on the Global C Platform from Suzuki, which also underpins other Maruti models like the Brezza. The Brezza secured a four-star safety rating at the Global NCAP crash tests, hinting that the Grand Vitara might achieve at least a four-star rating at Bharat NCAP, if not higher.

Maruti’s Safety Commitment

Maruti Suzuki's focus on safety is evident in the Grand Vitara’s features. The SUV comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, a 360-degree camera, a Head-up Display, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control, traction control modes, seat belt reminders for all occupants, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, not all these features are standard across all variants. The leaked video indicates that at least two variants of the Grand Vitara have been crash-tested.

Addressing Safety Concerns

With new models like the Grand Vitara and Brezza, Maruti Suzuki aims to address safety concerns among buyers. The company is striving to shed its reputation for producing cars with sub-par build quality. Improved platforms and advanced safety features are part of this strategy.

Even the latest generation of the Swift hatchback, launched earlier this year, received a three-star safety rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests. The Swift tested for European markets includes dual front airbags, side head airbags for all occupants, side chest airbags, and side pelvis airbags for front occupants, showcasing Maruti’s commitment to enhancing safety features.

Carbike360 Says

The anticipation surrounding the Grand Vitara’s potential high safety rating at Bharat NCAP highlights Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to improve vehicle safety standards. If the SUV achieves a high rating, it will not only boost its market appeal but also reinforce Maruti’s commitment to safety. Car enthusiasts and potential buyers are keenly awaiting the official announcement of the results.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced a significant milestone for its popular SUV, the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Launched in January 2024, this SUV has achieved remarkable success, selling one lakh units in just six months.

Sales Success

• Over 550 units sold per day: The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 has seen an impressive sales rate, with over 550 units sold daily in the past six months.

• 1 Lakh sales milestone: The vehicle has delighted one lakh customers since its launch in January 2024.

Official Statement

Mr. Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, expressed his excitement over this achievement: "We are thrilled with the remarkable achievement of the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Our SUV has achieved another milestone of one lakh sales, reaffirming its strong fan following in its segment. We are confident that the Hyundai CRETA will continue to set new benchmarks in the Indian automobile industry and delight customers.”

Design and Features

The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 is built on Hyundai’s Global Design Language of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’. It offers a bold design that appeals to tech-savvy customers who love to explore.

Key Features:

• Advanced Level 2 ADAS safety suite

• Powerful 1.5-litre Turbo GDI engine

• Panoramic sunroof

• Adaptive cruise control

• Ventilated seats

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• 360-degree camera

These features ensure a superior driving experience, combining comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.

A Legacy of Success

The Hyundai CRETA brand has sold over 10 lakh units since its first launch in India in 2015. The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 continues this legacy, setting new standards in the SUV segment and remaining a favorite among customers.

Citroen has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Basalt, which is set to compete directly with the Tata Curvv in the growing SUV Coupe segment. Both vehicles aim to make SUV Coupes more accessible in India, a segment previously dominated by luxury brands.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Citroen Basalt boasts a distinctive design, sharing its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. It features a sleek coupe roofline that extends to the trunk lid, pronounced fender flares, and plastic cladding, enhancing its rugged yet elegant appearance. The front is characterized by chunky bumpers and headlamps carried over from the C3 Aircross, while the rear gets a new set of tail lamps and a faux skid plate. The sides are adorned with new alloy wheels, complementing the overall dynamic look.

Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Design, described the Basalt as a blend of SUV robustness and coupe elegance. He noted, “The New Citroën BASALT combines the strength of SUV codes with the elegance of a Coupe. Its falling roofline nods to iconic models like the CX and the popular C4.”

Interior and Features

The Citroen Basalt promises a well-appointed interior, featuring a vibrant digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will offer front and rear armrests with cup holders, a phone holder on the rear armrest, and Type-C charging ports. The vehicle will also include wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control. For connectivity, it will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Basalt will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 109 bhp and up to 205 Nm of torque. It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic torque converter.

Production and Launch

The Citroen Basalt is expected to launch in August 2024. The production model closely resembles the concept version, featuring a coupe roofline and split grille. The SUV Coupe will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to other SUV Coupes in India, with an anticipated starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Rivals and Market Position

The Basalt will compete with the Tata Curvv and other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq. It aims to offer a stylish and practical option in a segment that has typically been more premium.

Overall, the Citroen Basalt presents a compelling alternative in the SUV Coupe segment, combining sleek design with practical features and a competitive price point.

Yamaha has introduced its groundbreaking Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox technology on the 2024 MT-09 street naked motorcycle. This innovative system, weighing just 2.8 kg, is set to revolutionize the riding experience in the performance motorcycle segment. The Y-AMT technology, optimized for sporty riding, will debut on the 2024 MT-09 model equipped with the powerful 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS.

The Y-AMT system allows riders to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes via a dedicated toggle on the switchgear. In manual mode, riders can use "+" and "-" paddles on the left handlebar to change gears, similar to paddle shifters in cars. The absence of a traditional clutch lever and foot-operated gear selector simplifies the riding experience.

Key features of the Y-AMT system include:

• Integration with ride-by-wire throttle for optimized performance
• Compatibility with cruise control and various riding modes
• D and D+ modes for relaxed and performance-oriented riding, respectively

This development puts Yamaha in direct competition with other manufacturers exploring semi-automatic transmissions, such as BMW and KTM. However, Yamaha's focus on performance-oriented motorcycles sets it apart from competitors primarily targeting adventure and touring segments.

While Yamaha has showcased several multi-cylinder motorcycles to Indian dealers, including the YZF-R3, YZF-R7, MT-03, MT-07, and MT-09, only the R3 and MT-03 have been launched in India so far. The introduction of the MT-09 Y-AMT in the Indian market remains uncertain at this time.

The Y-AMT technology represents a significant advancement in motorcycle engineering, potentially influencing future developments in the industry. As manufacturers continue to explore innovative transmission solutions, riders can expect more options that blend performance with ease of use in the coming years.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has made a remarkable entry into the market, attracting significant interest from two-wheeler buyers across India. Launched by Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, the Freedom 125 CNG is the world’s first motorcycle to feature a CNG powertrain. The bike, which aims to offer lower running costs for its owners, was introduced on July 5 with a starting price of ₹95,000.

High Demand from the Start

Even before its official launch, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG had generated considerable buzz. According to Bajaj Auto, more than 30,000 people expressed interest in the bike when it first hit the market. The company has now reported that it received around 6,000 bookings within just one week of opening reservations on July 18. Customers can book the bike by paying a token amount of ₹1,000.

Variants and Prices

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is available in three variants:

• Drum Variant: Priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)

• Drum LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Disc LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

The entry-level Drum variant features drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, a halogen headlight, and a sheet metal belly pan. It does not include smartphone connectivity features. The mid-level Drum LED variant comes with an LED headlight, drum brakes on both wheels, and an LCD instrument cluster, but still lacks smartphone connectivity. The top-end Disc LED variant includes all the premium features such as a 240mm disc brake at the front, a 130mm drum brake at the rear, an LED headlight, a full LCD instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity.

Engine and Mileage

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is powered by a 125 cc engine that produces 9.4 bhp of power and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. It features a 2-litre petrol tank and a 16 kg CNG cylinder under the seat, capable of holding up to 2 kg of natural gas. Bajaj claims the bike offers up to 102 km/kg mileage on CNG and 64 km/l on petrol. The total range on CNG is up to 200 km, and when combined with petrol, the bike can travel up to 330 km. According to Bajaj, the Freedom CNG bike can save customers up to ₹1,800 in fuel costs.

Safety Measures

Concerns about the safety of the CNG cylinder, especially in the event of an accident, have been addressed by Bajaj Auto. The company has released several videos demonstrating the bike's crash test results. These tests included a frontal collision with a 1.5-tonne vehicle at 60 km/h and being crushed under the wheels of a 10-tonne truck. In both scenarios, the CNG cylinder remained intact with no leakage. However, independent safety tests are expected to provide a more comprehensive safety rating for the bike.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has certainly made a significant impact in the market with its innovative approach and impressive initial response. As the world's first CNG motorcycle, it promises to be a game-changer in the two-wheeler segment, offering an economical and environmentally friendly option for riders.

Highlights

• Ola’s first electric bike teased

• More details likely revealed next month on August 15th

• The battery pack, electric motor, front sprocket, final drive chain, and more are visible

Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Electric, has teased a new electric bike on social media. This teaser image gives us a glimpse of Ola’s first electric motorcycle, which might be unveiled on August 15th, a significant date for the company.

What the Teaser Image Reveals

The image posted by Aggarwal shows some key components of the upcoming electric bike. Here's what we can see:

1. Steel Tubular Frame: The bike has a strong, tubular frame made of steel.

2. Compact Battery Pack: The battery pack is compact and fits snugly within the frame.

3. Electric Motor Placement: The motor is located below the battery pack.

4. Final Drive and Front Sprocket: The bike uses a chain drive with a visible front sprocket.

5. Control Modules: Several control modules are mounted in different locations, indicating a well-thought-out design.

6. Seat and Footpegs: A part of the seat is visible, along with forward-set footpegs, suggesting this is indeed a motorcycle. The seat height appears to be accessible for most riders.

Past and Future Announcements

Last year, on the same date, Ola Electric showcased four futuristic concept models of electric motorcycles. This year, we might see more developments and possibly more details about this new e-motorcycle.

Current Product Line and Future Expectations

Currently, Ola Electric's product lineup includes e-scooters. The addition of an e-motorcycle could take some time, perhaps a year or two, before a production model is ready. However, the company seems committed to expanding its electric vehicle offerings.

Stay tuned for more updates from Ola Electric, especially around August 15th, when we might get more information about their exciting new electric motorcycle.