The E-Luna is a made-in-India product and is designed to be a sturdy and durable EV.

Kinetic Green is set to launch the electric version of the iconic Luna in India. The company has announced that bookings for the E-Luna will open on January 26, 2024. Customers can pre-book on the Kinetic Green website for Rs 500.

According to the company, the Kinetic E-Luna is a fully made-in-India product and is designed to be a sturdy and durable EV. It will not only cater to the needs of customers in Tier 1 cities but also the folks in rural India.

Leaked images suggest that the E-Luna could be based on a tubular frame and might look similar to the ICE version. The image also reveals a square headlamp housing with the instrument console on top, a 2-piece flat seat and a flat footboard.

Kinetic Green is yet to announce the technical details of the E-Luna.

If you look into the matter further, petrol SUVs are gas guzzlers and battery-electric cars may not penetrate that much as the fossil fuel cars.

BHPian DRPSREDDY recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I believe TATA and Mahindra cannot run for long with the trio of Petrol-Diesel-Electric only combo.

If you look at the government projected figures of 30% electric by 2030, shows that Petrol will last for another 30 years but Diesel may die in the next 15 years, if government decides to implement stricter emissions laws.

If you look into the matter further, Petrol SUVs are gas guzzlers and battery-electric cars may not penetrate that much as the fossil fuel cars. So, both Indian duos need to shift the Hybrid sooner than later as they will loose out to the Japanese as they are deep into hybrids. Hope they don't lose an early war.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

100% agreed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Moving your posts to a new thread.

The petrol-engines of these large SUVs are royal guzzlers, giving 6 - 7 kmpl in the city. The market is signing off diesels which will only become more complex, cumbersome & expensive with time. The market is still a LONG way off mass adoption of EVs and there is still a massive market for ICE cars.

Hybrids are today's solution. Just see how happy Innova Hycross Hybrid owners are! 15 kmpl - wow.

Here's what BHPian Mr.S had to say on the matter:

I agree. Hybrids will be great during the 2025-2040/2045 odd phase (for the next 15-20 years). They will have a 15-20% share of Pie but more important in SUV Segment can go upto 30-40% & even higher in Bigger SUV. Won't be surprised if Toyota will be selling 70% Hybrids of a Innova or Fortuner.

It will require huge investment though. 1000s of Crores & counting & will require maintenance across the chain including training of folks. Not an easy issue. And you wonder how good these guys will be. But next 15-20 years should have a big space for Hybrids in the 20L+ Segment. For Mahindra it is more critical than Tata given their dependency on Diesel & Large SUVs.

Tata sells 50% of its cars using 2 models -> Nexon & Punch, both of whom will have a big electric presence if the battery prices come down in the next few years & both of them are largely city cars ! It is a missed opportunity though ! Don't know if these guys can invest along with the investment in Electric Cars !

Here's what BHPian motographer had to say on the matter:

No doubt that Hybrids are one of the most lucrative options right now, but I don't think Mahindra is having any plans of getting on the 'hybrid' boat as they have already displayed their prospective future EVs(Tata has explicitly said they have no plans for Hybrids). I also feel that even Honda which has one of the best hybrid systems will be bringing any more hybrids(besides City) to India. They have already displayed their intentions by not missing out on Elevate Hybrid and have said that instead they plan to bring Elevate EV within 3 years. Let's see what plans they have with the other 4 SUVs that they intend to bring by 2030.

Here's what BHPian Benoit had to say on the matter:

4 years ago, we wouldn't have known EV would grow to this level. The numbers speak for themselves. The growth is and will be exponential.

On the other hand, i don't feel so great about hybrids. The price difference do not justify the power or the fuel efficiency.

I think Mahindra is doing a great job. Explosive performance oriented ICE engines that will serve the present. A line up of EV for the future. On the other hand, Tata is doing okay with ICE engines. Their EV line up is very promising. I feel hybrids will not become mainstream, at least in the near future.

Here's what BHPian ergon_9700 had to say on the matter:

I actually agree with DRPSREDDY. Diesels won't last long. Max 20 years in my opinion. And for Petrol max 35 years.

Bigger engines especially turbo petrols are quite the guzzlers. XUV700 petrol is quite the guzzler especially the automatic version. Tuning can help but only to an extent. Mild hybrids can help to adding around 15% more economy.

Fuel economy as we know depends in several factors like engine efficiency, power loss, vehicle weight etc.

Hybrids even though they add weight, do use battery power to reduce strain on engine. Hence giving more economy. EV mode in stop go traffic. Also for people with long distance driving, hybrids are a natural replacement for those with diesel cars. Praying that the finance Ministry reduce Taxes on Hybrid cars.

But then we must note advances in EV battery tech. Toyota recently claimed a battery advancement that can give around 1000km with a single charge. But infra plays a big role even if you have high range.

Here's what BHPian antz.bin had to say on the matter:

I doubt Tata and Mahindra will venture into the Hybrids. Hybrids have way too much equipment (i.e. cost) and very little govt support to rationalise the pricing.

Govt in all probability will not increase GST on EVs too much since EVs directly promote reduction in requirement of imported crude and promote domestic electricity generation. Hybrids don't do either of that.

Already we have price parity with EVs w.r.t. Diesels and Hybrids. Creta Diesel AT, Grand Vitara Hybrid and XUV400 are priced the same, have the same interior and boot space. They also have roughly the same features (for the price). In fact the GV Hybrid actually costs substantially more than the XUV.

As of now, the XUV400 is the only EV which is >4m and also made in India. All Tata EVs are <4m. Once these companies grow their EV portfolios in the >4m segment, there is very little the Hybrids can do to compete. Larger cars also mean larger batteries installed which should alleviate some of the highway range concerns.

Its really a pity that sedans are on their way out. Sedans make ideal EVs with their long lengths, relatively low weight(vs SUVs) and lower drag coefficients making them more efficient overall.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

While ingress into the third row is relatively easy, egress is a total nightmare. My shoe kept getting stuck, and it took quite a bit of acrobatics to get out of there fully.

BHPian Arsenic recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got a chance to check out the GLB/EQB today at Phoenix Palladium. A couple of quick impressions:

• That 3rd row is UNUSABLE. Period. For context, I’m a 5’4’’ 13-year-old, and I would not want to be in there for more than 5 minutes. Plus, the lack of rear vents truly suffocates you. Big thumbs down to Mercedes on this. I would’ve preferred a 5-seat GLB, because boot space with all three rows up is, frankly speaking, atrocious.
• Second-row comfort is decent, even with the seat slid slightly ahead for a little more third-row. Seat material is nice and feels quite good.
• While ingress into the third row is relatively easy, egress is a total nightmare. My shoe kept getting stuck, and it took quite a bit of acrobatics to get out of there fully.
• What I do like is the interior up front. The cabin feels cozy and quite plush. I quite liked the ambient lighting elements as they seemed well-integrated and made the cabin feel just that extra bit nicer.
• Additionally, I must concede that the car looks BRILLIANT. It really does resemble the GLS from many angles, although a fellow young enthusiast I met there didn’t think the car looked like the GLS at all.
• The SA said that Mercedes is genuinely serious with the GLB and EQB, and isn’t just bringing the GLB as a stopgap until the next gen GLC arrives. Merc wants to create a new market niche / segment with these products, so the XC40 Recharge / EV6 aren’t in Merc’s line of sight at all. I’m all for manufacturers creating firsts in the Indian market, so I’m glad to see them trying and appreciate it. Something I don’t appreciate as much? The SA said the next-gen GLC will touch ONE CRORE!!!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Currently, there is no four-wheel drive option offered on any of the Tata models. Models positioned above the Nexon could be considered for this upgrade.

According to a media report, Tata Motors is planning to introduce four-wheel drive technology in its future electric SUVs. Models positioned above the Nexon could be considered for this upgrade.

Currently, there is no four-wheel drive option offered on any of the Tata models. Compared to a traditional AWD/4X4, electric motors allow easier implementation of providing power to all four wheels of a car. Each wheel or axle can be powered by individual motors eliminating the need for a central driveshaft or a gearbox.

Tata Motors aims to have 10 electric vehicles on sale by 2025. This will include existing electric versions of models like the Tiago, Tigor and Nexon as well as all-new models.

Source: Economic Times

Mahindra claims a range of 456 km on a full charge (ARAI testing) and in the real world, if one drives conservatively, 250 - 300 km seem obtainable. Translated, you’ll be paying just Rs. 1.07 per km which is an incredibly sweet figure.

Mahindra XUV400 Pros

• Finally a proper EV from Mahindra that's well-built and refined
• Zero tailpipe emissions & green image will appeal to the environmentally-conscious
• 250-300 km real-world driving range should be adequate for city commutes & inter-city travel to nearby destinations
• Exhilarating performance! 0-100 km/h in 8.3 sec is fun
• Remarkably cheap fuel cost of 1 rupee / km (if you charge at home)
• Sorted road manners & solid high-speed stability due to the lower center of gravity & firmer suspension. Beautiful handling package
• Smooth drive, no gears, one pedal operation, light controls & compact size make it an ideal city car
• Spacious and wide cabin with comfortable seats. Now gets a more practical 378-litre boot too
• Well-equipped with features like drive modes, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, disc brakes all-round, IP67 protection for motor and battery, and adjustable headrests for all 5 passengers. The XUV300 has scored 5-stars in the GNCAP!
• Low running costs & cheaper long-term maintenance (as is the case with all EVs)

Mahindra XUV400 Cons

• Launch & deliveries are still some time away (in 2023)
• Needs a charging point installed at your home parking spot. This is not doable for many people
• Lack of charging infrastructure limits long-distance / highway usability
• Long “full tank” charging times in comparison with an ICE car. Overnight charging is best
• Boring interior design feels kind of old by current standards
• Concerns over niggles in a freshly baked Mahindra EV. Our test car itself had issues!!
• A few cabin plastics & rough areas don't feel premium
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Missing features such as fog lamps, front parking sensors, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, wireless charging, rear AC vents, etc. Some of these are provided in the XUV300
• Will carry a price premium, like most EVs today. We expect the pricing to be in the vicinity of the Nexon EV

Read Team-BHP's detailed Mahindra XUV400 EV Review.

My usage scenario is 50:50 between city and highway, around 10,000 km a year. I plan to hold to whatever car I buy for at least 8 to 10 years.

BHPian bijims recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians!

I have been in search of a car for quite a long time now and have deferred my purchase decision over and over again when new launches are announced. Now, with the prices of the Strong Hybrid Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder officially out, I am in a dilemma whether it is worth going for the Strong Hybrid with astronomical fuel economy or with a Diesel AT like the Kia Sonet or Kia Seltos or go all in on electric with a Tata Nexon EV or upcoming Mahindra XUV400.

As far as I know, in terms of fuel efficiency, the Diesels would do better on the highway but the Hybrids would be much better in traffic owing to the ability to drive in pure EV mode in traffic and slow speeds. EVs on the other hand would have been a much better choice had it not been for the limited range and lack of charging stations.

I was initially considering a budget of 15 lakhs on the road in Kerala and had finalized on the Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT, but the launch of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the expertise of Toyota with hybrids to back it up made me reconsider my decision.

My initial requirements were:

• Automatic transmission SUV. (AMTs were a strict no however).
• Initial budget of 15 lakhs, now willing to stretch to 20 lakhs.
• Frugal, yet powerful enough for the highway.
• Reasonably spacious to seat 4 adults
• Long term reliability and good after sales service.

My usage scenario is 50:50 between city and highway, around 10,000 km a year. I plan to hold to whatever car I buy for at least 8 to 10 years.

With the budget increase, a few more options opened up including pure EVs and Hybrids and now I am in a dilemma, on whether to opt for a tried and tested diesel AT or go for a Hybrid or an environmentally friendly EV.

Do let me know your thoughts and all suggestions are welcome.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Very tough conundrum, especially because the number of EV & Hybrid models are extremely limited today. This will inevitably improve with time. But we are lucky to be having such discussions on varied powertrains. 10 years back, it was a standard NA petrol vs turbo-diesel choice.

An EV with ~ 250 - 300 km range is enough for 90% of us. Even for highway usage, fast charging options are coming up. If your destination is <300 km away, you can always charge it overnight. If your long 300+ km highway trips are just once in 3 - 6 months, you can rent or borrow an ICE vehicle.

I love Hybrids and think they are "today's" solution to doubling your fuel economy and reducing your carbon footprint. Toyota, Maruti & Honda have just launched proper hybrids and we can only hope that players like Hyundai, Kia & Tata follow soon. This is India's best bet for the next 10 years.

Diesel AT is the most practical choice, especially in the 15-lakh and up segments where model choices are plentiful. Specific to your usage & query, I would recommend the Sonet Diesel AT & the Nexon EV. Both are top class automobiles. Am unimpressed with the driving experience of the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid (going by our review).

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

The pricing of the Hyryder hybrid is fairly competitive and has set the cat amongst pigeons. It will be my pick above the likes of Sonet or Seltos diesel automatics. Pure EVs like Nexon are simply not practical for being your only car or if you have regular highway running. Maybe after 5-7 years, but not now. Great city car, but not enough range and inadequate + unreliable charging infrastructure for long distance use as of now.

Here's what BHPian ajayc123 had to say on the matter:

Analyse your anxieties:

• Range Anxiety: No to EV
• NGT Anxiety: No to Diesel
• Green Warrior Anxiety: Yes to Hybrid, EV

Jokes apart.

If your highway trips are short, and you have adequate EV charging arrangements, I would say EV.

If you experience tricky traffic situations on highway and require quick overtaking, EV or Diesel.

Your low usage does not justify Hybrid, and you may not even be able to recover the strong hybrid premium over weak Hybrid, while compromising on NHV and torque.

Here's what BHPian Vid6639 had to say on the matter:

I would like to have an EV but more and more I see the rapid development of EV's, the more they are like a mobile phone. Use for 2-3 years and they are outdated and throw away.

An EV will have barely any resale with the advancements in tech and cost reduction in batteries. You buy an EV with 250kms range today and after 3 years same one might be 500kms range. Who will buy a used EV with less than 200kms range after the battery degradation.

Anyone buying a used EV knows that 2nd owner will inevitably be the one having to spend for a new battery pack if 1st owner has used it for more than 5 years.

To finally conclude:

Here's what BHPian CCRider had to say on the matter:

An EV - If you have visibility into your destinations during your long trips and if those destinations have facility to charge.

My reasons:

• Main highways already have charging stations en route and there are apps that should help you locate reliable charging points.
• There are full fledged EVs that can do 350 to 400 kms on a full charge and several folks have already completed several highway trips. I believe once you do a trip or two you will get over the range anxiety.
• Its only going to get better with time and I think it will happen a lot faster than most people think due to the ease of setting up a charging station.
• Since you plan to keep your car for >5 years, it should age much better than the other two plus the economics will be in your favor.

IMO hybrids time will be short lived as there are already full fledged EVs already available. Speaking as a non-expert , from a systemic complexity point of view, hybrids seem inherently more complex than both ICE and EV as you have components of both systems plus another bunch of components to integrate the two systems. In most cases if a simpler system is available it will end up replacing the complex one.

Between Tata Nexon EV Max and the Mahindra I would go with the Tata as it is proven itself now plus you have a support community.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Ergonomics are average. A flat foot board would have been more comfortable. You have to reach to find the horn button.

BHPian sunilg33 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

After a lot of follow up, My ola S1 was finally delivered yesterday and here are my observations after close to 100 kms of drive:

• The delivery experience was smooth and on the expected lines.
• Earlier, S1 customers were given the full range of the S1 Pro including the hyper mode but mine only is limited to S1 features by software. So no hyper mode and restricted range. But since the battery is the same as in S1 Pro I still don't know how exactly they are achieving it.
• The vehicle is a definite looker.
• The artificial sound some EV scooters make is totally absent and only the motor sound is heard. So put, a speed of 30 sound is almost absent and will have to use the horn extensively to make your presence felt.
• Ergonomics are average. A flat foot board would have been more comfortable. You have to reach to find the horn button. There are too many buttons on both sides and without a backlit button, it was difficult during the night.
• The UI is very simple and smooth, with no major lags.
• Starting from an incline, is very tricky as the motor is cut off until we release the breaks. So the vehicle tends to move back before it finds enough power to move forward. This is even more tricky with 2 people on board.
• Apart from the initial pick up, the vehicle rides like a dream. You will be doing high speeds without noticing especially in the Sport mode.
• Even though the vehicle feels heavy, the overall build quality is flimsy.
• You feel every part is made to look good than to last long. The side stand feels like it can break at any time, and the seat base is also very light. If you look at the front suspension setup, it feels very fragile and it's always on the back of my mind when I take a pothole.
• The true range shown on the screen is pretty accurate.
• When indicators are used, the vehicle makes a sound and it's pretty loud and annoying. There is no way to reduce the volume or turn this off.
• After the related stories, I'm afraid to touch the reverse button even though it worked as expected.

So overall apart from the average build quality the vehicle ticks all the boxes. Fingers crossed on the long-term reliability and hope that the bugs are fixed soon.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.