Latest news with #TOIAuto
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Aprilia RS 457 gets standard warranty upgrade days after engine controversy
Aprilia RS 457 gets standard warranty upgrade. Aprilia has upgraded the standard warranty for its entry-level RS 457 and Tuono 457 motorcycles in India, days after engine failure reports emerged surrounding the former. The company will now offer a 4-year or 48,000 km warranty (up from the earlier 3-year or 36,000 km coverage) at no additional cost, aimed at boosting customer confidence. Aprilia RS 457, Tuono 457: Warranty details The new warranty package is transferable and includes protection against manufacturing or assembly defects. It also covers labour charges and the replacement of faulty parts. This change is applicable to new customers and adds an extra year or 12,000 km of coverage to the initial plan. Royal Enfield Classic 650 Review: An Icon Just Got Bigger! | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Aprilia RS 457: What the company says about engine issues The announcement follows concerns raised by some users regarding the 457cc parallel-twin engine that powers both motorcycles. After reviewing the reported cases, Aprilia said in a statement 'We have meticulously investigated every single of the handful instances brought to our attention regarding alleged issues. A majority of these 'issues' are attributed to only two factors - Unauthorized Aftermarket Modifications and Irregular Service Schedules. For the few genuine cases that arose, we promptly addressed and resolved them in a timely manner, ensuring minimal disruption to our customers.' The RS 457, launched in December 2023, carries a price tag of Rs 4.20 lakh, ex-showroom. The Tuono 457, a street-naked sibling of the RS, was introduced earlier this year, priced at Rs 3.95 lakh, ex-showroom. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
VinFast reveals India operations plan: VF7 debut, production capacity, bookings & more
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast is all set to begin its India journey with the launch of its VF7 electric SUV , followed by the VF6. Bookings for both models are slated to commence later this month. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The company had earlier showcased its products at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo and has now confirmed its initial product lineup, manufacturing plans, and retail strategy for India. VinFast's debut in India: Initial roadmap VinFast's Indian operations will be supported by a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. To set up this plant, the company has invested USD 500 million in the first phase. As for the production capacity, the plant will initially be capable of rolling out 50,000 vehicles per year, with future plans to scale up to 1,50,000 units. The vehicles will be assembled locally as CKD units. In addition to launching its EVs, VinFast is also laying the groundwork for establishing its presence in the country. The carmaker plans to establish a strong dealership and service network across the country. Vinfast at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Cars, plans, tech explained | TOI Auto VinFast VF7 to debut first in India The company has confirmed that the VF7 will be the first model to go on sale. The model was also showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo in early 2025. Speaking of the model itself, globally, the VF7 is offered in two variants: Eco and Plus. The Eco variant gets a front-wheel drive setup with a single motor producing 201 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, while the Plus variant gets a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout generating 349 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Both versions are powered by a 75.3 kWh battery pack. As for the features, the VF7 gets a D-cut steering wheel, a button-style central console, and a dual-tone theme in brown and black. The Eco trim is equipped with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Plus comes with a larger 15-inch display. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Both variants include ADAS suite, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and over-the-air update support, among other features. The claimed range for the Eco is 450 km on a single charge, whereas the Plus variant delivers 431 km. Final specifications for the India-spec model will be revealed at launch, along with pricing and warranty details. Besides that, it also remains to be seen whether VinFast will bring its global battery subscription model to India. We can expect more at the time of the official launch.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Can battery recycling solve EV industry's growing e-waste problem?
This article is authored by Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro. India is on the cusp of an electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The government's ambitious vision to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030 is steering the country towards a cleaner, greener transport future. Yet, as the number of EVs on Indian roads surges, a new challenge is beginning to take shape—how to responsibly manage the growing volume of end-of-life batteries. Lithium-ion batteries , which power EVs, typically last between five to ten years. This means that the early adopters of electric mobility in India will soon start retiring their first sets of batteries. According to industry estimates, India could face the task of recycling up to 1.2 million EV batteries per year by 2030. By 2040, this figure may climb to over 14 million annually. If not properly handled, these spent batteries risk becoming a serious environmental liability. The urgency lies in the composition of these batteries. They contain valuable yet hazardous materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If improperly discarded, these elements can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing threats to both human health and biodiversity. At the same time, these materials are finite and largely imported, often under complex and geopolitically sensitive supply chains. Recycling offers a compelling solution. By recovering critical minerals from used batteries, India can reduce its dependency on imports, lower its carbon footprint, and mitigate the environmental damage of improper disposal. Currently, however, the country recycles less than 5% of its lithium-ion batteries through formal channels. Most of the sector remains fragmented and unorganised, lacking the infrastructure and regulatory clarity needed to function at scale. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto To accelerate progress in this area, coordinated action across multiple fronts is essential. Policy support remains a top priority. Stronger enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines can ensure that battery manufacturers and importers take ownership of the full life cycle of their products. At the same time, the development of a countrywide battery collection network and high-quality recycling facilities will be crucial. Public participation is equally important. Consumers must be made aware of how and where to dispose of batteries responsibly. Without an informed citizenry, even the most sophisticated recycling systems will fall short. Finally, investment in research and development will be key. Emerging technologies can make battery recycling more energy-efficient and cost-effective, increasing both its scalability and accessibility. India is not alone in facing these challenges. The European Union has already laid down ambitious plans for battery recycling and circular economy frameworks. Collaborations under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council are bringing much-needed global perspectives to our domestic efforts. These cross-border partnerships can catalyse innovation, knowledge transfer, and funding in India's nascent battery recycling industry. With the Indian lithium-ion battery market projected to reach 260 GWh by 2030, the urgency of scaling battery recycling cannot be overstated. A robust recycling ecosystem will not only support India's clean energy goals but will also enhance its strategic autonomy in critical minerals. As we embrace the electric future, the challenge of managing battery waste must not be left behind. Recycling is not merely an environmental obligation—it is a national opportunity to lead in clean technology, secure vital resources, and create green jobs. The road to sustainable mobility must be circular, and battery recycling is the wheel that keeps it moving.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300 launched at Rs 3.43 lakh: What's new
Kawasaki has launched 2025 initiation of its popular entry-level sportbike , the Ninja 300, priced at Rs 3.43 lakh, ex-showroom. Notably, the pricing remains unchanged but the model now comes equipped with a few styling as well as feature upgrades. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mechanicals, however, remain the same as before. Here, let's take a quick look at what this updated Japanese machine has to offer. 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300: Design and colour options As part of this upgrade, the motorcycle now gets new projector headlights. This illumination unit is inspired by its bigger sibling, the ZX-6R. Besides that, it now also sports a larger windscreen for better wind protection. Another major highlight of the 2025 iteration is that it is available with three new colour options: a 2025 KRT-inspired Lime Green, a Candy Lime Green option with yellowish-green highlights and the Metallic Moondust Grey option with black and yellow accents. Royal Enfield Classic 650 Review: An Icon Just Got Bigger! | TOI Auto 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300: Engine specs While these visual tweaks freshen things up, the motorcycle remains mechanically the same. It continues to be powered by the familiar 296cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor producing 38.8 bhp and 26.1 Nm. This powerplant comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Deliveries for the updated Ninja 300 are set to begin in early June. In the current market, it takes on rivals like the Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390 . Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
2025 TVS Jupiter DT SXC launched: Price, features & more
2025 TVS Jupiter DT SXC launched. TVS Motor Company has expanded its Jupiter 125 scooter lineup with a new variant called the Jupiter 125 Dual-Tone SXC. This new trim has been priced at Rs 88,942, ex-showroom, and comes with cosmetic upgrades, feature enhancements while keeping the mechanicals changed. Here's a look at the key details. TVS Jupiter 125 DT SXC: All you need to know As part of a major upgrade, the DT SXC variant features two new dual-tone colour options: Ivory Brown and Ivory Grey. Besides that, the company has added matching two-tone inner panels, a brown seat, 3D branding, and a body-coloured grab rail to complete the scooter's refreshed look. Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Another major highlight of the Jupiter 125 DT SXC is its SmartXonnect system. With this, riders get access to smartphone-based features such as voice commands, call and SMS alerts, vehicle tracking, and turn-by-turn navigation - all displayed on the new digital instrument cluster. As for storage, the model gets a 33-litre underseat storage along with a 2-litre front glove box for carrying small essentials. Under the skin, the Jupiter 125 DT SXC retains the same 124.8cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.04 hp and 11.1 Nm of torque. The engine continues to be paired with a CVT. The suspension setup remains unchanged too, with telescopic forks at the front and a 3-step adjustable twin-tube shock absorber at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a front disc, rear drum setup. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X.
