Tag Archives: news

Elon Musk Confirms Tesla India Debut After Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi


The Model 3 and Model Y could be Tesla’s debut cars in India

Elon Musk Narendra Modi

BIG NEWS! Tesla India launch has just been confirmed by the brand’s boss, Elon Musk. The Twitter CEO met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to the US, where they talked about several issues ranging from energy to spirituality.

In a public interview, Elon Musk said, “It was a fantastic meeting with the Prime Minister and I like him quite a lot. He visited our factory a few years ago. So, we have known each other for a while.”

“I am incredibly excited about the future of India. I think India has more promise than any large country in the world,” he added.

Also Read: The Bigger, The Better? These 10 Cars Have The Biggest Displays In The World

When is Tesla coming, then?

Tesla Model Y

Musk also said that Tesla will be in India as soon as humanly possible. The Prime Minister has invited the Tesla founder to explore significant investment opportunities in India. This further strengthens the reports that Tesla is planning to set up a factory in India and sell locally produced EVs. This will ensure lower prices of the still premium EVs.

Tesla talks so far

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla-India talks have seen several ups and downs over the years. The electric carmaker even registered its office in Bengaluru and we spotted several test mules of the Model 3 too. However, high import taxes were the main hurdle which made Tesla sceptical about its India move. The American carmaker’s request for lower tariffs on pure EVs was shot down and the company was uncertain about making manufacturing investments without being able to test the market with its products first.

Also Read: India’s Lithium Reserves Have Just Gotten Bigger

The carmaker currently has the Model 3, Model Y, Model X, and Model S on sale globally. India might get the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover at first. The Cybertruck will be globally launched sometime in 2024, while the carmaker is also readying up a new entry-level EV.

2024 BETA XTRAINER ANNOUNCED

Beta has revealed some details about its 2024 model line, and one of the highlights is the 2024 Xtrainer. This off-road motorcycle is equipped with a 300cc two-stroke engine and comes at an attractive price. Last year, the Xtrainer underwent a complete redesign, and for the 2024 model, Beta has made further improvements in terms of form and function. The aim is to make the Xtrainer even more versatile and usable in various off-road riding conditions.

The Xtrainer stands out with its unique package of technical specifications, equipment, performance, ergonomics, and design. It now features a security/safety system, along with new graphics, for the 2024 model year. The engine’s power delivery is one of the standout features of the Xtrainer, as it is designed to meet the needs of riders who want a motorcycle that is easy to handle and practical in different situations. Inspired by trials riding, the Xtrainer offers adaptability and ease of use, making it suitable for beginners, seasoned enduro riders, and even experts who want an extreme enduro companion. With the Xtrainer, riders can focus on enjoying the off-road experience without any hassle.

Some notable features of the 2024 Xtrainer include:

  • Limited weight, tipping the scales at only 218 lbs.
  • A unique frame design that is approximately 15% smaller than the standard RR models, providing a smaller and more nimble feel.
  • A reduced seat height by 20mm compared to the RR model range, making it easier for riders to touch the ground in tricky conditions.
  • Nissin hydraulic disc brakes measuring 260mm at the front and 240mm at the rear.
  • A lightweight and high-performance lithium battery.
  • Single-track-inspired R16V suspension with 43mm forks at the front and a rear shock with linkage. The suspension offers adjustable spring preload and rebound damping.
  • An electric start for quick and convenient starting. There is also an option for a backup kick starter.
  • The Beta progressive exhaust valve that can be adjusted externally to optimize the engine’s performance based on riding conditions.
  • A two-position MAP switch that works independently from the power valve adjuster, allowing riders to have more control over engine tuning.
  • A transparent fuel tank with a capacity of 2.3 gallons.
  • An oil injection system that eliminates the need for premixing. The oil tank is located below the seat, and the seat can be easily removed for maintenance.
  • Off-road-friendly soft tires that enhance the Xtrainer’s handling and provide more grip over rocks and roots.
  • A cooling fan that is standard on all Xtrainers, automatically maintaining the engine at the perfect temperature.
  • A 300 cc engine derived from the RR models but tuned differently for the Xtrainer. The engine delivers softer overall power, and combined with the torquey exhaust pipe, offers a power delivery that feels almost electric. The special diaphragm clutch has three positions of adjustment to suit the rider’s preferences.
  • An electronic key/safety system that provides a secure lock-out key exclusively for the motorcycle. The system also includes a steering lock and a wristband tether that, when disconnected, will kill the engine for added safety.

As for pricing, the 2024 Xtrainer will be available at a price of $8,399.00, plus a $489.00 destination fee. Keep in mind that professional dealer setup, taxes, license, and other required fees are not included in the price.

The Xtrainer is expected to be available in September 2024.

Gui’an Embraces New Energy and New Material Industry to Integrate Guizhou and Shanghai Resources

GUIYANG, China, June 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A news report by Huanqiu.com:

As the last cubic of concrete craned and placed on the roof of its module plant, CATL Guizhou Power Battery Manufacturing Base celebrated a milestone of its Gui’an Phase I project.

Kicking off in Gui’an New District in February 2022, the CATL Guizhou Power Battery Manufacturing Base project covers an area of about 95.7 hectares, with a planned annual production capacity of 60 GWh of power and energy storage battery. The project will be developed in two phases, among which Phase I, covering 59 hectares with an annual production capacity of 30 GWh power, energy storage battery production lines, and supporting facilities, is still under construction.

According to the head of the project, the manufacturing base will be equipped with CATL’s cutting-edge high-takttime and highly flexible production lines with an automation rate of as high as 95%. By taking Gui’an as a significant base, CATL Guizhou aims to create a green industrial chain system with low or zero carbon emissions from upstream phosphate mining, phosphorus, and fluorine chemicals production, to lithium-ion battery manufacturing, downstream applications, and battery recycling, thus helping Guizhou build a new energy automobile industry ecosystem with distinctive characteristics and outstanding advantages.

The manufacturing base remains one of the important projects introduced by Shanghai Zhangjiang (Gui’an) Hi-tech Park. After putting it into operation, the expected benefits of Phase I include RMB15 billion annual output value, RMB 1 billion annual tax contribution, and over 3,000 job opportunities.

The blueprinted Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, expanding 17 square kilometers in south-central Pudong New District of Shanghai, is one of the key development zones together with Lujiazui, Jinqiao, and Waigaoqiao development zones. In early April, Gui’an New District took the initiative to co-build an industrial park with Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park. Subsequently, Gui’an Development Group and Zhangjiang Group soon reached a consensus on co-developing Zhangjiang (Gui’an) Hi-tech Park in Phase II of Guiyang big data sci-tech innovation city. Backed by Gui’an New District and Pudong New District, the Park will combine the resources and strengths of Guizhou and Shanghai to power up the high-quality development of big data, new energy, and new materials sectors.

The Guizhou-Yangtze Delta industrial match-making conference on June 1 witnessed the execution of the strategic cooperation agreement on Shanghai Zhangjiang-Gui’an Hi-tech Park. Contracts for 46 industrial investment projects were signed at the meeting, including Guizhou Tianneng Recycling Material Industrial Park and Huaxi District Specialty Beverage Production Base and covering a large scope of industries, such as new energy vehicle and battery materials, big data electronic information, aerospace and equipment, cultural tourism, Maotai-flavor baijiu, basis materials, modern chemical industry, modern energy, modern commerce, modern finance, modern logistics, and eco-food.

SOURCE Huanqiu.com