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Ola Electric Starts Construction On New Gigafactory Facility In India

# Ola Electric Starts Construction On New Gigafactory Facility In India

On June 21, 2023, Ola Electric announced that it was beginning the construction of its new Gigafactory facility in Tamil Nadu, India. To commemorate this milestone, the company held a ceremony and shared a video of the installation of the first pillar of the new construction on its official Instagram account.

Once completed, the new Ola Electric Gigafactory facility will cover an area of 115 acres and will add to the manufacturing capacity of the company’s first manufacturing hub called Futurefactory. The company aims to have the Gigafactory fully operational by early 2024 if everything goes according to plan. Given Ola Electric’s track record of building the 500-acre Futurefactory and quickly starting manufacturing operations, achieving this goal seems feasible.

In addition to the Gigafactory construction, Ola Electric has been keeping itself in the news with the upcoming launch of its new S1 electric scooter, which its CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has been teasing. This, along with its impressive manufacturing expansion plans, will help the company maintain its position and attract more riders and potential customers in India.

However, Ola Electric also faces challenges as it continues its growth in line with India’s electrification goals. The company’s social media channels reveal some customer complaints about its services and products, although the company promptly responds to these comments with direct messages, promising to address the issues.

While the company initially focused on electric two-wheelers, it also made headlines in February 2023 when it announced plans to invest $920 million in the production of its own electric cars and batteries. All of these vehicles, including two-wheeled and four-wheeled ones, will be manufactured in Tamil Nadu. Ola Electric aims to produce 140,000 electric cars per year once it reaches full production capacity. Furthermore, the company has expressed interest in expanding beyond India’s EV market and exploring opportunities in neighboring countries like Nepal, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the European Union.

Ola Electric’s current hashtag of choice is #EndICEAge, underscoring its commitment to replacing internal combustion engines with electric vehicles. As the company’s journey continues, we will provide updates on any future developments.

Related articles:
1. [Indian EV Manufacturer Ola Electric Set To Begin IPO Discussions](https://www.rideapart.com/news/672340/ola-electric-ipo-update-2023/)
2. [Ola Electric Launches New Variants For S1 And S1 Air Scooters](https://www.rideapart.com/news/651822/ola-electric-s1-s1air-battery-variants/)

NewsNew

2024 NEW-BIKE PRICE LIST: THE WRAP

The 2024 models are now available at some dealerships, with new bikes on display. We’ve already seen most of the new dirt bikes from popular brands like Beta, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, and Suzuki. However, GasGas, Sherco, and Yamaha have yet to announce their new models, and TM reportedly does not have an importer in the U.S. If you’re planning to buy a new dirt bike in 2024, you should start saving up because prices have increased across the board. Here is a list of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) that have been announced so far. Please note that these prices do not include destination, tax, set-up fees, and additional charges. For last year’s prices, click here.

2024 Beta Xtrainer

Beta 125 RR Two-Stroke: $8,599.00
Beta 200 RR Two-Stroke: $9,499.00
Beta 250 RR Two-Stroke: $9,899.00
Beta 300 RR Two-Stroke: $10,099.00
Beta 350 RR: $10,499.00
Beta 390 RR: $10,599.00
Beta 430 RR: $10,699.00
Beta 480 RR: $10,799.00
Beta 300 Xtrainer Two-Stroke: $8,399.00
Beta 300 RX Two-Stroke: $9,399.00
Beta Explorer E-Moto: $4,890.00.

2024 Honda CRF450RWE

Honda CRF450R: $9,699
Honda CRF450RWE: $12,499
Honda CRF450R-S: $8,899
Honda CRF450RX: $9,999
Honda CRF450X: $9,899
Honda CRF450RL Dual-Sport: $10,099
Honda CRF250R: $8,299
Honda CRF250RX: $8,699
Honda CRF150R: $5,399
Honda CRF150RB (Big Wheel): $5,599
Honda CRF250F: $4,999
Honda CRF125F: $3,499
Honda CRF125FB (Big Wheel): $3,899
Honda CRF110F: $2,699
Honda CRF50F: $1,799

2024 Kawasaki KX450

Kawasaki KX450X: $10,599
Kawasaki KX250: $8799.
Kawasaki KX250X: $8899.
Kawasaki KX85 Two-Stroke: $4899
Kawasaki KX112 Two-Stroke: $5599.
Kawasaki KLX300R: $6199
Kawasaki KLX230: $5049.
Kawasaki KLX140: from $3649 to $4249
Kawasaki KLX110R: $2849
Kawasaki KLX110RL: $3049

2024 KTM 300 XC-W HardEnduro

KTM 450 SX-F: $11,099.00 USD
KTM 350 SX-F: $10,899
KTM 250 SX-F: $10,199
KTM 300 SX Two-Stroke: $9399
KTM 250 SX Two-Stroke: $9149
KTM 125 SX Two-Stroke: $8099
KTM 85 SX Two-Stroke 19/16: $6899
KTM 85 SX Two-Stroke 17/14: $6599
KTM SX-E 5: $5599
KTM SX-E 3: $5099
KTM 500 XW-F: $12,549
KTM 450 XCF-W: $11,999
KTM 350 XW-F: $12,149
KTM 300 XC-W HardEnduro Two-Stroke: $13,049
KTM 300 XC-W Two-Stroke: $11,449
KTM 250 XC-W Two-Stroke: $11,099
KTM 150 XC-W Two-Stroke: $10,099
KTM 450 XC-F: $11,899
KTM 350 XC-F: $11,649
KTM 250 XC-F: $10,599
KTM 300 XC Two-Stroke: $11,299
KTM 250 XC Two-Stroke: $10,999
KTM 125 XC Two-Stroke: $8399

2024 Husqvarna TE300

Husqvarna FC 450: $11,199
Husqvarna FX 450: $11,899
Husqvarna FC 350: $10,999
Husqvarna FX 350: $11,749
Husqvarna FC 250: $10,299
Husqvarna TC 250 Two-Stroke: $9249
Husqvarna TC 125 Two-Stroke: $8199
Husqvarna TC 85 Two-Stroke 19/16: $6999
Husqvarna FE 501w: $12,649
Husqvarna FE 501s Dual-Sport: $13,049
Husqvarna FE 450: $12,099
Husqvarna FE 350w: $12,249
Husqvarna FE 350s Dual-Sport: $12,599
Husqvarna TE 300 Two-Stroke: $11,549
Husqvarna TX 300 Two-Stroke: $11,399
Husqvarna TE 250 Two-Stroke: $11,249
Husqvarna TE 150 Two-Stroke: $10,199

2024 Suzuki RM-Z450 RM-ARMY

Suzuki RM-Z450: $9199
Suzuki RM-Z250: $8099
Suzuki DR-Z125L: $3599
Suzuki DR-Z50: $2579
Suzuki DR650S Dual-Sport: $7099
Suzuki DR-Z400SM Dual-Sport: $7899

–Ron Lawson
NewsNew

U.S. ISDE TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR ARGENTINA, 2023

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has revealed the riders and teams that will be competing in the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Argentina this fall. The U.S. will be sending a four-man Trophy Team, a three-man Junior Team, and a three-woman Women’s Trophy Team. Additionally, there will be seven three-man club teams representing the U.S. in the competition.



Taylor Robert will be back in action in Argentina.

The U.S. World Trophy Team, which consists of the top riders in the country, will be represented by Taylor Robert, Dante Oliveira, Cole Martinez, and Johnny Girroir. The U.S. Women’s Trophy Team will include Brandy Richards, Rachel Gutish, and Korie Steede. The U.S. Junior Team will be composed of Mateo Oliveira, Kai Aiello, and Grant Davis.

Argentina has proven to be a challenging location for the ISDE in the past, and this year’s event will take place in the same location as the 2014 competition. The U.S. teams have high hopes for success and are determined to perform well in the race.

The U.S. ISDE effort would not be possible without the support of the ISDE Advisory Committee and the event’s sponsors, which include KTM, BI-CON, FMF, Motorex, Rabaconda, Arai Helmets, and Motion Pro.

To learn more about the U.S. ISDE team and keep up with their progress, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/isde/. If you’re interested in traveling and supporting the U.S. team during the competition, you can register at https://form.jotform.com/amatech/2023-ama-isde-registration. The registration deadline is July 10.

Gaming, News

City Document Reveals E3 2024 And 2025 Have Already Been Canceled

In recent years, independent showcases by platform leaders and standalone events from big-name studios have overshadowed E3, stealing its thunder. Furthermore, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Games Fest show now dominates the June slot that was once reserved for E3 announcements.

Opinions on E3 differ. In a podcast interview with VGC earlier this month, Keighley said, “I think E3 sort of killed itself in a way.” The absence of Microsoft and Sony, the platform overlords, from E3 has reduced the incentive for the event. Additionally, the recent rivalries and conflicts over multi-billion acquisitions have driven the competitors further apart.

It is possible that Xbox and PlayStation may never share the E3 stage again, especially given the tension between Microsoft and Sony over the Activision Blizzard fiasco. In June, Microsoft hosted its Xbox Games showcase event, followed by a dedicated show for a Starfield deep-dive. On July 11, the company will host the next ID@Xbox Showcase to reveal trailers and gameplay details of new titles. Sony and Nintendo also held their own events in June, and Keighley had his own gaming event during the same window. This does not mean that E3 is doomed, but the opportunity for E3 to regain its former glory is diminishing.

Gaming, News

Razer Introduces Skins for Xbox Series X, PS5, Steam Deck, and Laptops

Razer, Inc. is a company that was established in 2005 and operates in both the United States and Singapore. Over the years, they have developed a wide range of technology products, including consumer electronics and gaming hardware. The brand is particularly known for its sleek and modern design, especially in the gaming industry. Their product lineup includes webcams, headsets, charging stands for game controllers, gaming mice, and even gaming chairs. In addition to these, Razer also offers its own line of gaming laptops and innovative devices that enhance the gaming experience, such as the Kishi V2, a controller that can be attached to an iPhone to transform it into a mobile gaming console.

While some of the products offered by Razer are a bit unique, like their environmentally-conscious reusable straws, they have also recently released more conventional items. For instance, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched the Razer Zephyr, an air-purifying face mask priced at $100. This mask was compatible with N95 filters and featured two-speed fans. One might be surprised to learn that Razer took quite some time to introduce custom skins for devices like MacBooks and Steam Decks, considering it aligns with their brand. However, it is expected that Razer will release more patterns and potentially skins for other devices in the future.

Featured

Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Makes A Comeback In India


The iconic SL nameplate is back for some top-down motoring in style, that too in a performance-spec AMG avatar

The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 Roadster has been launched in India at a price of Rs 2.35 crore (ex-showroom, pan India). The SL nameplate was last available in India in 2012, and now the sixth-generation model is making a comeback. The company has also started taking orders for the two-door SL cabriolet in India after a gap of almost 11 years.

Mercedes’ Only Two-Door Cabriolet

The AMG SL 55 Roadster is only the second convertible from Affalterbach to be available in India, following the E-Class cabriolet. The latest SL 55 features smooth and curvaceous lines, in line with Mercedes’ current design language. It has a distinctive slatted AMG-exclusive grille with sharp LED taillights, giving it a focused and performance-oriented appearance.

The roadster is equipped with 21-inch AMG-spec alloy wheels and high-performance tires. It comes with a soft-top that can be electronically stored away in just 15 seconds at speeds of up to 60kmph. The front of the car has an elongated profile, while the rear is stubby, contributing to its aggressive look with sleek tail lamp design and quad exhausts.

A Luxurious Cabin

Similar to other Mercedes-AMG models, the SL 55 combines luxury with a sporty touch. It features a chunky three-spoke AMG steering wheel with heating function, sporty aluminum pedals, turbine-inspired AC vents, carbon fiber inserts on the center console, and optional Nappa leather seat upholstery. The SL sports a 2+2 seating configuration, which is typical of luxury sports coupes.

Packed with Features

The SL 55 Roadster is equipped with a range of features including a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, dual-zone climate control, and 64-color ambient lighting. The centerpiece is a portrait-styled 11.9-inch touchscreen MBUX-powered infotainment system with a 1220W 17-speaker Burmester sound system and wireless charging. Safety features include blind spot assist, surround view system, parking assist, eight airbags, ESP, and optional radar-based ADAS. The car also offers a usable boot with 240 liters of storage, enough for a couple of travel bags or even a golf bag.

A Handcrafted V8 Under The Hood!

The Mercedes-AMG SL 55 is powered by the brand’s signature hand-built 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. With an output of 476PS and 700Nm of torque, the engine propels the car from 0 to 100kmph in just 3.9 seconds. The transmission duties are handled by a 9-speed MCT automatic unit.

The car comes with Mercedes’ 4MATIC+ (AWD) drivetrain with rear-wheel steering and rear limited-slip differential as standard, ensuring excellent grip and stability during high-speed cornering. It also features an active suspension system with dynamic abilities, offering a choice of driving experiences from comfort to dynamic. Additionally, it can raise the car’s clearance by 30mm to tackle uneven terrains.

Rivalry

With its price, the AMG SL 55 directly competes with the lower variants of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, which are similarly priced. Although open-top motoring is still not widely practiced in India, cars like the SL are likely to encourage more demand for cabriolets in the country.

Motorsport

Corvette E-Ray Behind-The-Scenes Video Reveals Elaborate Photo Shoot

# Corvette E-Ray Behind-The-Scenes Video Reveals Elaborate Photo Shoot

It’s no secret that automakers invest a significant amount of time and effort into capturing the perfect photos of their new cars. While some official launch photos may seem hastily done, in general, the process involves more than just finding a cool spot and snapping some pictures. The official Instagram account for the GM Design studios recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at Chevrolet’s photo shoot for the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, revealing the elaborate setup and attention to detail involved.

One of the locations for the shoot was a winding road through a forest during the day. But simply driving on a dry road wasn’t enough for the E-Ray. A truck was brought in to wet the surface with water, and a smoke machine was used to add atmosphere. The video footage shared on Instagram gives a glimpse into the actual shoot and showcases the resulting official images.

Another location for the shoot was at night, and while it doesn’t appear as elaborate as the daytime shoot, the road is clearly wet, suggesting the use of water to enhance the visuals.

It’s important to note that the Corvette E-Ray is a significant vehicle for Chevrolet. It is the first Corvette to feature an electrified powertrain and all-wheel drive, making it the fastest-accelerating model in the Corvette lineup. Given its significance, it comes as no surprise that extra attention was given to capturing stunning images of the E-Ray.

This behind-the-scenes look at the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot raises curiosity about what the next Corvette trim, rumored to be the ZR1, will bring. Based on aggressive-looking camouflaged prototypes and a leaked report, the ZR1 is expected to be the most powerful and fastest production Corvette to date, with up to 850 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine.

In conclusion, the Corvette E-Ray photo shoot showcased the dedication of the GM Design studios and the meticulous effort put into capturing stunning images of this special Corvette variant. As we await the debut of the next Corvette trim, it’s exciting to anticipate the elaborate photo shoot that will accompany its introduction.

Motorsport

Watch Ferrari SF90 Stradale Hybrid Drag Race Tuned BMW M3 With 750 HP

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a plug-in hybrid supercar that demonstrates the benefits of electrification in terms of performance. It boasts a combination of engine power and electric motors, resulting in close to 1,000 horsepower. In a recent drag race video, the SF90 Stradale goes head-to-head with a modified BMW M3 sedan.

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, three electric motors, and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This plug-in hybrid vehicle, first unveiled in 2019, offers a combined power output of 986 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The engine alone produces 768 hp, while the additional electric motors provide supplementary power. Ferrari has strategically positioned one motor on the rear axle and two on the front.


News

Kia design boss: “the post-SUV is coming”

In recent months, many brands have suggested that the traditional SUV’s days may be numbered. These upright, two-box vehicles, favored by regular drivers but often criticized by car enthusiasts, are facing reconsideration due to the increasing importance placed on aerodynamic efficiency and sustainability. Despite this, the demand for SUVs remains high.

Kia’s design chief, Karim Habib, is open to exploring new possibilities: “We will try different things,” he says. “I believe there are more efficient ways to utilize space.” With the elimination of the transmission tunnel and engine bay on the horizon, interior design can take a completely new direction. In the near future, cars no longer need to be the same size and shape to provide comparable utility and comfort.

“I personally believe that you can create really cool vans,” Habib remarks. He offers the rakish Carnival, not available in the UK, as an example of a “cool” and “desirable” take on the traditional MPV. Meanwhile, Habib emphasizes that technological progress must be evident in SUVs for them to survive. It’s not about the specific typology, but rather, what it represents.

Kia’s design lessons from Land Rover

While it may seem unthinkable, Kia finds design inspiration from Land Rover. Habib points out the EV9’s simplistic lines and minimalist details as evidence. “There’s something really nice about these authentic, honest, boxy SUVs,” he states. Habib admires the enduring appeal of the Land Rover Defender, both old and new, for its cool factor.

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Take A Look Inside Peugeot’s Cutting-Edge Production Facility In France

For motorcycle enthusiasts, understanding the technical aspects of motorcycles is just as important as enjoying the freedom and mobility they offer. That’s why videos showcasing the building, customization, and restoration of motorcycles are so appealing. Peugeot Motocycles, a historic French brand that has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, has uploaded a video on its official YouTube channel, providing a glimpse into its cutting-edge production facility in Mandeure, France. This video showcases the assembly of two popular models, the Metropolis three-wheeler and the Pulsion maxi-scooter. In addition to the fascinating technology, the video captures the emotion and craftsmanship that goes into each motorcycle.


The video begins by showing the entrance of the facility and then transitions to a designer hand-sketching the design of a scooter. The scooter then comes to life through Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The video then showcases the process of engine assembly and provides a glimpse of the production line for the Metropolis and Pulsion. Peugeot’s facility utilizes a combination of skilled craftspeople and robotics to build the engines and other intricate components of the motorcycles.

Next, the video takes us to the company’s paint booth, where the panels and components of the scooters are manually painted by craftsmen, which is a unique approach compared to other manufacturers that rely heavily on robots for this process. The painted parts are then left to cure before being transported to the assembly line. At the assembly line, engine builders work alongside technicians assembling the wheels and tires, getting everything ready for final assembly.


The video concludes with a stop-motion-style montage of the scooters being put together, followed by a thorough quality inspection of each new motorcycle. Finally, the video proudly displays the hashtags #MadeInFrance and #MadeInMandeure, highlighting the brand’s commitment to manufacturing and assembling its products in its home country.