The Bharat Mobility Global Expo, an event showcasing the future of mobility, is underway from February 1 to 3, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The expo serves as a platform for the display of a wide array of innovative technologies and upcoming vehicles.
It features everything from automotive components to electric vehicle battery and charging technologies, and from alternate powertrains to groundbreaking technologies such as urban mobility solutions and autonomous vehicles.
Here’s an overview of the key highlights and presentations from major automotive companies on Day 1 of the expo.
Tata Motors
Tata Motors showcased a range of vehicles at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. The Nexon iCNG concept, based on the recently facelifted Nexon SUV, debuted and is expected to be the only vehicle in India offering an extensive list of powertrains. The CNG-powered Tiago and Tigor AMT, India’s first vehicles with a CNG powertrain and an AMT automatic gearbox, will go on sale in early February.
The Tata Curvv, displayed at the expo, is expected to launch soon. It stands out with a sharp-looking fascia and a unique coupe-like roofline. The Curvv EV will initially go on sale, competing with the upcoming Creta EV and born-EV SUVs from Maruti and Toyota. The Curvv will also have petrol and diesel engine options. Production of the Curvv EV series will start around April at Tata Motors’ Ranjangaon plant near Pune, with an annual sales target of around 48,000 units, including 12,000 units of the Curvv EV.
Tata Motors also showcased the Harrier EV, the Altroz Racer concept, and the recently launched Punch EV. The Curvv SUV and the Harrier EV in production form will go on sale later this year. The Altroz is expected to get a facelift with some features seen on the Racer concept. Other displays included the Safari Dark Edition concept, a Safari-based safety demonstrator, and the Nexon EV Dark.
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki India unveiled the eVX concept, a preview of the company’s first SUV for India, set to launch in late 2024. This SUV is a joint venture with Toyota, which will release its version next year.
The eVX and its Toyota counterpart, recently previewed as the Toyota Urban SUV concept, will be built on Toyota’s 27PL skateboard platform. This platform will also be used for future mass-market EVs. Both SUVs, measuring 4.3 metres in length, will offer ample cabin space due to their born-EV architecture. Maruti has been road-testing the eVX in India, and spy shots have revealed some details of the production model’s exterior and interior.
In addition to the eVX, the Wagon R Flex Fuel was also displayed at the show. This prototype is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine modified to run on E20-E85 Ethanol. The Wagon R Flex Fuel is still in the prototype stage, indicating Maruti’s commitment to exploring alternative fuel options.
Toyota
Toyota presented five models at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, emphasising alternative fuel vehicles. The lineup includes petrol, petrol-hybrid, CNG, and diesel-powered models currently available in India.
The event was inaugurated with the Toyota Mirai, a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle that operates on hydrogen. This sedan, available in select global markets, serves as Toyota’s technology demonstrator in India.
The made-in-India Innova Hycross, equipped with a flex-fuel powertrain, was also showcased. It features a 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine paired with an electric motor, similar to the standard Innova Hycross hybrid. This model can perform comparably to the standard model, even with ethanol-blended petrol, which Toyota claims can significantly reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
A cross-section display of the Innova Hycross hybrid was also featured, showcasing common electric powertrain parts among Toyota models. The Hyryder CNG and a specially designed Hilux emergency response truck were also on display.
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield has unveiled a flex-fuel variant of its popular Classic 350 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in Delhi. This version can operate on a blend of petrol and ethanol, with ethanol content up to 85%. The mechanical specifications of the flex-fuel bike mirror those of the standard Classic 350, featuring an air-cooled, 349cc, single-cylinder engine that delivers 20.2hp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
Given that this engine is also used in other Royal Enfield models like the Meteor, Hunter, and Bullet, there is potential for the introduction of flex-fuel versions of these bikes in the future. The Flex-Fuel Classic 350 distinguishes itself visually with a unique green and red paint scheme.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has unveiled its first flex-fuel motorcycle, specifically designed for the Indian market. This model embodies HMSI’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable mobility solutions, aligning with the Indian government’s initiative to explore alternative fuels. The pre-production model on display employs innovative “Flex Tech” Technology.
The flex-fuel motorcycle will be HMSI’s inaugural Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV). It will be powered by a 293.52cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine compatible with up to E85 fuel (85% ethanol & 15% gasoline). With over a decade of global expertise in flex-fuel technology and more than 7 million satisfied customers in Brazil, HMSI is well-positioned to facilitate a smooth transition to flex-fuel for the Indian two-wheeler market.
Honda Cars India
Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) is showcasing its Honda City e:HEV and the recently launched SUV, Honda Elevate, at the expo. The City e:HEV features a two-motor strong hybrid system. With three multi-mode drive powertrain options – EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Engine Drive Mode.
Both showcased models are equipped with Honda’s advanced safety technology, “Honda Sensing.” This system uses a high-performance front camera with a wide-angle detection system to scan the road, alerting the driver and intervening when necessary to minimise accident risks. Other safety features are Honda Sensing which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High-Beam.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is showcasing the Skoda Enyaq iV EV for the first time in India. The all-electric Enyaq iV, first showcased in production form in September 2020 and also spied testing in India, is expected to have its prices revealed in March this year.
The likely model to be introduced is the top-of-the-line Enyaq iV 80x, equipped with a 77kWh battery and dual motors that produce 265hp. The battery pack supports 125kW DC fast charging and offers a range of 513km (WLTP) on a single charge.
The Enyaq iV is built on the VW Group’s born-electric MEB platform, which also underpins the Volkswagen ID 4 and Audi Q4 e-tron. This marks the Czech brand’s entry into the Indian EV space.
