From L-R: Pratap Bose- Head of Design, Tata Motors and S N Barman- Vice President Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors at the launch of the Tata Harrier in Kolkata. 

Tata Motors has launched its much-awaited SUV, the Harrier, which has generated curiosity among many since its concept H5X days when it was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Tata Motors has pleasantly surprised everyone with their aggressive price strategy launching the Harrier with prices starting at Rs. 12.69 lakhs, ex-showroom Kolkata.

In many ways, the Tata Harrier is truly a global SUV, offering a combination of design and excellence which is outcome of the marriage between Tata Motors and JLR. This thoroughbred SUV, engineered on Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced (OMEGA) Architecture has been tested on varied terrains and promises to offer praiseworthy driving dynamics. The Harrier is the first vehicle to sport the IMPACT Design 2.0 design language of Tata Motors, which aspires to appeal to customers with its exteriors and interiors designs.

According to SN Barman, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors – “The launch of the Tata Harrier is a significant milestone in the journey of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle business unit. The much- awaited Harrier has created a lot of excitement in the market ever since it was unveiled at the Auto Expo as H5X concept. Customers have admired the Harrier for its stunning exteriors and the legendary pedigree of OMEGA ARC, derived from Land Rover’s D8 Platform. With a perfect combination of design and performance, this SUV is set to be a game changer in the Indian auto sector and promises to surpass all current benchmarks and pave entirely new standards for SUVs in India.”

According to Pratap Bose, Head – Design, Tata Motors – “Tata Harrier will be the first vehicle from Tata Motors to sport the Impact 2.0 design language delivering extraordinary interior and exterior design, future-ready connectivity and infotainment. Built on the OMEGA ARC, which is derived from Land Rover’s legendary D8 Platform, the Harrier encompasses the capabilities to be an SUV ‘Above All’. We are overwhelmed with the response received from the initial previews and wish to carry the momentum forward following the launch.”

A contemporary expression of Tata Motors new Impact Design 2.0 language grabs the attention of the viewer. The strong proportions and expressive surfaces provides a true SUV stance, incredible road presence and a sense of dynamism. With contemporary SUV design proportions, the Harrier flaunts a floating roof with bold chrome finisher, flared wheel arches, dual function LED DRLs accentuating its overall bold presence.

The interior design is clean, clutter free and offers a blend of a great balance of style and practicality. The use of high quality materials and colour combinations enhances the experience, lending a premium and luxurious feel to the interiors.

Harrier will be available in four variants – XE, XM, XT, XZ and five exciting colour options – Calisto Copper, Thermisto Gold, Ariel Silver, Telesto Grey & Orcus White.

The Harrier is equipped with safety features that lends greater confidence behind the wheel. An Advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with 14 added functionalities ensures stability in difficult driving conditions. 6 Airbags (Driver, Co-Driver, Side Seat and Curtain Airbags) and Child Seat ISOFIX Anchor Points ensure uncompromising protection on every ride.

The Harrier is powered by the Kryotec 2.0 diesel engine, which provides an optimal balance between power and fuel economy. It is seamlessly mated to a 6-speed Manual Transmission. The Kryotec engine delivers 140 PS power and 350 Nm of torque with an Advanced Electronically Controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT) for excellent low-end torque and linear power delivery with low carbon footprint.

The Multi-drive Mode 2.0 – the Engine Drive Modes (Eco, City, Sport) married to the ESP Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet) – ensures effortless handling over every kind of terrain with a steering tuned for excellent driving dynamics.

The front and rear suspensions on the Harrier are specially tuned for Indian conditions delivering a refined ride with great handling. The front suspension and hydra bush have been carried over from the D8 Platform while the rear twist blade suspension has been specially designed by Lotus Engineering UK.

Tata Harrier takes the in-car experience to the next level with segment-leading features. A Floating Island Touchscreen Infotainment System with 8.8-inch High Resolution Display offers amazing in-car connectivity and infotainment though Android Auto & Apple Car Play, the ConnectNext App Suite (DriveNext, Tata Smart Remote, Tata Smart Manual), Video & Image Playback, Voice Recognition & SMS Readout, Voice Alerts, and a lot more. A 320W RMS JBL Audio System with 9 speakers (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters + 1 Subwoofer) creates an acoustically-tuned audio experience. Harrier features seamless mirroring of media, phone and navigation information between the infotainment and 7-inch Coloured TFT Display Instrument Cluster.

Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations and Shilpa Nair, Dealer Principal, Chandrani Nissan at the launch of Nissan Kicks in Kolkata.

Japanese carmaker Nissan has launched their most awaited SUV – the Nissan Kicks in Kolkata at an introductory price of Rs 9,55,000 across India. The Nissan Kicks sports a wider and robust style underlined by a Dynamic Sonic Plus line, Wheel-oriented Stance and a Distinctive 3-dimensional presence. The body is designed and built with GRAPHENE (Gravity-philic Energy Absorption) body structure, which has inherent capability to absorb impact energy making the new Nissan Kicks safer and durable on Indian roads.

The Nissan Kicks offers a host of established design signatures and features like the floating roof design created by blacked out pillars with stylish roof rail and signature LED DRL, shark fin antenna, front fog lamps and door mounted ORVS with indicators. The bold V-motion grille, a signature motif in Nissan’s design language adds to new Kicks’ distinctive presence. The uniquely designed headlamps and tail lights feature iconic boomerang-shaped LED signature lamps to add character.

The wheel-oriented stance is further enhanced by R17, 5-spoke machined-alloy wheels. The bold styling with dynamic stance and glamorous fender arch bring out the solidity and elegance in the new Nissan Kicks, while substantial face and back style provide a masculine and rugged presence on the Indian roads.

With rising concerns around safety and security while driving, Nissan has offered its customers greater control over their cars. Hence, the introduction of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility features aimed at offering control, convenience, safety and security and social sharing to transform your car into a more responsive partner. The new update introduces technology to monitor vehicle status and vehicle health status remotely through app called the NissanConnect.

The Nissan Kicks is available with the choice of two powertrains – 1.5H4K petrol mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 1.5K9K dci diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol engine produces 106 PS of maximum power at 5600 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. While the diesel motor churns out 110 PS at 3850 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. These are the same engines that does duty on the Renault Captur as well.

Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations, said, “The new Nissan KICKS has generated a great amount of curiosity and excitement among customers. It is a complete vehicle package with an exceptional combination of intelligent technology, class-leading premium-ness, intelligent choice of ownership, personalization. The maintenance package is best-in-class and offers a hassle-free ownership experience. We are confident that with its progressive SUV design and advanced technology, as well as many best-in-class propositions, the new Nissan KICKS will stand out in this competitive SUV segment in India.”

From L-R: Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Planning, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd., Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies, Kazushige Aoki, Project Leader, ST Development Division, Yamaha Motor Company, Japan, Yasuo Ishihara, MD YMRI

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. announced a new addition to the 150 cc segment by unveiling its all new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS.

The new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS is powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 149 cc, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that delivers a maximum of 13.2 PS power at 8,000 rpm and 12.8 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.

The new FZ-FI and FZS-FI will also feature newly designed sub frame, BOSCH single channel ABS in the front wheel along with higher handle bar position, LCD instrument cluster, separate housings for LED headlight beams, rear disc brakes, FZ 25 mudguards, newly designed plastic resin tank cover, sliding engine kill switch, main switch in the front of the tank and two level seat with comfortable grab bars.

The most prominent feature of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS is the new styling proportions that group the front end, fuel tank and engine together to resemble a classic ambush pose of an urban fighter. The new FZS-FI will additionally feature a lower engine fairing, partly chrome finished air intake and exclusive colour schemes.

The introduction of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS followed the first launch of ABS enabled YZF-R15 Version 3.0 from the company in 2019. The newly launched models are introduced in India on the backdrop of The Call of the Blue, the new brand campaign launched by Yamaha in 2018. The company is looking forward to stimulate more excitement and sportiness in the Indian two wheeler market by its new initiatives like The Call of the Blue that holds the promise of energizing the passion of motorcycling in India as per the global standards.

At the launch, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies said, “The excitement of The Call of the Blue continues with the launch of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS in India today as a part of its offering of extraordinary motorcycling experiences from Yamaha. Following the outstanding response from YZF-R15 Version 3.0 launched in the last year, the company is confident to further create a niche in the 150 CC class segment with the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI. The new launch from Yamaha will strengthen the company’s presence in the deluxe class in India.”

Ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:

New FZ FI with ABS – Rs. 95,000 (available in Metric Black and Racing Blue colours)
New FZ-S FI with ABS – Rs. 97,000 (available in Matt Black, Dark Matt Blue and Gray & Cyan Blue)

BMW Motorrad has launched the all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure today in India.

The all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure will be available as completely built-up units (CBU) and can be booked at BMW Motorrad dealerships from today onwards.

Both models feature the powerful 2-cylinder in-line Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254 cc, producing a power output of 138 PS (136 hp) at 7,750 rpm for dynamic performance, generating a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The presence of a new power unit is demonstrated by means of newly designed cylinder head covers bearing the inscription ‘ShiftCam’ as well as the pipe ducting of the new exhaust manifold system.

Riders of the all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure have two riding modes available as standard in order to be able to adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences. The standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. The set-off assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature in both models, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India, said, “BMW Motorrad GS models offer distinctive, powerful and reliable propulsion when it comes to setting off on an extended tour or a long-distance journey – or simply enjoying the satisfying pleasure of a short weekend trip. Whether in the city, on the motorway, or off-road, the all-new BMW R 1250 GS gives greater freedom and riding pleasure. The all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is built for challenges. No matter whether it is tarmac roads, gravel tracks or rough terrain, the large-capacity GS Adventure gets its riders safely to their destination.”

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

BMW R 1250 GS Standard – Rs 16, 85,000

BMW R 1250 GS Pro – Rs 20, 05,000

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Standard – Rs 18, 25,000

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Pro – Rs 21, 95,000

Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG has announced the first formal agreements in a broad alliance that positions the companies to boost competitiveness and better serve customers in an era of rapid change in the industry.

Ford CEO Jim Hackett and Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess confirmed that the companies intend to develop commercial vans and medium-sized pickups for global markets beginning as early as 2022. The alliance will drive significant scale and efficiencies and enable both companies to share investments in vehicle architectures that deliver distinct capabilities and technologies.

The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pre-tax operating results, starting in 2023.

In addition, Ford and Volkswagen  have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate collaboration on autonomous vehicles, mobility services and electric vehicles and have started to explore opportunities. Both companies also said they were open to considering additional vehicle programs in the future. The teams will continue working through details in the coming months.

“Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” Hackett said. “It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.”

Diess added: “Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world. At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness.”

The alliance, which does not entail cross-ownership between the two companies, will be governed by a joint committee. This committee will be led by Hackett and Diess and will include senior executives from both companies.

Ford and Volkswagen both have strong commercial van and pickup businesses around the globe, with popular nameplates such as the Ford Transit family and Ranger as well as the Volkswagen Transporter, Caddy and Amarok.

The companies’ collective light commercial vehicle volumes from 2018 totaled approximately 1.2 million units globally, which could represent the industry’s highest-volume collaboration as production scales.

Demand for both medium pickups and commercial vans is expected to grow globally in the next five years. The alliance will enable the companies to share development costs, leverage their respective manufacturing capacity, boost the capability and competitiveness of their vehicles and deliver cost efficiencies, while maintaining distinct brand characteristics.

Through the alliance, Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies which are expected to go to market as early as 2022. For both parties, Ford intends to engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, and Volkswagen intends to develop and build a city van.

The BMW Group sold more than 140,000 electrified (battery-electric and plug-in hybrid) vehicles in 2018, thereby confirming its leading role in the field of electromobility. In total, 142,617 (+38.4%) electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered to customers around the world last year.

“Since launching the BMW i3 in 2013, the BMW Group has rapidly grown its sales of electrified vehicles. With over 140,000 delivered in 2018, we have once again achieved our ambitious target,” said Harald Kruger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “This great sales result and our impressive market share proves our vehicles are what the customer wants. In countries which offer appropriate infrastructure and regulatory support, we see how quickly electromobility can become the norm. I’m confident that by the end of this year, there will be a total of half a million electrified BMW Group vehicles on the roads, with much more to come as we continue to extend our model line-up over the next few years,” Kruger continued.

Europe is BMW’s biggest sales region for battery and plug-in hybrid vehicles, accounting for over 50 per cent of sales in 2018. With 75,000 electrified vehicles delivered to customers in Europe last year, the BMW Group is the clear market leader in the region, with over 16 per cent market share. In the company’s home market, Germany, the BMW Group accounts for one in five electrified vehicles sold last year. Globally, the BMW Group’s market share is over 9 per cent. The company’s biggest single market for electrified vehicles is the USA, where over 25,000 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were sold in 2018, accounting for more than 7 per cent of the BMW Group’s overall sales in that country. The BMW 530e was the year’s biggest-selling luxury plug-in hybrid in the USA. Electrified vehicles accounted for 6 per cent of total BMW and MINI sales in 2018, compared with 4 per cent in 2017.

Electromobility is an essential pillar of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy Number ONE>NEXT and one of the company’s four key future-focused ACES topics (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared). Having announced record spending on R&D in 2018, Harald Kruger confirmed, “We are implementing our strategy rigorously and investing extensively in the technologies of the future; expanding our leading role in electric mobility is a clear focus. 2018 was a significant year in this regard, with the announcement of major new strategic co-operations as well as the unveiling of several key new models,” Kruger said.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. has announced the introduction of dual channel ABS enabled YZF-R15 Version 3.0 in India. Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 was launched at the Auto Expo 2018 and has gained popularity from Yamaha loyalists as its first year sales doubled up the targeted production.

With the launch of the new dual channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) enabled YZF-R15 Version 3.0, Yamaha has pioneered the industry by introducing the first 150 cc class model that has dual channel ABS. The motorcycle will hit the Indian roads with an all new Darknight colour along with Thunder Grey and Racing Blue while retaining all of its original features like VVA technology and A&S Clutch along with a dual channel ABS. The dual channel ‘Anti-lock Braking System’ (ABS) technology comes with adjustable fluid pressure which will further be reliable to ensure immediate braking on slippery roads. It is armed with a powerful 155 cc engine with high compression ratio resulting in maximum 19.3 PS power at 10,000 rpm and delivering 14.7 Nm of peak torque at 8500 rpm.

With its weight (wet) of 142 kg and a 170 mm ground clearance, the new YZF-R15 (Version 3.0) with dual channel ABS gets a stylish look from its fully digital instrument console, LED head and tail light and an added ABS logo.

Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India group of companies said, “The Call of the Blue brand campaign introduced in 2018 was the beginning of a new outlook that has effectively hit the right note – Yamaha’s true DNA of style, sporty and excitement. The New Year 2019 will also be exciting in Yamaha and it is ready with the heart revving products. A brand known for leading generations of stylish ride through improved technologies, Yamaha has now engineered to implement a dual channel ABS to the YZF-R15 Version 3.0. The initiative to offer dual channel ABS in YZF-R15 Version 3.0 has endowed Yamaha as the trendsetter in the 150 cc class, by introducing it for the first time in the particular segment. Yamaha will continue to optimize the thrill of riding with its style and excitement.”

Brabham Automotive has confirmed that the brand will return to international sports car racing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Adelaide-based automotive manufacturer, which last year launched the BT62 track car, is announcing its road to Le Mans. It has committed to a factory racing team and a multi-year motorsport programme with development work already under way.

The team’s target is the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship season in 2021/22, where it intends to enter the GTE class. Fans will be able to follow the journey as it’s shared openly on social media under the hashtag #brabhamroadtolemans.

Taking the road back to Le Mans has always been a desire of Brabham Automotive but can today be confirmed for the first time. The entry will be run and funded in-house by Brabham Automotive and commercial partners and sponsors. It will be directly linked to the Brabham BT62 Driver Development Programme, making early owners of the modern Brabham track car part of the test team for Le Mans and providing top level Pro-Am racing opportunities to owners.

An extensive testing schedule aimed at developing the BT62 for high-performance endurance racing has been underway for a number of months. It is being led by Brabham Automotive Managing Director, Lead Test Driver and 2009 Le Mans winner David Brabham, who said: “Returning the Brabham name to Le Mans is something I have been working on for years, so it’s fantastic to make this announcement today. Brabham Automotive only launched its first car, the BT62, in May 2018 so we have a long road to travel to earn the right to return to compete at Le Mans. That work starts now with a long-term racing commitment. We look forward to developing the BT62 and future products while building a world-class competitive race team around the leading engineering and manufacturing talent we have in the business.”

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), promoters of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, commented: “At Le Mans, the legendary Brabham name instantly conjures up memories of an outstanding family success story. It all began in July 1967 at the only French Grand Prix to be held at the Bugatti Circuit, when three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jack Brabham took the honours in a car sporting the Brabham name. Sir Jack’s sons, Geoff and David, perpetuated the family tradition by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993 and 2009 respectively, both with Peugeot. For the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the return of the Brabham name to endurance racing is therefore much more than symbolic. It demonstrates remarkable loyalty and an extraordinary competitive spirit.”

More details on the Brabham Automotive sports car programme, personnel and the GTE vehicle that will eventually be homologated will be released nearer the time, pending final confirmation of regulations and entries. The brand can confirm it will be an original Brabham based on developing the BT62 chassis, which has already been designed and built to comply with modern FIA safety standards.

Brabham Automotive also intends to compete in lower level series and provide customer racing opportunities as it takes the road back to Le Mans, with more information to be made available in due course.

Commenting on the development, Dan Marks, Commercial Director Brabham Automotive said: “Brabham Automotive is a racing brand so since inception we’ve always had competitive motorsport in mind. Our plan to go on the Journey Back to Le Mans is a statement of intent that Brabham Automotive is back and here to stay. In the BT62, we have already built an outstanding, unrestricted track car now with a road legal option. We will develop this car to make its mark in motor racing, along with new vehicles. Today is great news for us and will help put the Australian car industry back on the world stage.”

Mercedes-Benz continues to be the leading premium automobile brand in terms of unit sales. In a challenging year, the company with the three-pointed star increased its global car sales to 2,310,185 units in 2018, its eighth consecutive record year (+0.9%), making Mercedes-Benz the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession. The new sales record in the car division of Daimler AG was driven in particular by the success of Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region and its core Chinese market there. Worldwide, models including the SUVs and the E-Class Saloon and Estate were able to generate significant sales impetus in 2018.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In 2018, Mercedes-Benz was at the top of the premium segment in the automotive industry for the third year in a row. In a highly competitive environment, we also remained at the top from month to month, thanks in particular to double-digit growth in China and many new models that have delighted both existing and new customers worldwide. We will continue rejuvenating our portfolio systematically in 2019. We see the major successes in our core business primarily as paving the way for shaping the individual mobility of tomorrow.”

Mercedes-Benz completed its strongest-selling year also with the best quarter in the company’s history (595,098 units, +4.0%). In addition, a new December record was set last month with sales of 206,532 units (+6.7%). In 2018, Mercedes-Benz maintained its position as the premium brand with the most new registrations in many markets, and secured market leadership in markets including Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Denmark, Hungary, Romania, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.

“With more than 2.4 million vehicles delivered by Mercedes-Benz Cars in 2018, we once again surpassed our own sales record – for the eighth time in succession. In addition, despite a challenging year, we maintained our position at the top of the premium segment. The excitement for our models and the loyalty of our customers spurs us on to continue giving the best in the new year,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “In recent months, the strong growth of the new A-Class has shown the impetus high-calibre innovations such as MBUX can have in the market. In 2019, more than 10 Mercedes-Benz models will inspire our customers with the intuitive operating concept of MBUX and its artificial intelligence – not only in the compact car segment, but also in SUV segment.”

At the turn of the year, Volkswagen is offering a glimpse of the company’s future mobile quick charging station. It can be set up flexibly and independent of the power supply wherever it is needed: for example, in public parking lots in the city, on company premises, or as a temporary charging point at large-scale events. The mobile charging station works according to the principle of a power bank – which is familiar to many people with smartphones – but for electric vehicles instead. The charging capacity of up to 360 kWh enables up to 15 e-vehicles, including members of Volkswagen’s new ID. family to be charged in stand-alone operation. Thanks to quick charging technology, the charging process only takes 17 minutes on average. If the energy content of the integrated battery set is less than 20 per cent, the depleted charging station is simply exchanged for a charged one. If, however, it is permanently attached to the power supply with up to 30 kW via alternating current, the battery pack perpetually recharges itself. In case the charging process is based on renewable power bank for electric cars – the mobile quick charging station by Volkswagen Group Components power supply, the charging station furthermore allows the temporary storage of sustainably generated power, such as solar or wind energy – and therefore CO2-neutral mobility.

The first mobile quick charging stations will be set up as early as the first half of 2019 in Volkswagen’s hometown as part of a pilot project, and will support the expansion of a charging infrastructure in the urban area. As of 2020, the charging station will also be implemented in other cities and communities.

Thomas Schmall, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components, says: “The mobile charging stations are a decisive step toward an efficient network of charging points. They can be set up anywhere as required – with or without connection to the power supply. This flexibility enables a completely new approach for the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. Cities can, for example, find out the most suitable places for a permanent charging point before making major investments in developing the network. In addition, it will be possible to set up a large number of charging stations temporarily – exactly when and where they are needed.”

The mobile charging stations can be set up at defined points, for example, spread out across a city. The flexible locations can be easily found via the Internet or apps. Each charging station enables DC quick charging with up to 100 kW. In addition to electric cars, e-bikes can also be charged. Up to four vehicles can be charged simultaneously: two with DC and two with AC connections. The total battery storage capacity of up to 360 kWh is sufficient for up to 15 e- vehicles. There is also the possibility of connecting to the power supply directly, allowing the station to be charged with up to 30 kW via alternating current by means of a permanent standard grid connection. This enables charging points for electric vehicles to be set up quickly and simply, without any structural changes or major financial outlay. The battery pack in the charging station can be recharged around the clock thanks to the direct power connection. This time-independent recharging, and therefore buffering of power, also considerably reduces the strain on the power supply at peak periods.

“Our mobile charging stations offer a further crucial advantage,” says Mark Möller, Head of Technical Development at Volkswagen Group Components. “It is only when an electric car is charged with sustainably generated power that it can claim CO2-neutral mobility. Our charging station is the first to offer the possibility of temporarily storing sustainably generated power.” For example, the charging station can be charged specifically with solar or wind energy, which is then transmitted to the electric vehicles during charging. Technically, the mobile charging column is based on the battery pack of the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB). On the one hand, this offers the advantage of quick scalability and, on the other hand, the charging station allows batteries from electric vehicles to have a second life. This is because a battery loses charging capacity over time. If a vehicle battery has a defined, reduced residual capacity, it is exchanged. If this battery subsequently passes a thorough analysis, it can be reused in a mobile charging station.

An efficient network of charging points is regarded as one of the basic infrastructural prerequisites for convincing customers to buy electric vehicles such as the Volkswagen brand’s future I.D. family.1 Accomplishing this is one of the major challenges Volkswagen Group Components and others must tackle to ensure the breakthrough of e-mobility. As of January 1, 2019, the Components division is an independent business unit within the Volkswagen Group. The mobile charging station is an in-house development with the goal of developing a closed life cycle for the battery. The start of production is planned for 2020.