MG Motor India is developing an entry-level electric vehicle for the Indian market. The new model will be based on Wuling’s Air EV that has recently been unveiled at an event in Indonesia. Codenamed E230, the new MG Air entry level EV is developed on the company’s Global Small Electric Vehicles platform that already underpins multiple products.
MG Air E230 EV Details
The new MG electric small vehicle for India will be offered with the two-door body style. The company is likely to make substantial changes to the specs and equipment for India. The small car will be modified and adapted for Indian conditions. The report claims that MG engineers will update the air con and battery thermal management system. The small car will also receive a new name for our market.
The MG Air EV has the boxy design similar to the Hongguang Mini EV; however, Wuling has made certain changes to make it look more futuristic. The front fascia has a full-width light bar that is connected via chrome strips that merges into the ORVMs. The charging port is placed right below the light bar, which also houses the MG logo. The small car has squarish headlamps, angular front bumper, slim fog lamps, etc.
The new electric vehicle has longer doors than other GSEV cars for better ingress-egress in the second row. There is a vertically stacked large window placed behind the front doors for airy feel in the second-row. The small EV rides on 12-inch steel rims covered with plastic hub caps. The India-spec model could receive alloy wheels.
The rear profile looks simple, featuring a curved windscreen and small tail-lights. There is a horizontal light bar below the windscreen that runs across the width. The number plate housing is placed on the lower bumper.
MG Air EV Dimensions – Smaller Than The Alto
The India-spec MG EV will ride on a 2,010mm wheelbase. It is reportedly to measure around 2.9 meters in length, which makes it around 400mm smaller than the Maruti Alto. The new model is reportedly to have a battery pack capacity of around 20kWh to 25kWh, which is likely to offer a real world driving range of 150km. The powertrain is expected to offer 40bhp of power.
More Details
The small two-door hatchback is hugely popular in the Chinese market. In India, the new model will be introduced to target urban commuters. It is likely to be priced around Rs 10 lakh, which makes it expensive compared to the ICE model. The new model will be equipped with several high-end features like a big touchscreen, a digital instrument console, connected car tech, wireless connectivity features and many more.
MG Air Battery Pack Details
The report claims that MG Motor India will source the battery pack from the homegrown Tata AutoComp. The Tata AutoComp has entered into a joint venture with Chinese battery supplier Gotion for the design, manufacturer, supply and service of Li-ion battery packs for EVs in India. Similar to the Tata Nexon, the MG E230 for India will use LFP cylindrical cells. These cells are cost effective, reliable and better suited to Indian conditions.
The new MG E230 electric vehicle is likely to be unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo in January 2023. The new model is likely to be launched in the first half of 2023, most probably by March.
Source – AutoCarIndia
