MG Motor India has confirmed plans to launch its third electric vehicle (EV) in the Indian market during the festive season of 2024. This announcement comes as part of MG’s strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing EV market amidst competition from both established and new rivals.
MG Motor India, which entered the Indian market with the launch of Hector in 2019, has already made a significant impact with its lineup of premium vehicles. The company currently offers the ZS EV and Comet, and the addition of a third EV is expected to further boost its market share.
The new EV is speculated to be a rebadged version of the Baojun Yep eSUV, a model from SAIC Group’s global portfolio. The Baojun Yep eSUV is considered a strong contender for the Indian market.
Here’s a low down on the Baojun Yep eSUV:
Motor: The Baojun Yep SUV features a single electric motor on the rear axle that generates 68hp and 140Nm of torque.
Top Speed: Its top speed is limited to 100kph.
Battery: This power is provided by a 28.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery.
Range: The battery allows a range of up to 303km (CLTC).
Dimensions: The Yep is a very small SUV, measuring just under 3,381mm in length, and is 1,685mm wide, 1,721mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,110mm.
Design: The Yep electric SUV features a boxy design, but it is retro-themed, similar to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Ford Bronco.
Interior: Its features include a twin-screen layout with two 10.25-inch displays – one for the infotainment system and the other for the digital instrument cluster.
ADAS Tech: The top-spec Deluxe trim additionally gets ADAS tech with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and an automatic parking assist, among other things.
The upcoming EV launch aligns with the growing preference of Indian consumers for electric vehicles. EVs currently constitute around 2% of all passenger vehicles sold in India, but this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
The company is also planning to increase production capacity at its Halol plant in Gujarat. With around 60,000 vehicles sold in India last year, the production capacity is projected to expand to 80,000 to 90,000 units in 2024.
The launch of the new EV is expected to coincide with the festive season of 2024, a period that traditionally sees a surge in vehicle purchases in India. This strategic timing could potentially boost sales and help MG Motor India further solidify its position in the EV market.
Also Read: MG plans to launch Baojun Yep EV in India?