MG Windsor EV launched: Key highlights
MG Windsor EV has been finally launched in India as the first crossover utility vehicle (CUV) from the manufacturer that also sells the ZS EV and Comet EV in the country. While JSW MG Motor India has the expertise of offering battery-powered mobility options, this is the first time it has entered the CUV space and is looking at backing its credentials of offering zero-emission, tech-loaded cars that also offer a whole lot of comfort. Now while the Windsor EV is essentially a rebadged version of the Wuling Cloud EV that is already sold in several international markets, the India-specific model comes with some tweaks that are unique to it here. Check all the key highlights of the MG Windsor EV launch event here.
MG Windsor EV launch: Thank you for being with us
It has been a pleasure to bring all the key highlights live from the MG Windsor EV launch event. Do remember that test drives and bookings of the electric car begin on September 25 and October 3, respectively.
Also, click here to check more details on MG Windsor EV.
MG Windsor EV launched in India
The MG Windsor EV comes available in 3 variants and 4 exterior colours options. Also, the EV comes with battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, which is similar to subscription model for the battery pack. The EV has been launched at an introductory starting price of ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the customers have to pay ₹3.5 per kilometre for the battery pack under the BaaS program. Bookings for the EV starts from October 3, while test drive will begin from September 25. Delivery of MG Windsor EV will start from October 12.
MG Windsor EV: A value for money electric car?
MG claims the Windsor EV is a value for money car. It offers a 3 years of unlimited kilometres warranty, 3 years of 24x7 road side assistance and 3 years of scheduled service with zero labour charges. Also, the battery of the EV comes with lifetime warranty.
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Powering MG Windsor EV is a 38 kWh battery
Powering the MG Windsor EV is a 38 kWh battery pack with prismatic cells. The automaker claims the EV gets an advanced battery management system enhancing the performance of the car. The powertrain of the MG Windsor EV is capable of churning out 134 bhp peak power and 200 Nm f maximum torque.
MG Windsor EV: What's the inspiration
MG claims the Windsor EV has been designed with inspiration from Windsor Castle. However, in terms of borrowing the design cues, the Windsor EV closely follows the Wuling Cloud EV. The electri car has been styled following the Aero Glide design language.
MG Windsor EV: Aero Lounge to be a key feature
One of the key interesting features inside the cabin of MG Windsor EV is the Aero Lounge. MG has teased this feature on social media showing that the rear seats can be reclined 135 degree allowing the occupants a more comfortable experience and a lunge like vibe.
MG Windsor EV: Is it a safe car?
MG cars have been known for being loaded with a range of advanced technology aided features, which help in enhancing the active and passive safety of these vehicles. The MG Windsor EV too is expected to come loaded with such features. It is expected to come equipped with ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, at least four airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), electric parking brake with auto hold functionality. Expect the MG Windsor EV to gets Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite with features such as lane departure warning, autonomous cruise control, autonomous emergency braking etc.
MG Windsor EV: What features will be there
MG Windsor EV would get a plethora of features, which will include a panoramic sunroof, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree surround view camera, six-way electrically adjustable driver seat, four-way electrically adjustable passenger seat, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, wireless charging and an electrically operated tailgate among others. Some other features and styling elements of the EV will include LED headlamps, LED tail-lamps, integrated roof spoiler, big alloy wheels and flush-fitting door handles.
Are EVs important for India?
India is one of the front-row countries when it comes to alarmingly high level of air pollution and automobile sector contributes a large chunk to this overall air pollution. The government has been emphasising on electric vehicles to fight the menace of environmental pollution. India has established an objective to elevate the proportion of electric vehicle sales to 30 per cent in private cars by 2030. This equates to an ambitious objective of 80 million EVs on Indian roads by 2030. In 2023, EV sales in India saw a significant surge of 49.25 per cent, reaching 1.52 million units. According to Fortune Business Insights, the Indian EV market is forecasted to expand from $3.21 billion in 2022 to $113.99 billion by 2029, with a 66.52 per cent CAGR.
Why MG betting big on Windsor EV?
MG has grabbed a lot of eyeballs with the Comet EV, which is the smallest and most affordable electric car in Indian market. Besides that, it also sells the MG ZS EV, which is currently the flagship electric car of the SAIC-owned British carmaker. However, with its wide range of electric cars on offer, homegrown auto giant Tata Motors currently holds lion's share in Indian electric passenger vehicle market. MG is aiming to grab a bit more in the space with the upcoming Windsor EV, which would be positioned between the ZS EV and Comet EV. With the rising demand for feature-packed cars and electric vehicles in India, MG is betting big on this electric car to grab a chunk of the bulging market pie.
MG Windsor EV: A rebadged Wuling Cloud EV
MG Windsor EV is basically a rebadged iteration of the Wuling Cloud EV, which was showcased at Indonesian Motor Show. The Windsor EV shares all its components and features with Cloud EV. On the design front as well, the EV remains same, except the nomenclature and brand logo.
How is MG Windsor EV different from MG ZS EV?
For starters, the Windsor EV will be priced lower than the ZS EV. This means that the ZS EV will continue to be the flagship for the company as far as its all-electric portfolio is concerned.
The ZS EV is an SUV while the Windsor EV is a crossover utility vehicle. Additionally, while the Windsor EV is shorter in length, it has a longer wheelbase - 2,700 mm as against ZS EV's 2,585 mm.
Since it is the newer of the two, the Windsor EV also packs in more and better features in the cabin. Expect the battery specifications and performance credentials to also differ between the two models.
Who is planning what?
Maruti Suzuki: The eVX concept that was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo will be officially launched in its production form in 2025. It will be sold via the Nexa outlets and is likely to have a range of up to 500 kms.
Hyundai: The Koreans have confirmed four new EVs for the Indian car market. While the company already offers its Ioniq 5 at around ₹45 lakhs (ex-showroom), the newer models will be more affordable. The first? Creta EV planned for end of FY2025.
Mahindra: The Indian car maker is determined to play a formidable role in the country's EV space. While the XUV400 has not been able to make a mark, the newer products will be entirely new and across SUV body types.
Kia: Another Korean player in Indian car space, Kia has confirmed it will drive out its flagship EV9 three-row SUV in the market here. There is no timeline for the launch as yet.
Does India need EVs or EVs need India?
Indian cities are some of the most polluted in the world. India imports most of its requirements for crude oil. And India has the world’s third-largest vehicle market. All of these factors are crucial in making a solid case for more and more EVs in the country. But at what cost?
India’s EV movement is being led by two-wheelers but electric cars still remain a very small percentage of overall passenger vehicle sales here. While there are several factors for it, the primary ones are relatively high purchase costs, lack of options and charging infrastructure. Tata Motors has a lion’s share in the Indian electric car market and JSW MG Motor India too is a key player. But very limited options in the ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh price bracket means there is not much attention on EVs from masses. Experts also say that mass adoption can only take place if more options in the under- ₹10 lakh spectrum is explored, even if these come at the cost of range. WagonR EV, anyone?
What does the name ‘Windsor’ even mean
That the Cloud EV would be called Windsor EV in India was confirmed on August 1 with JSW MG Motor India explaining that the name is an ode to the Windsor Castle in the UK. “The Windsor Castle is renowned worldwide as a symbol of royalty and glory, which reflects in every detail of this CUV that exudes excellent craftsmanship, premiumness and, spaciousness," a press statement from the company had informed at the time.
Why is JSW MG Motor focusing on EVs?
MG isn't among the big-league players in the Indian car market. But it does see a lot of potential in the still-nascent electric car market where Tata Motors has a mammoth share. The likes of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are either not present or at least absent from the sub- ₹20 lakh price segment which also means newer players have a chance of competing on a level-playing field. Of MG's overall sales in the country, around 35 per cent to 40 per cent come from its electric models - ZS EV and Comet EV. Adding a third in the form of Windsor EV could potentially increase traction for the company even as others also look at entering battery-mobility space. Did you know that Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have already confirmed EVs for India?
Joint venture between MG and JSW Group
In 2023, MG - owned by China's SAIC Motor - signed a joint venture with India's JSW Group. The name of the company changed to JSW MG Motor India and the partnership is primarily focusing on driving out new models, a majority of which would be powered by alternate fuel sources. Battery-powered cars are being seen as the key growth driver with officials claiming at least one new product launch every three to six months here. The same officials also claim that the company is aiming to sell one million EVs in India by 2030.
A look back at MG's India journey
MG began its India journey in 2019 and the Hector was its product of choice at the time. The Hector remains its most popular model and competes in the mid-size SUV space. In the subsequent years, the company also drove out models like the three-row version of Hector, called Hector Plus, Astor, Gloster, ZS EV and Comet EV. The company has repeatedly underlined its ability to offer tech-heavy vehicles that primarily appeal to a younger car-buying audience. But despite the options in its product portfolio, it is Hector that remains the power player for the brand here.
Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India.
