In an effort to innovate the electric vehicle segment, JSW MG Motor has launched the Windsor EV in the Indian market. The bookings for the car will start next month, 3rd October onward. The Windsor EV is a crossover SUV with a starting price of 9.99 lakh rupees, significantly lower than the competition in the segment.
For context, the price of Tata Curvv EV, which was launched just a month ago, starts at 17.49 lakh rupees. Not just this, India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, will roll out its first-ever electric car, called eVX, in January next year. The expected pricing of this mid-size electric SUV is likely to be in the range of 20-25 lakh rupees. So why is Windsor EV priced lower than its competitors? Well, here is the catch.
The Windsor EV is launched under a new 'battery-as-a-service' model. This means the vehicle you initially get for 9.99 lakh rupees doesn't have a battery. Instead, you use the battery as a service. According to the company, for every kilometre you drive, you pay 3.5 rupees. It's the first time the Baas or 'battery-as-a-service' model is being introduced in the country.
So, in terms of price range, Windsor EV is competing with ICE vehicles priced at around 9-10 lakh rupees. However, in terms of its build-up, it competes with other electric cars like Tata Curvv and Maruti's soon-to-be-launched eVX.
According to MG Motors, EV buyers face serious concerns in India, and Windsor provides solutions for some of them. In general, some concerns are:
Number 1: Charging Infrastructure
Number 2: Battery-Related Concerns
Number 3: Resale Value of EV, and
Number 4: Range Anxiety
Among the top concerns is charging infrastructure. Windsor EV buyers will get 1-year free charging at public charging points using the MG app. The application covers around 8,500 charging points in the country. MG said if someone wishes to charge at home, it will cost them around 1 rupee per km.
Second is battery-related concerns. MG said while making the initial car purchase, buyers will not pay for the battery. However, based on their usage, they will have to pay 3.5 rupees for every km they drive. In addition, the company also gives a lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of the car.
Allaying consumer fears of what would be the resale value of an electric car, MG has introduced a 60% buyback plan after 3 years or 45,000 kilometers. It will apply if consumers opt for a three-year annual maintenance package during the time of car purchase. MG will offer a free vehicle maintenance warranty and scheduled servicing for three years.
And talking about driving range, MG Windsor offers a comparatively lower range on a single charge compared to its competitors. MG Windsor's claimed driving range is 331 kilometers, while the range for Tata Curvv EV is 502 kilometers, and the expected range for Maruti Suzuki's eVX is 500 kilometers.
During the launch event, Parth Jindal, director of the JSW MG India Group, said the company wishes to focus more on launching EVs and strong, plug-in hybrids. Currently, the carmaker has three ICE cars - namely Astor, Hector, and Gloster, and with the launch of Windsor, it has a portfolio of three EVs - Comet, ZS EV, and of course, the Windsor EV.
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