JSW MG Motor is preparing to introduce its third electric vehicle in India later this year. The Cloud EV, which will hit the Indian market under the British-origin carmaker’s brand, was displayed at the Indonesia Auto Show on July 17.
The electric crossover is sold worldwide under the Wuling brand from China. However, in India, the EV might see some specifications adjustments. The automaker announced that the new EV will debut in India by October to capitalize on the festive season rush.
MG Motor plans to launch five new cars in India in the coming year, including the Cloud EV. Also, following its collaboration with JSW Group, the automaker aims to expand its market presence by launching multiple new models, including two fully electric ones. The Cloud EV will be the first model among these five to debut.
A Mint report quotes an MG Motor official saying that MG intends to start with the launch of a new crossover EV during the festive season, probably in September or October. During an interaction with reporters, Rajeev Chaba, chairman at MG Motor India, said:
“Our first launch will be a feature-loaded, intelligent crossover SUV designed for both comfort and utility.”
Expansion Plans in India
MG Motor’s focus on electric vehicles aligns with an increase in sales of its two current electric cars in India – the ZS EV and Comet EV. These models accounted for nearly 40 percent of the carmaker’s sales last month, showing significant growth.
MG Motor is gearing up for its next big move by expanding its fleet and challenging other manufacturers in India. Additionally, the goal is to strengthen its position as a top EV manufacturer in the country. Also, the automaker predicts a 30 percent growth in EV sales within India, with an annual sales target of 120,000 EVs.
Specifications of MG Cloud EV
The automaker hasn’t disclosed official information about the electric crossover yet. However, the global version of the Cloud EV has a 50.6 kWh battery and offers a range of 460 km on a full charge. Also, the EV produces a maximum power of 100 kW (134 hp) and 200 Nm torque.
It takes only 30 minutes to recharge the EV from 30 to 100 percent using DC fast chargers. Furthermore, the vehicle has two charging points—one at the front and another at the rear right side.
The Cloud EV is a spacious crossover, which can compete with mid-size SUVs in India. It has a ground clearance of 180 mm and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the EV, there are amenities such as a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charger, ambient lighting, and more.
Expected Price of MG Cloud in India
MG Motor will likely place the Cloud EV between the Comet EV and ZS EV in its lineup, with an expected starting price of about ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom). When launched in India, the Cloud EV will rival electric SUVs like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.