Renault is expected to disrupt the mass market EV space in India with the upcoming Kwid EV, which will be an electric hatchback that would rival the Tata Tiago EV as well as the MG Comet EV. Now however, an undisguised version of the new Kwid EV has been spotted testing, and means that the vehicle launch is closer than ever. Based on the global Dacia Spring EV, this little city slicker is likely to be serious competition in the budget-EV market, particularly if Renault prices it cleverly.

Powering the Kwid EV is a 26.8 kWh battery pack. Worldwide, the Dacia Spring comes in two flavours – the Electric 45 and the Electric 65 (on which the Kwid EV is based). Powering the Electric 45 is a 44 bhp motor with 125 Nm of torque. Performance is nothing to write home about – it takes 19.1 seconds to get to 100kmph from rest, max speed is 78kmph. The Electric 65 version is slightly more powerful with 64 bhp of power developing 113 Nm of torque, the 0 to 100 kmph sprint comes in 13.7 seconds with the same top speed.

Both trims get a claimed range of 225 km, which is good enough for regular Agora commutes. There are also a few slight differences between the two in terms of charging. The Electric 45 can be charged from 20% to 100% with a standard charger in less than five hours, and the Electric 65 can be juiced up from 20% to 80% with fast charging in 45 minutes. All of these charging times and range figures put it well within the ballpark of its Indian rivals.

In terms of size, the Kwid EV stands at 3,701 mm in length, 1,767 mm in width, and 1,485 mm in overall height, it also offers a ground clearance of 152 mm and a wheelbase of 2,423 mm. A practical car for around town, it has a volume of 308 litres in the boot and 1,004 with the rear seats down. And the Kwid EV even gets a small 35-litre frunk which we’re given to understand will be available as an ‘extra’ — a nice touch that you don’t often find on budget EVs.

Attention to technology and comfort continue inside the cabin as well where the Kwid EV is not a sloucher. It gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment that allows for wireless smartphone mirroring for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 7-inch digital driver’s console gives an uncluttered and contemporary-looking instrument cluster. Renault has also added convenient elements like a height-adjustable steering wheel and e-Shift gear lever. The range topping Electric 65 trim features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function the car can be used to power external electric appliances.This functionality is useful for travel and in case of emergency.

The Kwid EV international variant, however, is rather well-kitted when it comes to safety features. It was an advance over the outgoing ZS which had advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) similar to its predecessor. Such features are still rare at the entry-level currently in the EV space in India, and if Renault does bring the same to India here, it could effectively up the ante for the kind of safety one would expect in a budget car.

The Kwid EV is particularly exciting when one considers Renault’s history in terms of aggressive pricing in India, and its strategy to offer value-for-money products. If it costs less than the Tiago EV and Comet EV (which budget-friendly EV buyers already find attractive), the Kwid EV might become the EV to own swiftly for people wanting easy entry into electric mobility without literally breaking the bank. The Tata Tiago EV is priced from around ₹7 lakh, while the MG Comet EV comes in a tad higher, so Renault has a wafer-thin but vital price bracket to slot in.

The car’s international success, particularly in Europe, where it is sold as the Dacia, provides a good underpinning. The Dacia Spring EV is already proving to be popular because of its practical, unpretentious and affordable nature. Those are traits Indian buyers appreciate too, and if Renault can carry those through to the Indian version without cutting too many corners, the Kwid EV could well be a game-changer.

With the EV space in India expanding, thanks to low-cost options, especially in the sub-₹10 lakh price segment, the Kwid EV entering the fray means that another competent player is in the game now. Volvo Hopes To Brainwash You With Ethyl Top Stories Right Now Will The Renault Kwid EV Be A Worthy Rival To The Tata Tiago EV And MG Comet EV?With good city-range on offer, acceptable performance, loaded features and expected aggressive pricing, the Kwid EV looks to be decent competition to both the Tata Tiago EV and the MG Comet EV. The next question is how soon it will launch and how well it is localised to cater to Indian consumers.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

MG Motor is shaking up India’s electric SUV segment with the introduction of the new Windsor EV featuring a larger 50.6 kWh battery. In a market that’s rapidly warming to electric mobility, the Windsor’s strategic blend of longer range, modern features, and aggressive pricing could seriously disrupt established players like Tata’s Curvv EV and Hyundai’s Creta Electric. For buyers looking to make the switch to electric without stretching their budgets, this new MG could present a compelling proposition that undercuts premium EV rivals without skimping on performance or features.

The upgraded Windsor EV will use an LFP Blade battery that’s known for safety and longevity, and promises a range of up to 460 km under MIDC testing. Though its battery is slightly smaller than the Tata Curvv’s 55 kWh and Hyundai Creta’s 51.4 kWh packs, all three models deliver similar real-world ranges — between 370 to 425 km depending on driving conditions. What gives MG the edge is its pricing. With an expected price tag of ₹17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Windsor is significantly more affordable than the Tata Curvv EV, which starts at ₹19.25 lakh, and the Creta Electric, which begins at ₹21.50 lakh. For many prospective buyers, this gap of ₹4–6 lakh could prove decisive.

But MG’s strategy goes beyond pricing. The Windsor also brings advanced features typically seen only in premium electric cars. The top variant is expected to include Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering functionalities such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. This marks a bold move to bring high-end safety tech into a more accessible price bracket. While Tata does offer ADAS in the Curvv EV, it’s limited to its most expensive ₹22.24 lakh variant. Similarly, Hyundai reserves such features for the upper trims of its electric Creta. MG, in contrast, is making this technology more widely available, likely forcing competitors to rethink how they package safety and driver-assist features.

Beyond ADAS, the Windsor promises a feature-loaded interior that’s likely to impress even the most tech-savvy customers. Highlights include a large 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, panoramic sunroof, and reclining rear seats for added comfort. Another standout offering is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) support — a functionality that allows users to power external devices using the car’s battery. This is particularly useful for outdoor use or emergencies and is currently missing from both the Curvv EV and Creta Electric. These additions help position the Windsor as more than just a commuter SUV — it’s aiming for a lifestyle-oriented image that offers both practicality and flair.

Build quality is another area where the Windsor seems to be punching above its weight. Early impressions from reviewers suggest that the car feels like it belongs in a higher segment, thanks to refined interior materials and solid panel fitment. Adding to the appeal is the 15-year battery warranty — a strong reassurance for buyers who may be concerned about the longevity of EVs and battery degradation over time. MG’s use of LFP Blade battery technology, known for its thermal stability and safety, also strengthens its case as a long-term investment.

Part of MG’s ability to offer such an aggressive package lies in its localisation strategy. By producing LFP cells locally and offering a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option — where customers can pay for the battery separately or lease it — MG manages to bring down initial costs while maintaining profitability. This dual approach not only improves affordability but also provides flexibility to buyers who might be wary of high upfront expenses.

The strategy seems to be working. The current Windsor already accounts for a significant chunk of MG’s sales in India — reportedly around 85%. With this upgraded version, MG is hoping to extend its lead and capture even more attention in the mid-range electric SUV space. And unless rivals adjust their offerings, MG’s Windsor might just make models like the Tata Curvv and Hyundai Creta Electric look overpriced.

That said, there are still areas MG needs to address. Previous feedback about cabin insulation and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels needs to be considered, especially if the brand wants to hold its own against more refined offerings. Additionally, MG will need to ramp up production to meet potential demand, something that has previously challenged many EV manufacturers due to supply chain and battery constraints.

Overall, the new MG Windsor EV is poised to become a game changer in the Indian electric SUV market. It challenges competitors not just on price, but also on features, innovation, and safety — elements that were once reserved for higher-end models. For budget-conscious buyers and those seeking modern electric mobility without premium pricing, the Windsor is setting a new benchmark. Whether the competition responds with lower-priced variants or improved feature sets remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — MG has raised the bar.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

Volkswagen is currently facing a challenging paradox in its business journey. While its electric vehicle (EV) sales are growing, the company is seeing a sharp decline in profits. In the first quarter of the current financial year, Volkswagen Group reported an after-tax earnings drop of 40.6 percent, bringing in €2.18 billion, a significant decline despite a modest 1.4 percent increase in total vehicle sales, which reached 2.13 million units globally. This reveals the financial strain that legacy automakers face while transitioning from traditional combustion engine vehicles to electric mobility.

The core reason behind the dip in profits lies in the rising costs associated with Volkswagen’s shift to electric vehicles. The company is currently investing heavily in battery manufacturing plants, expanding EV production lines, and simultaneously managing its internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle segment. These parallel operations require considerable resources, which are impacting the company’s bottom line even though vehicle deliveries are on the rise.

One of the highlights of Volkswagen’s EV journey is its achievement in Europe. The company has crossed a significant milestone with its one millionth EV rolling off the production line at the Zwickau plant in Germany. EV models such as the ID.4 and ID.5 have seen a sharp increase in popularity. In fact, sales of Volkswagen EVs more than doubled in Europe during the first quarter, with a combined total of 43,700 global deliveries from just those two models. This success helped Volkswagen surpass Tesla in terms of European EV registrations. By the end of March, 65,679 new electric Volkswagens were registered across Europe, marking a clear shift in consumer preference and a strong acceptance of Volkswagen’s electric lineup.

However, the story is different in China, which is the world’s largest EV market. Despite its global growth, Volkswagen has seen its EV sales in China fall by more than a third in the same period. This decline can be attributed to the aggressive competition from local players, particularly companies like Xiaomi, which are offering affordable yet high-performance EVs that better suit local preferences. Volkswagen is struggling to match the pace, innovation, and pricing strategies of these Chinese brands, leading to a loss in market share.

In India, Volkswagen’s EV strategy has yet to fully materialize. Although the company has shown interest in the Indian EV market, actual progress has been slow. Through its local subsidiary, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, the brand has indicated plans to locally manufacture electric vehicles. Yet, there have been no concrete announcements or confirmed timelines for launches. The company’s progress is further hindered by an ongoing $1.4 billion tax dispute with Indian authorities. The issue revolves around alleged import misclassifications, which may have implications on how Volkswagen plans its manufacturing and import strategies going forward.

While India’s EV segment is growing quickly, with players like Tata, MG, and Mahindra actively launching and selling electric models, Volkswagen is falling behind. Stricter environmental regulations and emission standards are expected to pressure the automaker into accelerating its EV rollout in India. The brand does have the necessary technology, thanks to its global EV developments, but adapting and scaling that for the Indian market will require focused investment and local partnerships.

Despite its current challenges, Volkswagen’s long-term vision still rests heavily on the EV transition. The automaker has made clear commitments toward electrification and aims to be a global leader in the segment. The financial strain it faces now may just be part of a larger investment cycle, with potential returns to be seen over the next few years as EV adoption accelerates worldwide.

In summary, Volkswagen is in the midst of a demanding transition phase. Sales are increasing, particularly in Europe, where its EVs are gaining traction. However, the financial cost of this shift is impacting profits. Competition in markets like China is strong, and the Indian market remains underdeveloped for VW in terms of EVs. How well the company manages this transformation—balancing innovation, cost control, and market responsiveness—will define its success in the next era of mobility.

Article By
Sourabh Gupta