As India is readying to mass shift to electric vehicles, carmakers are preparing electric renditions of their popular models. Jumping on the bandwagon is the French auto giant Renault which is developing electrified Kwid in China. If reports are taken into consideration, Renault could launch electric Kwid in India. The report further cements an earlier report from October 2017, wherein the Chief Competitive Officer, Group Renault had confirmed Renault Kwid electric India launch sometime by 2022.
Click Here For Latest News & Updates!
Kwid is already a popular model in India which is currently available with petrol option with a choice between manual and AMT transmissions. As for the electric Kwid, the company is awaiting a clear strategy from the government for the electric vehicles. The electric Kwid is currently being developed in China and is expected to be retailed in markets including Brazil, Middle East and India.
Officials at Renault have revealed that its electric version will underpin the CMF-A platform which has been developed in India, whereas the battery and battery management system related work is being carried out in China. The electric Kwid could hit Chinese market within 12-18 months followed by its launch in India. There is still no clarity in terms of cost, range and performance of the electric vehicles with respect to the Indian market which is making carmakers a little sceptical. Once there is clarity on these parameters, the segment will be flooded with vehicles and car giants can chalk out their product strategy accordingly.
Localisation will be a key in balancing the price which could otherwise go very high for EVs. As for Renault Kwid electric, it is estimated to be priced upwards of Rs 5 lakh and will take directly on Mahindra e20 in the segment. The company in the meantime is also working on a couple of models for the Indian market including a sub-4 metre MPV codenamed ‘RBC’ and the new-gen Duster, both of which could be launched before Kwid EV.