MG’s Entry Level EV Spotted Testing

• MG Air EV is a Wuling offering in markets abroad.

• Gets multiple battery options offering a maximum claimed range of up to 300km.

• Features include dual 10.25-inch screens for driver and infotainment display.

• MG’s entry-level EV should make its debut at the Auto Expo in January.

MG seems to have fooled us, as we were under the impression that the marque’s upcoming sub-15 lakh EV would be a sub-compact SUV, an affordable alternative to the unrivaled Tata Nexon EV. But that speculation has gone for a toss as MG’s Air EV was spotted testing disguised completely from head to toe.

Like the Hector, the Air EV is a Wuling product that will be sold under the MG brand name in India. It is a two-door, two- or four-seater (depending on the variant) electric vehicle that puts the Maruti Alto to shame when it comes to being small. Even in its long-wheelbase iteration, the EV spans a maximum length of 2974mm. That is almost 800mm less than the Tiago EV, which itself is on the smaller side of the hatchback spectrum.

Powertrain specification

In international markets, the Air EV is offered with two battery pack options - 17.3kWh and 26.7kWh. It uses a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 40PS and 110Nm, and has a claimed range of 300km with the bigger battery pack, while the smaller battery pack has a 200km claimed range.

A 2.0kW AC charger takes eight hours to charge the battery, while the time is cut down by half when using a 6.6kW AC charger.

MG’s entry-level EV gets an integrated 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and infotainment system, synthetic leather seats, keyless entry, connected car tech, and a voice command system. Its safety kit includes two airbags, hill-hold assist, and ABS with EBD.

Also Read: Tata Tiago EV vs Wuling Air EV Specifications And Price Compared on Paper

It’ll be interesting to see how the Indian market will receive the Air EV. Multiple manufacturers have given micro hatchbacks a try but have failed to create any impact, as the likes of them tend to cater to a niche market, and so will MG’s entry-level EV. It will have no immediate rival, with the closest being the Tiago EV, which will be a bigger five-seater electric hatchback. 

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