Bird Electric Takes The Wraps Off The EV1 At Auto Expo 2020

• Features a silhouette similar to hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.
• Comes equipped with modern and modular equipment, like a massive touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.
• It will have a range of 200km.
• It is likely to rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki XL5 Electric and Mahindra eKUV100 once launched in India.

FAV Haima made its debut at Auto Expo 2020, showcasing a host of cars at its pavilion. Among them is the debut of the Bird Electric EV1 hatchback. It is also known as the Haima E1 in China. It is the all-electric iteration of the Aishang city car and the only Aishang variant sold in Chinese markets since 2018. What's more, is that the electric vehicle will be heading to Indian showrooms by 2022, with an expected price around the Rs 10 lakh mark. Pre-bookings are open for a refundable token amount of Rs 1,000. 

On the outside, with its boxy nature, the EV1 hatchback looks like many modern budget hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki WagonR. Some design highlights include body cladding and alloy wheels to give the EV hatchback a rugged finish. It measures 3680 mm long, 1570mm wide, 1530 tall and a wheelbase of 2340mm. 

Head inside, and you find the cabin features a variety of modern and modular equipment. This includes the presence of a large touchscreen infotainment system and an all-digital instrument cluster. The carmaker also claims it features one of the largest boot capacity in its segment in the five-seater configuration. Safety features include 2 airbags. 

The main talking point of the EV1 is what’s under the hood. Features two variants with a range of 200km and 300km. However, we will initially only get the 200km variant. Its electric motor produces torque figures of 95Nm out of a 20.42kWh battery pack, to give the EV a top speed of 120kmph. Power consumption ratings stand at Rs 60 per 100km.

The first roll-out for the Haima EV1 hatchback will take at least 12 to 15 months. It will be assembled as a CKD at the upcoming plant in Manesar (Haryana). Aside from that, the carmaker's first phase of cars will be CKD. Phase two will start next year with locally manufactured vehicles. Once launched, It will go up against the likes of the Mahindra eKUV100 and the Maruti Suzuki XL5 Electric if launched in India.