Renault Kwid-Based EV To Offer 200Km Range!

• The City KZ-E was first showcased as the KZ-E Concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
• To be launched in China first, with India launch to follow.
• Will offer a real-world range of 200 km.
• To rival the WagonR-based EV in India.

Renault will unveil its Kwid-based EV on April 16 at the 2019 Auto Shanghai show. First displayed as the KZ-E concept at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the EV hatchback will be called the ‘City KZ-E.’ It is being jointly developed by Renault and its Chinese partner, Dongfeng. The City KZ-E will first go on sale in China, by mid-2019. Following China, it is expected to be launched in other countries including India.

Based on the same CMF-A platform that also underpins the Renault Kwid, the City KZ-E is expected to offer a real-world range of 200km. While detailed specs and powertrain figures will be announced at its global unveil event, the all-electric hatch is expected to come with fast-charging capabilities.

Talking about looks, the production version City KZ-E is expected to take most of its design cues from the Kwid but with some interesting additions. The grille of the City KZ-E is expected to be different from its petrol-powered sibling. The City KZ-E is expected to get a split headlamp setup with the DRLs on top and the headlamps placed below them. On the side, both the hatchbacks will remain the same. Come to the back and the City KZ-E will get a different set of LED taillamps and bumpers to differentiate it from the Kwid.

The City KZ-E comes under Renault’s ‘Drive the future’ six-year business plan that kick started in October 2017. Even though Renault has not announced the plans for an India launch, the City KZ-E could eventually hit our shores by next year. When launched here, it is also likely to benefit from the government’s recently announced FAME II incentives. The Kwid-based EV is expected to be priced around the Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) mark and will take on the upcoming Wagon R-based EV .