MG Windsor EV Buying Guide: Battery Rental Explained

Considering an ex-showroom price of Rs 9.99 lakh for a 4.3-metre utility vehicle, the MG Windsor EV can be a tempting buy. But there is a catch. The electric car comes with a battery rental programme that buyers have been confused about lately. This blog will put an end to all your queries on the same and help you decide which variant is best for your use case.

Specs Sheet

Electric Motor Type	Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor	Estimated charge time (0-80%) [50kW]	55 minutes
Maximum power (ps/kW/bhp)	136/100/134	Maximum fast charging capability (kW)	45
Maximum torque (Nm)	200	Length (mm)	4,295
Battery capacity (kWh)	38	Width (mm) (including mirrors)	2,126
Estimated charge time (0-100%) [3.3kW]	13.8 hours	Height (mm)	1,677
Estimated charge time (0-100%) [7.4kW]	6.5 hours	Bootspace (litres)	579 (Essence), 604 (Excite and Exclusive)

MG Windsor EV: Variants

Excite

The Excite variant offers a sleek look with LED lights and a modern interior featuring Knight Black accents and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. MG has also equipped it with steering-mounted controls, wireless connectivity and a full suite of safety features like six airbags (standard), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill-Start Assist Control.

Exclusive

Next up, the Exclusive variant focuses on luxury with leather upholstery, a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 18-inch alloy wheels (first-in-segment). The inclusion of a 360-degree camera, power-adjustable seats and a wireless smartphone charger make every drive more refined and convenient.

Essence 

The Essence trim comes loaded with a fixed panoramic glass roof, multi-colour ambient lighting and ventilated front seats. Audio duties are taken care of by a 9-speaker setup powered by Infinity besides a 7.4 kW AC fast charger (0-100% in 6.5 hours). 

What Is The Windsor EV Battery Rental Scheme?

The Windsor EV has a starting price of Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, this excludes the cost of the battery in the EV and for that, MG has introduced a unique Battery As A Service (BaaS) programme that might be difficult to understand at first. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how the additional costs will work with this new program.

Cost Calculator

Let us consider that you bought the base Excite variant. You will pay a minimum of Rs 1,500 as rent per month for the battery, even if you drive less. For example, if you drive 1,500 km a month, which also happens to be the minimum chargeable distance, your total rent for the battery will be Rs 5,250. If you drive more, you will pay Rs. 3.5 per extra kilometre. In a year, that translates to Rs 63,000, while it comes to Rs 1.89 lakh for three years.

What If You Drive Less Than 1,500 Kilometres A Month?

You will still have to pay Rs 5,250 per month if you drive fewer kilometres as the minimum charge remains the same.

How Will The Battery Rental Be Calculated?

MG will install a telematics device in the car that tracks the distance you drive. This data will help determine your monthly rental fee.

Can You Pay For The Battery Upfront?

Yes, you can choose to pay for the battery and the car in one go, instead of using the BaaS programme. However, all-inclusive prices are still not out. The cumulative cost will be revealed during the price revelation of all the trims of MG Windsor. We anticipate the total cost, including the battery, could range from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.

What Happens If You Sell The Windsor EV?

The original owner will have to clear all dues, including battery costs to MG. Upon selling the vehicle, the second owner will pay a one-time fee without having to pay any charges to the automaker for owning the EV.

Is The Battery Warranty Transferable?

The electric vehicle boasts a lifetime warranty on the battery besides a three-year warranty on the car. If the car is sold, the new owner will receive an eight-year or 1,60,000 km warranty on the battery.

How Can You Pay For The BaaS?

MG has partnered with Hero FinCorp and Bajaj Finance Limited for financing. Interest rates and EMIs differ as per the finance provider. You can also choose to exit the programme early.

Also read - How to Buy MG Hector: A Complete Buyer’s Guide