MG Air Small EV to Launch in India by 2023

MG Motor is preparing to bring a two-door entry-level EV to India; MG Air EV will be priced at around Rs 10 lakhs; Codenamed E230, Expected to debut by early 2023.

MG Motor India is planning to add more models to its EV portfolio in the country. The Chinese owned UK brand currently sells the ZS EV which is priced above Rs 20 lakhs. Now a small two-door EV is in the works for the Indian market, particularly targeted at the affordable segment for city commuters. It will be the Indian version of MG’s sister brand Wuling’s Air EV, codenamed E230.

MG Air EV: Details

The upcoming Air EV will be a two-door compact vehicle, making it suitable for city use. Based on the brand’s Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform, the EV will be specifically designed according to Indian road conditions. The company is expected to carry out major changes to the battery’s thermal management system to cope with the country’s harsh climatic conditions. According to reports, the vehicle will also get a new name for the Indian market. 

As far as its design is concerned, the EV looks quite futuristic with an overall boxy stance. The front fascia features a protruding chrome strip, which flows all the way to the sides countered by a gloss black finish, merging with the ORVMs. The charging slot is positioned right below the chrome strip, covered with the MG moniker. The headlamps have two separate lights, most likely for low and high beam function, while the lower part of the bumper gets a horizontally placed air dam with sleek LED fog lamps.

Its doors are long with a large window area for easy ingress and egress, along with vertically stacked quarter glass which provides a feel of an airy cabin. The EV will have small 12-inch steel rims with plastic covers for a premium appeal. The rear profile is quite minimalistic with a horizontal light strip consisting of squarish tail lamps. The number plate will be mounted on the lower bumper, flanked by vertical reflectors on both sides.

MG Air EV: Dimensions and Features

The electric vehicle is believed to be smaller than the Maruti Suzuki Alto in terms of dimensions, thus creating an altogether new segment for itself. It will measure 2.9 metres in length and have a wheelbase of 2010 mm. In terms of features, we expect MG to load the four-wheeler with top-class tech features like a large infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, connected car tech, ADAS and more. 

MG Air EV: Battery Pack and Range

As per media reports, the manufacturer will be locally sourcing the battery components to keep costs in check. Tata AutoComp in joint venture with Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion will be providing the required batteries to MG. The EV will use cost-effective and reliable LFP cylindrical cells, better suited for India’s hot climate, similar to Tata Nexon EV.  It will be powered by a 20 to 25 kWh battery pack, with a claimed range of around 150 kilometres. The electric motor is expected to churn out 40 bhp of power output.

MG Air EV: Expected Launch Date and Pricing

MG Air EV is expected to be revealed to the public at the Auto Expo scheduled to be held in January 2023. Its price announcement and market launch is said to take place by April.