Renault Kwid EV: Renault is considering building a mass-market electric vehicle in India as the country prepares for a transition to electric mobility, sources told Reuters. As EV adoption grows in India, which recently surpassed Japan in automobile sales in 2022, a number of automakers are planning new EV launches. The Renault study emphasises how the French automaker is pushing ahead with electrification plans in the country despite ongoing negotiations with its partner Nissan Motor about investing in an EV unit that it plans to separate from its other operations.
The study also emphasises the changing perception of the country’s auto market, which is expected to grow significantly by 2022. While EV sales in India were expected to be less than 1% of total car sales in 2022, the Indian government has prepared a roadmap and set a target of 30% by 2030.
About the launch
The company is currently evaluating potential demand, pricing, and the ability to build the EV using domestic components. If the launch is approved, it will most likely take place only in late 2024.
The decision to introduce an electrified version of the Kwid is part of Renault’s larger plan to rekindle sales in India, where the company remains profitable despite selling fewer cars in 2022 than the previous year. However, an official confirmation from Renault India is still pending. According to the company, a “strong focus on electrification globally” is part of CEO Luca de Meo’s strategy, and “India is one of the key markets” for the group.
About the price
In order to attract volume in the segment, the company is likely to price the car competitively. In fact, this could become one of the country’s most affordable electric vehicles. It will focus on the Tata Tiago EV, which is quickly becoming known as India’s most affordable passenger electric vehicle.
Rivals
The Renault Kwid EV is unlikely to have a direct competitor, the small hatchback will however go up against electrified Tata Tiago and other electric versions of models from Maruti Suzuki in the future.
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