MG E200 is just one of 14 vehicles (including multiple EVs and UVs) showcased by MG Motor India at Auto Expo 2020.
MG Motor India has showcased the E200 EV at Auto Expo 2020. The ‘ultra-compact electric vehicle’ is already on sale in the Chinese market as the Baojun E200. While one cannot consider it as an ideal mass-volume product for any market, the MG E200 has got sales potential in urban regions.
Even though MG showcased the E200 at the Auto Expo 2020, we are very confident that it will not be launched in India. There are multiple reasons for the same. To begin with, the E200 won’t meet the safety requirements of the country. Next up, traditionally, similar small cars like the Reva/E2O or even the E2O+ haven’t clicked in the Indian market. An ideal car for the average Indian buyer should have at least 2 rows of seating and provide enough space for carrying some luggage too.
The MG E200 is an upgraded version of the E100, which was launched in China back in 2017. Both the cars are made by MG’s parent company’s (SAIC’s) JV with GM & Wuling. The E200 is available in two variants, one of which costs 54,800 yuan (INR 5.67 lakh) while the other one costs 64,800 yuan (INR 6.71 lakh).
The small EV is driven by a 29 kW (38.88hp) motor which develops 110 Nm of max torque while coupled to a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. The motor’s output is clearly on the lower side and it restricts the vehicle’s top speed to less than 100 kmph. Overall range of the E200 under the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) is 250 km.
The E200 has been positioned as a city-car and has relatively small dimensions as well. It measures less than 2.5 metres in length and has a turning radius of just 3.8 metres. On the safety front, it gets ABS, EBD and ESC. However, it misses out on airbags.
To improve the electric vehicle’s NVH levels, SAIC has employed a reducer in the powertrain. Even when the motor is running at around 3,800 RPM, the gearbox’s noise is barely 40-45 decibels. The focus on NVH also ensured that the manufacturer introduces low-noise compressor & low-noise fans for the AC. The total noise output from the unit is less than 42.9 decibels.
After a stupendous start with the Hector, record bookings on the ZS EV, and talks of a new plant, MG looks confident about its Indian innings. The 14-vehicle showcase at Auto Expo 2020 further confirms it.
