Renault Kwid EV Spotted Testing in India: Launch Soon? [Video]
The French automotive giant Renault is finally going to enter the affordable electric vehicle segment in India. Its first electric offering in India will be the Kwid EV. Recently, two test mules of the Renault Kwid EV were spotted testing on public roads. Both of these test mules were fully covered in camouflage. However, a few new details were noted from their recent spotting.
Renault Kwid EV
The video showing the two Renault Kwid EV test mules on a national highway has been shared on YouTube by Tahir Khokar on their channel. In this short video clip, we can note that two fully camouflaged Kwid EV test mules were driving together on a national highway.
Although not much was visible, it can now be seen that these test mules were equipped with a grille which looks very similar to the standard ICE Kwid. Also, the overall silhouette is exactly the same as well, and so is the rear end. The taillights, however, have been given a Y-shape, which looks different. On top, integrated roof rails and a rod-type antenna were noted.
Renault Kwid EV: More details
For those who may not be aware, the Renault Kwid EV is based on the Dacia Spring EV, which is currently sold in a number of international markets. In terms of design, the upcoming Kwid EV will be offered with sleek, rectangular LED DRLs at the front. It will also get wide body cladding like the standard model, which will provide a more rugged, SUV-inspired appearance.
Other design highlights of the Kwid EV will include conventional pull-up door handles (helping in keeping the development cost low). It will also miss out on alloy wheels and come with steel wheels with covers instead. Additionally, it will come with side turn indicators on ORVMs with electric adjustability.
As for the rear, the overall design will remain the same. The Kwid EV is expected to come with a windshield washer and wiper, integrated parking sensors, and a conventional rod-type antenna instead of a shark-fin. The rear taillights will most likely also get Y-shaped LED internals, adding a unique and fresh appearance.
Moving on to the interior, the Renault Kwid is expected to come equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, and an E-Shift gear lever. It could also get an adjustable steering wheel.
Renault Kwid EV powertrain
As per the reports, the Renault Kwid EV will most likely be offered with a 26.8 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 220 km. As for the electric motor, a single front axle-mounted motor is expected to generate 65.6 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. There is a possibility that Renault could use localisation of components to make this model cost-effective.
Launch and pricing
At the moment, the exact date of launch and pricing of the Renault Kwid EV have not been officially revealed. However, it is believed that the vehicle will be launched by late 2025 or early 2026. As for the pricing, it is expected to be launched in the range of Rs 7–9 lakh. Once launched, it will be taking on rivals like the Tata Tiago.ev, MG Comet EV, and the Citroen eC3.