Renault Kwid EV has been spotted testing in India, based on the Dacia Spring EV. It could become the most affordable electric car in the country, rivaling the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV. Here’s everything we know so far.
Renault appears to be preparing to enter the affordable EV space in the Indian market, as the electric version of the Kwid has been spotted on a flatbed in Chennai. The test mule, based on the internationally sold Dacia Spring EV, hints that the Kwid EV might launch in India by the end of this year. If introduced at a competitive price point, it could become a strong rival to the Tata Tiago EV and JSW MG Comet EV.
The sighting is significant, considering the growing number of budget-friendly electric vehicles being introduced. While Renault has not officially announced a launch timeline, the increasing frequency of test vehicles on Indian roads suggests that the Kwid EV is closer to its market debut than ever before.
Long-Awaited Launch Back on Track
Although the Kwid EV has been seen testing in India multiple times over the past few years, most of those models never made it to production. This latest test unit, however, appears to be a near-production version and reflects design changes closer to the current Dacia Spring Electric sold overseas.
Unlike earlier test vehicles that carried the Dacia badge, the newly spotted model shows more elements associated with the Renault brand. Even though the car remains heavily camouflaged, the rear design shows distinctive features such as Y-shaped LED tail lamps, a shark-fin antenna, a rear wiper, and steel wheels, suggesting it could be an entry-level variant.
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Expected Features
Though interior images are not yet available, expectations point toward several feature upgrades over the standard Kwid. These could include a flat-bottom steering wheel, toggle-type gear selector, and a larger touchscreen infotainment unit. A fully digital instrument cluster and new interior layout are also expected. Premium features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and a height-adjustable steering wheel are likely to be offered.
Additional highlights may include wireless smartphone mirroring, USB charging ports, and the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function. Boot capacity is expected to be around 308 litres, with an optional 35-litre front trunk (frunk) available as an accessory.
Performance and Range
The global Dacia Spring EV, on which the Kwid EV is based, is available with two electric motor options. The base Electric 45 version is powered by a 26.8 kWh battery and delivers 44 bhp and 125 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 19.1 seconds and has a top speed of 78 kmph.
The more powerful Electric 65 variant produces 64 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It offers improved performance, reaching 0 to 100 kmph in 13.7 seconds while maintaining the same top speed. Both variants claim a driving range of up to 225 km on a full charge.
Charging times also differ slightly. The Electric 45 can be charged from 20% to 100% in under five hours, while the Electric 65 can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes using fast charging.
India Launch Timeline
Although Renault has not confirmed any specific launch date, industry sources suggest the Kwid EV may arrive in India by the end of the current financial year. If priced aggressively, it could become the most affordable electric vehicle in the country and a serious competitor to existing options in the budget EV space.
