MG Windsor - Providing BaaS
Offers a unique ownership program, Battery as a Service (BaaS), for the first time in the Passenger Vehicle industry
JSW MG Motor India introduced the CUV, MG Windsor EV at an attractive price of INR 9.99 lakh. This introductory price incorporates a unique payment plan called BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service). The ownership program allows the buyer to initially pay for the vehicle and then pay for the battery rental service on a pay-per -use basis, which comes to INR 3.5/km excluding the additional expense of charging the battery. The initial pricing puts the vehicle in line with Punch EV however the features and technology rivals offerings of compact SUVs like Nexon, Curvv and XUV400.
With EV sales contributing towards 35% of MG's pie, the company, representing MG 2.0, post JV with JSW, is looking at introducing a new car every 6 months. This is MG's third EV in India following ZS EV and Comet EV. Utility vehicle sales in India are growing at a rate of 65% and the Windsor EV falls in the middle category of CUV (crossover utility vehicle), providing the comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV.
One of the factors that give EV buyers pause is the huge investment into the battery and the need to use the vehicle longer to justify the price point. MG Motor's solution to this dilemma was lowering the acquisition cost of the new Windsor EV to 9.9 lakh and having the customer pay for battery rentals similar to ICE vehicle fuel costs, ensuring an economical and hassle-free ownership experience. "Over a period of 5 years, it will be more affordable to own this EV for the consumer", states Satinder Bajwa Chief Commercial Officer JSW MG Motor India on the long-term benefit of the BaaS scheme.
The company is offering a first-of-its-kind lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of MG Windsor. With the eHUB by MG app, the company is offering one year of free public charging, making it easier than ever for Windsor owners to power up anytime, anywhere. JSW MG Motor India is also introducing its 3-60 assured buyback plan for the Windsor which ensures that it will retain 60% of its value after 3 years/45,000km.
The Intelligent CUV features an AeroGlide design and luxurious interiors with spacious Aero Lounge seats that can be reclined to 1350, coupled with the expansive Infinity View Glass Roof, adding to the business class experience. Immersive entertainment and smart connectivity features are powered by a massive 15.6” GRANDVIEW Touch Display in the central console. The Windsor comes with the powerful PMS Motor which is IP67 certified and a 38 kWh Li-ion battery pack and 4 driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Normal and Sport) that deliver 100KW (136ps) power and 200Nm of instant torque, offering range of 331 km. It can be charged in 40 minutes at any DC fast charger.
Speaking at the launch, Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Windsor is the first car that has come out of the JV and the team has worked very hard in developing and bringing it to the Indian market. This vehicle embodies our commitment to delivering to our Indian customers the best of innovation the world has to offer. "
Sharing his views on the occasion, Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India said, "With its delightful features and easy-to-drive dynamics, MG Windsor will certainly invite newer sets of customers to try EVs. Enabling this, we have created a clear channel for smart and unique ownership through the BaaS program, complemented with additional benefits.”
BaaS offered by MG paves the way for a distinctive payment scheme for buyers which if accepted will change the game for all the EV players in India. Meanwhile, it will become critical for MG to find a way to simplify the mathematics of ownership through its marketing across its dealerships.
We have to wait and watch how the market responds to the plan as the company start bookings and delivery for Windsor in October.
