Renault Kwid Electric (K-ZE) with 271 Kms range costs Rs. 6.22 lakhs in China: Want one in India?

Renault has introduced the K-ZE (Kwid Electric) in China, which is the biggest market for electric cars in the world. The Renault K-ZE is priced at 61,800 Chinese Yuan, which translates into Rs. 6.22 lakhs. The electric hatchback has a range of 271 kilometers per charge and can hit a top speed of 105 Kph. These factors make it an ideal city car for those looking at low running costs and a relatively greener, environmental friendly option. Also, the cost of the car looks quite attractive, and if Renault India launches the electric Kwid at this price point, the car will be quite attractive to a wide range of hatchback buyers. Notably, Renault is considering the K-ZE for India as it already makes the petrol powered version of the Kwid here. The K-ZE is not likely to be launched anytime before 2022 though as the French automaker is waiting for further clarity from the Indian government about electric vehicles.

Hyundai India just launched the Kona Electric SUV, and has been doing quite well. The response to the Hyundai Kona Electric has been very good, and the South Korean automaker has plans to develop a low cost electric car meant for the Indian mass market. Such a car is already under development, and will be launched in a couple of years. Mahindra has plans to launch an electric version of the XUV300 sub-4 meter SUV early next year. Called the eXUV300, it’s likely to be an affordable alternative to the Hyundai Kona, but with a much lower range per charge. The automaker is also working on an electric variant of the KUV100, which will be called the eKUV100.

Renault’s alliance partner Nissan is also planning to launch an electric car shortly in the Indian market. Called the Leaf, the electric hatchback from Nissan is likely to be quite pricey but will deliver an effective real world range of over 300 kilometers per charge, making it a viable alternative to city hatchbacks. The Nissan Leaf is expected to make its debut at the upcoming, 2020 Indian Auto Expo in February, next year.

The car has been a global best seller in the electric vehicles segment for Nissan but will be positioned as a low volume brand builder for the automaker in the Indian market. A slew of other automakers are planning to introduce electric cars in the coming months. MG Motor will launch the eZS electric SUV by the end of this year while Maruti Suzuki will launch the WagonR Electric as a cab-only electric vehicle early next year.