Though unlikely to launch, the E200 is still on MG’s Indian radar [Update]

Update – Mr Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director of MG Motor India, a few days back spoke about the E200 in an interview to Sirish Chandran of Evo Magazine. Here’s what he has to say about the electric mini:

We showcased the E200 as part of the urban mobility solution for customers like youngsters and housewives who have to travel not more than 50 to 60 km. This kind of small car can have a range of 200 km which is more than enough for the city driving. This is one of the new urban mobility solutions and there are some other options which we are trying. Batteries, we need to assemble in India and we will actively explore as and when the demand goes up. Also, the lockdown has also given us fresh air and reduced emissions in the environment. My bet would be that more people will ask for good environment-friendly solutions as we go forward but at an affordable price.

EVs are doing well but it’s not cheap at Rs 23-24 lakh. We need to come up with better solutions and we will be looking at other options. Though right now the focus is not there on this kind of a car and it has been delayed by a few months. But definitely it is on the cards and we will be at the forefront of it.

6 March 2020 –

MG Motor revealed the MG E200 at the Auto Expo 2020 as part of a lineup of 14 vehicles that included the Maxus D90 (MG Gloster), six-seater MG Hector Plus, Vision-i MPV, eMG6 PHEV and more. 

The company has said that it will introduce an affordable electric car around 2023, but would it be the E200 which is not very practical without rear doors and seats? We asked Gaurav Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer – MG Motor India, this question:

I think the good part about the MG e200 and MG e300 is that it really showcases a new age vehicle type which will be appealing to millennials, along with a very good range of 250+ km with an option of two or three seats. If you are a single, couple or couple with a child, that kind of flexibility with a cool millennial appealing design with a good range are the things that really are packed into the EV.

Normally, when you see a small EV of this size, you will not think of long range. But range becomes addressed in this. So we are definitely exploring India to bring in affordable EV and in the (Auto Expo) pavilion also we have showcased a sedan, eMG6, e200. The constant review of the products is on right now. We don’t rule out any of the options we can bring to India right now.

Considering that the affordable electric car is three years away from launch, MG would want to bring in something fresh. So wouldn’t it be a newer model than an E200?

More than the freshness, it is about relevancy in the market. I think relevancy as well as adhering to the local laws and policies is important.

The MG E200 has a striking exterior distinguished by sleek headlamps and taillamps. The MG-badged Baojun E200 features include a ‘floating’ 7-inch instrument panel, remote interactive system offering charging information, dual-channel speakers, vehicle inspection, power supply, parking navigation and LED headlamps. The cabin of MG E200 gets 11 storage compartments, foldable seats, armrest and hooks for extended comfort.

The 2497*1526*1616 mm (L*W*H) dimensions of MG E200 makes it ideal for daily commuting. Also, the turning radius of 3.8 metres makes E200 perfect for congested areas. 

The MG-badged Baojun E200 uses an electric mill that produces 29 kW (39 bhp) power and 110 Nm torque, powered by a 24 kWh battery. According to NEDC test, the MG E200’s range is 250 km. Top speed of E200 is around 100 kmph. 

The list of safety features includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electric Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The MG E200 is built of 42.9% high-strength steel and has a caged battery pack for safety. 

For the battery system, the MG E200 gets a warranty of 8-year/120,000 kilometres. The battery can be easily charged utilizing a normal 220V household outlet. The E200 is a 2-seater mini electric vehicle and an evolution of the E100 version with more than 100 updates.

The MG-badged Baojun E200 launched widely in China last year and the price range is between RMB 54,800 to 64,800 (Rs 5.67 to 6.71 lakh).