MG is looking to increase the level of localisation for its EV range in the future. It currently has the two-door Comet EV at the entry level and the ZS EV in the upper part of the D-segment. The Windsor EV will fit in between both these vehicles as their third offering.
Currently, MG has the Comet localised by up to 40 per cent while the ZS EV stands at 40 per cent the Windsor will begin life just over the 20 per cent mark with an eventual plan to bring it up to 80 per cent in the future. One of the major components of this localisation effort is expected to come via partner JSW’s future venture to build batteries in India. The steel company, which bought a stake in MG last year, is setting up a battery plant in Naraj near Cuttack Orissa.
Previously in a precarious position, MG now looks fortunate in that the JSW partnership will provide it with crucial funding and now batteries and allied components. But MG is not alone in this battery race and will be joined by Maruti Suzuki and Tata, both of whom are also pushing ahead with their India battery manufacturing. Both plants will be in Gujarat and are expected to make batteries not just for India but for export markets also.