The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is buzzing with energy as several notable developments take center stage. With the recent launch of BYD's Sealion 7, the recall of Kia's EV6, and production milestones for MG's Windsor EV, the industry is showing signs of rapid progress and enthusiasm among consumers.
On January 18, 2025, BYD India launched its new electric SUV, the Sealion 7, which has already made waves by gathering over 1,000 bookings even before its official release. Priced starting at ₹48.90 lakhs (ex-showroom), this vehicle is being hailed for its modern battery technology, superior performance, and luxurious features. Customers can look forward to impressive specifications, including two variants—the premium variant delivers 567 km of range, and the performance variant offers 542 km, according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, powered by 523 bhp and 690 Nm of torque. Customers have responded enthusiastically, eager to secure their take on this high-performance e-SUV.
Also noteworthy is BYD's approach to building customer relations through promotional booking policies. This initiative, which offered special incentives at launch, has transitioned to regular bookings with a token amount of ₹70,000. Deliveries are expected to kick off around March 2025, adding to the anticipation of prospective buyers.
On another front, Kia India has initiated a recall of 1,380 units of its EV6 model produced between March 3, 2022, and April 14, 2023. The recall signifies Kia’s commitment to quality assurance, as it focuses on deploying necessary software updates to the integrated charging control unit (ICCU) to improve the charging experience and aid the battery’s performance. Kia has proactively communicated this recall to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and affected vehicle owners, ensuring transparency and care for their customer base. The recall reflects the company's dedication to ensuring its customers enjoy optimal vehicle performance and reliability.
Meanwhile, the MG Windsor EV has also reached new heights by producing 15,000 units within India. Launched back in September 2024, this model is experiencing approximately 200 bookings each day, demonstrating considerable demand within the EV sector. To meet the increasing consumer interest, MG Motor India's production capacity is set to increase, albeit with short-term modifications at their facility, aimed at preparing for additional models set to join their lineup by the first half of 2025. Biju Balendran, the Deputy Managing Director of JSW MG Motor India, expressed gratitude toward customers for their positive reception of the Windsor EV, stating, “We are delighted with the response...the CUV has been widely accepted by car buyers for its overall pricing and packaging.”
He continued to highlight the success of initiatives such as the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program, the buyback scheme, and lifetime warranty offerings, which have evidently helped to build consumer confidence around electric vehicles and solidified MG’s reputation within the market.
With the significant advancements taking place, it is evident the Indian electric vehicle market is poised for continued growth. The combination of innovative vehicle designs, proactive manufacturer support through recalls and operational enhancements, alongside increasing consumer interest, all promise to shape the electric vehicle segment's future.
Overall, from BYD's ambitious offerings to Kia's customer-centric recalls and MG's landmark production achievements, the developments within the Indian EV market are stirring excitement and confidence among potential buyers and stakeholders alike. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic and rapidly-evolving industry.