The Roewe E RX5 electric SUV was spied for the first
time in India recently. SAIC Motor’s MG brand is testing its
sister brand Roewe’s EV in the country.
A source has told the business publication that MG
is testing the Roewe E RX5 to determine its range in Indian climatic and road
conditions. The test mule is a left-hand drive vehicle imported from China,
Roewe’s home market.
Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG (India), has
confirmed the development, saying that the company is testing the EV in western
India to gauge its range and suitability in different driving and climatic
conditions. The testing may take place in other parts of the country as well,
and that would depend on the immediate outcome of the trials.
The Roewe E RX5 is powered by an electric motor that
generates 85 kW and 255 Nm of torque. It has a 48.3 kWh battery that provides a
range (NEDC) of 320 km. Driving constantly at 60 km/h, though, a range of 425
km is achievable. Fully charging the battery takes 7 hours using a standard
charger. Charging the battery to 80% level using a fast charger takes only 40
minutes. The electric SUV’s top speed is 135 km/h.
MG’s roadmap for India includes EVs. A possibility
is that a rebadged Roewe E RX5 is under consideration. However, no EV is
expected from the Chinese automaker before the next decade.
