The first co-developed models from Ford and Mahindra
Group is going to be a pure electric Aspire. As expected, it will be based on
the long version that is sold in only overseas markets, an image posted by
Autocar India has revealed.
The Indian government levies higher GST on
ICE-powered four-wheelers longer than 4,000 mm. So, Ford manufactures the
Aspire in a small version that doesn't exceed this length barrier and a long
version that looks like a proper sedan. The latter is not sold in India, but it
is manufactured for exports. The GST levied on pure electric four-wheelers
(12%) doesn't take the length (or even the body style) of the vehicle into
account, and so, the Blue Oval will launch the pure electric Aspire in the long
version. The bigger body with better proportions will allow it to make the
higher price of the pure electric variant a little more justifiable.
The Ford Aspire Electric will use a powertrain
developed by Mahindra Electric. Specifics aren't available yet. If an internal
document from Mahindra & Mahindra is to be believed, the pure electric
sedan will have a 380-volt NMC Lithium-ion battery pack to run a 68
PS electric motor that can provide a top speed of 110 km/h. The range will be
above 150 km.
The small version of the Ford Aspire measures 3,995
mm in length, 1,704 mm in width and 1,525 mm in height. The long version
exported to South Africa, for reference, is 4,254 mm long, 1,695 mm wide and
1,525 mm tall. The long version, in addition to a better design, offers a
bigger boot. While the small version's boot capacity is 359 litres, the long
version's boot capacity is 445 litres.
The Ford Aspire Electric should go on sale in India
later this year. Prices should start at around INR 12 lakh*.
