Morris Garages (MG) is testing electric cars and SUV near its Gujarat plant, according to reports. Two electric vehicles (EVs) in are being tested in the Halol area of Gujarat to determine their range in Indian climatic and driving conditions. The range of an EV is the distance it can cover on a single charge.
The two EVs are the fully electric Roewe eRX5 SUV (sport utility vehicle) and the SAIC E100 mini car. Roewe is a luxury brand introduced by SAIC in 2006. The vehicles being tested have a range of 425km and 155km, respectively, are left-hand drives, and have been imported from China, reports said.
The E100 has a maximum speed of 100 km/h and can be fully charged in 7.5 hours. The Roewe eRX5 has a top speed of 135 km/hr and can charge as much as 80% in 40 minutes.
The Indian subsidiary of British car maker that is now owned by China’s SAIC Motor Corp is called Morris Garages (MG) Motor India Pvt. Ltd.
With an investment of more than Rs5,000 crore over the next six years in India, MG plans to build its entire portfolio of vehicles, including EVs, at its Halol plant in Gujarat by sourcing local components .