New Delhi: The joint venture between MG Motor and JSW has ambitious plans to revolutionize the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming for a Maruti moment with frequent new electric car launches. Their strategy might get a significant boost from the recent launch of the Baojun Yep Plus electric SUV in China. This affordable electric SUV, built on the same platform as the MG Comet EV available in India, hints at the potential for a similarly priced offering in the Indian market soon.Budget-friendly electric SUV with impressive rangeThe Baojun Yep Plus boasts a starting price of CNY 94,000 (approximately Rs 10.8 lakh), making it a compelling proposition for budget-conscious EV buyers. This affordability is further enhanced by its claimed driving range of 401 km on a single charge, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle (real-world range may vary). This range makes the Yep Plus suitable for daily commutes and even occasional weekend getaways within city limits.Rugged design and feature-packed interiorThe Yep Plus features a bold and rugged exterior design with strong body cladding, a floating roof, LED lighting, roof rails, and a unique design element between the C and D pillars. The 16-inch alloy wheels and 150mm ground clearance further enhance its SUV look. Disc brakes on all four corners ensure confident stopping power.Stepping inside, the Yep Plus offers a modern and comfortable cabin. The flat, multi-layered dashboard features a dual-tone color scheme with soft-touch plastics and contrasting stitching, reminiscent of the MG Comet EV. A 3-spoke steering wheel with metallic accents provides a sporty feel, while the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and 8.8-inch instrument cluster dominate the center console. The interior offers 28 storage spaces for added convenience, and the spacious boot space can be expanded from 385 liters to 1715 liters by folding the rear seats.Performance and potential for moreThe Yep Plus comes equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor generating 75 kW (100 bhp) of power and 180 Nm of torque. This setup allows for a top speed of 150 km/h and offers four driving modes: Economy Plus, Economy, Standard, and Sports. While the current model features a front-wheel-drive configuration, rumors suggest a future possibility of a dual-motor AWD variant for enhanced performance.The MG connection and future prospectsThe shared platform with the MG Comet EV in India fuels speculation about a potential MG-badged version of the Yep Plus in the Indian market. Considering the aggressive launch strategy of the MG-JSW venture, an affordable electric SUV offering could be a strategic move to capture a significant share of the burgeoning Indian EV market.
