In response to India's push for reduced reliance on imported EV components, JSW MG Motor India is ramping up local sourcing. The government's production-linked incentive schemes for electric vehicles and parts have prompted these efforts.

Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India, highlighted that while the company initially imported batteries for its EVs, it now assembles them at its Hallol plant. Future plans include local production of battery cells, with JSW Group aiming to start manufacturing them. Currently, all EV manufacturers import these cells, mostly from China. Chaba announced that localisation levels are increasing across their range. The Comet EV is already 60% localised, the ZS EV is 30-40% localised, and the new MG Windsor CUV, set to launch in a few weeks, will eventually reach 80% localisation.

The Windsor CUV is anticipated to be priced below Rs 2 million, between the existing Comet and ZS EV models. Chaba noted that with just two EV models, the company holds a 17% share of the EV market and aims to grow 250% this year. Currently, 40% of their sales are electric vehicles.

To support the growing EV ecosystem, MG Motor India has launched eHUB, a unified charging platform in partnership with Adani Total Energies, BPCL, Chargezone, Glida, and HPCL. eHUB allows users to reserve, navigate, and pay for charging slots, and is accessible to vehicles from any OEM.

Additionally, the company introduced project REVIVE with TERI, Lohum, and BatX, focusing on repurposing EV batteries for renewable energy storage, promoting a circular economy.

MG Motor also announced that all upcoming models will feature the MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (MG-Jio ICP), which includes an in-car app store for gaming, entertainment, and learning.

(ET)