- JSW MG Motor India aims to push EV adoption by undertaking various initiatives.
- It has introduced the eHUB all-in-one EV charging solution that can be used by consumers of any EV brand.
- MG has partnered with LOHUM, TERI and BatX to reuse and repurpose batteries for schools and community centers.
- In collaboration with its long-term partner Jio, MG has launched the Innovative Connectivity Platform (ICP) to enhance the in-car experience.
Over the years, electric vehicle (EV) adoption has picked up in India, mainly in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. However, consumer apprehensions over range anxiety, charging infrastructure, affordability and serviceability have been impacting the adoption of four-wheeler EVs.
JSW MG Motor India, an early mover in India’s four-wheeler EV mass market, recently organized the DriEV.Bharat event to discuss its latest efforts toward addressing these challenges. The company has been focusing on expanding its EV portfolio in the country to achieve 65%-75% of its total sales from EVs by 2028, compared to 40% now. MG plans to introduce five EV models in India by 2028.
At the DriEV.Bharat event, the company announced a four-way approach to help push EV sales in India:
eHUB – Unified app for EV charging
Apart from locating the charging station, another challenge for EV users is dealing with multiple payment systems at different charging stations, forcing them to use several charging apps on their smartphones. To simplify the EV ownership experience, MG has partnered with 18 charging companies, such as BPCL, Adani Total Energies Limited, Chargezone and Glida, to introduce an all-in-one EV charging solution. This comprehensive solution enables users to locate, reserve and pay for charging stations through a single app. Further, this solution is available to non-MG customers also.
Project Revive – Reuse and repurpose batteries
The battery is a critical component in an EV. After the battery lifecycle ends for automotive use, it can’t be used in vehicles again but can be reused for other purposes. Therefore, MG has partnered with LOHUM, TERI and BatX to reuse and repurpose the batteries as Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) for schools and community centers. This also underlines MG’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable environment.
EVpedia – EV awareness platform
The lack of complete awareness is one of the biggest challenges in EV adoption. MG has decided to address this knowledge gap among the new EV buyers or traditional ICE users by introducing a dedicated knowledge platform for EVs. The portal aims to educate people about the several benefits of EVs over ICE, like government policies and cost of ownership.
MG-JIO Innovative Connectivity Platform – Elevating in-car experience
MG is known for its use of intelligent technologies and for providing the best in-vehicle connectivity experience. In collaboration with its long-term partner Jio, MG has launched the Innovative Connectivity Platform (ICP) to enhance the in-car experience. This platform will include the MG App Store, enabling in-car gaming, learning and entertainment. It also features an improved in-car voice assistant, available in six different languages, and the industry’s first Home-to-Car solution, allowing MG and Jio consumers to seamlessly access the MG App via a TV connected through Jio Setup Box. The upcoming MG Windsor model will be the first EV to feature the ICP, and it will be standard for all upcoming models.
Key takeaways
- In the last three years, India’s electric car sales have been on the rise. However, their share in the total car sales remains low. This implies that there are still reservations over buying an electric car in India. To change this situation, MG has taken it upon itself to spread awareness about EVs and develop an EV ecosystem by bringing various industry partners to make the EV ownership experience hassle-free.
- The initiatives announced by MG Motor at the DriEV.Bharat event will certainly contribute to efforts to popularize EVs in the country. The all-in-one EV charging solution is not only for MG consumers but also for consumers of other brands.
- Tata Motors leads the EV market in India, followed by MG with a big margin. These initiatives will help MG grab more mindshare among its prospective consumers.
- While the government is doing its bit in popularizing EVs, MG is perhaps the first EV OEM to take such initiatives. Other OEMs should also come forward to educate potential EV buyers and build a seamless EV ecosystem.
