Maruti is going to launch the electric WagonR next year, but new reports suggest that it will be only available for cab aggregators, like Ola and Uber.
Maruti has commenced testing the electric WagonR in India, ahead of its launch here in early 2020. The test mule is the Japanese-spec WagonR, but the Indian market will get a completely different model.
In a recent interview to CNBC TV18, RC Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that the electric WagonR will only be available for cab aggregators like Ola and Uber. So, next year, it would not be available for a private buyer.
As per the official, an electric car is still tough to maintain and expensive to buy for a private buyer. The WagonR EV will be priced around Rs 11-12 Lakhs (ex-showroom), nearly 60% more than the petrol-powered version. As of now, there is no clarity on if it will come under the FAME-II scheme.
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Maruti might introduce the electric version a bit later, once the infrastructure in our country is more developed. The report also states that the battery of the EV will be pricey and the driving range will be around 200 kms.
The WagonR EV will be available with a fast DC charger, which will charge the battery from 0-80% in up to 40 mins. But these chargers are likely to be found only at public charging stations. Buyers will be provided with AC wall chargers for their home.
Other specifications of the EV are unknown but it will come with many more features than the regular WagonR. It will be Maruti’s first electric car in the Indian market with a couple of more planned as well.
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In the same range, even Renault is planning to bring the electric version of Kwid. However, this is still under consideration for India and we might not see it anytime before the next 2-3 years.
