JSW Motors’s third model, an electric SUV based on the Chery iCar V23, is expected to be sold with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain in India, per our sources. This EV will be the first mass-market electric off-roader in India, and its closest rival will be the Mahindra Thar Roxx, which is ICE-powered but also a 5-door off-road-focused SUV. We had also reported that JSW’s iCar V23-based EV may be priced under Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).
JSW Motors’s iCar V23-based electric SUV: Powertrain
In global markets, the dual-motor AWD version of the iCar V23 packs an 81.76kWh NMC battery pack with an NEDC-certified range of 430km. Combined output is pegged at 211hp and 292Nm, which makes for a rather brisk 0-100kph time of 7.5 seconds (claimed). Top speed is rated at 140kph. The global-spec iCar V23 also supports up to 6.6kW AC and 104kW DC charging speeds.
JSW Motors’s iCar V23-based electric SUV: Exterior and interior
Test mules of JSW’s iCar V23-based EV have been spotted on Indian roads on several occasions, hinting at a very similar design to that of the global model. For reference, the global-spec iCar V23 measures 4,220mm in length, 1,915mm in width and 1,845mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,735mm. Its unladen ground clearance is 210mm.
Size-wise, then, the iCar V23 slots between the Maruti Jimny and Thar Roxx. Styling highlights for the iCar V23 include butch and boxy proportions, muscular bumpers, flared and squared-off fenders, 21-inch alloy wheels, circular LED headlamps, low-set rectangular tail-lamps and a boot lid-mounted spare wheel.
Inside, the iCar V23 sports a minimalist dashboard layout, comprising a massive 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel and two rows of physical controls on the centre console. As for features, the global-spec iCar V23 packs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 540-degree camera, six drive modes, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), powered and ventilated front seats, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, a digital key, a 7-speaker sound system and more.