JSW Motors is understood to be readying a second model for launch in India after the Jetour T2, based on the Chery iCaur V23 that's sold in China. A heavily camouflaged test mule of what appears to be an electric SUV based on the iCaur V23 was even recently spotted testing in India. Notably, JSW Motors aims to establish itself as an independent car brand, and has a tie-up with China's Chery Automobile to bring rebadged models into the Indian market.
- Just like Jetour, iCaur is a subsidiary brand of Chery
- It could be priced under Rs 20 lakh, ex-shworoom
- iCaur V23 has a CLTC-rated maximum range of 510km
JSW aims to establish itself as an independent carmaker, and the EV will therefore be launched outside its joint venture with MG. Just like Jetour, iCaur is a subsidiary brand of Chery. In addition to the V23, iCaur also has the hybrid V27 SUV in its portfolio. In fact, the India-spec car will likely have a JSW badge, and it may be priced under Rs 20 lakh, ex-showroom.
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The China-spec model sits on a 2,735mm wheelbase and measures 4,220mm in length, 1,915mm in width and 1,845mm in height. The exact dimensions of the new JSW EV are not known yet, but if they are similar to the model it is based on, it will compete in the midsize electric SUV segment. Currently, this space is populated by Vinfast VF6, Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, Maruti e Vitara, MG ZS EV and Tata Curvv EV.
In international markets, Chery offers the iCaur V23 with two powertrain options: a 136hp, 180Nm rear-wheel-drive setup (59.93kWh) and a more potent 211hp, 292Nm all-wheel-drive configuration (81.76kWh). The RWD version delivers a claimed China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) range of 401km, while the AWD model has a maximum claimed range of 510km on a single charge (also CLTC). Performance figures stand at a claimed 0-100kph time of 11 seconds for the RWD and 7.5 seconds for the AWD version, with both having a top speed of 140kph. Depending on the battery pack, the SUV supports DC fast charging speeds between 85kW and 104kW.
It remains to be seen which powertrain JSW-Chery will introduce for India. The above mentioned electric SUVs from Vinfast, Hyundai, Mahindra, Maruti, MG and Tata do not offer an AWD option at the moment, so that could help the upcoming JSW EV stand out. Equally important will be its ARAI-certified range, something that is crucial for EV buyers.
It is worth noting that the launch of the Jetour T2 plug-in hybrid SUV, which was initially slated for the second half of 2026, has reportedly been pushed back due to slow approvals for importing Chinese components. It will be assembled at the brand’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, and the iCaur V23-based EV is likely to follow the same route. Based on how things stand at the moment, its launch could take place around 2027.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
