Renault has multiple EV programs in progress for several countries including China where it is looking to launch the electric version of the Kwid mini car.
Uncertainty and a lack of clarity over government’s assistance program are two main reasons why Renault, one of world’s leading developer of electric vehicles (EV), will go slow on its introduction in India.
Renault has multiple EV programs in progress for several countries including China where it is looking to launch the electric version of the Kwid mini car.
But, the French car maker which is in a revival mode in India, is keen to focus on getting its regular product portfolio in order under the mid-term plan before venturing into newer spaces, such as electric vehicles.
Speaking to Moneycontrol Venkatram Mamillapalle, managing director, Renault India said that it is a matter of time and maturity of the technology for EVs to come to India. He further stated that there is a regulation which is coming in FAME II but how well will it be accepted by customers, Renault is still unsure about that.
Mamilapalle, who took over on March 1, 2019, has promised to do four launches over 18 months, including those of two all-new products. This is done to revive the ailing India business and to double its market share to five percent.
Renault wants to focus of petrol and diesel engines at a time when its rivals including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and newcomer MG Motors are gearing up to launch battery-powered cars. At the 2018 India Auto Expo, Renault showcased the Zoe e-Sport Concept (compact electric car) which is on sale in Europe.
But, Mamillapalle has not ruled out the electric Kwid completely. He informed that discussion is on about the electric Kwid for China but not yet for India.
Mamillapalle affirmed that Renault’s EV product range is huge and the company ranks number one worldwide in EVs. Apart from bringing in the right product at the right price, the car maker wants to carefully strategise their business for the next two-three years based on how the competition comes.
