The Indian electric vehicle market has just witnessed an extraordinary response to a new launch. JSW MG Motor India’s Windsor Pro EV has attracted over 8,000 bookings within just 24 hours of its debut, according to TimesNow. This remarkable achievement signals a potential turning point for electric vehicle adoption in India.
Understanding the Special Pricing Structure
The Windsor Pro EV initially launched with an introductory price of Rs 17.49 lakh, but this offer was limited to only the first 8,000 customers who made quick bookings. The current ex-showroom price has increased to Rs 18,09,800, reflecting the vehicle’s high demand. This strategic pricing approach created urgency among potential buyers.
What makes this EV truly different is its innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, buyers can purchase the car for Rs 13.09 lakh and then pay separately for battery usage at Rs 4.5 per kilometer driven. This dramatically reduces the initial investment needed.
Battery-as-a-Service Explained Simply
- Lower upfront cost: The battery typically makes up 30-40% of an electric vehicle’s total price. By removing this from the initial purchase, MG has effectively reduced the entry barrier for EV ownership.
- Usage-based payments: The Rs 4.5/km charge means if you drive 1,000 km in a month, you would pay approximately Rs 4,500 for battery usage instead of bearing maintenance and replacement costs.
- No battery degradation worries: Since the company maintains ownership of the battery, consumers don’t need to worry about performance loss over time or replacement expenses.
Technical Features Made Simple
The Windsor Pro comes exclusively in the Essence Pro variant, equipped with a large 52.9 kWh battery that delivers a certified driving range of 449 km. In everyday terms, this means you could potentially drive from Delhi to Jaipur and back on a single charge.
The vehicle generates 136 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, which translates to quick acceleration and smooth highway driving capability for comfortable daily commuting and occasional long trips.
| Advanced safety features: The Level 2 ADAS includes 12 different functions like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist that actively help prevent accidents. | Innovative power sharing: The V2L and V2V capabilities allow you to use your car’s battery to power external devices or even charge another electric vehicle in an emergency. |
Consumer Options and Market Impact
Buyers can choose from three new exterior colors: Celadon Blue, Aurora Silver, and Glaze Red, with each option designed to appeal to different consumer preferences and personalities. The powered tailgate adds convenience for daily use.
While MG embraces the BaaS model, other manufacturers like Tata Motors have expressed skepticism, citing higher GST rates on battery rentals as a potential drawback for consumers. This creates an interesting market dynamic as companies explore different approaches to EV affordability.
The extraordinary success of the Windsor Pro suggests that Indian consumers are increasingly open to innovative ownership models that make electric vehicles more accessible and practical for everyday use.
