Renault is readying an all-electric version of the heavily updated Kwid. The new Renault Kwid EV is essentially a sister product to the Dacia Spring EV, which made its global debut last year. Spy shots of the new Kwid EV, surfaced from Brazil, show the car in its final production form.
Higher variants to get the ADAS bundle too
New Renault Kwid EV gets a major design overhaul
Expected to get the same 26.8kWh battery as the Spring EV
Rugged New Look for the Renault Kwid EV
While both models are expected to remain the most affordable electric vehicles in their categories across most markets, the heavily updated Kwid EV, just like the Spring, looks more butch than before. Dacia and Renault designers have successfully given the new car Duster-like looks, which gives it a rugged and brawny appearance.
The Renault Kwid EV gets an all-new fascia with slim, horizontal LED daytime running lamps. The plastic grille has vertical slats, with the Renault logo positioned bang in the centre. The charging socket is neatly placed behind the logo, a setup similar to that of the Spring EV and the pre-facelift Renault Kwid EV, which was sold in China and a few other markets.
The main headlamps on the new Kwid EV are positioned on the lower section of the bumper, which is now wider and also houses an air intake. These updates aside, in some ways, the Kwid EV continues to resembles the Kwid currently sold in India. The doors, fenders, and even the old-school pull-type door handles seem to be carried over.
At the back, the bumper gets mild design tweaks, and while the tail-lamps look the same, they get new Y-shaped LED lighting elements, much like the Duster, and are connected by a glossy black plastic panel on the tailgate.
While the new Kwid EV’s interior has not been revealed, we expect it to be similar to its Dacia sibling, which means the dashboard design will be all-new, and the material quality is expected to be improved. It will also get a new steering wheel and some bits, such as the HVAC panel, borrowed from the Duster.
Renault Kwid EV range and battery
We expect the Kwid EV to borrow the Spring EV’s setup, which comes in two versions: a 45hp motor and a more powerful 65hp iteration, both sending power to the front wheels. A 26.8kWh battery is likely to see duty on the Kwid EV, with an expected range of around 220km, again, similar to the Spring EV.
Renault Kwid EV India launch details
While the current-gen Kwid has been around for quite some time and may be due for an update, there is no news of Renault bringing the Kwid EV to India. The French brand did, however, test the updated Dacia Spring EV in India not too long ago. Still, it remains to be seen whether Renault decides to bring the Kwid here to take on the Tata Tiago EV and the MG Comet. Renault, however, is preparing to launch the updated Triber and Kiger, as well as the all-new Duster, in the Indian market.
India Launch Uncertain
Despite sightings of the updated Dacia Spring EV undergoing testing in India, Renault has not confirmed any plans to launch the Kwid EV in the country. While the affordable EV segment continues to grow with models like the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet, Renault appears focused on launching the refreshed Triber, Kiger, and an all-new Duster for now. The Kwid EV could be a game-changer if it makes its way to India, but for now, it remains a global play, potentially offering a stylish, budget-friendly electric mobility solution in select international markets.