The newest Renault Kwid EV test mule has been spotted with a neatly integrated, front-mounted charging port, reinforcing that the budget-friendly electric hatch is edging closer to showrooms.
What the photos show
The camouflage can’t hide a small bulge at the center of the nose where the charging flap appears to sit behind the Renault logo, a layout that likely suggests a practical, head-on plug-in experience for tight parking spots. The mule also appears to sit a touch taller with squared wheel arches and a flat bonnet, giving it a slightly more rugged stance than the current Kwid.
Design details to note
Slim, inverted Y-shaped LED DRLs sit high, while the main headlamps appear lower in the bumper, creating a split-light signature that feels clean and modern. Simple wheel caps, pull-type door handles, and dark ORVMs suggest this is a mid-variant on test rather than a fully loaded trim, which aligns with Renault’s value-first positioning.
Inside, simple and useful
Cabin shots from recent sightings point to a floating touchscreen – likely around 10 inches – paired with a 7-inch digital driver display that appears to prioritize clear, glanceable info. The overall layout seems straightforward and user-friendly, with the essentials front and center instead of flashy add-ons.
Under the skin
Given the shared lineage with the Dacia Spring, the India-spec Kwid EV appears to lean on a 26.8 kWh battery and a single motor in two states of tune – one aimed at efficiency, the other with a bit more zip for urban sprints. Expect real-world range to land in the daily-commute sweet spot, with AC home charging for overnight top-ups and DC fast charging that should comfortably cover quick turnarounds.
Where it fits in the market
Renault seems to be aiming this squarely at first-time EV buyers who want a familiar small-car footprint without the big-EV price tag. If local costs are contained, it appears poised to nudge into India’s most affordable EV bracket and square up against the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV with a simpler, city-first brief.
Timeline and readiness
Fresh sightings through late September and early October suggest the program is deep into local validation. An India launch window in 2026 appears reasonable, especially if Renault staggers its EV rollouts alongside its SUV push.
Quick comparison: Kwid EV vs Spring
- Packaging and port: The Kwid EV appears to mirror the Spring’s front charging-port layout, which should make nose-in charging at public points quick and tidy.
- Screens and software: A large central touchscreen and a fully digital cluster appear likely, with familiar smartphone integrations that keep the learning curve short.
- Battery and charging: A 26.8 kWh pack with modest DC fast-charging support appears to be the sweet spot for urban duty, balancing cost, weight, and everyday usability.
Specs snapshot (expected)
- Battery: 26.8 kWh, tuned for daily urban use rather than long-haul touring.
- Motor options: Two outputs likely – one efficient, one perkier for city bursts.
- Charging: AC home charging overnight; DC fast charging for quick top-ups on busy days.
The takeaway
These latest spy shots reinforce a clear message: the Renault Kwid EV appears to be shaping up as a simple, city-friendly electric hatch with a practical front charging port and a focus on value. If pricing lands right, it could be the approachable EV many Indian buyers have been waiting for.