JSW MG Motor India has recently launched a new version of its popular electric car MG Windsor, which has been specially designed for taxi and fleet operators. This variant has been named MG Commute and its ex-showroom price has been kept at only Rs 13.49 lakh. This is about Rs 60,800 cheaper than the base variant Excite of the standard Windsor EV, which has become Rs 14.10 lakh after the recent price hike.
Commute aims to provide affordable operating costs and better performance keeping in mind commercial use. This model can prove to be an attractive option for taxi services, cab operators and fleet companies. It has retained Windsor's strong battery technology and space, but has reduced the price by removing some non-essential features. Let's take a look at the design, battery, motor and range details.
Design and dimensions
The design of the MG Commute is very similar to the original Windsor EV, offering a modern CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) look. It has a long wheelbase of 2700mm with 4295mm length, 1850mm width and 1677mm height, which ensures ample space in the cabin. The exterior features LED projector headlamps, dual-function lighting and solid build quality.
However, some cosmetic changes like black steel wheels with wheel covers and connected rear LED light bar have been removed in the taxi version, which makes maintenance easier and costs lower. It is a durable and practical design for fleet use, which performs well on city roads. A premium black option is also available, which makes the taxi look a little more professional.
Cabin and Comfort
The Commute's interior is as spacious and passenger-friendly as the Windsor EV, especially for rear seat passengers. It has Aero-Lounge rear seats that recline up to 135 degrees, providing comfort on long taxi journeys. There is ample leg room and head room in the cabin, even 6 feet tall passengers can sit comfortably.
The dual-tone interior theme, good build quality and rear AC vents are suitable for commercial use. Although some base features like a larger touchscreen or speakers may be reduced, basic comforts like adjustable headrests and 3-point seat belts are available for all passengers. This practical interior will prove to be long lasting for taxi operators.
Features and safety
Since the MG Commute is fleet-oriented, some premium features have been removed. This includes a connected light bar, steering-mounted controls or advanced infotainment. But it meets the basic requirements, including rear AC vents, LED lighting and drive modes. This model mainly focuses on low running costs, so OTA updates and connected technologies have been limited. It is simple and reliable for fleet management, where there is less need for more gadgets.
No compromise has been made in safety. Essential features like 6 airbags (dual front, side and curtain), all disc brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist, electronic parking brake and TPMS are standard in Commute. ISOFIX child seat anchorages and 3-point seat belts are available on all seats. This safety package is much better than the taxi service.
Battery, Motor and Range
The Commute uses the same 37.9 kWh (approx. 38 kWh) LFP battery pack as the standard Windsor Excite, mated to a front-wheel drive single electric motor. This motor generates 136 PS power and 200 Nm torque. Its ARAI claimed range is 332 km, while in real-world conditions (with AC, passengers) 200-250 km can easily be achieved. For charging, there is 3.2 kW AC charger and 45 kW DC fast charging support.