No longer content with merely partnering through the JSW MG Motor joint venture, the JSW Group is carving out an independent, high-tech path. JSW Motors is preparing to launch two distinct heavyweights: a Jetour T2-based Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and
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| Jetour T2-based Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
the retro-futuristic Chery iCar V23 electric SUV. This isn't just a product launch; it’s a calculated strike at the "missing middle" of the Indian market—the bridge between traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and pure electric mobility.
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| Chery iCar V23 electric SUV |
1. The Jetour T2 (The "Mini-Defender" PHEV) This isn't just another crossover. It’s a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) with a 26.7 kWh battery.
The Killer App: It has a 139km pure electric range. You could literally commute to work all week on electricity alone and then use the 1.5L Turbo engine for a 1,000km road trip on the weekend.
Power: ~375 BHP and a massive 610 Nm of torque. That’s significantly more grunt than a Diesel Fortuner.
Launch: Targeting Diwali 2026.
2. The Chery iCar V23 (The Retro-Future EV) Spotted testing in Pune recently. It looks like a mix between a G-Wagon and a Jimny but fully electric.
Vibe: Boxy, rugged, and targeting the lifestyle segment.
Specs: Expected 400km-500km range with an AWD option.
Target: This is a direct shot at the upcoming Mahindra Thar.e.
JSW Motors: India Launch Timeline
| Model | Expected Launch Date | Current Status |
| Jetour T2 (PHEV) | Diwali 2026 (Oct/Nov) | Official teaser released; Dealer applications open until March 11, 2026. |
| Chery iCar V23 (EV) | Early 2027 | Spotted testing at ARAI Pune; Homologation currently underway. |
Comparison: JSW Motors Upcoming SUV Portfolio
| Feature | Jetour T2 (PHEV Variant) | Chery iCar V23 (EV) |
| Category | Premium D-Segment SUV | Compact Lifestyle EV SUV |
| Body Style | 5-Door / 5 or 7 Seater | 5-Door / 5-Seater |
| Chassis | Monocoque (Unibody) | Dedicated EV Platform (i-MS) |
| Powertrain | 1.5L Turbo Petrol + Dual Electric Motors | Pure Electric (RWD or AWD) |
| System Output | ~385 PS (Combined) | 136 PS (RWD) / 211 PS (AWD) |
| Max Torque | 610 Nm (Combined) | 180 Nm (RWD) / 292 Nm (AWD) |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Dedicated Hybrid (DHT) | Single-Speed Reduction Gear |
| Battery Size | 26.7 kWh (LFP) | 59.9 kWh (LFP) / 81.7 kWh (NMC) |
| Electric Range | 139 km (Pure EV Mode) | 400 km - 510 km (CLTC) |
| Length | 4,785 mm | 4,220 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm | 200 mm - 210 mm |
| Infotainment | 15.6-inch Central Touchscreen | 12.8-inch Floating Display |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8155 | Snapdragon 8155 |
Technical Deep-Dive: Why These Numbers Matter
The Range Revolution: The Jetour T2’s 139 km electric-only range is significantly higher than most current PHEVs in India. This allows for a completely fossil-fuel-free daily commute for most urban users while retaining the 70L fuel tank for 1,000+ km road trips.
The "Torque King": At 610 Nm, the Jetour T2 (PHEV) will offer instantaneous pulling power that rivals heavy-duty diesel engines, making it a formidable off-roader.
Modern Architecture: Both vehicles utilize the Snapdragon 8155 chip, which is the current gold standard for automotive processing. This ensures that the L2+ ADAS systems and the "cockpit" experience remain lag-free and future-proofed for over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Compact Power: Despite its shorter length, the iCar V23 boasts a wheelbase (2,735 mm) nearly as long as some full-size SUVs. This translates to an incredibly spacious cabin relative to its footprint—a classic advantage of a dedicated EV platform.
Potential Pricing Strategy
Based on localization goals at the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar plant:
Jetour T2 (PHEV): Expected between ₹32 lakh – ₹38 lakh.
Chery iCar V23 (EV): Expected between ₹22 lakh – ₹28 lakh, positioning it directly against the Mahindra Thar.e and top-end MG Windsor variants.
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