Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular as an eco-friendly alternative to petrol/diesel-powered cars in India. Two new EV models - the MG Windsor EV and Hyundai Creta Electric - offer compelling choices for Indian car buyers looking to go electric. This article highlights the battery performance of these two EVs.
The MG Windsor EV is a mid-size electric SUV launched by MG Motor India in 2024. It's powered by a 52.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a maximum range of 449 km on a single charge. Using a 7.4 kW AC charger, the battery can be charged from 0 to 100% in around 9.5 hours. Using a 60 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes.
The Hyundai Creta Electric comes in two variants: Standard Range and Long Range. The Standard Range is equipped with a 42 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that delivers 390 km of range as per Indian driving cycle tests. The Long Range variant gets a higher-capacity 51.4 kWh battery with a 473 km certified range. Both variants support 50 kW DC fast charging.
Battery Capacity
The MG Windsor EV has a 52.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, which sits between the 42 kWh pack in the Creta Electric Standard Range and the 51.4 kWh pack in the Long Range model. So, in terms of battery capacity, the Windsor matches up closely with the Creta Electric Long Range. The higher capacity battery allows the Windsor EV to deliver better real-world range.
Driving Range
Thanks to its larger 52.9 kWh battery, the MG Windsor beats both Creta Electric variants in terms of certified range. It delivers 449 km on a single full charge compared to 390 km for the Standard Range Creta and 473 km for the Long Range model as per Indian testing standards. In real-world driving, the additional capacity is likely to translate to an even better usable range with the Windsor EV.
Charging Time
Charging Time (AC Charging, 0-100%): Using a 7.4 kW AC charger, the Windsor EV takes around 9.5 hours to charge from 0-100%. This is substantially slower than both Hyundai Creta Electric variants, which can charge fully in 4 to 4.5 hours using a standard AC connection. Faster AC charging allows the Creta Electric models to better take advantage of more affordable nighttime electricity rates by charging up the battery fully when parked overnight.
Charging Time (DC Fast Charging, 0-80%): The Windsor EV can charge rapidly up to 80% in just 50 minutes using its 60 kW DC fast charging capability. In comparison, both Creta Electric variants require around 58 minutes to reach 80% charge via their 50 kW DC fast charging. The Creta Electric's liquid battery cooling enables this rapid charging without damage.Driving Modes
The MG Windsor EV offers users a choice of three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco mode reduces power output for maximum range, while Sport provides the full power output for best acceleration. Normal mode balances performance and efficiency. The Hyundai Creta Electric also comes with Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes to allow users to adjust power delivery and maximise range when required.
Power and Torque
The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor in the MG Windsor EV churns out 100 kW (134 bhp) of power and 200 nm of torque, enabling strong acceleration performance. The Standard Range Creta Electric produces 114 bhp and 250 nm of torque, enabling a brisk in seconds.
Both EVs deliver sporty, responsive performance, but the Hyundai Creta Electric Long Range nudges ahead with superior acceleration, thanks to its powerful electric motor.Regenerative Braking
The Windsor EV and Creta Electric variants are equipped with smart regenerative braking systems to maximise range. When the driver lifts off the accelerator or hits the brakes, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electricity that's fed back into the battery. This helps top up the battery while on the move. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking effect through the gear selector.
The Hyundai Creta Electric clearly wins when charging times using AC input, thanks to its liquid-cooled battery setup. However, the MG Windsor EV offers a higher real-world range compared to both Creta variants with its large 52.9 kWh battery. It also matches the Creta Electric Long Range model for fast charge capability when topping up the battery via DC chargers on road trips.
Interested EV buyers need to weigh their priorities between charging speeds, maximum range requirements, and pricing when choosing between these two well-matched electric SUV models.