Summary
- Pune and Chennai are among the congested cities in India, with the MG Comet EV designed for chaotic traffic conditions
- Microcars like the MG Comet EV are popular for navigating through congested streets in India
- The MG Comet EV is a small, lightweight EV with a range of 143 miles in city driving conditions
- While lacking in power and ride comfort, the MG Comet EV excels in maneuvering through traffic and city driving
- The Comet EV’s connectivity features, interior design, and affordable price make it a unique and efficient solution for congested Indian cities
Article
The city of Pune in India is one of the most congested cities in the world, known for its terrible traffic conditions and lack of driving discipline. The MG Comet EV, a microcar designed for urban settings, has been gaining popularity in such chaotic environments. The Comet EV, a badge-engineered version of the SAIC-GM-Wuling Air, is assembled in Gujarat, India, and is priced at $8,000 with a battery-as-a-subscription (BAAS) sales model, allowing for a lower purchase price.
Despite its small size, the Comet EV offers more cabin space than expected, with four seats and enough room for passengers to be relatively comfortable. However, the lack of significant luggage space and a frunk is a compromise that comes with the small size of the vehicle. The Comet EV’s design is futuristic and premium, drawing attention wherever it goes. It features a 42 horsepower electric motor and a 17.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate battery, offering a range of 230 kilometers on a single charge.
Driving the Comet EV around town feels like steering a shopping cart, with adequate power for its lightweight construction. While the ride comfort is compromised due to the small wheels and limited suspension travel, the car excels in city driving and maneuvering through traffic. The vehicle lacks DC fast charging capability, with Level 2 AC charging taking about 2.5 hours for a 10-80% charge. The Comet EV’s infotainment system boasts dual 10.25-inch screens for connectivity and controls.
Despite its limitations in range and charging capabilities, the Comet EV excels in city driving and navigating through traffic, making it a practical and efficient solution for urban commuters. With a starting price of $8,000, the Comet EV offers a unique driving experience that is well-suited for crowded city streets. While it may not be suited for highway driving, the Comet EV shines in its purpose of providing a zero-emission and comfortable way to get around busy urban environments. It may not be a perfect all-rounder, but as a microcar designed for city driving, it offers a brilliant and efficient solution for urban commuters.
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