Chery’s iCar V23-based electric SUV has been spied for the first time in India, spotted at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility in Pune. The vehicles usually visit ARAI for homologation and certification before their market launch, indicating that plans are underway to launch it for the first time in India.
This development assumes significance as Chery has reportedly partnered with JSW Motors, the independent passenger mobility division of the JSW Group. The iCar V23-based EV could become one of the first products to be launched under this collaboration, possibly after the Jetour T2, whose India launch timeline has reportedly been pushed back.
Strong design with off-road intentions
The heavily camouflaged test mule retains the boxy and upright stance seen on the China-spec iCar V23. The SUV features circular headlamps that are integrated into the sealed front fascia, giving it a distinct identity. The design of the front bumper seems to be inspired by hardcore off-roaders, while the overall proportions suggest strong road presence.
Internationally, the iCar V23 measures 4,220 mm in length, 1,915 mm in width and 1,845 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,735 mm. Ground clearance stands between 205 mm and 210 mm, with impressive approach and departure angles of 43 and 41 degrees respectively, indicating genuine off-road capability. With these dimensions, it is likely to rival the upcoming Mahindra Thar EV, which is planned to be launched in the coming years.
In profile, the SUV sports pull-type door handles instead of the flush units seen on many EVs, as well as side steps for easy entry and exit. Depending on the variant, it rides on 19-inch or 21-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, instead of a conventional spare wheel, it has a boxy external storage unit mounted on the side-hinged tailgate – similar to the concept of some global lifestyle SUVs.
Interior and Features
The China-spec model offers a modern yet practical cabin layout. It has a large 15.4-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, complemented by physical controls for climate and audio functions. The steering wheel gets roller-type controls, although a dedicated driver display is notably absent.
The interior theme is predominantly black, accented by contrasting elements. The powered and ventilated front seats can fold flat, while the rear seats offer a 50:50 split and fold to expand cargo space. Other key features include drive modes, a 7-speaker audio system, three USB ports, and a PM2.5 air filtration system. Safety equipment includes ADAS, 540-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, four-wheel disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
Powertrain and range
In China, the iCar V23 is offered with two powertrain options. The rear-wheel-drive variant produces 136 hp and 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 59.93 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed CLTC range of 401 km. The all-wheel-drive version produces 211 hp and 292 Nm, supported by a larger 81.76 kWh battery that ranges up to 510 km (CLTC) on a single charge.
Performance figures are a claimed 0-100 kmph time of 11 seconds for the RWD version and 7.5 seconds for the AWD version, both with a top speed of 140 kmph. DC fast charging capacity ranges between 85 kW and 104 kW, depending on the battery pack.
India launch possibilities
The timing of this view is interesting, especially in light of recent reports stating that JSW Motors is facing regulatory hurdles related to imports from China. The company has reportedly sought fast-track approval from the Indian government for some critical components – particularly safety glass items like windshields and sunroofs – which are currently not available from domestic suppliers.
Under India’s quality control rules introduced in 2020, foreign suppliers must secure local certification before exporting components to India. The certification process could take several months, potentially impacting the launch timeline. JSW has invested around $3 billion (about Rs 27,000 crore) for its new automotive venture and aims to rapidly move into the hybrid and EV sector.
While JSW is exploring alternative sourcing options from countries like Germany and Vietnam, importing from these regions could increase costs compared to Chinese suppliers, which benefit from large-scale manufacturing capacity. If the same imported components are required for the iCar V23-based EV, homologation at ARAI suggests development is in progress – but the final launch timeline may depend on how quickly regulatory clearances and sourcing challenges are resolved.
