A heavily camouflaged Chery iCar V23 has been spotted testing in India, likely part of JSW Motors' effort to launch its own homegrown EV brand using Chery's components and technology by 2027.
The iCar V23 is a boxy, Jeep-rivalling electric SUV with up to 510km of claimed range, AWD capability, and a feature-packed cabin, and it could arrive in India after the delayed Jetour T2-based PHEV.
India's JSW Group is building its own fully independent EV brand, operating separately from its existing MG Motor joint venture. To power that ambition, JSW has turned to Chery Automobile, one of China's most prolific automakers, a brand that sold 2.6 million vehicles in 2024 and has held the title of China's top passenger car exporter for 21 consecutive years.
The arrangement is carefully structured to comply with India's restrictions on Chinese investment, with no equity stake involved. Instead, Chery receives a technology transfer fee and ongoing royalties while supplying advanced electric powertrains and intelligent cockpit technology. JSW, meanwhile, develops core technologies in-house with partners including KPIT Technologies and LTIMindtree.
Boxy, Bold, and Built for Battle
The iCar V23 is emphatically not just another soft-roader. Its upright stance, 205-210 mm ground clearance, and approach and departure angles of 43 and 41 degrees, respectively, make it a genuine off-road proposition.
The front fascia draws inspiration from the Toyota Land Cruiser J40, the profile echoes the Land Rover Defender, and the rear carries hints of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. A side-hinged tailgate features an external storage box instead of a spare wheel, a practical and distinctive touch.
Cabin and Powertrain, Substance to Match the Style
Up to 510km of Range and a 15.4-Inch Touchscreen
Inside, a 15.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dominates the dashboard, supported by physical climate controls, powered and ventilated front seats, and a seven-speaker audio setup. Safety kit includes ADAS, a 540-degree camera, and all four disc brakes.
Two powertrains are on offer. The rear-wheel-drive variant produces 136hp with a 401km CLTC-rated range, while the all-wheel-drive setup delivers 211hp, a 0–100kph time of 7.5 seconds, and a claimed 510km range from its 81.76kWh battery. Both variants support DC fast charging between 85kW and 104kW.
Pricing, when it arrives, is expected to sit above the MG Windsor EV's Rs 14–18.5 lakh bracket, placing it in a competitive but increasingly exciting electric SUV space.
What Comes Next?
JSW's manufacturing facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is already under construction, targeting an annual capacity of 300,000 passenger cars. The iCar V23-based EV is expected to follow the delayed Jetour T2 PHEV into the market, but with test mules already turning Indian tarmac, it is clear JSW Motors means business.
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