The Chery iCar V23, set to arrive in India under the JSW Motors banner as an electric SUV, has been spotted testing once again—this time near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. This latest sighting provides fresh insights into the vehicle’s development, particularly its rear design and real-world highway performance.
Automotive enthusiast Shivneet Singh deserves a big hat tip for capturing and sharing these exclusive spy shots, which offer a clearer view of the test mule compared to previous sightings. Earlier spottings, including those at the ARAI facility in Pune and on roads in other regions, primarily showcased the model’s overall boxy silhouette, upright stance, flared wheel arches, and commanding road presence—often compared to compact off-roaders like the Mahindra Thar or Suzuki Jimny in aesthetic vibe.
In these new images from the Ujjain area, the focus shifts to the rear. The camouflaged prototype reveals more details about the tailgate area, including a noticeable protrusion—widely speculated to be a dedicated storage compartment for charging cables, a practical touch for an EV aimed at lifestyle and adventure-oriented buyers. The ongoing highway testing underscores that the vehicle is undergoing rigorous real-world validation, likely fine-tuning aspects such as range, handling, thermal management, and suspension behavior on Indian roads.
The iCar V23 is based on Chery’s global model (a sub-brand of Chery Automobile), known in markets like China for its rugged, retro-inspired design with short overhangs, high ground clearance, and optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor setups. It promises strong performance—some global variants claim 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 5 seconds—along with impressive approach and departure angles for light off-roading.
For the Indian market, the model will be locally assembled at JSW’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. As part of JSW Motors’ broader push into the automotive space (in partnership with Chery), this EV is expected to join a lineup that includes rebadged models from Chery sub-brands like Jetour and Jaecoo. The Jetour T2-based PHEV is anticipated as one of the first launches (potentially around Diwali 2026), with the iCar V23-based electric SUV likely following in 2027 or 2028, positioned as a midsize lifestyle EV.
Pricing estimates hover in the ₹16-22 lakh range (ex-showroom), making it a potential rival to upcoming electric SUVs like the Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE 6, or other boxy EVs emphasizing style and capability over pure urban commuting. Global specs suggest CLTC ranges of up to around 500-510 km, dual battery options, and features tailored for both city and highway use.With sightings now spanning multiple states and locations—from Pune’s testing grounds to Madhya Pradesh highways—development momentum is clearly building. These spy shots signal that the JSW iCar V23 (or its rebadged variant) is progressing steadily toward an Indian debut, bringing a fresh, adventure-ready electric option to the growing EV market.
