BAW Pony

Battery and motor

The BAW Pony is a fully electric city car. According to BAW New Asia’s official specification sheet, it uses a 17.28 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a battery management system and a permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 15 kW, with a peak output of 30 kW (about 40 hp). Drive goes to the rear wheels through a single-speed automatic, and the claimed range is 220 km on a full charge. BAW quotes a top speed of at least 100 km/h and the ability to climb gradients of 20 percent or more. The official sheet lists a 220 V charging voltage but no charging time; PakWheels lists about six hours on a home charger through a GB/T port with a 2 kW onboard charger, so confirm this with the dealer.

Size and practicality

This is a very small car. The Pony is a three-door, four-seat hatchback measuring 3,162 mm long, 1,498 mm wide and 1,585 mm tall, on a 2,050 mm wheelbase. Kerb weight is listed at 775 kg. Suspension is MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm at the rear, with disc brakes in front and drums behind, and it rides on 155/65 R13 tyres. BAW does not publish boot space. In our opinion, the short length makes it easy to park in crowded markets, but the three-door layout means rear passengers have to climb in past the front seats, so it suits singles, couples or a second family car better than a main family vehicle.

Equipment

The Pony is sold in one version. The official site lists ABS with EBD, electric power steering, hill-start assist and a brake override system. Comfort items include a remote key, air conditioning and electrically adjustable mirrors. Safety extras include tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, automatic door unlocking after a collision and a 360-degree camera. The cabin is dominated by twin 10.25-inch screens, which BAW says handle phone connection, radio and Bluetooth. The body uses two-tone paint, offered in White, Black, Cyan and Red.

Warranty

BAW New Asia’s website does not publish warranty terms for the Pony, for either the vehicle or the battery. Ask the dealer for the battery warranty in writing before booking, as the battery is the most expensive part of any electric car.

Which variant to buy

There is only one variant, priced at Rs 3,600,000 ex-factory, so the real choice is between the Pony and its bigger sibling, the BAW Brumby. In our view, the Pony makes sense if you want the lowest price and mostly drive alone or with one passenger. If you regularly carry people in the back, the extra Rs 200,000 for the five-door Brumby is likely worth it for easier access and a longer body. Either way, check that you can charge at your parking spot before you commit.