Indian PM Narendra Modi's Mercedes S-Guard to be Replaced by Armored EV?

Indian PM Narendra Modi's Mercedes S-Guard to be replaced by an EV Armored Vehicle as per the rumors. If this is true, it would definitely give a boost to the EV industry in India.

In the past few years, PM Modi has driven a Range Rover Vogue and a Toyota Land Cruiser, but most recently, he moved to a Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard. However, if sources are to be believed, the PM may now be considering switching to an electric vehicle, which would be a first for an Indian leader. According to sources, several world leaders are also considering switching to electric vehicles as the world gradually moves toward them.

In reality, PM Modi has been spotted numerous times riding in the passenger seat of a Land Cruiser, suggesting that he still prefers it to the S650 Guard when traveling to important meetings in the Capital.

Now, all armored vehicles have literally "tonnes" of protection, including an underbody that is heavily armored to shield the occupants from explosions caused by landmines, a bodyshell and windows that can withstand bullets that can penetrate armor, and the ability to withstand a lot of explosive force. Therefore, these vehicles weigh a lot more than their conventional equivalents. Even the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard in standard production specification weighs approximately 5.5 tonnes, thus the PM's S650 Guard must unquestionably be heavier. In order to make speedy exits in case of an emergency, these vehicles also need to boast of a high degree of performance. Both of these issues are problematic for EVs because they significantly reduce a car's range.

Range shouldn't be an issue for the Prime Minister's vehicle, though, given the majority of PM Modi's commute takes place inside the city limits of New Delhi.

Which electric car will lead the PM's convoy is still a mystery. As the globe is still in the early stages of EV adoption, there aren't many armored EVs on the market, and it's likely that the vehicle will need to be a specialized unit rather than a road-going vehicle. An armored Mercedes EQS could be one of the alternatives. Moving to the electrified version of the luxury vehicle would be a logical improvement from the armored versions of the S-Class that the Prime Minister and the President now drive.

However, it is well known that Prime Minister Modi enjoys driving SUVs. In addition to his Range Rover Vogue and Toyota Land Cruiser, Modi has also driven a Mahindra Scorpio before being elected as Prime Minister. It is also possible that the car might be an armored Mercedes EQS SUV should he decide to upgrade to an electric SUV instead. If the government decides to purchase one of these vehicles, it is likely that it will be made just for the Prime Minister at Mercedes' headquarters in Germany.

If Prime Minister Modi does decide to choose an electric SUV as his mode of transportation, it is unquestionably commendable for being a progressive decision and one that will place the Prime Minister among the first global leaders to go electric.