Most Affordable Electric Cars in India

Posted on: Jan 10, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Most Affordable Electric Cars in India

Like numerous products, electric vehicles (EVs) had their fair share of ups and downs before finally gaining popularity recently. The primary concerns associated with EVs have been their high prices, short ranges, and low speeds. Many believe the first turning point for the EV market came in 1997 when Toyota launched the Prius in Japan. The Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid EV, didn’t become available to the rest of the world until 2000. The ever-increasing fuel prices and carbon footprint aided the Prius in becoming the best-selling hybrid worldwide over the next few years.

In India, the transition to electric vehicles is gaining momentum. Most individuals are considering electric vehicles (EVs) for their next vehicle purchase since many of them place a high value on sustainability. If you plan to buy an EV, ensure to purchase an appropriate electric car insurance policy as well.

Electric cars in India: A brief history

Lovebird, powered by a lead-acid battery and DC motor, was India’s first electric car. Eddy Current Controls manufactured this EV in 1993 but could only sell around 25 cars, forcing them to stop production. REVA, launched in 1994 by the Reva Electric Car Company (RECC), was the country’s first successful electric car. After acquiring a 55% stake in RECC in 2010, Mahindra and Mahindra went on to manufacture their electric car—the Mahindra e2o—between 2016 and 2019. Looking back, the two-seater REVA was the starting point of what would revolutionise the Indian automobile market.

Electric cars in India: The present

Automotive manufacturers are adapting to the EV wave and working on cars suitable for the Indian masses. While many EVs are considerably expensive, some of the electric cars in the Indian market are different. They are both affordable and efficient. Here is a rundown of some of the cheapest electric cars in India:

Tata Tiago EV

The Tata Tiago EV is currently one of the most affordable electric hatchbacks in the country. The Tiago has a range of up to 315 km and comes with medium-range and large-range battery pack options with capacities of 19.2kWh and 24kWh, respectively. Tata Motors offers this five-seater in four variants—XE, XT, XZ+, and XZ+ Tech Lux. The Tiago’s EV badge on the grille and electric blue inserts distinguish it from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. The Tiago EV has a Harman touchscreen infotainment, dual airbags, multi-charging options, and two driving modes—City and Sport.

MG Comet

Morrison Garages’ (MG) four-seater Comet, launched in 2023, is the company's second electric offering after its ZS SUV. Available in three variants (Pace, Play, and Plush), the Comet can cover 230 km on a single charge. The hatchback runs on a 17.3 kWh battery pack and a motor that generates 41 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. Its features include a reverse parking camera, dual airbags, three driving modes, two 10.25-inch screens, and power steering. It also boasts a distance-to-empty display, keyless entry, front and rear LED light bars and a boot capacity of 350 liters.

Tata Tigor EV

Another budget-friendly electric option by Tata Motors, the Tigor EV has a range of 315 km, a spacious cabin, dual airbags, and a 26-kWh battery pack. The five-seater, which has a unique coupe-like roofline, runs on an engine generating 74 bhp and a peak torque of 170 Nm. Also, the sedan has various safety features like camera-based reverse park assist (with dynamic guideways) and ABS with EBD and CSC.

Mahindra XUV400

The XUV400 is Mahindra’s first electric SUV and comes in three variants—EC (3.3 kW), EC (7.2 kW), and EL (7.2 kW). This electric counterpart of the ICE-run XUV300 boasts six airbags, a range of up to 456 km, two battery pack options (34.5 kWh and 39.4 kWh), ISOFIX anchorages, an IP67 rating for the battery pack, and disc brakes on all wheels. Additionally, it has a 7-inch touchscreen, connected car technology, and a single-pane sunroof.

Tata Nexon EV

The five-seater Tata Nexon EV offers a range of 312 km and comes in five variants. A 30.2-kWh battery pack and a motor producing 27 bhp and 245 Nm of torque propel the Nexon EV. The Tata SUV has ventilated seats, an air purifier, an electric sunroof, and a dual-tone interior.

Conclusion

The EV market is booming as automotive companies are working on innovative products. The Government of India also plans to convert all cars to electric by 2030 and is working with automakers to enhance the charging infrastructure. While consumers can help this cause by switching to EVs, they shouldn’t do so at the expense of their financial safety.

Getting the right car insurance policy is just as crucial as purchasing an EV that meets your budget. While third-party car insurance is a legal requirement, buying comprehensive insurance is advisable as it covers accident-related third-party liabilities and damages to your vehicle. Also, you can get an insurance policy for non-EV vehicles from a reputed firm like HDFC Ergo.

Frequently asked questions

1) Do any of these electric cars have a GNCAP safety rating?

Yes, safety organisation GNCAP gave the Tata Nexon EV a safety rating of five stars and the Tata Tiago and Tigor four stars.

2) Are there any other affordable electric SUVs in India?

Currently, the Hyundai Kona Electric, MG ZS EV, and Tata Nexon EV Prime are some of the cheapest electric SUVs in the Indian market.

3) What other electric cars can we expect to see soon in India?

Various manufacturers in India are working on launching affordable electric cars, such as the Tata Nano EV, Mahindra eKUV100, Tata Harrier EV, and Renault Zoe.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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