Affordable Upcoming Electric Cars in India Under 20 Lakhs
The electric vehicle revolution is sweeping across India, with upcoming electric cars poised to transform the automotive landscape. As environmental concerns grow and technology advances, more affordable options are entering the market, making electric mobility accessible to a wider range of consumers. This shift is particularly exciting for those looking to embrace sustainable transportation without breaking the bank. Upcoming Electric Cars
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising electric cars set to hit Indian roads soon, all priced under 20 lakhs. From compact city runabouts to versatile SUVs, we’ll take a closer look at models like the Tata Punch EV, MG Air EV, Mahindra XUV400, Citroen eC3, and an upcoming Maruti Suzuki EV. We’ll discuss their features, expected driving range, and how they stack up against existing options like the Tata Nexon EV and Tata Tiago EV. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or just curious about the future of electric mobility in India, this guide will give you a glimpse into the exciting world of affordable electric vehicles.
Tata Punch EV
Features
The Tata Punch EV stands out with its impressive array of features. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup, including separate displays for infotainment and instrumentation, both supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay [16]. The vehicle boasts a 360-degree camera system and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality [18]. For added comfort, it offers ventilated front seats and a sunroof that responds to voice commands in Hinglish [18]. upcoming electric cars
Safety is a top priority, with the Punch EV securing a five-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests [16]. It comes standard with six airbags and includes advanced features like electronic stability control, hill hold control, and hill descent control [16]. upcoming electric cars
Tata Punch EV Range
The Tata Punch EV offers two battery options to suit different needs. The base model with a 25kWh battery delivers 80bhp and 114Nm of torque, with a claimed range of 315km [18]. For those seeking extended range, the Long Range variant with a 35kWh battery pack produces 120bhp and 190Nm of torque, boasting a claimed range of up to 421km [16][18].
Tata Punch EV Price
Priced competitively, the Tata Punch EV ranges from Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan India) [16]. It’s available in five variants: Smart, Smart Plus, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered Plus [16]. This pricing strategy positions the Punch EV as an affordable option in the electric SUV segment, making it an attractive choice for those looking to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank. upcoming electric cars
MG Air EV
Design
The MG Air EV is set to make a big impact in a small package. As the smallest four-wheeler to be sold in India, this compact electric vehicle measures just 2.9 meters in length [21]. To put this into perspective, it’s even shorter than the iconic Tata Nano, which was 3,099mm long. The Air EV features a boxy, tall-boy profile that maximizes interior space despite its diminutive exterior dimensions [20]. upcoming electric cars
Built on MG’s Global Small Electric Vehicles (GSEV) platform, the Air EV borrows much of its design and styling from the Wuling Air EV [20]. This three-door model will not only be the smallest electric car in India but also the smallest four-wheeler on sale in the country [20].
MG Air EV Range
Despite its compact size, the MG Air EV doesn’t compromise on range. It’s expected to use an LFP-cell battery sourced from Tata Autocomp, with a capacity of around 20-25kWh [21]. This battery pack is anticipated to provide a claimed range of 200 to 300km, likely to be certified by iCAT [21]. The real-world range could be around 150 kilometers, taking into account varying weather and ride environments in India [20].
MG Air EV Expected Features
MG aims to redefine expectations for compact hatchbacks by equipping the Air EV with premium features. The centerpiece of the interior is expected to be a dual-screen infotainment system, consisting of two 10.25-inch panels, reminiscent of more luxurious vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA [20][21]. This setup will likely support voice commands, enhancing the car’s premium feel. upcoming electric cars
Other anticipated features include:
- Connected car technology
- Dual-tone interior theme
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Possibly a sunroof [21]
These features, combined with its unique size and electric powertrain, position the MG Air EV as an intriguing option in the affordable electric vehicle segment.
Mahindra XUV400
Specifications
The Mahindra XUV400 EV boasts impressive specifications. It offers a range of up to 456 km on a single charge [31]. The electric motor generates 147.51 bhp of power and 310 Nm of torque [30]. With a battery capacity of 39.4 kWh, the XUV400 can be fully charged in 6 hours and 30 minutes using a 7.2 kW AC charger [31]. For faster charging, it supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0-80% in just 50 minutes [30]. upcoming electric cars
Mahindra XUV400 Features
The XUV400 comes packed with features. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and a sunroof [31]. The SUV also offers wireless phone charging, push-button start-stop, and connected car technology [31]. Safety features include up to six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), and a tyre pressure monitoring system [31].
Mahindra XUV400 Expected Price
The Mahindra XUV400 EV is priced competitively, ranging from Rs 15.49 lakh to Rs 19.39 lakh (ex-showroom pan India) [31]. It’s available in two main variants: EC Pro and EL Pro [31]. This pricing strategy positions the XUV400 as an affordable option in the electric SUV segment, making it an attractive choice for those looking to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank. upcoming electric cars
Citroen eC3
Overview
The Citroen eC3 is an all-electric hatchback that combines the agility of a compact car with SUV-inspired styling. It features a permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates 56 BHP and 143 Nm of torque [43]. The eC3 can accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 6.8 seconds, offering zippy performance for city driving [43]. With 13 exterior color combinations and 47 customization options, the eC3 allows owners to express their personal style [41]. upcoming electric cars
Citroen eC3 Range
The eC3 boasts an ARAI-claimed range of 320 km on a single charge [40]. However, under real-world driving conditions, owners can expect a range of around 200 km [43]. The vehicle is equipped with a 29.2 kWh battery pack [40]. It supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80% in just 57 minutes [43]. For home charging, a portable charging cable is provided, which can be plugged into any 15 Amp socket [41].
Citroen eC3 Pricing
Priced competitively, the Citroen eC3 starts at ₹12,76,300 [41]. The range extends up to ₹13.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) [40]. This pricing strategy positions the eC3 as an affordable option in the electric hatchback segment. For those considering financing, EMIs start at ₹23,198 per month for a 60-month tenure at 9.8% interest, with a down payment of ₹1.22 Lakh [40].
Maruti Suzuki EV
Platform
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to enter the electric vehicle market with its eVX concept, first showcased at Auto Expo 2023 [50]. The production version will be built on an all-new dedicated EV platform [46]. This platform aligns with Suzuki’s philosophy of “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi,” emphasizing smaller, fewer, lighter, and shorter components [47]. The eVX measures 4,300 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height [50][46].
Maruti Suzuki EV Expected Range
The eVX is expected to feature a 60 kWh battery pack with safe battery technology [46][50]. This setup aims to deliver an impressive claimed range of up to 550 km on a single charge [46][51]. However, Maruti Suzuki might also offer a smaller battery pack option with less range, potentially making it more affordable for consumers [50].
Maruti Suzuki EV Launch Timeline
Maruti Suzuki plans to launch the production version of the eVX in mid-2025 [50]. The company’s Chairman, RC Bhargava, has revealed that mass production of electric vehicles will begin in FY26, with the initial batch primarily exported to Europe [54]. The domestic market can expect to see Maruti’s electric cars after April 2025 [54].
Conclusion
The electric vehicle landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with a wave of affordable options set to hit the market. From the versatile Tata Punch EV to the compact MG Air EV, these upcoming models are poised to make electric mobility more accessible to a wider range of consumers. The introduction of these vehicles has an impact on the automotive industry, causing a revolution in how we think about sustainable transportation.
As manufacturers continue to innovate and improve battery technology, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future. The arrival of these affordable electric cars is a step towards a greener future, offering Indian consumers the chance to embrace eco-friendly transportation without breaking the bank. With options to suit various needs and budgets, the future of electric mobility in India looks bright and promising.
FAQs
1. What is the most affordable upcoming electric vehicle in India?
As of now, India has 42 electric cars available for purchase. The MG Comet EV ranks as the most affordable, while the BMW i7 is at the higher end of the price spectrum. Future releases will include models like the BYD Seagull, Volvo EX90, and MG Windsor EV.
2. How much does the least expensive electric car cost in India as of 2024?
In 2024, the most budget-friendly electric cars in India are expected to be:
- MG Comet EV at ₹6.9 lakh (ex-showroom price)
- Tata Tiago EV at ₹7.9 lakh (ex-showroom price)
- Tata Punch EV at ₹10.9 lakh (ex-showroom price)
- Citroen E-C3 at ₹11.7 lakh (ex-showroom price)
- Tata Tigor EV at ₹12.5 lakh (ex-showroom price)
3. Are electric vehicles expected to drop in price in India?
By 2030, it is anticipated that the decreasing costs of electric vehicles (EVs) will make them as economical as conventional cars across all markets globally. Electric vehicles are expected to constitute between 62% and 86% of new car sales by 2030, potentially marking the decline of the combustion engine era.
4. Which is the least expensive two-seater electric car available in India?
The PMV EaS E is currently the most cost-effective two-seater electric vehicle in India, with an introductory price of Rs 4.79 lakh (ex-showroom).
References
[1] – https://www.cardekho.com/tata/punch-ev
[2] – https://www.carwale.com/tata-cars/punch-ev/
[3] – https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/mg-air-ev-5-things-you-need-to-know-426365
[4] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA1EBaAh0QQ
[5] – https://www.cardekho.com/mahindra/xuv400-ev
[6] – https://www.zigwheels.com/mahindra-cars/xuv400-ev/specifications
[7] – https://www.team-bhp.com/news/2023-citroen-ec3-our-observations-after-day-driving
[8] – https://www.citroen.in/new-ec3
[9] – https://www.cardekho.com/citroen/ec3
[10] – https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/electric-vehicles/marutis-first-electric-car-with-550-km-of-range-spotted-will-launch-in-2025-41716954609230.html
[11] – https://www.marutisuzuki.com/corporate/media/press-releases/2023/january/global-premiere-of-concept-electric-suv-evx?srsltid=AfmBOoomfbahZw6x3hqb5H__TgjkQvBoSSG6iAP0SNKZshm8ob3kNmsm
[12] – https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/news/suzuki-unveils-sustainability-roadmap-lighter-cars-focus-on-evs-check-details-41721201254707.html
[13] – https://www.carwale.com/maruti-suzuki-cars/evx/
[14] – https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/no-maruti-suzuki-evs-to-launch-in-india-this-year-mass-production-to-likely-begin-in-fy26-427892-2024-05-02
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