Which is the cheapest electric vehicles in India?

As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in India. The search for the cheapest electric car has become a hot topic among budget-conscious consumers looking to make the switch to eco-friendly driving. With a growing number of options available, from the compact MG Comet EV to the versatile Tata Punch EV, finding an affordable electric car is now easier than ever.

This article explores the most budget-friendly EV options in the Indian market. We’ll take a closer look at the MG Comet EV, which currently holds the title of the cheapest electric car in India. We’ll also examine other wallet-friendly choices like the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3. By comparing these models, we aim to help potential buyers find the perfect balance between cost and features in their quest for an economical electric vehicle.

MG Comet EV: The Most Affordable Electric Car in India

The MG Comet EV has emerged as a game-changer in the Indian electric vehicle market, offering an affordable option for those looking to make the switch to eco-friendly transportation. This compact electric car combines efficiency, practicality, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for urban dwellers and budget-conscious consumers alike.

Key Specifications

The MG Comet EV is a 4-seater hatchback that packs a punch in a small package. It measures 2,974 mm in length, 1,505 mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,010 mm . This compact size makes it ideal for navigating crowded city streets and tight parking spaces.

Under the hood, the Comet EV is equipped with a single electric engine that delivers impressive performance for its size. The electric motor generates a maximum power output of 41.42 bhp and a peak torque of 110 Nm . This combination provides sufficient power for city driving while maintaining energy efficiency.

One of the most crucial aspects of any electric vehicle is its range, and the MG Comet EV doesn’t disappoint. It offers a claimed range of 230 km on a single charge , which is more than adequate for daily commutes and short trips around the city.

The Comet EV’s battery pack has a capacity of 17.3 kWh , striking a balance between range and affordability. This battery size contributes to the car’s competitive pricing while still providing enough energy storage for practical everyday use.

For those who appreciate variety, the MG Comet EV is available in six different colors: Green with Black Roof, Starry Sky Blue, Candy White, Glaze Red, Moonlit Silver, and Starry Black . This range of options allows buyers to choose a color that best suits their personal style.

Price Range

The MG Comet EV has been positioned as the most affordable electric car in the Indian market, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. The price range for this compact EV starts at Rs. 6.99 lakh and goes up to Rs. 9.53 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) . This competitive pricing strategy has helped MG to capture the attention of budget-conscious buyers looking for an entry-level electric vehicle.

To put this in perspective, the top model of the Comet EV costs approximately INR 10 lakh on-road, which translates to about US$12,000. The most affordable variant comes in at around INR 8 lakh or approximately US$9,600 . While these prices are indeed competitive for the Indian market, some industry observers suggest that if MG could further localize their supply chain, they might be able to reduce prices even more, potentially offering the entry-level model at INR 5-6 lakh (US$6,000 – US$7,200) .

Charging Options

The MG Comet EV offers flexible charging options to suit different needs and scenarios. The car is based on a 120V architecture and comes with a standard 3.3kW charger . This setup allows for convenient home charging using a Type 2 connector.

When using the standard 3.3kW charger, the Comet EV takes approximately 5.5 hours to charge from 0 to 80% state of charge (SoC) . To reach a full 100% charge, it requires about 7 hours . This overnight charging capability makes it convenient for users to plug in their vehicle at home and have it fully charged by morning.

For those who need faster charging options, MG also offers a 7.4kW charger. With this higher-capacity charger, the Comet EV can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 2.5 hours, or from 0 to 80% in 2.8 hours . A full charge from 0 to 100% using the 7.4kW charger takes only 3.5 hours , significantly reducing charging times for users who need a quicker turnaround.

It’s worth noting that while the MG Comet EV doesn’t currently offer DC fast charging capabilities, its charging options are well-suited for urban use cases where overnight or workplace charging is typically sufficient.

The MG Comet EV’s combination of affordable pricing, practical specifications, and flexible charging options makes it a compelling choice for those looking to enter the world of electric vehicles without breaking the bank. As the cheapest electric car in India, it’s poised to play a significant role in the country’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Tata Tiago EV: A Close Second in Affordability

The Tata Tiago EV has emerged as a strong contender in the affordable electric vehicle segment in India. This compact electric car offers a blend of practicality, performance, and affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to make the switch to electric mobility.

Battery Options

Tata Motors has designed the Tiago EV with flexibility in mind, offering two battery pack options to cater to different driving needs and budgets. Buyers can choose between a 19.2 kWh and a 24 kWh battery pack . This strategy allows consumers to select the range that best suits their daily commute and lifestyle.

The 19.2 kWh battery pack, referred to as the medium range option, delivers an impressive range of approximately 250 km on a single charge . This makes it ideal for urban dwellers with shorter daily drives or those who prefer frequent charging.

For those who need more range, the 24 kWh battery pack, known as the long range option, offers an extended range of up to 315 km . This variant is well-suited for drivers who have longer commutes or enjoy weekend getaways without worrying about frequent charging stops.

Performance Specs

The Tata Tiago EV doesn’t compromise on performance despite its affordable price tag. The electric motor in this compact EV packs a punch, delivering a maximum power output of 73.75 bhp and an impressive torque of 114 Nm . This instant torque characteristic of electric motors ensures quick acceleration and a responsive driving experience.

In terms of acceleration, the Tiago EV showcases impressive numbers. It can sprint from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds . This quick acceleration is particularly useful in urban traffic conditions, allowing for swift maneuvers and effortless merging.

The Tiago EV comes with multiple driving modes, including a Sport mode for those who crave a more dynamic driving experience . Additionally, the car features a multi-mode regenerative braking system with four levels of settings in each drive mode, allowing drivers to maximize range and efficiency .

Charging Times

One of the key considerations for potential EV buyers is charging time, and the Tata Tiago EV offers several charging options to suit different needs.

For home charging, Tata provides two AC charging options:

1. 7.2 kW AC Fast Home Wall Box Charger: This option allows for convenient and quick charging at home. It can charge the battery from 10% to 100% in 2.6 hours for the medium range variant and 3.6 hours for the long range variant .
2. 3.3 kW AC Home Wall Box Charger: This standard charger takes 6.9 hours to charge the medium range variant from 10% to 100%, and 8.7 hours for the long range variant .

For those needing a quicker charge on the go, the Tiago EV supports DC fast charging of up to 25 kW . Using a DC fast charger, both the medium and long range variants can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 58 minutes .

Interestingly, the Tiago EV’s charging behavior shows consistent charging times of about 8 minutes per 10 percent up to 70 percent state of charge. After 70 percent, the charging time increases slightly, with the last 5 percent taking the longest . This charging pattern is typical of many EVs and helps to protect the battery’s longevity.

For added convenience, Tata also provides a 15A portable charging cable. This allows for charging from a standard 15A socket, taking 6.9 hours for the medium range variant and 8.7 hours for the long range variant to charge from 10% to 100% .

Citroen eC3: Another Budget-Friendly EV Option

The Citroen eC3 has emerged as another compelling option in the affordable electric vehicle segment in India. This compact electric car offers a blend of performance, range, and practicality, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to make the switch to electric mobility.

Battery and Performance

At the heart of the Citroen eC3 is a 29.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack . This battery powers a permanent magnet synchronous motor, which delivers impressive performance for its class . The electric motor generates a maximum power output of 56.21 bhp (41.92 KW) and a peak torque of 143 Nm . This combination provides sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising.

The eC3’s performance figures are noteworthy for an affordable electric vehicle. It has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6.8 seconds . This quick acceleration is particularly useful in urban traffic conditions, allowing for swift maneuvers and effortless merging.

One interesting aspect of the eC3’s battery pack is its cooling system. Unlike some competitors that use liquid cooling, the eC3’s battery pack is naturally air-cooled . Citroen claims to have tested the car in temperatures ranging from -10 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius, suggesting that the battery should be able to cope with various climate conditions across India .

Charging Details

The Citroen eC3 offers flexible charging options to suit different needs and scenarios. For home charging, the eC3 comes with a 3.3 kW charger that can be plugged into a standard 15A socket . Using this method, it takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 100% .

For those who need faster charging options, the eC3 supports DC fast charging . When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 57 minutes . This quick charging capability makes the eC3 suitable for longer journeys and reduces downtime during trips.

Interestingly, Citroen has designed the eC3 with the B2B fleet market in mind. The company claims that charging at a DC fast charger multiple times won’t affect the life of the battery . This feature could be particularly appealing to businesses looking to incorporate electric vehicles into their fleets.

Range

The Citroen eC3 boasts an impressive ARAI-certified range of 320 km on a single full charge . This makes it one of the longest-range options in its segment, potentially alleviating range anxiety for many users.

However, it’s important to note that real-world driving conditions often result in lower range figures than those achieved in controlled testing environments. Under typical driving conditions, users can expect a more realistic range of around 200-257 km . This range is still sufficient for most daily commutes and even some longer trips, especially considering the eC3’s fast-charging capabilities.

The eC3’s range and charging options make it a versatile choice for various use cases. Whether it’s for daily urban commutes, occasional long-distance travel, or as part of a commercial fleet, the eC3 offers the flexibility to meet different driving needs.

In conclusion, the Citroen eC3 presents itself as a well-rounded, budget-friendly electric vehicle option in the Indian market. With its decent performance, flexible charging options, and competitive range, it’s poised to be a strong contender in the affordable EV segment.

Conclusion

The electric vehicle market in India has seen significant growth, offering budget-conscious consumers a range of affordable options. From the compact MG Comet EV to the versatile Tata Tiago EV and the practical Citroen eC3, these cars are making eco-friendly driving more accessible than ever. Each model brings its own strengths to the table, whether it’s the Comet EV’s city-friendly design, the Tiago EV’s flexible battery options, or the eC3’s impressive range.

As the EV landscape continues to evolve, these affordable options are paving the way to a greener future on Indian roads. They’re not just changing how we drive, but also how we think about transportation and its impact on the environment. With ongoing advancements in technology and increasing consumer interest, the future looks bright for affordable electric vehicles in India, promising even more exciting developments in the years to come.

FAQs

What is the most affordable electric vehicle available in India?
As of now, India offers a range of 42 electric cars. Among these, the MG Comet EV is the most affordable model, while the BMW i7 stands as the most expensive. Future additions to the electric car market in India will include models like the BYD Seagull, Volvo EX90, and MG Windsor EV.

Which electric vehicle holds the top spot in India?
The question of which electric vehicle is number one in India is subjective and could be based on various factors such as sales, features, consumer preference, etc. This information isn’t specified directly here.

Which electric vehicle offers the best value for money in India?
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the top six most affordable electric cars in India include:

• MG Comet EV: Priced between Rs 7.98 lakh and Rs 9.98 lakh.
• Tata Tiago EV: Available from Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 12.04 lakh.
• Citroen eC3: Costs between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 12.49 lakh.
• Tata Tigor EV: Ranges from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 13.75 lakh.
• Tata Nexon EV: Priced between Rs 14.74 lakh and Rs 19.94 lakh.
• Mahindra XUV400 Pro: Available from Rs 15.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh.

What is the most economical two-seater electric car in India?
The PMV EaS E is currently the most budget-friendly two-seater electric vehicle in India, with an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 4.79 lakh.

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