In a world dominated by petrol and diesel-powered cars, a new breed of vehicles has emerged – electric cars. With ever-increasing fuel prices and growing concerns over pollution, more and more car buyers are turning their attention towards these electric wonders. While electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in the two-wheeler market, their presence in the mainstream car market is also expanding.
When it comes to affordable electric cars, Tata Motors steals the spotlight, offering a wide range of options. However, they are not alone in this race, as MG Motor India and Mahindra also contribute with a couple of electric models in their lineup. Let’s take a closer look at these budget-friendly electric cars and discover the top contenders for the cheapest electric car in India this year.
Model | Fuel Type | Body Type | Range | Ex-Showroom Price |
Tata Tiago EV | Electric | Hatchback | 310 km | ₹5.69 lakh-₹9.04 lakh |
Tata Tigor EV | Electric | Sedan | 315 km | ₹12.49-₹13.75 lakh |
Tata Nexon EV | Electric | SUV | 437 km | ₹14.49 – ₹16.99 lakhakh |
Mahindra e-Verito | Electric | Sedan | 240 km | ₹9.15 lakh-₹12.49 lakh |
Mahindra XUV400 | Electric | SUV | 356 km | ₹15.99 lakh₹18.99 lakh |
MG Comet | Electric | Hatchback | 130 km | ₹7.98 lakh-₹9.98 lakh |
Until the advent of the 2-door MG Comet EV, the Tata Tiago EV was one of the cheapest electric cars in India. While the electric version of the Tiago is based on the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered sibling, it offers much lower running costs and distinctive performance from the electric powertrain.
The Tiago EV is on sale in two models – one with a 19.2 kWh battery pack and other with a 24 kWh unit. Accordingly, even the peak power differs between the two variants – the cheaper version offers 60 bhp while the costlier model offers 74 bhp. The maximum driving range on a full charge is rated at 310 kilometres per charge.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹5.69 lakh-₹9.04 lakh
Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 310 km |
Maximum Power | 73.7 bhp |
Peak Torque | 114 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 24 kWh Lithium Ion |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Boot Space | 240 litres |
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity |
Automatic climate control |
15-inch alloy wheels |
8-speaker Harman audio setup |
Power windows |
Rear defogger |
Cooled glove box |
Dual front airbags |
Corner stability control |
ABS with EBD |
Rear parking sensors |
Also Read : Hybrid Car Vs Electric Car : Benefits, Working & Types Explained
Just like the Tiago, its sedan sibling, the Tigor, is available in an all-electric avatar. In fact, the electric version of this compact sedan was launched before the Tiago EV. Currently, it’s among the most successful electric cars available in the country. A reason for this is the excellent value for money proposition it provides with a decent range, strong performance and affordable price.
The Tigor EV is, in fact, more successful in the commercial vehicle space than in the private car market. Accordingly, one of the best electric cars in India is available in two variants, one for the private buyers and one for the commercial market. It’s powered by a 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that has been awarded an IP-67 rating (An IP67 rating guarantees that the electronics enclosure can shield against dust for up to eight hours and withstand temporary immersion in liquid without damaging the electronics, usually for around 30 minutes.). The maximum power is rated at 73.75 bhp and the peak torque is pegged at 170 Nm. The maximum driving range on a full charge is a respectable 315 km.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹12.49 lakh-₹13.75 lakh
Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 315 km |
Maximum Power | 73.75 bhp |
Peak Torque | 170 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 26 kWh Lithium Ion |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | Sedan |
Boot Space | 316 litres |
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity |
Automatic climate control |
15-inch alloy wheels |
8-speaker Harman audio setup |
Power windows |
Rear defogger |
Cooled glove box |
Dual front airbags |
Corner stability control |
ABS with EBD |
Rear parking sensors |
Also Read : What is the Cost of Setting Up an Electric Car Charging Station in India?
Even the next model on our list of cheapest electric cars in India comes from the house of Tata Motors. The Tata Nexon EV, like its other EV siblings, is available in two variants. The cheaper of the two models is the Prime model, which features a 30.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack. On the other hand, the more expensive version, versionMax, has a 40.5 kWh battery pack.
The claimed range of the Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max is rated at 312 km and 437 km, respectively. The Nexon EV is currently the highest-selling electric car in India, with over 35,000 units sold so far. While it offers all the qualities of its popular ICE-equipped sibling, it even provides the user with lower running costs and a stronger performance.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹14.49 lakh-₹16.99 lakh
Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 437 km |
Maximum Power | 141 bhp |
Peak Torque | 250 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 30.2 kWh Lithium Ion |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Boot Space | 350 litres |
Digital instrument cluster |
Touchscreen infotainment |
Apple CarPlay |
Android Auto |
Sunroof |
Ventilated seats |
Electric seat adjustment |
Multi-function steering wheel |
6 airbags |
ABS with EBD |
Also Read : Pros and Cons of Electric Cars
Even though almost every Mahindra car on sale gets highly rated and is loved by car buyers in India, the e-Verito is an exception. The electric sedan is based on the ICE Verito, which, in turn, was based on the Dacia Renault Logan.
What this means is that the electric version is equally spacious and has a great ride quality. However, it’s performance is nothing to write home about. Powering the e-Verito is a 72V 3-Phase electric motor that produces a maximum power of 40 bhp and a peak torque of 91 Nm. This is the same electric powertrain that was even available on the Mahindra e20 Plus. Thanks to a rather lacklustre performance and a measly range of just 110 km, the e-Verito isn’t even half as popular as the Tigor EV.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹9.15 lakh-₹12.45 lakh
Engine | 72V 3-Phase electric motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 110 km |
Maximum Power | 40 bhp |
Peak Torque | 91 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 288ah Lithium Ion |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | Sedan |
Boot Space | 510 litres |
AC |
Power windows |
Power steering |
Audio system |
Fog lights |
Multi-function steering wheel |
Rear headrests |
The Mahindra XUV400 EV enjoys a clear advantage over the Tata Nexon EV in terms of features and performance. The XUV400 is based on the XUV300 but is more spacious and even offers more features.
Just like the Tata Nexon EV, the XUV400 EV has two variants on sale with different lithium-ion battery packs a 34.5 kWh battery option and a 39.4 kWh option. The only electric SUV in Mahindra’s lineup outputs a maximum power of 147.5 bhp along with a peak torque of 310 Nm. It has a top speed of 150 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹15.99 lakh-₹18.99 lakh
Engine | Single Electric Motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 456 km |
Maximum Power | 147.5 bhp |
Peak Torque | 310 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery Capacity | 34.5 kWh lithium-ion/39.4 kWh lithium-ion |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Body Type | SUV |
Boot Space | 378 litres |
Digital instrument cluster |
Touchscreen infotainment |
Apple CarPlay |
Android Auto |
Sunroof |
Ventilated seats |
Electric seat adjustment |
Multi-function steering wheel |
6 airbags |
ABS with EBD |
The MG Comet EV is priced even lower compared to the already affordable Tata Tiago EV. What this means is that the new offering is the cheapest electric car currently on sale in India. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Comet has a rather unconventional 3-door layout that might not appeal to many. Also, even though it has a spacious interior for its dimensions, it’s still nowhere as roomy as the Tata Tiago EV.
Moreover, the aesthetics of the Comet EV might not have a universal appeal. On the other hand, it makes sense for those who need an urban runabout for short commutes. What works in favour of the Comet EV is that the small dimensions and the small turning radius make this vehicle a breeze to drive in traffic conditions.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹ 7.98 lakh-₹ 9.98 lakh
Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Transmission | e-CVT |
Range | 230 km |
Maximum Power | 41.42 bhp |
Peak Torque | 110 Nm |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Battery/Tank Capacity | 17.3 kWh lithium-ion |
Seating Capacity | 4 |
Body Type | Hatchback |
Boot Space | 308 litres |
10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity |
Automatic climate control |
Customisable exterior |
Power windows |
Dual front airbags |
ABS with EBD |
Rear parking sensors with camera |
In conclusion, while the selection of electric vehicles in the mainstream car market may be limited compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) options, we still have a noteworthy six models in our list of affordable electric cars in India. These models include hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs that offer comparable features and performance to their ICE counterparts.
Excitingly, car manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra have ambitious plans to introduce a range of new EVs in the coming years. This indicates a promising future for the affordable electric car market in India.
Q. Which is the most selling model among all the electric cars in 2023?
Currently, out of the six affordable electric cars in India, the Nexon EV is the highest-selling model with over 35,000 units sold so far.
Q. Which is the cheapest electric car on sale in the market?
Tiago EV is the cheapest electric car in India
Q. Which is the fastest electric car in India?
The Hyundai Kona EV is the fastest electric car in India with a top speed of 167 km/h.
Q. Which are the upcoming electric cars in India?
Most of the upcoming electric cars in India belong to the Tata group with their Altroz EV, Punch EV, Harrier EV, and Safari EV set to be launched soon.
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