Cheapest Electric Cars in India in 2023 - Price, Features, Specifications
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Cheapest Electric Car in India in 2023 – Price, Features, Specifications

Cheapest electric cars in india

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.

ModelFuel TypeBody TypeRangeEx-Showroom Price
Tata Tiago EVElectricHatchback310 km₹5.69 lakh-₹9.04 lakh
Tata Tigor EVElectricSedan315 km₹12.49-₹13.75 lakh
Tata Nexon EVElectricSUV437 km₹14.49 – ₹16.99 lakhakh
Mahindra e-VeritoElectricSedan240 km₹9.15 lakh-₹12.49 lakh
Mahindra XUV400ElectricSUV356 km₹15.99 lakh₹18.99 lakh 
MG CometElectricHatchback130 km₹7.98 lakh-₹9.98 lakh

1. Tata Tiago EV

Tata Tiago EV

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

Key Specifications of Tata Tiago EV

EnginePermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range310 km
Maximum Power73.7 bhp
Peak Torque114 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity24 kWh Lithium Ion
Seating Capacity5
Body TypeHatchback
Boot Space240 litres

Key Features

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

What’s Good:

  • Affordable price point
  • Impressive driving range

What’s Not Good:

  • Unproven long term reliability

Also Read : Hybrid Car Vs Electric Car : Benefits, Working & Types Explained

2. Tata Tigor EV

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

Key Specifications of Tata Tigor EV

EnginePermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range315 km
Maximum Power73.75 bhp
Peak Torque170 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity26 kWh Lithium Ion
Seating Capacity5
Body TypeSedan
Boot Space316 litres

Key Features

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

What’s Good

  • Price
  • Space
  • Ride quality 

What’s Not Good

  • Aftersales support
  • Long term reliability 
  • Fluctuating resale value

Also Read : What is the Cost of Setting Up an Electric Car Charging Station in India?

3. Tata Nexon EV

Tata Nexon EV

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

Key Specifications of Tata Nexon EV

EnginePermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range437 km
Maximum Power141 bhp
Peak Torque250 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity30.2 kWh Lithium Ion
Seating Capacity5
Body TypeHatchback
Boot Space350 litres

Key Features

Digital instrument cluster
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Sunroof
Ventilated seats
Electric seat adjustment
Multi-function steering wheel
6 airbags
ABS with EBD

What’s Good:

  • Price
  • Range

What’s Not Good:

  • Limited rear headroom
  • Unproven long term reliability 

Also Read : Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

4. Mahindra e-Verito

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

Key Specifications of Mahindra e-Verito 

Engine72V 3-Phase electric motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range110 km
Maximum Power40 bhp
Peak Torque91 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity288ah Lithium Ion
Seating Capacity5
Body TypeSedan
Boot Space510 litres

Key Features

AC
Power windows
Power steering
Audio system
Fog lights
Multi-function steering wheel
Rear headrests

What’s Good:

  • Affordable price point
  • Spacious and comfortable cabin 

What’s Not Good:

  • Low on key performance metrics
  • Surprisingly low driving range

5. Mahindra XUV400 EV

Mahindra XUV400 EV

 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

Key Specifications of Mahindra XUV400 EV

EngineSingle Electric Motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range456 km
Maximum Power147.5 bhp
Peak Torque310 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery Capacity34.5 kWh lithium-ion/39.4 kWh lithium-ion 
Seating Capacity5
Body TypeSUV
Boot Space378 litres

 Key Features

Digital instrument cluster
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Sunroof
Ventilated seats
Electric seat adjustment
Multi-function steering wheel
6 airbags
ABS with EBD

What’s Good:

  • High on performance
  • Impressive driving range
  • Spacious and comfortable cabin 

What’s Not Good:

  • Expensive compared to some other cars in this segment 
  • Looks a lot like the XUV300

6. MG Comet EV

Source : MGmotors

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

Key Specifications of MG Comet EV

EnginePermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Transmissione-CVT
Range230 km
Maximum Power41.42 bhp
Peak Torque110 Nm
Fuel TypeElectric
Battery/Tank Capacity17.3 kWh lithium-ion
Seating Capacity4
Body TypeHatchback
Boot Space308 litres

Key Features

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

What’s Good:

  • Affordable price point
  • Small turning radius making it ideal for urban driving conditions

What’s Not Good:

  • Strictly meant for city commute
  • Lacks space and can feel congested

Conclusion 

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.

FAQs:

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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