As major automakers across the world pledge to slowly phase out their ICE vehicles in the coming decades, the electric offerings on the market are getting better and more efficient every passing year. The EV market in India is still in its early stages, but it is not lacking in options. Tata Motors is leading the EV race in India with its diverse electric portfolio and affordable offerings. However, with automakers like Mahindra, MG Motor, and Citroen stepping into the ring, the market is brimming with exciting electric options. Thinking of finally switching to an electric car? Take a look at our list of the top 6 cheapest electric cars you can buy in India in 2023.
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Table of Contents
Tata Tiago EV: The cheapest electric car in India
Price: Rs 8.69 lakh onwards
With prices starting at Rs 8.69 lakh onwards, Tata Tiago EV is the cheapest electric car you can buy in India right now. The Tiago EV retains the look of its ICE counterpart and gets EV-exclusive branding and blue highlights. The electric hatchback is available in two battery pack options, 19.2kWh and 24kWh. The former offers a driving range of 250km while the latter can power the vehicle up to 315km on a full charge. The Permanent Synchronous Motor on Tata Tiago EV can produce a maximum power output of 55kW and 114Nm of torque.
MG Comet EV: A wildcard in the EV segment
Price: Rs 7.98 lakh onwards
MG Comet EV is a compact city commuter rather than your traditional 5-seater EV, but it earns its spot on the list due to the exhaustive list of features it offers. The Comet EV is available in three variants – Pace, Play, and Plush. Buyers can also choose to customise the vehicle with unique stickers and styling packs. A limited ‘Gamer’ Edition has also been made available for the Comet EV. While it is pricey for a commuter, it is still one of the cheapest electric cars in India.
In terms of features, the EV gets dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment system and the instrument cluster, car connect technology, steering-mounted controls, and more. The 17.3kWh battery pack delivers a driving range of 230km and the single electric motor on the Comet EV can produce a power output of 42hp and 110Nm of torque.
Citroen eC3: One of the cheapest electric cars around
Price: Rs 11.50 lakh onwards
Citroen’s debut EV in India is priced higher than its primary hatchback rival, Tiago EV. The electric hatchback is manufactured in India alongside its ICE counterpart. This has helped Citroen in reducing production costs, but the additional charges in outsourcing the battery pack from China are enough to make it more expensive than the Tiago EV.
Powering the Citroen eC3 is a single electric motor that can produce a peak power output of 57hp and 143Nm torque. The 29.2 kWh battery pack offers a driving range of 320km. This battery pack can be fully charged in under 11 hours using the 3.3kW home charger. With DC fast charging, the eC3 can be charged from 10-80% in under an hour.
Tata Tigor EV: The most affordable electric sedan in India
Price: Rs 12.49 lakh onwards
Tata Tigor EV is the cheapest electric sedan in the Indian EV market right now. Prices for the Tigor EV start at Rs 12.49 lakh for the entry-level XE variant and go up to Rs 13.75 lakh for the top-spec XZ+ Lux variant. The 26kWh IP67-rated battery pack on the Tigor EV offers a driving range of 315km. This battery pack can be charged from 0-80% in under an hour using a fast charger. The electric motor on this electric sedan produces a peak power output of 75hp and 170Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60kmph in 5.7 seconds.
Tata Nexon EV: Cheapest electric SUV in India
Price: Rs 14.74 lakh onwards
Tata also offers the most affordable electric SUV in India, the Nexon EV. The automaker launched the facelifted version of the SUV today. Tata has renamed the Nexon EV variants to MR and LR. The top-spec Empowered+ trim of the LR variant fetches Rs 19.94 lakh. The facelift takes design cues from the Tata Curvv Concept that the automaker has showcased at Auto Expo on multiple occasions.
The MR and LR variants get 30kWh and 40.5kWh battery packs respectively. The former offers a driving range of 325km while the latter delivers 465km on a full charge. Using the 7.2kW AC charger, the battery pack on the MR variant can be charged from 10-100% in 4.3 hours while it takes 6 hours for the LR variant to fully replenish its battery. Nexon MR puts out 129hp and 215Nm. The LR variant produces 145hp and 215Nm.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: Mahindra’s first electric offering in India
Price: Rs 15.99 lakh onwards
Mahindra’s only electric offering in India, the XUV400 EV, is a direct rival to the Nexon EV. The XUV400 is available in two battery pack options – 34.5kWh and 39.4kWh. The former offers a driving range of 375km while the latter can go up to 456km on a full charge. Talking about charging, a DC fast charger can juice up the battery pack in under 50 minutes. Meanwhile, a 7.2kW charger takes 6.5 hours and a 3.3kW charger takes 13 hours to fully replenish the battery pack.
The electric motor on the Mahindra XUV400 EV can produce a maximum power output of 150hp and 310Nm of torque. The SUV can go from 0-100kmph in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 150kmph. There are three driving modes on offer – Fun, Fast, and Fearless.
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Conclusion
These are the top 6 cheapest electric cars you can buy in India right now. Tata Motors is also planning on launching the electric version of the Punch SUV in the coming months. Next year, Mahindra will launch its BE series of electric SUVs in India, which is worth looking out for. If you enjoyed this list, also check out our picks for the best electric scooters you can buy in India.
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