Electric cars are the future! It might be true for someone. For some people, it will be partially true. And for others, it is not. But do we have any other plans for now? Well! No. And that’s the only thing that unites people with different opinions.
Recently, the UK Government has announced that it will ban all non-electrical vehicles from 2035. Apart from this, almost every carmaker has announced their tentative dates to convert their entire portfolio to an all-electric one.
Surely, car enthusiasts will be going to miss those bangs and pops from the V6s and V8s. But if it is for good, we are all together in this. So, how is it going in India? It might seem that it has just started. But the future for EVs is exemplary in India. As always it is also expected to be unique in its own way.
Not to forget, many big carmakers have now started local assembling here and even Tesla will be joining them soon. Can’t miss the present for what’s coming up in the future? For that, we have covered the top five electric cars that are currently available in India. And here is what they have got to offer.
MG ZS EV
Starting with the MG ZS EV, which looks like any other car on the road and is quite basic in terms of design. However, at the heart, it is one of the best-tuned EVs available in India. The key highlight of this crossover is the all-new 44.5kWh battery pack that returns a claimed range of somewhere around 419kms.
Further, there are multiple updates that are now available on the 2021 MG ZS EV like improved ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and multiple drive modes to name a few. Just like before, it is available with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces a decent 141BHP of power and 353Nm of torque. Meanwhile, to alter these power figures and save more fuel there are three different drive modes available including – Normal, Eeco and Sports.
Key Specs
- Battery – 44.5kWh
- Power – 141BHP
- Torque – 353Nm
- Range – 419kms (Claimed)
- 0-100kmph (in seconds) – 8.5 sec
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.20.99 Lakh to Rs.24.18 Lakh
Tata Nexon EV
Looking for practicality with a lot of road presence? Well, then here is Tata Nexon EV to the rescue. Look at that price tag, it is affordable when compared to many other electric cars. Further, there are several features such as automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electric sunroof, hill hold control, automatic climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system to name a few. Not only this, the updated infotainment display now supports Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay.
For someone who is just entering the EV world, Nexon EV seems to be a perfect choice. However, one cannot just put that entry-level EV tag on the Nexon randomly. Performance-wise, it can do a 0-100kmph sprint in just 9.9 seconds. That might not be the best when compared to the other alternatives. But then just look at that price tag!
Key Specs
- Battery – 30.2kWh
- Power – 127BHP
- Torque – 245Nm
- Range – 312kms (Claimed)
- 0-100kmph (in seconds) – 9.9 sec
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.13.99 Lakh to Rs.15.99 Lakh
Mercedes Benz EQC
Mercedes Benz EQC is a classic synonym for performance while reducing the carbon footprint. In terms of its underpinning, it is very similar to the GLC. Obviously, it has to be. Mercedes Benz flaunts that this all-new electric crossover is based on the GLC SUV except for the design language. Not to forget, it is one of the heaviest in the lot.
The all-new EQC feels refined, comfortable and spacious. However, it is the performance bit that makes it outperform. This crossover can easily do a 0-100kmph sprint in just 5.1 seconds keeping in mind its weight. Acceleration is kind of hard and fast while the power figures stand at 402BHP and 765Nm to be precise. Surprised to see the EQC in this lot? Well, it is one of the best electric cars available in India right now.
Key Specs
- Battery – 80kWh
- Power – 402BHP
- Torque – 765Nm
- Range – 471kms (Claimed)
- 0-100kmph (in seconds) – 5.1 sec
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.1 Crore
Hyundai Kona
For the knowledge, Hyundai Kona was first launched in 2018 when the EV scenario was totally different. Even for the Indian market, it was the first electric car with so much potential that the carmaker was forced to introduce the updated one here. Currently, Hyundai Kona comes equipped with a 39.2kWh battery that returns almost 452kms of range as claimed by the ARAI. However, in the case of Kona electric, these numbers do not lie.
Quality inside the cabin has improved a lot. But the problem with the back seat space remains the same. In terms of features, Kona does packs as many as it can and is offered with a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated/heated seats, wireless charging for smartphones and a practical center console as well. The Korean carmaker has currently priced the Hyundai Kona with a starting price tag of Rs.23.72 Lakhs. This goes all the way up till Rs.23.91 Lakhs (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi)
Key Specs
- Battery – 39.2kWh
- Power – 134BHP
- Torque – 395Nm
- Range – 452kms (Claimed)
- 0-100kmph (in seconds) – 9.7 sec
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.23.72 Lakh to Rs.23.91 Lakh
Tata Tigor EV
Not the most powerful one. Not even the range is at par. But if the purpose is just a city ride then one cannot overlook the Tata Tigor EV. The Indian carmaker has currently priced it between Rs.9.54 Lakhs to Rs.9.86 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). However, even with such kind of price tag, Tata fails to offer the value for money proposition on the Tigor EV.
Powered by a 21.5kWh battery, the claimed range from this electric sedan stands at 142kms. But, it is the power figures that are horrifying while they stand at 40BHP and 105Nm. Each pro has its own con and with yin you always get yang. Therefore, if Tigor EV serves someone’s purpose then you cannot deny the fact that it is one of a decent car in the entire lot. Tata Motors has also announced that the carmaker is working on the Tigor EV with an extended range and more power.
Key Specs
- Battery – 21.5kWh
- Power – 40BHP
- Torque – 105Nm
- Range – 142kms (Claimed)
- 0-100kmph (in seconds) – N/A
Ex-Showroom Price, New Delhi: Rs.9.54 Lakh to Rs.9.86 Lakh
These are the top five electric cars that are currently available in India. However, before buying any of them do consider the electric infrastructure of your current city. Also, not to forget, several cars such as Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-Tron, Tesla Model 3 and Porsche Taycan are confirmed and will be coming to India anytime soon. Ending your hunt for electric cars in India here.
Do let us know your favourite electric car among these in the comment section below. And for similar updates, keep reading ‘The Indian Wire’.