What Electric Cars Can You Buy in India Before March 2020?
Now that the government has paved the way for electric vehicles, their number will slowly increase in India
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The Union Budget 2019 has given a definite impetus to electric vehicles, going so far as to even give tax incentives to buyers taking auto loans to buy electric vehicles. But just how many electric cars can you consider buying before this financial year runs out?
Here’s a list of some of the electric cars that are available and will soon be available in the Indian market.
Hyundai Kona
Price: Rs 25 lakh (expected)
The Hyundai Kona EV is Hyundai’s newest all-electric compact SUV that slots in between the Hyundai Venue and Hyundai Creta in terms of size. However, it is priced much higher, because it is electric. The Kona EV comes with a 39.2 KwH battery pack that has a range of 300 odd kilometres under normal conditions, although Hyundai claims it can go 452 Km (according to ARAI certification) on a single charge.
It puts out 181 bhp of power and 395 Nm of torque. It features regenerative braking and all the connectivity features that even the Hyundai Venue comes with. Sales kick off from 9 July 2019.
Mahindra eVerito
Price: Starts at Rs 10.3 lakh
The Mahindra eVerito is probably India’s first proper electric sedan, having gone on sale a couple of years ago. The Mahindra eVerito hasn’t been selling in large numbers to private buyers, but it is picking up pace in the commercial cab segment for short distance usage.
The eVerito comes with a range of 110 Km per charge and also features fast charging. It puts out 41 bhp of power and 91 Nm of torque, with a top speed limited to 80 Kmph.
Mahindra eKUV100
Price: Rs 11 lakh (estimated)
The Mahindra eKUV100 is essentially the vehicle that replaces the now discontinued Mahindra E2O. This micro-SUV has an all-new motor that puts out 54.4 bhp of power and 120 Nm of torque. This is better than the power specs that the eVerito has.
The eKUV100 has a claimed range of 120 Km per charge and can be charged in just under six hours from a regular power outlet. The Mahindra KUV100 is also available in petrol and diesel, with the latter soon going to be discontinued. The Mahindra eKUV100 is likely to be launched in the next couple of months.
Tata Tigor EV
Price: Starts at Rs 9.99 lakh
The Tata Tigor EV is being made by the company in Sanand. It is currently available only for government use and for commercial use. Tata still isn't selling the Tigor EV for private buyers, but you could rent one from a self-drive car rental firm.
The Tata Tigor electric sedan is powered by a 40-bhp (29.5 Kw) motor. It has a gross vehicle weights of 1.5 tons, which makes it slightly lighter than the Mahindra E-Verito. It can carry five people, like a normal sedan. It has a claimed range of about 142 km per charge, while real-world conditions give it about 110-120 Km a charge.
Tata Altroz EV
Price: Rs 14 lakh (estimated)
Tata will be launching its premium hatchback, the Tata Altroz in petrol and diesel form in a couple of months. It will then follow that up with the electric version by mid next year, with test models likely to come in before March.
Unlike the Tata Tigor EV, the Altroz EV is likely to be more premium. Reports claim it will target a range of 250-300 Km on a single charge. Tata is also working on building in fast-charging to get it to 80 percent charge in an hour. Watch this space for more developments on this electric vehicle.
MG eZS
Price: Rs 25 lakh (estimated)
MG Motor India will be launching its electric SUV the MG eZS in December 2019. It will compete with the Hyundai Kona. It will also feature similar connectivity options like the MG Hector.
The MG eZS has a range of 350 Km per charge, and is likely to come with a 52Kwh lithium-ion battery pack. It will have a modular structure, with the battery assembly fitted into the floor. Initially, the company plans to have fast-charging facilities at all its dealer premises.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R EV
Price: Rs 8 lakh (estimated)
In October 2018, Maruti Suzuki flagged off a fleet of 50 Wagon-R based electric vehicles for extensive testing all around India, under all weather conditions. The Wagon-R Electric will have a range of about 250 Km per charge. What's interesting is how it could be the cheapest electric vehicle around.
An Autocar India report suggests that the on-road price of the electric Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R may be about Rs 7.5 lakh, pointing to an ex-showroom price of under Rs 7 lakh. Subsidies offered under the FAME scheme would amount to Rs 1.25 lakh or more. It will most likely be available for sale by March 2020.
Audi E-Tron
Price: Rs 1 cr (estimated)
The Audi e-Tron is the company's premium luxury green-vehicle offering. It has a claimed range of 400 Km on a single charge. It features all-wheel drive thanks to two motors, one on each axle.
The Audi e-Tron is likely to remain niche as the price tag would be a bit of a shock to many. Plus battery technology hasn't grown much, making that the most important component in this Audi SUV. It is likely to be a flagship for the German brand.
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