Sales of electric vehicles have been steadily increasing in India in recent years. In an effort to provide a competitive alternative to automobiles that run on gasoline and diesel, automakers are working to lower the cost of electric cars. The argument for a move to electric vehicles is further strengthened by growing costs for gasoline and diesel as well as environmental concerns. The market trend is favorable, despite several issues that still exist, such as the greater initial investment and the absence of extensive charging infrastructure in the nation. The use of EVs has increased in India in recent years. The use of electric vehicles has also increased as a result of government programs including income tax refunds and road taxes. We examine in detail the most affordable electric vehicles available in India.
List of Affordable Electric Cars in India
Model | Range | Battery Pack | Price (in ₹) |
MG Comet EV | 230 km | 17.3kWh | 6.9 lakh |
Tata Tiago EV | 315 km | 19.2 kWh and 24kWh | 7.9 lakh and 9.9 lakh |
Tata Punch EV | 315 km and 425 km | 25kWh and 35kWh | 10.9 lakh and 12.9 lakh |
Citroen eC3 | 320 km | 29.2kWh | 11.7 lakh |
Tata Tigor EV | 315 km | 26kWh | 12.5 lakh |
1. MG Comet EV – ₹6.9 lakh (ex-showroom)
This MG Comet EV isn’t your typical electric car. This is MG’s first non-SUV model in India. Despite being the smallest electric vehicle in India, the MG Comet boasts a unique and intricate design that makes for remarkably roomy interiors. It is unabashedly boxy. To do this, the designers abandoned the two-box hatchback style in favor of a mono-volume structure, which combines the cargo and cabin spaces into a single, uninterrupted area. This all-electric car is easy to maneuver in city traffic and in tight parking spaces because it is only 2.9 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.6 meters high. At ₹6.9 lakh (ex-showroom), it is not just the smallest but also the least expensive electric vehicle in India.
Unusually, the four-seater MG Comet has only two doors, but the rear can be easily accessed thanks to a clever flip and slide mechanism on the front seats. The MG Comet has a high-end look thanks to a variety of premium LEDs, including the MG emblem, front and rear light bars, headlights, and taillights. Two 10.25-inch high-resolution color screens are included with the MG Comet; one serves as the infotainment touchscreen and the other as the instrument cluster for the driver.
The MG Comet has a 230-kilometer range on a single charge because to its 17.3kWh prismatic cell lithium-ion battery pack. The vehicle does not have DC fast charging, however it does have a Type-2 AC fast charger. In roughly five hours, it can recharge the batteries from 10% to 80% charge, and in seven hours, it can achieve 100% charge. All things considered, the MG Comet is a unique vehicle that defies industry norms in terms of appearance and construction, and it has established a reputation as a small and affordable EV choice.
MG Comet EV Key Specifications:
Technical Specs: | MG Comet EV |
Electric Motor: | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Capacity: | 17.3 kWh Lithium-ion Battery |
Horsepower: | 41 bhp |
Torque: | 110 Nm |
Charging Time | DC Fast Charger : NA / AC Charger: 5 Hours |
MG Comet EV Key Features:
- Compact, two-door, four-seat design
- Claims a range of 230 kilometers on a single charge.
- India’s smallest EV is the MG Comet.
2. Tata Tiago EV – ₹7.9 lakh (ex-showroom)
Prior to the introduction of the MG Comet EV, the Tata Tiago EV was the most affordable electric vehicle in India. After the Nexon and the Tigor sedan, this is Tata’s third offering in the electric car market and its first hatchback. It starts at ₹7.9 lakh. The Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) are the two Tiago EV models that are offered. An estimated 257 kilometers can be covered by the 19.2 kWh battery that powers the MR model. The LR model boasts a 315 km range and a larger 24 kWh battery.
With a few new EV-specific characteristics like the black front grille bearing the “EV” logo, black and off-white interior themes, and new buttons, the Tiago EV’s exterior and interior nonetheless share parts of the ICE version’s features and looks. There are two drive modes available for the Tiago EV: City and Sport. The City mode offers linear throttle response and smooth acceleration by limiting torque. With a maximum and ideal speed of 120 kmph and faster acceleration, the more daring Sport mode unleashes the car’s full potential. With a 15A charger, the Tiago EV can be charged from 10% to 80% in roughly 9 hours. This might be completed in an hour with rapid DC charging. All things considered, the Tiago is a reasonably priced EV with a respectable range between charges.
Tata Tiago EV Key Specifications:
Technical Specs: | Tata Tiago EV |
Electric Motor: | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Capacity: | 19.2 kWh and –24 kWh Lithium-ion Battery |
Horsepower: | 60 bhp and –73 bhp |
Torque: | 110 Nm and –114 Nm |
Charging Time | DC Fast Charger: 1 Hour / AC Charger: 9 Hours |
Tata Tiago EV Key Features:
- Typical 19.2 kWh and extended range Options for 24 kWh
- A DC fast charge may restore 10–80% of the battery’s energy in an hour
- A maximum speed of 120 kmph.
3. Tata Punch EV – ₹10.9 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Tata Punch EV was introduced in January 2024, solidifying Tata Motors’ hegemonic position in the Indian EV industry. This small SUV, which is based on the ICE Punch, is a desirable choice that is in the middle of the Nexon EV’s price range and the Tiago EV’s entry-level model. The Tata Punch EV has two battery options and starts at ₹10.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The range of the 25 kWh and 35 kWh versions is 315 and 421 kilometers, respectively. There are three drive modes available for the Punch EV: City, Eco, and Sport.
The first electric vehicle to be constructed using Tata’s recently redesigned Acti.ev architecture is the Tata Punch EV. Because of its 190 mm ground clearance, it may be used on both rough and urban roads. The Tata Punch EV boasts an incredibly cozy cabin with high-end materials and a cutting-edge infotainment system.
Regarding charging, the Punch EV features a single CCS2 charging port, which is industry standard. Using a DC fast charger, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in an hour.
Tata Punch EV Key Specifications:
Technical Specs: | Tata Punch EV |
Electric Motor: | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Capacity: | 25 kWh and –35 kWh Lithium-ion Battery |
Horsepower: | 80 bhp and –120 bhp |
Torque: | 114 Nm and –190 Nm |
Charging Time | DC Fast Charger: 1 Hour / AC Charger: 9 Hours |
Tata Punch EV Key Features:
- claims a range of 421 kilometers on a single charge.
- Three driving modes are available: Sport, City, and Eco
- Has 190 mm of ground clearance.
4. Citroen E-C3 – ₹11.7 lakh (ex-showroom)
The exterior and interior design of the Citroen E-C3 are very similar to that of its ICE equivalent, the C3. The E-C3 is among the least expensive electric vehicles in India, with a starting price of ₹11.7 lakh. With a 29.2 kWh battery, the EV can go 320 kilometers between charges. It takes roughly 10.5 hours to charge from 10% to 100% with a 15A charger, which is a comparatively lengthy process. However, it can be fully charged in an hour using a DC fast charger. In addition, the vehicle has four speakers, a sizable 10.2-inch touchscreen, and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Citroen E-C3 is a desirable and reasonably priced choice for Indians due to its sophisticated look and well-designed, roomy cabin.
Citroen E-C3 Key Specifications:
Technical Specs: | Citroen E-C3 |
Electric Motor: | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Capacity: | 29.2 kWh Lithium-ion Battery |
Horsepower: | 76 bhp |
Torque: | 143 Nm |
Charging Time | DC Fast Charger: 1 Hour / AC Charger: 10.5 Hours |
Citroen E-C3 Key Features:
- The range of a 29.2 kWh battery is 320 kilometers.
- The interior features a sizable 10.2-inch display with Bluetooth Android Auto DC and Apple CarPlay.
- It takes an hour to rapid charge from 10 to 80 percent.
5. Tata Tigor EV – ₹12.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
The sole electric sedan that appears on the list of the least expensive electric vehicles in India is the Tata Tigor EV. It now has a 350V Ziptron EV system after undergoing a recent redesign. With a 26kWh battery pack, the Tigor EV is said to have a 315 km range. It takes 8 hours and 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a typical 15A charger. However, this can be accomplished in an hour with a rapid DC charger.
The vehicle only provides a measured rate of acceleration because it is intended to be driven in urban areas. There is ample headroom and legroom in the roomy cabin of the Tata Tigor.
The fact that this vehicle maintains the 4-star Global NCAP crash rating of its ICE counterpart is one of its highlights.
Tata Tigor EV Key Specifications:
Technical Specs: | Tata Tigor EV |
Electric Motor: | Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Battery Capacity: | 26 kWh Lithium-ion Battery |
Horsepower: | 73 bhp |
Torque: | 170 Nm |
Charging Time | DC Fast Charger: 1 Hour / AC Charger: 8 Hours |
Tata Tigor EV Key Features:
- A 26kWh battery can travel up to 315 kilometers.
- Global NCAP safety rating of four stars.
- Uses a DC fast charger to charge from 10 to 80 percent in an hour.
Electric Car Manufacturers in India:
- Hyundai
- Tata Motors
- Kia
- BYD
- MG
- Citroen
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- Audi
- Jaguar
- Volvo
Electric Car Sales in India
Major manufacturers are fighting for a place in the rapidly expanding Indian EV market. Customers have a wide range of options in the market, from ultra-swanky vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Spectre EV to small, reasonably priced EVs like the MG Comet. With a 67 percent market share, Tata Motors leads the Indian electric vehicle market. The Tata Punch EV was the top-selling electric vehicle in the first quarter of 2024.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, an astounding 16,78,905 EVs were sold, with a record-breaking 2,12,502 EVs sold in March alone. The number of electric vehicles sold between March 2023 and February 2024 exceeded 94,000. With 7,118 electric vehicles sold in February 2024—nearly twice as many as in February 2023—EV acceptance among the general public is on the rise. By 2030, 4,30,603 electric vehicles are expected to be sold overall.
Conclusion
When it comes to affordable EVs, Indian consumers have an abundance of options. There are more current and prospective electric automobiles on the market today in addition to our list of the least expensive electric cars in India. Indeed, there are difficulties, such as the nation’s need to create charging infrastructure. Nonetheless, the growing number of EV vehicles is a positive indication. Leading Indian automakers, like Hyundai, Mahindra, MG Motor, and Tata Motors, are spearheading this shift with their innovations to create more economical and environmentally friendly electric vehicles.