We dwell deeper into an ever-increasing number of EVs hitting the road and these ones certainly represent the top crop
The internal combustion engines have dominated the personal and even transportation sectors for over a century. But it appears that electric vehicles (EV) are now on the verge of assuming that role, as they are currently experiencing swift growth in both developed and developing countries like ours despite economic uncertainty. This wide-scale adoption of electric vehicles could not only help protect the environment and save our depleting natural resources but lessen the environmental footprint of transportation.
The concept of electric cars is fairly new to India, but If you are willing to buy an electric car, perhaps this guide will help you choose between the top electric vehicles available in the country.
But before we do that, we need to discuss a few issues related to electric cars.
Challenges Of Owning an electric car in India
Electric cars are becoming popular across the World
Charging Infrastructure
But most people are still hesitant to buy an EV in India
Not every four-wheeler owner has a dedicated personal parking spot, especially for those who live in metro cities. Many vehicle owners who have opted for an open or uncovered parking spot cannot set up the chargers provided by the EV makers.
But many state governments in India are launching policies for setting up charging provisions within the residential housing societies’ common parking spots and even in office parking spots.
Range anxiety
Now there are many reasons behind it
Range anxiety is the fear of the electric vehicle's running out of charge while on the road
What is range anxiety?
Range anxiety always has been a concern for EV owners. Range anxiety is the fear of the electric vehicle’s battery dying mid-trip. Without being able to find a charging station and replenish the battery. Although the whole concept of EV vehicles is comparatively new in the country, and thus the charging infrastructure in India is a market that will still take some time to flourish. Meanwhile, we will also see more players coming into the scene and building the charging infrastructure.
But until the charging infrastructure of our country gets fixed, these are some long-range EV vehicles available in the country which might reduce the range anxiety of owners.
Best Affordable Long-Range Electric vehicles In India
Tata Tigor EV- (306km range)
The Tigor EV gets a 26kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack coupled to its electric motor delivers a driving range of 306km per charge. The built-in battery takes up to 12 hours for charging, using the home power outlet. But with DC fast chargers.
The Tata Tigor EV features advanced Ziptron tech that makes sure that the vehicle’s permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is efficient. The Tigor EV electric motor produces around 75bhp of peak power and 170Nm of torque.
The Tigor EV not only promises a satisfying overall drive range but also promises a quick dash from standstill to 60 kmph in just 5.7 seconds.
Tata Nexon EV (312km range)
We have also provided you with a list of popular electric vehicles available in the country at this moment
The Nexon EV is the top-selling electric vehicle in India, and the credit goes to its efficient powertrain. The Nexon EV offers a driving range of 312 km on a single charge. The battery takes 8.5 hours to charge completely with a regular electric charger. The battery charge goes from 10 to 90 percent within an hour. with the faster-charging unit,
With Tata Motors’ latest Ziptron technology, the Nexon EV can generate 129bhp of power. It uses a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery.
Tata Motors has announced that they will introduce a long-range Nexon EV by mid-2022, which will extract its juice from a bigger 40 kW battery pack.
Hyundai Kona Electric (452km range)
The Hyundai Kona battery takes 18 hours to charge using a regular power outlet at home.
The Kona is the first electric SUV from Hyundai for the Indian market. The EV uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor linked to a 39.3 kWh battery pack which promises an impressive overall driving range of 452 kilometers on a single charge. The Hyundai Kona battery takes 18 hours to charge using a regular power outlet at home. And with a DC fast charger, that figure comes down to just 60 minutes.
The Kona produces an impressive 136bhp power and 395 Nm of torque from its electric motor.
MG ZS EV (419km range)
The next offering on our list is from an admired brand MG. MG Motors has established itself as a well-liked brand that offers wide array of products. The MG ZS EV is their only electric vehicle offering in India. The ZS EV comes equipped with a 44.5 kWh battery pack that claims an impressive 419km driving range on a single charge. Apart from the lucrative driving range, the MG ZS EV promises 143bhp of power and 353Nm of torque from its three-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor.
The big battery pack on the MG ZS EV takes up to 18 hours to charge through the AC unit. But, with its standard fast charging, it takes exactly an hour to juice up.
Electric vehicles are the future, and we must get used to them whether we like them or not.
Premium Long Range Electric vehicles In India
Audi e-Tron (379km range / 484km range)
The e-Tron 55 and e-Tron Sportback offer 408bhp and 664Nm of torque
Audi offers three variants of E-Tron for India. But, if we are talking about long-range electric vehicles, we will be talking only about the e-Tron 55 and e-Tron Sportback. These vehicles come with a 91 kWh battery pack which promises to offer an impressive overall range of 484km on a single charge. The battery takes 13 hours to juice up at a regular speed. With a DC fast charger, the time comes down to just 2 hours.
The e-Tron 55 and e-Tron Sportback offer 408bhp and 664Nm of torque.
Jaguar I-Pace (470km range)
The Jaguar i-Pace features a 90 kW battery that promises an impressive overall range of 470km on a single charge. The battery pack provides power to two different synchronous permanent magnet electric motors.
The i-Pace produces an impressive overall output of 400bhp of power and 696Nm of peak torque. It can even accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.8 seconds. The crossover can reach a top speed of 200 kmph.
The BMW IX (372-425km)
We have categorized these electric vehicles based on their prices, and range
The BMW IX is the latest offering from the Bavarian giant that reached the Indian shores recently. The IX promises a driving range of 372-425km on a single charge. It uses a 76.6 kWh battery pack and electric motors, which helps it to produce an impressive 321.84 Bhp of power and an equally impressive 630Nm torque.
Mercedes Benz EQC (370km-414km)
The Mercedes-Benz EQC offers a driving range between 370km-414km on a single charge. It features two asynchronous motors under its hood, which take all the juice from its 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Mercedes-Benz EQC takes 20 hours to charge from 0-100 percent with a home socket. But, the car takes just 40 minutes to fully charge, with the help of a DC fast charger.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC promises an overall power output of 408bhp and 765 Nm of peak torque. The EQC does not disappoint in terms of performance as well. It can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 180kmph.
Porsche Taycan (484 km)
From the humble Mahindra e-Verito to the expensive Porsche Taycan we covered them all
Porsche has introduced their only EV offering, the Taycan, in India. The rear-wheel-drive electric car promises to deliver a 484km range on a single charge. The Taycan gets a 79.2kWh Performance Battery which produces all the juice to power its electric motor. The company claims the Taycan sedan provides 408 bhp of peak power with launch control.
Porsche also offers an optional two-deck 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus that promises 476bhp on tap. The Taycan sedan takes just 5.4 seconds to reach 100 kmph from a standstill. The car has a top speed of 230 kmph. The DC fast charger, available as an optional extra charge, the EV from 0-80 km in 22 minutes.
The Bestselling Affordable Electric Vehicles in India
Tata Nexon EV
Tata Motors introduced the Nexon EV in 2020, and it has gradually become the most popular electric vehicle in India. One of the many reasons for its popularity is that it looks almost identical to its ICE-powered variant but gets subtle touches that help it differentiate from the former.
The Nexon EV features subtle blue highlights on the front grille, fog lamp housing, shoulder line below the window, reflector surrounds on the exterior. The blue treatment features inside the cabin, on the instrument console, AC vents, and lower center console.
The Tata Nexon EV features the same seven-inch TFT screen shared with the ICE-powered Altroz and Punch Micro SUV.
Powering the Nexon EV is the updated Ziptron technology developed by Tata Motors for their electric motors. The permanent synchronous motor on the Nexon depends on a 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The engine promises a range of a commendable 312 km on a single charge. The Nexon EV develops around 129 PS of peak power and 270 Nm of torque.
Mahindra E-Verito
Last but not least we have provided you with five reasons why you should buy an electric vehicle over a petrol-powered car
The Mahindra e-Verito was the bestselling EV from Mahindra. The overall design of the sedan may look outdated, but it offers a reliable powertrain that promises an impressive range of 181 km on a single charge.
The Mahindra e-Verito gets a 288ah Lithium-Ion battery pack that powers the 72V, three Phase AC Induction Motor. The motor generates around 41.5bhp of power at 4000rpm and 91Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
Advantages of Buying an electric vehicle in India
Low maintennence cost
An EV has much fewer motorized parts than an ICE-powered car. They also have an uncomplicated structure and operation and need less maintenance.
Low Running Cost
If you look at these cars, they offer a decent overall range of 300 plus kilometers on a single charge, therefore, cutting the running cost to less than a rupee per kilometer. It is fascinating as it could save you a lot of money.
Easy to Drive
All the electric cars are gearless making, these vehicles an absolute pleasure to drive. They only get a set of buttons or pedals to increase or decrease speed.
Government Incentives
All of you will have to agree with me that EVs are the future! Many state governments in India, including Delhi Government, have offered additional benefits of up to Rs 1.5 lakhs on electric vehicles.
Environmental Friendly
Last but not least! If you want to do your part for the environment buying and driving an EV help to reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Take a moment and think! The depleting natural resources are a warning that we should take seriously. Considering where our world is headed, choosing an alternative renewable energy source is not an option anymore but has become a need.
We have also answered some of your common queries related to electric vehicles in this article
Q&A
Which is the most selling electric car in India?
The Tata Nexon EV is the most selling electric car in India.
Who is leading in electric vehicles in India?
Tata Motors is currently leading in electric vehicle sales in India.
“Tata Motors EV sales have touched 10,000 units in FY22 and crossed the 2,000 monthly sales landmark for the first time in December 2021” — ” Shailesh Chandra, President, PVBU.
Which is the cheapest electric car in India?
The Mahindra e-Verito is the cheapest electric car in India followed by the Tata Nexon EV. The Mahindra E-Verito prices start from Rs 10.15 Lakh (ex-showroom) onward. While the Tata Nexon EV prices start from Rs 14.29 Lakh (ex-showroom).
Which is the best electric car in India?
The Tata Nexon EV shines when it comes to affordability as well as range. This is also the most selling electric vehicle in India currently.
Keyword: Top Electric Cars In India