Amidst rising fuel prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG), a growing number of car buyers in India are shifting their focus towards electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs promise lower running costs, their higher upfront purchase price often acts as a barrier for many. However, several manufacturers are now offering compelling electric car options under the ₹10 lakh ex-showroom price point, making EV ownership more accessible.
Tata Punch EV
The new Tata Punch EV stands out as a strong contender in the affordable electric car segment. Its 'Smart 30' variant is priced from ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom). This model features a 30 kWh battery pack, delivering a peak power of 65kW and a maximum torque of 154 Nm. The Tata Punch EV boasts a claimed range of up to 375 kilometres on a single charge, with a more realistic real-world range estimated around 275 kilometres.
- Boot Space: 366 litres
- Ground Clearance: 195 mm
For even greater flexibility, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles also offers a 'battery-as-a-service' option, where the car without the battery starts at ₹6.49 lakh, complemented by a battery rental of ₹2.6 per kilometre.
Tata Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV holds the distinction of being India's only electric hatchback available under the ₹10 lakh price bracket. Buyers can opt for the medium range (MR) variants, with prices starting from ₹7.99 lakh for the base MR model and ₹8.99 lakh for the XT MR variant. The long-range (LR) variants are priced above the ₹10 lakh mark.
The MR variants are equipped with a 19.2kWh battery pack, and the electric motor generates a peak power of 45 kW and 110Nm of torque. While its claimed range is 223 kilometres on a single charge, the estimated real-world range is approximately 168 kilometres.
MG Comet
Positioned as the country's most affordable electric car, the JSW MG Motor India's MG Comet has an ex-showroom starting price of ₹7.62 lakh. Buyers have a choice of six different models, all priced under ₹10 lakh, with the top-end Blackstorm Edition costing ₹9.99 lakh.
The MG Comet is powered by a 17.3 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 230 kilometres on a single charge. Its electric motor produces a peak power of 30.9 kW and 110 Nm of torque. Similar to the Tata Punch EV, the Comet also offers a battery-as-a-service option, with prices starting at ₹4.99 lakh plus a battery rental of ₹3.1 per kilometre.
It is important to note that the MG Comet EV supports only slow charging via a Type 2 AC charging port and does not feature CCS2 DC fast charging capability.
These affordable electric car options demonstrate a clear trend towards making EV technology more accessible to a broader segment of Indian consumers, offering practical alternatives to traditional fuel-powered vehicles.