Recently, we have seen a green change in the car scene in India. Electric vehicles (EVs), which were just ideas before, are now seen on our roads. As our country faces issues like pollution and high petrol-diesel prices, electric cars are becoming a good and cheaper option for the future. The government is also pushing this change with reasonable policies and offers. They are not only cleaner but also lighter on the pocket over time. This article will discuss the top budget-friendly electric cars in India and why you should consider getting one.
Why To Choose Electric Cars?
Cost-Efficiency: Electric cars are known for their cost-efficiency. They require less maintenance as compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts. There's no need to change the oil, spark plugs, or fuel filters, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, the price of electricity required to charge an electric car is much lower than the fuel cost for traditional vehicles.
Environmental Benefits: Emissions from petrol and diesel cars contribute to air pollution, a significant concern in many Indian cities. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, produce zero emissions, promoting cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Government Incentives: The Indian government is offering various incentives to promote electric mobility. These include subsidies on purchase, reduced GST, and income tax benefits, making EVs a more attractive option.
Growing Infrastructure: The infrastructure for electric cars is rapidly growing in India. Recently, traditional fuel giants like Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL have joined the e-mobility movement by installing EV charging stations at nearly 9,000 petrol pumps nationwide. This development indicates a strong shift towards electric mobility, ensuring EV owners can find charging stations easily.
Growth in Electric Cars
The installation of EV charging facilities has seen exponential growth. As of June 2023, 8,853 petrol pumps now feature EV charging stations, marking a rise of 3,423 chargers compared to 2022.
This growth is a direct result of the government's push towards e-mobility and the realization among fuel retailers about the importance of building a presence in the EV charging space to future-proof their business.
List of Cheap Electric Cars in India
Tata Tiago EV:
Price Range: ₹8.69 lakh to ₹11.99 lakh
Tata Tiago EV is a budget-friendly electric car offering a decent range and power. With two battery pack options (19.2 kWh and 24 kWh), it provides a range of 250 to 310 km on a single charge.
Tata Tigor EV:
Price Range: ₹12.49 lakh to ₹13.75 lakh
Tata Tigor EV is an affordable electric sedan with a 26 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 315 km per charge. It's an excellent value-for-money proposition for both private buyers and commercial operators.
Tata Nexon EV:
Price Range: ₹14.49 lakh to ₹18.99 lakh
The Tata Nexon EV has been a game-changer in the electric SUV segment. Available in Prime and Max versions, it offers a driving range of 312 km and 437 km per charge, respectively.
Mahindra e-Verito:
Price Range: ₹9.15 lakh to ₹12.49 lakh
The Mahindra e-Verito is an electric sedan option. Though it offers a modest range of 110 km, it comes at an affordable price point.
Mahindra XUV400 EV:
Price Range: ₹15.99 lakh to ₹18.99 lakh
Mahindra's first electric SUV for the masses, the XUV400 EV, offers a substantial range of 375 to 456 km on a single charge, depending on the variant.
MG Comet EV:
Price Range: ₹7.98 lakh to ₹9.98 lakh
The MG Comet EV is the new kid on the block. Despite its compact size, it's a good option for urban commutes with a range of 230 km per charge.
Citroen eC3:
Price Range: ₹11.50 lakh to ₹12.13 lakh
The Citroen eC3 is a recent entrant in the Indian EV market with a 29.2 kWh battery pack offering a range of 320 km per charge.
Future Possibilities:
The journey towards electric mobility has just begun. Car manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra have ambitious plans to introduce a range of new EVs in the coming years. This growth will undoubtedly make electric cars more accessible to the Indian populace.
Conclusion:
The tide is turning in favour of electric mobility in India. With an array of affordable electric cars and the increasing ease of charging them, the shift towards electric mobility is not just a fleeting trend but a sustainable change. Now might be the right time to join the electric revolution and contribute towards a cleaner and greener India.
