Well-engineered electric vehicles are finally gaining the attention and acceptance they deserve. However, there is an issue in terms of entry level cost. We do agree that electric cars promise a significant amount of savings in ownership costs. However, when it comes to the initial cost of buying, electric vehicles carry a hefty premium over their IC-engine counterparts. There is a huge demand for electric cars under Rs 10 lakh, as many cost-conscious car buyers look forward to this category.
The government is trying its best to make electric cars affordable by offering subsidies. However, there is still a very limited number of offerings which fulfil the search for electric cars under Rs 10 lakh (well, almost!).
Tata Tigor EV
With a starting price of Rs 12.49 lakh, the Tata Tigor EV doesn’t truly fall in the category of electric cars under Rs 10 lakh. However, the subsidies currently offered by central and state governments do bring the on-road price further down.
The Tigor EV is also available as Xpress-T. This model is essentially the pre-facelifted version of the Tigor EV, now sold exclusively for fleet operators. It has a smaller battery pack and is much more affordable than the Tigor EV.
The Tata Tigor EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, which produces 74 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. The Tigor EV is available with a 26 kWh battery pack, which promises a maximum driving range of 306 km.
Mahindra e-Verito
The Mahindra e-Verito is on sale in the Indian car market for quite some time now. The e-Verito is not as technically well-advanced as the Tigor EV. However, it is currently the most affordable electric car. It is the only genuine offering in the category of electric cars under Rs 10 lakh.
The Mahindra e-Verito is available in the Indian car market in three variants – D2, D4 and D6 – the range of which starts at Rs 10.11 lakh. Taking subsidies into account, even the range-topping variant of the e-Verito comes below Rs 10 lakh. All the three variants of the Mahindra e-Verito are on offer with a front-mounted electric motor. It pumps out 42 PS of maximum power and 91 Nm of maximum torque. The battery on duty here is a 21.2 kWh battery pack, which claims a driving range of 140 km. Due to its dated design in and out and a very limited range, the e-Verito is now out of the radar of most EV buyers.
Proper EV Options
If you are in the market for a proper EV car for you and your family, the options start from Tigor onwards. And then, there is the Nexon EV starting from 14.79 lakh (ex-showroom). At the same time, we want to update you on the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo. This is where a lot of manufacturers will showcase smaller EVs, under the Rs 10 lakh bracket and this will be a revolution for congested cities. Stay tuned to this space for more!
