In the next couple of years, many new EV models are going to be introduced in India and the government is promoting them via FAME-II scheme
Electric cars are going to be a big revolution in the auto industry and India is also moving in the same direction like global markets as manufacturers are planning to introduce so many new electric models in coming months as it is the only solution to reduce pollution. In this article, we take a look at the top 7 electric cars launching in India.
1. Hyundai Kona
Expected Price: Rs. 25 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: H2 2019
Hyundai will be the second mainstream manufacturer in India to introduce EV model as Mahindra is already offering some EV models. The Kona EV is going to be the first electric car of Hyundai in the Indian market and reports have indicated that the company will assemble the model in India to keep cost low.
The Kona EV is expected to get FAME-II benefits, which will make the model attractive. Globally, Hyundai offers two battery packs and in India, the company might introduce the lower battery pack variant to reduce cost. The 39.2 kWh battery pack variant comes with 139 PS of power and the claimed range is 345 km. Expect the price to be around Rs. 25 lakh (ex-showroom) and launch will happen in the second half of this year.
2. Renault Kwid EV
Expected Price: Rs. 9-10 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: Around 2021
Renault showcased the production version of Kwid EV at the Auto Shanghai. The upcoming model gets minor exterior changes compared to the regular version as the company has given new front grille along with redesigned headlamp cluster with LED headlamps and day time running LED lamps integrated into it.
The front bumper is also new and the rear gets tweaked tail lamps. The interior comes with minor changes and the company has packed the Kwid EV with lots of features also. According to Renault, the range of Kwid EV is 250 km and the charging port is located behind the logo. Renault also offers fast charging feature. We can expect it to launch sometime in 2021.
3. MG eZS
Expected Price: Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: Q4 2019
MG officially announced earlier this month that the company is going to introduce eZS electric SUV in India and the launch is going to take place by December. The eZS is expected to come as a CBU model as depending on the success they might assemble it in India. The design theme of electric and ICE variant is the same.
The company has made minor changes at the front and rear along with new alloy wheels while the interior comes with an updated infotainment system and instrument cluster. The eZS is powered by 44.5 kWh battery pack and it produces 110 kW and 350 Nm, the claimed range is 335 km and it takes six hours to charge the battery pack using DC charger.
4. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV
Expected Price: Rs. 12 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: 2020
The first electric vehicle from India’s largest car manufacturer in volume is going to the Wagon R EV and it will be launched in India next year as the company is currently testing the JDM-spec model of Wagon R EV to test the battery pack in different climate conditions and altitude, which will be used for development.
The company hasn’t given specifications about the Wagon R and it is expected to come with DC fast charging, which will be a big USP. The exterior is likely to be same as the ICE variant except for closed grille and new alloy wheels while the interior gets minor changes like new instrument cluster and tweaked infotainment system. It could be priced around Rs. 12 lakh (ex-showroom) as hints by recent reports.
5. Mahindra XUV 300 EV
Expected Price: Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: H2 2020
Mahindra officially launched the ICE variant of XUV 300 earlier this year and the compact SUV is performing well. The company has already confirmed that the EV variant of XUV 300 will be launched in India and the works on the new model have already commenced as it is likely to be introduced early next year.
The company hasn’t given more details about specifications but some reports have indicated that the basic 380-volt battery pack is expected to give a range of around 200 km while the long-range version will give around 350-400 km, which is excellent and the company might offer fast charging option also.
6. Nissan Leaf
Expected Price: Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: H2 2019
Nissan introduced the second generation of Leaf couple of years back and the EV has been spotted in India so many times. The Leaf will come to India as a CBU model and the launch is likely to take place later this year. The new model is powered EM57 electric motor as it produces 150 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque.
The claimed range of Leaf is 400 km and the company is also fast charging as it drops the charging time to just 40 minutes and 8 hours using a 6 kW charger. The design theme of Leaf is similar to other new generation Nissan models like Micra and the company has packed the EV with lots of features. Pricing could be in the upwards of Rs. 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
7. Tata Altroz EV
Expected Price: Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom) Launch: 2021
Tata Altroz EV made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month and the production model will arrive in India by 2021. The upcoming model will be based on the modular ALFA platform. The company hasn’t given more details about the EV model as it is expected to offer a range of around 250-300 km.
The power comes from permanent magnet AC motor and it is mated to a single-speed transmission. The design theme of both ICE and EV model is exactly as it is based on the Impact Design 2.0. The hatchback is packed with lots of features like touch screen infotainment system, alloy wheels, car connectivity features etc. Expect the price to hover just under Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom).