Best Electric Cars in India 2023 – List of Electric Cars – Spinny

Electric vehicles (EV) are winning over people around the world. Indians, too, are waking up to the potential and competence of EVs. The popularity and the ownership of electric cars in India is rising fast, so much so that spotting EVs on Indian roads doesn’t draw special attention anymore.

Tata has gained traction in the EV space while other car makers are announcing or launching their own electric cars in India. Mahindra recently teased five electric SUVs, while MG Motors, Hyundai, and Kia have announced their respective EVs for India.

Clearly, there are a number of electric cars on the horizon. But there’s also a ‘range’ of electric cars in India you can buy today. These EVs offer reliable range, a host of premium features, and are spread out across the price spectrum, so there’s an EV for (almost) every budget. Let’s look at the factors that go into choosing an EV before we give you the full list of electric cars in India.

Factors for choosing an EV

Environmental

Soaring fuel prices might be the biggest reason why many are turning to electricity-powered vehicles. But the rising pollution levels in many Indian cities is also a major concern today. With no carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions, EVs are the most environment-friendly cars you can own today.

Financial

The upfront cost of an EV is usually higher as compared to their ICE counterparts and other ICE vehicles of the same segment. However, it makes up for that in the running cost. On average, the running cost of an EV is ₹1.2 – 1.4 per km, compared to the running cost of petrol or diesel cars, which hovers around ₹9-10 per km. If these figures were to be calculated for the longer term, say 6-8 years, the running costs of an EV and ICE car would come to around ₹1 lakh and ₹4.5 lakhs, respectively.

Electric car

Petrol/Diesel car

Running cost per km

₹1.2 – 1.4 

₹9-10

Running cost in approx. 6-8 years

₹1 lakh

₹4.5 lakh

The government of India is pushing EV adoption and has enforced FAME II (Faster adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles). The scheme provides subsidies to EV buyers. State governments too are promoting the scheme with added perks. For example, many states have no registration fees and road tax for EVs, and there are other discounts as well.

State

Subsidy per kWh

Maximum Subsidy

Discount on road tax

Maharashtra

₹5,000

₹2,50,000

100%

Gujarat

₹10,000

₹1,50,000

50%

Delhi

₹10,000

₹1,50,000

100%

Meghalaya

₹4,000

₹60,000

100%

Assam

₹10,000

₹1,50,000

100%

Bihar

₹10,000

₹1,50,000

100%

West Bengal

₹10,000

₹1,50,000

100%

Odisha

NA

₹1,00,000

100%

Rajasthan

Nil

Nil

NA

Uttar Pradesh

Nil

Nil

75%

Kerala

Nil

Nil

50%

Karnataka

Nil

Nil

100%

Tamil Nadu

Nil

Nil

100%

Telangana

Nil

Nil

100%

Madhya Pradesh

Nil

Nil

99%

Andhra Pradesh

Nil

Nil

100%

Punjab

Nil

Nil

100%

Charging infrastructure

For a while now, EV charging infrastructure has been the biggest hindrance to mass adoption of EVs in India. No one enjoys getting stranded after all, and people need to know they have access to enough charging stations within the driving range of their cars. Things are changing though, and rapidly so.

How? Recently, Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited, announced 800 new charging stations across 16 national highways that cover 10,000 km of the Indian highway network. A year ago, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) installed a wide network of solar-based electric vehicle charging stations (SEVCs) on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, making it the first eco-friendly highway across the country.

As more EVs are adopted by car buyers, the infrastructure to charge them should expand at an exponential rate. This will go a long way in addressing range anxiety, catalyse greater adoption of EVs, and boost confidence in lower-cost and lower-range electric cars.

Best Electric Cars Price in India

Model

Range

Ex-Showroom Price

Tata Tigor EV

306 km

₹12.49 – 13.64 lakhs

Tata Nexon EV Prime

312 km

₹14.99 – 17.50 lakhs

Tata Nexon EV Max

437 km

₹18.34 – 19.84 lakhs

MG ZS EV

461 km

₹22 – 25.88 lakhs

Hyundai Kona Electric

452 km

₹23.84 – 24.03 lakhs

Volvo XC40 Recharge

418 km

₹44.50 lakhs

Mini Cooper SE

270 km

₹50.90 lakhs

Kia EV6

500 – 528 km

₹59.95 – 64.95 lakhs

BMW i4

493-590 Km

₹69.90 lakhs

Mercedes Benz EQC

455 – 471 km

₹99.50 lakhs

Audi e-Tron

359-484 km and 264-379 km

₹1.01 – 1.19 Cr

BMW iX

372-425 km

₹1.16 Cr

Jaguar I-Pace

470 km

₹1.20 – 1.24 Cr

Porsche Taycan

354–431 km

₹1.53 – 2.34 Cr

Audi e-Tron GT

388-500 km

₹1.66 Cr

Mercedes Benz AMG EQS

526-580km

₹2.54 Cr

Tata Tigor EV

The most affordable of the lot, the Tata Tigor EV is the electric-powered version of the standard Tata Tigor. The electric sedan packs a decent selection of upmarket features, and ample space for five occupants making it as comfortable as the standard Tigor. Moreover, the standard Tigor’s 4-star Global NCAP safety rating also holds true for the Tigor EV, making it the safest compact sedan EV in India. Coming to the most prominent attribute of an EV, its range. A 306 km range makes it a reasonable choice for urban usage, making it an ideal car to consider for daily commutes.

Features of Tata Tigor EV

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Four speakers & four tweeters
• Multi-functional steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• Digital instrument cluster
• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear parking camera
• Seat belt reminder

Tata Nexon EV Prime

The all-electric version of the ever-popular Tata Nexon, the Tata Nexon EV is by far the most successful EV in India, covering around 74 percent of EV sales. Featuring a lengthy list of upmarket perks, spacious interiors, a 5-star G-NCAP safety rating, and a range of 312 km makes the Tata Nexon EV an immensely comfortable and reassuring electric compact SUV. What’s more, in its more than 2 years of age, it has testified itself as the most value-for-money EV on sale and has accelerated the adoption of electric cars in India.

Features of Tata Nexon EV Prime

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Auto headlamps
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Sunroof
• Cruise control
• Multi-level regenerative braking
• Automatic climate control
• Cornering stability control
• Dual front airbags

Tata Nexon EV Max

Building on the success of the Tata Nexon EV, Tata rolled out the more capable Tata Nexon EV Max. Packed with a bigger battery of 40.5 kWh as compared to that of the standard Tata Nexon EV (30.2 kWh), the Tata Nexon EV Max not only has an extended range of 437 km but also features many additional premium features such as ventilated front seats, air purifier, wireless charging, etc. It also gets a host of additional safety features that are missing from the standard Nexon EV, such as ESP, traction control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear disc brakes.

Features of Tata Nexon EV Max

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Auto headlamps
• Sunroof
• Cruise control
• Multi-level regenerative braking
• Automatic climate control
• Dual front airbags
• Auto-dimming IRVM
• Air purifier
• Wireless phone charger
• Ventilated front seats
• Electronic parking brake
• All-wheel disc brakes
• Hill hold control & hill descent control
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
• Roll-over mitigation

Mahindra XUV400 EV

The Mahindra XUV400 EV is the first electric SUV from Mahindra and follows the likes of the eVerito, e2o, and e2o Plus. The electric SUV is based on the Mahindra XUV300 and just like its ICE sibling, it sports a spacious cabin full of premium comfort and convenience. The XUV 400’s claimed range of 456 km is 4 km more than that of Hyundai Kona Electric (452 km), and 5 km short of that of the MG ZS (461 km), while both cars are priced considerably higher than the XUV400’s expected price.

Features of Mahindra XUV400 EV

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Single-pane sunroof
• Cruise control
• Connected car technology with 60+ connectivity features
• Over-the-air updates
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Driving modes – Fun, Fast and Fearless
• Six airbags
• Disc brakes for all four wheels

MG ZS EV

The MG ZS EV is now in its second generation and comes with a host of new features to make it a compelling choice under Rs. 30 lakh. With a claimed range of 461 km and MG’s host of comfort features, the ZS EV makes a good case for itself as a family electric SUV that can be used for short road trips to nearby destinations in addition to being perfectly suited for city driving.

Features of MG ZS EV

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 7-inch digital driver’s display
• Panoramic sunroof
• Powered driver’s seat
• 360-degree camera
• Connected car tech
• Rear AC vents
• Wireless phone charger
• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic stability control
• Hill descent control

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the first electric car from the Korean car maker for the Indian market. The electric SUV delivers a high-spirited performance for driving enthusiasts; however, you won’t have any complaints in city driving as well as short road trips of its claimed range of 452 km. Hyundai has packed the Kona Electric with features you expect from its price bracket, which assures you a premium driving experience.

Features of Hyundai Kona Electric

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
• Wireless charger
• Ventilated front seats
• Cruise control
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Up to six airbags
• Vehicle stability management
• Electronic stability control
• Hill assist control
• Disc brakes on all four wheels
• Rear camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Being the most affordable luxury EVs in India is one of the most attractive attributes of Volvo XC40 Recharge. In addition to the badge of Volvo, what works in favour of this compact electric SUV is its city-friendly dimensions, features that challenge the models of higher price segment, and formidable safety. Thereafter, the driving range of 418 km is decent for city commute and the occasional road trip while the host of luxury features make the silent drives feel more soothing.

Features of Volvo XC40 Recharge

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Powered front seats with heating and cooling function
• Panoramic sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Dual-zone climate control
• Up to 7 airbags
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Mini Cooper SE

The British luxury carmaker has engineered the all-electric version of the popular Mini Cooper, in the form of the Mini Cooper SE. While the two-door electric hatchback offers a driving range of 270 km which is manageable within an urban landscape, it is impeccably manoeuvrable through traffic and zips past vehicles in no time when overtakes are needed.

Features of Mini Cooper SE

• 5.5-inch digital driver’s display
• 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Heated front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Twin sunroof
• Up to 4 airbags
• Brake assist
• Driver assistance systems
• Dynamic stability control
• Crash sensor
• ABS with EBD
• Cornering brake control
• Rear view camera

Kia EV6

Kia has recently ventured into the Indian EV space with its flagship Kia EV6. As far as the looks are concerned, it’s hard taking your eyes off this luxury electric SUV. Space is the most obvious feature of the EV6, with a wheelbase of 2900 mm that is longer than that of the XUV700’s 2750 mm. What’s more, it claims a range of 500-528 km and is aggressively priced, making it an alluring choice for city usage as well as trips to far-off destinations.

Feature of Kia EV6

• Dual curved 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment
• 14-speaker Meridian sound system
• Wireless phone charging
• Dual zone climate control
• Ventilated and powered front seats
• Sunroof
• Eight airbags
• Electronic stability control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind spot monitoring

BMW i4

The BMW i4 hit Indian shores and instantly charmed many with its claimed range of 590 km, the highest EV range in India. The electric sedan is based on the platform which underpins its ICE sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe, making it look largely similar and equally stunning. Inside the cabin, it packs opulent luxury spread across a long 2,856 mm wheelbase and 1852 mm width. As a driver, you will fall for its engaging handling complemented with the instant power delivery and tuned regenerative braking.

Features of BMW i4

• Curved 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Powered tailgate and adjustable front seats
• Ambient lighting
• 17 speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Six airbags
• Dynamic traction control
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Stability control

Mercedes Benz EQC

With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, the German luxury brand reached the EV space of India before anyone else. Based on the familiar Mercedes GLC, the EQC features the same platform and draws power from an 80-kWh battery pack placed between the wheels. Following the tradition of Mercedes, the EQC delivers a refined driving experience with amazing noise insulation, which is taken care of by double-glazed windows and rubber mounts for the motor. The cabin packs similar space and comfort as that of the GLC and it strikes a fine balance between traditional Mercedes and modern EV aesthetics. In addition to this, the drive experience is smooth and relaxing while also allowing you to do 0 to 100 km/hr in just 5.1 seconds.

Feature of Mercedes Benz EQC

• Two 12.3-inch screens with MBUX infotainment system
• Touchpads on the steering wheel
• 13-speaker Burmester sound system
• Ambient lighting
• Three-zone climate control
• Head-up display

Audi e-Tron

The first electric-powered Audi, the Audi e-Tron, hit the Indian automobile market last year. Based on the modified MLB Evo platform, which also underpins the Q5 and Q7, the Audi e-Tron primarily attracts you with humongous space that is 5014mm long, 1976mm wide, has a wheelbase of 2928mm, and the boot of 660 litres. The suave seating, adaptive air suspension, and smooth power delivery do the rest in assuring an immensely soothing ride comfort and give it a big edge over its rivals. Moreover, Audi has endowed the e-tron with plenty of tech perks that further lift its comfort and convenience level making it a sound choice for family travelling. Nonetheless, while the space, comfort, and performance put it in a good lead, its driving range of 359-484 km (e-tron 50) and 264-379 km (e-tron 55) make it suitable for city driving and trips to nearby destinations.

Features of Audi e-Tron

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Powered tailgate
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Four-zone climate control
• Digital instrument cluster
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ambient lighting
• Up to eight airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear view camera

BMW iX

The flagship EV of the German luxury carmaker, the BMW iX arrived in India in 2021. The brand’s first EV has been given its absolute focus and loaded with everything, especially in terms of tech goodies, which includes electrochromic panoramic glass roof, 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system powered by 655W amplifier, memory and massage function front seats to name a few. The long wheelbase of 3000 mm makes the rear space feel like a tech-laden lounge. Moreover, the driving pleasure is as enjoyable as expected from a BMW.

Features of BMW iX

• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 14.9-inch touchscreen system
• 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Optional Bowers and Wilkins sound system with 4D audio function
• 5G mobile connectivity
• Head-up display
• Panoramic sunroof
• Multi-functional seats with memory and massage function
• Surround-view camera
• 4-zone climate control
• Up to 8 airbags
• Lane change warning with active return
• Blind spot detection
• Front collision warning

Jaguar I-Pace

As clued by its name and appearance, the Jaguar I-Pace is built for a pacey performance: 0 to 100 km/hr in just 4.8 seconds. That’s spectacular from a 2.2-tonne five-seater electric SUV that manages to make driving engaging while the all-wheel-drive keeps everything under control. Contrary to what can be seen from the outside, the rear seating has more than adequate space and is comfortable for three passengers sitting abreast. Coupled with this, the abundance of features more than justifies its existence on the pricier side of the EV line-up in India. In addition to that, for the range of 470 km, it is quite suitable for day-to-day commutes on the urban road network as well as short trips.

Features of Jaguar I-Pace

• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Dual-zone climate control
• 16-way heated and ventilated memory front seats
• Powered tailgate
• Ambient lighting
• Up to six airbags
• Lane-keep assist
• Front and rear parking sensors

Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan has been creating tremendous buzz ever since its launch in India in 2021. The Taycan is an electric sedan that seats four people and is capable of rocketing to 100 km/hr from a standstill in 2.8 seconds. Going fast in style is the Taycan’s calling card and everything inside is designed with this singular focus. The Rs. 1.53 – 2.34 cr price tag might seem steep, but the performance more than justifies its price.

Features of Porsche Taycan

• 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Display for climate controls
• Dual-zone climate control
• 18-way power-adjustable sports seats (on the Turbo S)
• 710W 14-speaker BOSE sound system (on the Turbo S)
• Powered tailgate
• Eight airbags

Audi e-Tron GT

Underpinned by the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT is a sight to behold. The planted stance straight away boasts of its sporty character that gets proven by its performance: a 0-100 km/hr dash in 4.1 seconds. The electric sedan is thrilling to drive and is fun to be driven in as the cabin is plush, and cosy seating does an apt job of pampering the passengers. Nevertheless, space in the back seat makes it best suited for two occupants. While the claimed range of 500 km looks far too sparing, how much can be driven entirely depends on your driving style.

Features of Audi e-Tron GT

• 12.3-inch digital driver display
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Tri-zone climate control
• Wireless charging
• 16-speaker sound system
• Multiple driving modes
• Different levels of regenerative braking
• 7 airbags
• High beam assist
• Child lock
• Flashing emergency brake light
• Lane departure warning
• Central locking

Mercedes Benz EQS

The most expensive EV in India, the Mercedes AMG EQS justifies its price via all of its traits. For starters, it’s the biggest of them all and matches S-Class in size. While the dimensions assure a huge cabin, the boot space of 610 litres magnifies its attraction for family ownership. What’s more, it beats all of its rivals on the grounds of advanced technology, for example, it features first-in-India MBUX Hyperscreen which is a large curved glass across the dashboard integrating three displays: a 17.7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and the other two are 12.3-inch screens. Coming to the performance, it’s the most powerful EV in India, and with its 658PS of power and 950 Nm torque it’s capable of delivering a visceral ride experience to passengers relaxing in its cosy ambience.

Features of Mercedes Benz EQS

• 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen: three-screen single-piece unit including a digital driver’s display, infotainment system, and a screen for the passenger
• A 15-speaker 710W Burmester sound system
• Ambient lighting
• Multi-zone climate control
• Powered seats with massage function
• Nine airbags
• ADAS systems with Level 2 autonomy.

Electric Cars in India Summary

As our list makes it clear, the EV segment in India broadly features luxury contenders, which are priced north of Rs 50 lakh ex-showroom. However, as always, the EVs belonging to the mass-market EV segment are ruling the roost with Tata Nexon EV and Tata Tigor EV capturing more than 70% of the EV market. Tapping the potential of EVs in the Indian automobile market, almost every carmaker is expected to join the EV bandwagon in the not-so-distant future. 

Moreover, the rapid progress of EV infrastructure along with the government’s tremendous effort, should result in a vast EV landscape, eliminating the major EV-related concerns. This means you’ll get to see many more EV options and EV charging stations in the next few years. All the same, if now is the time you are looking to switch to an EV, the above list of EVs will help you get a good idea of which electric car to consider.

FAQs about Electric Cars in India

How safe are EVs in India?

EVs are just as safe as standard petrol or diesel cars. In all EVs, there is an Ingress Protection or IP rating system which means that your EV’s battery is safe from dust and water. In terms of safety features, the safety features available in EVs are no different from those in petrol or diesel cars.

Is it affordable to drive an EV in India?

While the upfront cost of an EV is relatively high, its running cost is far cheaper than that of a petrol or diesel car. On average, the running cost of an EV is ₹1.2 – 1.4 per km. On the other hand, the running cost of petrol or diesel cars hovers around ₹9-10 per km. If these figures were to be calculated for the longer term, say 6-8 years, the running costs of an EV and ICE car would come to around ₹1 lakh and ₹4.5 lakhs.

Do I need to wait for charging infrastructure to come up in my city before I buy an EV?

These days, people in cities and towns with no charging stations are owning EVs. Just like mobile phones and laptops, electric cars come with their chargers and can be easily charged at home.

Does Tata Nexon EV have a sunroof?

Yes, Tata Nexon EV has a standard sunroof.

Which electric cars are available in India for below 30 lakhs?

The electric cars in India below 30 lakhs are Tata Tigor EV, Tata Nexon EV Prime, Tata Nexon EV max,  MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.