3 Premium Yet Affordable Electric Cars in India 2023

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles in India, affordability and sustainability have taken center stage. As the nation makes strides toward a greener future, the demand for budget-friendly electric cars has surged. In 2023, automakers responded with a diverse range of affordable electric vehicles, providing Indian consumers with eco-friendly options that don’t break the bank. Let us explore the top 3 most affordable electric cars in India making waves, showcasing their features, benefits, and why they are standout choices for eco-conscious drivers.

Mahindra XUV400 — Driving into the Future with Power and Comfort

At the top of our list of affordable electric cars in India lie the Mahindra XUV 400 Electric. It is a versatile 5-seater SUV designed to provide an efficient and eco-friendly driving experience. With a notable range of 456 km per charge, this SUV caters to various driving preferences based on its transmission and fuel type. Its Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor boasts an impressive 148 bhp power output, complemented by a robust 310 Nm torque.

Comfort and Convenience: The XUV 400 Electric prioritizes comfort and convenience with a range of features designed to enhance the overall driving experience. Notable amenities include Adjustable Headrests, an Adjustable Steering wheel, Glove Box Cooling, Distance to Empty display, Keyless Entry, Power Steering, Power Windows, Rain Sensing Wipers, Driver’s seat height adjustment, Start/Stop Button, 3 Drive Modes, and a Reverse Camera.

Safety Features: From a safety perspective, the Mahindra XUV 400 Electric is equipped with essential features to ensure peace of mind on the road. These include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Central Locking, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and a dual-airbag system.

Transmission and Performance: The vehicle’s performance is backed by an Automatic transmission and Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.

Interior and Exterior: Inside, the XUV 400 Electric offers a spacious and comfortable environment for up to five passengers. The exterior design features 5 doors, front Disc brakes, MacPherson Strut with Anti Roll Bar suspensions, rear Disc brakes, Twist Beam with Coil Spring suspensions, and R16 Wheels.

Color Variants: The Mahindra XUV400 offers a diverse range of 10 captivating colors, including Everest White, Infinity Blue, Galaxy Grey, Everest White Dualtone, Infinity Blue Dualtone, Napoli Black dualtone, Arctic Blue, Napoli Black, Galaxy Grey Dualtone and Arctic Blue Dualtone.

Dimensions and Measurements: The Mahindra XUV 400 Electric boasts dimensions that provide ample space and functionality. It measures 4200 mm in length, 1821 mm in width, 1634 mm in height, with a kerb weight of 1578 kg. The SUV has a 2600 mm wheelbase, 200 mm ground clearance, and a practical 368-litre boot space.

Latest Price: The Mahindra XUV 400 Electric is now available in India, adding to the list of affordable electric cars in India. It starts at 15.98 Lakh for the base EC variant and goes up to 20.42 Lakh for the advanced EL Fast Charger DT variant, which offers premium features and fast-charging capabilities.

Tata Tigor EV — Navigating City Streets with Efficiency

The Tata Tigor EV is at the forefront of affordable electric cars in India, blending affordability and sustainability for your daily commute. It inherits the design from the trusted Tata Tigor sedan but stands out with its electric powertrain. Equipped with a 26 kWh battery pack, it boasts an impressive 315-kilometer range on a single charge, as certified by ARAI. Its instant torque delivery ensures smooth acceleration, while regenerative braking enhances efficiency. With a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating and a range of modern conveniences, the Tata Tigor EV is a compelling choice for eco-conscious urban commuters.

Dimensions: The 2023 Tigor EV boasts substantial dimensions, measuring 3992 mm in length, 1677 mm in width, and 1537 mm in height, with a generous 2450mm wheelbase. These dimensions contribute to its road presence and enhance stability at high speeds. The car provides a spacious 316-litre boot, sits 172mm above the ground, and rolls on either 175/65 R14 or 175/65 R15 tires, with considerations for both handling and efficiency.

Motor Specs: Equipped with a 26kWh battery pack, 3.3kW AC charging, and a front-wheel drivetrain, the Tigor EV produces 75PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. It boasts a remarkable range of 315 km on a full charge, complemented by its single electric motor and a kerb weight of 1235 Kg. This configuration ensures responsive performance with a power-to-weight ratio of 60.49PS/tonne and a torque-to-weight ratio of 137.65NM/tonne. The single-speed transmission is paired with a 26kWh battery pack that charges in 7 hours and 30 minutes with 3.3kW AC charging or 59 minutes with 25.0kW DC charging.

Safety Features: The Tata Tigor EV prioritizes passenger safety with a 4-star Global NCAP rating. It features dual airbags for driver and front passenger protection, seat belt warnings for all occupants, child locks for rear passengers, and overspeed alerts. An anti-theft engine immobilizer enhances security, while flashing emergency brake lights warn other drivers during sudden stops. Additionally, it comes equipped with a puncture repair kit for added convenience and safety on the road.

Interior and Exterior: The Tata Tigor EV stands out among affordable electric cars in India, offering a blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Its interior is thoughtfully designed for a comfortable and convenient ride, while the exterior showcases a harmonious combination of style and aerodynamics. Upon entering the new Tigor EV, you’ll notice the updated interior design with Tata’s signature tri-arrow embroidery gracing the seats, which are elegantly finished in black. The cabin features a dual-tone finish on the dashboard and door panels, with striking electric blue accents around the AC vents adding a modern flair.

Color Variants: Buyers can choose from five exciting colors: Magnetic Red, Daytona Grey Dual Tone, Teal Blue Dual Tone, Daytona Grey, and Signature Teal Blue.

Latest Price: The Tata Tigor EV is a compelling option in the realm of affordable electric cars in India. Its 2023 lineup offers a single battery-motor configuration, with prices ranging from Rs. 12.49 lakhs to Rs. 13.75 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Citroen eC3 — A Symphony of Style and Sustainability

The Citroen eC3, one of the latest entrants in the world of affordable electric cars in India, represents a true milestone in sustainable and economical mobility. Its much-anticipated launch on February 27, 2023, brought forth a promising option for environmentally conscious drivers. The eC3 lineup comprises four enticing variants: Live, Feel, Feel Vibe Pack, and Feel Dual Tone Vibe Pack. With its unique design elements, impressive range, and an array of advanced features, the eC3 is poised to be a standout choice for those looking to embrace eco-friendly driving solutions.

Comfort and Convenience: Inside the Citroen eC3, you’ll find a host of comfort and convenience features that enhance your driving experience. The spacious cabin accommodates five passengers comfortably. A 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity keep you entertained and connected on the go. The height-adjustable driver’s seat ensures optimal driving ergonomics, and steering-mounted controls add to the convenience factor.

Safety Features: Safety is paramount in the Citroen eC3. It comes equipped with a reassuring array of safety features, including dual airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat belt warning, child lock, overspeed warning, anti-theft engine immobilizer, and a flashing emergency brake light. These features combine to ensure a secure and confident driving experience.

Transmission and Performance: The Citroen eC3 is powered by a 29.2kWh battery pack that delivers a robust 56bhp and 143Nm of torque. Its front-wheel drivetrain provides smooth acceleration and a responsive performance. With an ARAI-certified range of 320 kilometers on a single full charge, the eC3 is a testament to efficient electric power.

Interior and Exterior: The Citroen eC3 maintains the captivating visual charm of its gasoline-powered counterpart, setting it apart in the hatch-SUV segment. Its exterior design remains virtually unchanged, preserving its upright stance and sharp, intelligent detailing. The iconic Chevron logo elegantly integrates with the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) at the front, giving it a distinctive look. Unlike many electric cars, the eC3 retains an open grille design, breaking away from the sealed appearance common to the EV category. Subtle creases on the bonnet add a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.

Upon entering the eC3, you’ll find a cabin that offers convenient storage solutions. The dashboard features a stylish contrast-styled panel, available in either grey or vibrant orange. The unique cubic-styled elements of the steering wheel remain, and the black and white instrument panel now includes additional displays for range and charging information.

Color Variants: The Citroen eC3 provides a plethora of color options to cater to diverse tastes. With thirteen different colors available, including Polar White & Platinum Grey, Zesty Orange & Platinum Grey, Steel Grey & Platinum Grey, Platinum Grey & Zesty Orange, Steel Grey & Zesty Orange, Polar White & Zesty Orange, Platinum Grey & Polar White, Steel Grey & Polar White, Zesty Orange & Polar White, Zesty Orange, Polar White, Platinum Grey and Steel Grey, you can choose a finish that resonates with your style.

Dimensions and Measurements: The 2023 Citroen eC3 measures 3992 mm in length, 1677 mm in width, and 1537 mm in height, offering a substantial road presence. The long wheelbase of 2450mm ensures stability at high speeds and ample legroom for rear passengers. With a boot space of 316 liters and a ground clearance of 172mm, the eC3 combines practicality with elegance.

Latest Price: The Citroen eC3 is priced competitively, ranging from Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 12.68 lakh, depending on the variant you select. This affordability, combined with its impressive range, attractive design, and advanced features, positions the eC3 as a promising choice in the realm of affordable electric cars in India.

In conclusion, the electric car landscape in India is evolving rapidly, with affordability and sustainability at its core. The Mahindra XUV400, Tata Tigor EV, and Citroen eC3 lead the charge, offering eco-conscious drivers a diverse range of choices that blend style, performance, and environmental responsibility. As these affordable electric cars redefine the way Indians approach mobility, the future of sustainable driving looks brighter than ever on the roads of India.