Five cheapest electric cars in India for Diwali buyers, from Tiago EV to Nexon EV

India's electric vehicle market has changed considerably in the past few years. Buyers once got only expensive cars with limited range, but EVs with good range and premium features are now available at affordable prices. For those on a limited budget, or looking for a second or third car for daily city commutes, five of the cheapest electric cars are on sale.

First is the Tata Tiago EV, India's most affordable electric hatchback, considered a good option for first-time EV buyers. It comes with two battery packs, 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh. With the 19.2 kWh pack, the Smart variant costs Rs 6.99 lakh ex-showroom and the Pure + costs Rs 8.64 lakh. With the 24 kWh pack, the Pure + is Rs 9.64 lakh and the Creative + is Rs 10.09 lakh.

The Tiago's 19.2 kWh pack produces 61 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque. Its certified range (MIDC Part 1 + 2) is 226 km, while the real-world (C75) range is 160 to 170 km. The 24 kWh pack delivers 75 PS and 114 Nm, with a certified range of 285 km and a C75 range of 205 to 215 km. The car supports DC fast charging of up to 30 kW, and the battery charges from 10 to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes. Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera and a multi-level regenerative braking system.

Second is the MG Comet EV, a rear-wheel-drive hatchback built especially for city travel. Its boxy design stands out in a crowd. With the 17.3 kWh battery pack, the Executive variant costs Rs 7.90 lakh, the Excite Rs 9 lakh and the Exclusive Rs 9.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The Excite Fast Charging variant, with a 17.4 kWh battery, is priced at Rs 9.27 lakh and the Exclusive Fast Charging at Rs 10.17 lakh.

The Comet's battery pack produces 42 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque. Its ARAI-certified range is 230 km, though in practice it runs up to 180 km. It has no DC fast charging. A 3.3 kW AC charger takes 7 hours to charge it from 0 to 100 per cent, while a 7.4 kW charger takes 3.5 hours. The cabin has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 4 airbags and a rear-view camera.

Third is the Tata Punch EV, a good option for those who want higher ground clearance and a sturdy SUV look. A step above the Tiago EV, it starts at Rs 9.79 lakh ex-showroom. With the 30 kWh battery, the Smart costs Rs 9.79 lakh and the Smart + Rs 10.39 lakh. With the 40 kWh battery, the Smart + is Rs 11.19 lakh, the Adventure Rs 11.94 lakh, the Empowered Rs 12.69 lakh and the Empowered + S Rs 12.99 lakh.

The Punch EV's 30 kWh pack delivers 88 PS and 154 Nm. Its certified range is 365 to 375 km and its C75 real-world range is 260 to 275 km. The 40 kWh pack delivers 129 PS and 154 Nm, with a certified range of 468 km and a C75 range of 335 to 355 km. The car supports 65 kW DC fast charging, which takes the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. The cabin has two 10.25-inch screens, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, 6 airbags and a 360-degree camera.

Fourth is the Citroen eC3 X, a comfortable, premium electric car with a micro-SUV design. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 12.09 lakh. It has a 29.2 kWh battery pack, and the Live variant sells for Rs 12.09 lakh, the Live (O) for Rs 12.45 lakh and the Shine for Rs 13.36 lakh. The battery pack produces 57 PS of power and 143 Nm of torque. The ARAI-certified range is 330 km and the on-road range is about 232 km. A DC fast charger takes the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 57 minutes. The cabin has leatherette seat upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 6 airbags and a wireless phone charger.

Fifth is the Tata Nexon EV, the most popular in India and a good blend of style, performance and features. It comes in two main options, Medium Range (30 kWh) and Long Range (45 kWh). With the 30 kWh pack, the Creative + costs Rs 12.49 lakh and the Fearless Rs 13.29 lakh. With the 45 kWh pack, the Creative is Rs 14.34 lakh, the Fearless Rs 15.34 lakh, the Empowered Rs 16.34 lakh and the Empowered + A Rs 17.69 lakh. The Empowered + A Red #Dark and Empowered + A #Dark variants are available at Rs 17.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Nexon's 30 kWh pack delivers 129 PS and 215 Nm. Its certified range is 275 km and its C75 range is 210 to 230 km. The 45 kWh pack produces 144 PS and 215 Nm, with a certified range of 489 km and a C75 range of 350 to 375 km. With a 50 kW DC charger, the Medium Range charges from 10 to 80 per cent in 56 minutes, while the Long Range variant charges from 10 to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes with a 60 kW charger.

Which EV suits you? For those switching to an EV for the first time from a petrol or diesel car, the Tata Punch EV or Nexon EV are the most sensible choices, offering good space, strong features and a larger range for long trips. For those who can do with slightly fewer features and want to save money, the Citroen eC3 X is the right pick. For a small, nimble second car used only in the city, go for the Tata Tiago EV or MG Comet EV. Note that the MG Comet EV does not offer DC fast charging.