Electric SUVs in India do not contribute to the majority of car sales, however, they have been making some inroads. The main reason why electric SUVs are not as popular in India as they are in foreign countries is due to the lack of charging infrastructure, and a high initial cost (purchase price) for electric SUVs in India.
The government has tried to circumvent some of these drawbacks by introducing subsidies and tax benefits for electric SUV purchases to encourage the adoption of EVs and manufacturers are stepping up their game by adding new and innovative, fully electric models to their line-up.
There is now a wide choice of electric SUVs on sale in India, ranging from low-cost hatchbacks, executive sedans, mass market SUVs and premium luxury SUVs that enter the country as CBUs (Completely Built Units).
Electric SUV cars
Many car buyers around the world have adopted electric SUVs, and made the shift towards environmentally friendly EVs. In India, electric SUVs are yet to make a big impact on car sales and the car buyer is yet to appreciate the full potential and convenience of an electric car.
Sales of EVs have gradually gone up in the past few years, and as a result of this interest, car manufacturers like Tata, Mahindra, MG, Kia, Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar have released electric SUVs in the market catering to buyers from the entry level to the premium luxury SUV segment.
If you are in the market for the best electric SUV in India, then this is the right place where we look at some of the more popular EVs you can buy in 2023.
List of Electric Suv Cars in India 2023
Electric SUV cars in India have been seeing a boom, and have given a chance for manufacturers to compete for top honours when it comes to the best-selling EV in the country.
We have listed the best electric SUV cars in India which you should be excited about.
Tata Nexon EV
The Nexon is one of the most impressive EV SUVs on sale in India currently. Being a fully electric SUV, it relies on battery power alone and is available in a wide variety of colours such as Moonlit Silver, Signature Teal Blue and Glacier White to choose from.
Powering the Tata Nexon is a 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that produces a maximum power output of 74 bhp and peak torque of 170 Nm.
On the exterior of the Tata, you will find LED projector lamps at the front, LED DRLs, special LED tail lights, piano black ORVM, functional roof rails that have load bearing capacity, diamond-cut alloy wheel 16-inches, a shark fin antenna and electric blue accents.
Inside the Nexon you get an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, height adjustable driver’s seat, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a cooled glove box and flat bottom steering.
The Nexon can seat 5 adults comfortably, and doesn’t have any real competition as it is priced at Rs.14 lakhs up to 17 lakhs.
MG ZS EV
This is a premium EV offering from British brand MG, and is considered one of the best electric SUVs in India. It has a similar electric motor as the Tata Nexon.
Some of its brilliant features include a 448-litre trunk and luggage space, and machined alloy wheels which are diamond cut. Its electric motor puts out a massive 353 Nm of torque.
Battery capacity is rated at 44.5 kWh, and it has a range of 340 km on a full charge. Recharge times are 50 minutes on fast charging and 6-8 hours on normal charging.
Prices for the MG ZS EV start from Rs.20.88 lakhs.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona electric is a fully electric SUV from the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, and has a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Acceleration is quick with 0-100 km/h in under 10 seconds.
It has a driving range of 452 km on a full charge and peak torque figures are 395 Nm. Power is stated at 134 bhp in ideal conditions.
Recharge time for the Kona Electric is 57 minutes on fast charging and 6-hours for normal charging. It is a unique vehicle to drive, but styling is fantastic and you get to save the planet.
Kia EV6
The EV6 is Kia’s first electric SUV and is built on a platform that has been specifically designed for electric vehicles.
It is a stylish, premium, crossover SUV that has a starting price of Rs. 59.95 lakhs. The electric motor is a rear wheel drive unit which has a battery pack of 77.4 kWh, and makes 229 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. There is also a dual motor option (all wheel drive) that makes 325 hp and 605 Nm of torque.
The driving range for the Kona is rated at 528 km on the WLTP cycle. It’s sibling from the Hyundai stable is the upcoming Ioniq 5.
BMW iX
The iX is BMW’s first all-electric vehicle for India and is a luxury electric SUV with a bold design and concept car like interiors. It is the flagship electric SUV from BMW and gets a 76.6 kWh battery pack giving it a range of 446 km.
There is only one variant on sale which gets dual electric motors producing a maximum bhp of 326 and 630 Nm of torque.
The electric SUVs price in India is Rs.1.13 Crore. The iX is luxurious, has a minimalist interior and excellent driving dynamics. It is also pricey and has looks that some may love while others may hate.
The BMW iX has a silent cabin (of course, because it is electric), impressive ride and handling dynamics, and blistering performance. It also has a good range (one of the best in India). The only disadvantage is it is expensive to buy and offers little rear seat thigh support.
Audi e-tron
Prices for the Audi e-tron start from Rs.99 lakhs – 1.08 Crore. It has smooth, strong performance and provides ample space and practicality. The e-tron comes in two versions, SUV and Sportback. The SUV gets a dual motor producing 313 bhp and 540 Nm of torque. The Sportback gets 408 bhp and 664 Nm.
The lower powered version of the e-tron gets a 71 kWh with a range of 264 km – 379 km. While the more powerful version gets a 95 kWh battery pack with a range of 359 km- 384 km.
Some of the feature equipment is lacking in the all-electric Audi e-tron, while the exterior styling is too conventional for a new age car filled with modern technology. It also has limited outstation ability due to the lack of charging infrastructure.
Conclusion
With the rising prices of fuel, we have witnessed more buyers opting for electric SUVs. The rise in sales for SUVs like the Tata Nexon, and launch of new EVs in the market is evidence that the Indian car buyer is going the electric car way.
We can find EVs in every price bracket, from compact SUVs that are affordable, to ultra-expensive, premium electric SUVs at the top range of the segment. With models from Mahindra to the Audi e-tron GT, there is an EV model for every price bracket.
Skoda and Volkswagen are poised to launch new electric SUVs in the near future, along with MG, Hyundai and Kia joining the EV bandwagon. Maruti and Toyota are also combining forces to release a new EV that is going to be easy on the pocket for the budget car buyer. And with competitive pricing in the entry level, we can be assured of strong completion and high sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which electric cars have the longest range?
Ans. The BMW iX and the Kia EV6 are two electric SUVs sold in India that have the longest range. The BMW iX has a WLTP range of up to 425 km while the Kia EV6 has a range of up to 500 km. The BMW iX is a fully electric SUV with All Wheel Drive and has a top speed of 200 km/h. It gets a 71 KWh battery pack that has a maximum power output of 322 bhp and peak torque of 630 Nm. The Kia EV6 comes in Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive options and gets a 77.4 kWh battery pack with a power output of 223 bhp and torque figure of 350 Nm.
Q2. Why are electric vehicles a good idea now?
Ans. Buying an electric car is an active move towards conserving the environment. The use of an electric vehicle is a step to protect the environment by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that increase pollution, and making use of renewable energy resources.
By driving an electric vehicle, you are reducing your carbon footprint. Owning an electric car is the best way to help the environment because you reduce carbon emissions by up to three tons annually.
Q3. Do you really save money with an electric car?
Ans. Electric vehicles have very low maintenance costs because they don’t have as many moving parts as internal combustion engines. There are very little servicing costs for electric vehicles as compared to petrol or diesel engines. The yearly cost of running an electric car is therefore affordable.
It might be cheaper to drive an EV because, although the initial cost (purchase price) of the electric vehicle can be up to Rs.5 lakhs more than a conventional car, the running costs are cheaper leading to savings on both fueling up and serving / maintenance.
Q4. Does Ford have an electric SUV?
Ans. Ford has an extensive range of all-new electric vehicles that offer an exhilarating and efficient driving experience, but they are sold in foreign countries and not in India.
Some of the electric vehicles that Ford manufacturers include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and the 2022 Ford E-Transit.
Ford has plans to make an all-electric SUV, a crossover that will break new boundaries by having a range of 500 km on a single charge, however, the name will be revealed in the future, with expected production commencing in 2023.
Q5. Which electric SUV should I buy?
Ans. One of the most impressive electric SUVs to buy in India is the Tata Nexon EV which is equipped with a 3 phase permanent magnet synchronous motor and a Lithium Ion polymer battery pack that comes equipped with liquid cooling which enable the vehicle to be driven on long journeys without the battery pack heating up to dangerous levels.
It generates a peak power output of 127 bhp and the battery capacity is 30.2 kWh. Distance on a full charge is 312 km and it recharges from 0-80% in 1 hour (on a fast charger). Prices start from Rs.13.99 lakhs ex-showroom.
Q6. Why are electric vehicles good?
Ans. Electric cars are good for a number of reasons:
- An electric car produces zero tailpipe emissions, which dramatically reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaner cars equate to cleaner air and better health.
- Electric cars are extremely fun to drive because of their quick acceleration, and high performance. Electric motors produce maximum torque from standstill, unlike internal combustion engines that have to rev up to a certain rpm to produce their peak torque figure. This means electric cars do not need a transmission (gearbox with several ratios) and the motor directly powers the wheels.
- Electric cars attract subsidies and government benefits which save your money on road tax and registration. Although the initial costs of electric cars may be a little higher than conventional cars.
- The maintenance costs of an electric car are very low so you save on servicing.
Q7. Which electric SUV cars are available in India under 10 lakhs?
Ans. Currently, there are no electric SUVs in India priced under 10 lakhs. The cheapest of all electric SUVs in India is the Tata Nexon EV and its prices start from Rs.14 lakhs up to Rs. 17 lakhs.
