The electric vehicle market in India has evolved rapidly, with manufacturers now focusing on offering affordable models that do not compromise on driving range. Currently, several EVs priced under ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) are capable of delivering a claimed range exceeding 300 km, making them suitable for both daily commutes and occasional long drives. These figures are measured under ideal test conditions, and it is worth noting that real-world range is often lesser due to factors such as temperature and driving style. Nonetheless, these cars represent a growing shift toward accessible, practical electric mobility for Indian consumers.
| Model | Battery Pack | Claimed Range | Starting Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Punch.ev | 25 kWh 35 kWh | 315 KM 421 KM | ₹9.99 Lakh ₹12.84 Lakh |
| Tata Tiago.ev Tata Tigor.ev | 24 kWh 26 kWh | 315 KM 315 KM | ₹10.14 Lakh ₹12.49 Lakh |
| Citroën eC3 | 29.2 kWh | 320 KM | ₹12.90 Lakh |
| MG Windsor EV | 38 kWh 52.9 kWh | 331 KM 449 KM | ₹13.50 Lakh ₹17.25 Lakh |
| Tata Nexon.ev | 45 kWh | 489 KM | ₹13.99 Lakh |
| MG ZS EV | 50.3 kWh | 461 KM | ₹15.50 Lakh |
| Mahindra XUV400 | 34.5 kWh 39.4 kWh | 375 KM 456 KM | ₹15.49 Lakh ₹17.49 Lakh |
| Tata Curvv.ev | 45 kWh 55 kWh | 430 KM 502 KM | ₹17.49 Lakh ₹19.25 Lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis EV | 42 kWh 51.4 kWh | 404 KM 490 KM | ₹17.99 Lakh ₹21.99 Lakh |
| Hyundai Creta Electric | 42 kWh 51.4 kWh | 420 KM 510 KM | ₹18.02 Lakh ₹20.00 Lakh |
Tata Punch.ev & Tigor.ev
Tata continues to lead the affordable EV space with a vast lineup that includes the Punch.ev, Tiago.ev, and Tigor.ev. The Tata Punch.ev has quickly become one of the most popular choices among budget-conscious EV buyers. It comes in two battery options, a 25 kWh unit with a claimed range of 315 KM and a larger 35 kWh pack offering up to 421 KM. Priced from ₹9.99 lakh for the 25 kWh pack and ₹12.84 lakh for the 35 kWh pack, the Punch EV delivers strong value.
The Tiago.ev, on the other hand, serves as the brand’s most accessible electric hatchback, offering similar performance and efficiency in a smaller, city-friendly package. It gets a 24 kWh battery pack, priced at ₹10.14 Lakh, which offers a claimed range of 315 KM. For those who like the Tiago’s compact dimensions but want more boot space and a sedan-like profile, the Tigor.ev fits the bill. Powered by a 26 kWh battery pack, it offers up to 315 KM on a single charge. At ₹12.49 lakh, it appeals to those who prefer familiar Tata safety and simple charging needs, making it an efficient city commuter.
Citroën eC3 & MG Windsor EV
Citroën’s eC3 brings a European flair to the entry-level EV market. With a 29.2 kWh battery pack and a claimed range of 320 KM, it offers a balance between practicality and affordability at ₹12.90 lakh. The eC3 focuses on ease of driving and interior space, making it an appealing choice for urban buyers. On the other hand, the MG Windsor EV adds a more premium edge to this price bracket. Available with 38 kWh for the standard Windsor and 52.9 kWh for the Windsor Pro, it claims 331 KM and 449 KM of range respectively. Its pricing starts from ₹13.50 lakh (38 kWh) to ₹17.25 lakh (52.9 kWh), giving buyers flexibility in performance and range. However, it is important to note that the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) version, which offers a different ownership model, has not been considered in this comparison.
Tata Nexon.ev & MG ZS EV
Tata’s Nexon.ev continues to be a strong contender in the sub-₹20 lakh EV space. Equipped with a 45 kWh battery pack, it delivers a claimed 489 KM range, one of the highest in its class, at a starting price of ₹13.99 lakh. Its strong motor output, extensive service network, and updated design make it a versatile option for both urban and highway use. The MG ZS EV, with its 50.3 kWh battery and a claimed range of 461 KM, offers similar performance at ₹15.50 lakh. Positioned as a practical compact SUV, it combines strong battery efficiency with interior sophistication, providing an option for those seeking comfort and longer journeys without stepping into a premium price bracket.
Mahindra XUV400 & Tata Curvv.ev
Mahindra’s XUV400 provides a solid choice for buyers who value robust build quality and long-range performance. It offers two battery options, 34.5 kWh with 375 KM and 39.4 kWh with 456 KM of claimed range. Priced from ₹15.49 lakh (34.5 kWh) and ₹17.49 lakh (39.4 kWh), it provides flexibility for different usage preferences, appealing to those who frequently travel longer distances. Tata’s Curvv.ev, with its coupe-SUV styling, takes the design and efficiency game further. With 45 kWh and 55 kWh batteries, it claims between 430 KM and 502 KM on a full charge. Its starting price of ₹17.49 lakh (45 kWh) and ₹19.25 lakh (55 kWh) makes it one of the most feature-rich and futuristic-looking EVs available below the ₹20 lakh mark.
Kia Carens Clavis EV & Hyundai Creta Electric
The relatively new Kia Carens Clavis EV and Hyundai Creta Electric mark a fresh phase for mid-range electric SUVs. Both models share the same battery pack, 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh, but their ranges differ slightly. The Clavis EV, being the only 7 seater in this list, claims 404 KM with the smaller pack and 490 KM with the larger one, priced from ₹17.99 lakh and ₹21.99 lakh respectively. The Hyundai Creta Electric, on the other hand, offers 420 km and 510 km from the same battery options, priced from ₹18.02 lakh and ₹20.00 lakh for the 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery pack respectively. Although the top-end variants exceed the ₹20 lakh ceiling, their inclusion highlights the technological advancements that are now trickling down from premium models into more accessible price segments.
