In the realm of urban mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the frontrunners due to their unparalleled running costs and eco-friendliness. While the public charging infrastructure is still evolving, EVs offer a compelling choice for urban dwellers, especially those with access to home or office charging facilities. Here, we present the five most affordable EVs currently available for urban commuting:
MG Comet EV
Price Range: Rs 6.99 lakh - 9.14 lakh
The MG Comet EV excels as a city commuter with its compact dimensions, making it highly manoeuvrable in urban traffic. Despite its small battery limiting range, the Comet impresses with its cute appeal. However, the firm ride quality and limited stowage space in the cabin are areas for improvement.
Comet EV Power and Performance:
Expert Rating: 3.5 | User Rating (95): 4.4
Powertrain:
The Comet comes equipped with a single powertrain option featuring a 17.3kWh battery. Paired with this battery is a motor that produces 41bhp and 110Nm of torque. The vehicle offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
Positives:
- The motor operates quietly and provides sufficient power to navigate steep inclines, making it user-friendly for new drivers and learners.
- With a driving range of 200km, the Comet is suitable for urban commuting and daily errands.
Negatives:
- Designed primarily for city driving, the Comet may lack confidence when navigating highways or keeping pace with faster vehicles.
- The ride quality feels harsh over rough surfaces, leading to noticeable jolts within the cabin.
Comet Car Specifications:
- Driving Range: 230 km
- Transmission: Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 4 Seater
- Battery Capacity: 17.3 kWh
Tata Tiago EV
Price Range: Rs 7.99 lakh - 11.89 lakh
The Tata Tiago EV offers a sensible entry point into the EV segment, boasting a smooth and refined powertrain coupled with excellent ride quality. Compact yet practical for city driving, the Tiago EV features a well-built interior with adequate equipment. However, its performance may not be as electrifying as some rivals.
Tata Tiago EV Power and Performance:
Expert Rating: 4.0 | User Rating (105): 4.5
Powertrain:
The Tata Tiago EV is powered by a 24kWh battery, paired with a motor that generates 74bhp and 170Nm of torque. It comes with two driving modes: Drive and Sport, catering to different driving preferences.
Positives:
- The Tiago EV offers a smooth and refined powertrain that ensures a comfortable driving experience.
- Excellent ride quality makes it suitable for urban commuting, and the car offers good value for money.
- It has a usable range that is adequate for city use, coupled with a well-built interior and sufficient equipment.
Negatives:
- While the Tiago EV performs well, its acceleration and overall performance are not particularly electrifying compared to some higher-end EVs.
Tiago EV Car Specifications:
- Driving Range: 250 km
- Transmission: Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
- Battery Capacity: 24 kWh
Citroen eC3
Price Range: Rs 11.61 lakh - 13.35 lakh
The Citroen eC3 stands out with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and chic design. While offering decent range, the eC3 disappoints with its lacklustre performance and omission of key features. Despite its reasonable pricing, it may fall short in delivering the wow factor expected by EV enthusiasts.
Citroën eC3 Power and Performance:
Expert Rating: 3.8 | User Rating (85): 4.2
Powertrain:
The Citroën eC3 is equipped with a 29.2kWh battery, which powers a motor producing 56bhp and 143Nm of torque. It features two driving modes: Eco and Normal, designed to optimize performance and efficiency.
Positives:
- The eC3 boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, making it suitable for city commuting with ample room for four passengers.
- It delivers a smooth ride quality and has a chic, modern design.
- The range is decent for city driving, and the car is reasonably priced.
Negatives:
- Performance can be somewhat underwhelming, especially in terms of acceleration.
- There are notable omissions in features that might be expected by EV buyers, affecting its overall appeal.
Citroën eC3 Car Specifications:
- Driving Range: 320 km
- Transmission: Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
- Battery Capacity: 29.2 kWh
Tata Tigor EV
Price Range: Rs 12.49 lakh - 13.75 lakh
Similar to the Tiago EV, the Tata Tigor EV boasts good ride quality and a well-equipped cabin. With a slightly larger battery and added boot space, the Tigor EV offers improved range and performance. However, the premium over the Tiago EV may be hard to justify for some buyers.
Tata Tigor EV Power and Performance:
Expert Rating: 4.0 | User Rating (90): 4.5
Powertrain:
The Tata Tigor EV comes with a 26kWh battery, paired with an electric motor that generates 74bhp and 170Nm of torque. It features two driving modes: Drive and Sport, catering to different driving preferences and efficiency needs.
Positives:
- The Tigor EV offers a refined and smooth powertrain with impressive ride quality.
- The larger battery compared to the Tiago EV results in an extended driving range, making it more versatile for both city and short intercity commutes.
- The cabin is well-equipped with modern features and provides a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.
Negatives:
- The Tigor EV carries a premium price over the Tiago EV, which might be hard to justify for some buyers considering the similar feature set.
- While the performance is decent, it may not be as exhilarating as some other EVs in the market.
Tata Tigor EV Car Specifications:
- Driving Range: 315 km
- Transmission: Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
- Battery Capacity: 26 kWh
Tata Punch EV
Price Range: Rs 10.99 lakh - 15.49 lakh
The Tata Punch EV emerges as the most accomplished option in this lineup, featuring a plethora of features, strong performance, and excellent ride quality. Ideal for urban commuting, the Punch EV offers sufficient range and practicality, enhanced by its generous ground clearance. However, it falls short in rear-seat space and fit and finish finesse.
Tata Punch EV Power and Performance:
Expert Rating: 4.5 | User Rating (85): 4.7
Powertrain:
The Tata Punch EV is equipped with a 24kWh battery, paired with an electric motor that produces 75bhp and 200Nm of torque. It offers three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency based on their needs.
Positives:
- The Punch EV excels in urban environments with its compact size, excellent maneuverability, and high ground clearance (190mm), making it practical for city driving.
- It offers a strong performance with good acceleration and a smooth, refined powertrain.
- The Punch EV is loaded with features, including a well-equipped cabin with modern amenities, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
- It has a respectable driving range suitable for daily commutes and short trips.
Negatives:
- The rear seat can feel cramped for taller passengers, limiting comfort on longer journeys.
- Fit and finish in some areas of the interior may lack the finesse found in some competitors.
Tata Punch EV Car Specifications:
- Driving Range: 280 km
- Transmission: Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5 Seater
- Battery Capacity: 24 kWh
