Top 5 Star Rating EV Cars India 2026 Safest Ranked Guide

A new wave of 5 star rating EV car options is quietly changing how Indian families think about electric mobility and safety. Not long ago, choosing an EV meant compromising on things like crash-test scores, cabin protection, or long-distance confidence, but that’s no longer true with the latest Bharat-NCAP-rated models from brands like Tata and Mahindra.​

Understanding 5-star BNCAP ratings for EVs

Before diving into individual models, it helps to understand what a 5 star rating EV car actually means under Bharat NCAP (BNCAP).​

• BNCAP evaluates Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) using frontal and side impact crash tests.​
• Scores are then converted into star ratings; a 5-star car must achieve high points in both AOP and COP, along with strong structural performance and safety equipment like airbags and ESC.​
• For EVs specifically, BNCAP also looks at how well the high-voltage system and battery are protected in a crash.​

In simple terms: a 5-star EV has been engineered not just for range and features, but to keep occupants and the battery pack safe in serious real-world accidents.​

1. Tata Punch EV 

The Tata Punch EV is one of the headline names when talking about 5 star rating cars in India, especially in the EV space. It has become a reference point for safety enthusiasts.​

Safety and BNCAP score

• Punch EV has achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants.​
• It scored an exceptional 31.46/32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection, the highest ever BNCAP score at the time of testing.​
• Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and seatbelt reminders for all seats.​

This makes the Punch EV one of the safest best electric cars in India in the compact segment.​

Key specs and features (Punch EV)

• Battery options: around 25–35 kWh packs depending on variant, designed for urban plus short highway usage.​
• Claimed range: positioned for real-world daily driving, typically over 300 km in higher variants.​
• Features:
• Large touchscreen infotainment with connected car tech
• Automatic climate control
• Multi-level regenerative braking
• LED lighting and modern cabin design​

Price-wise, many Punch EV variants sit close to the electric cars under 20 lakh bracket, making it one of the most accessible 5 star rating EV cars for city families.​

2. Tata Nexon EV 

The Tata Nexon EV has long been a volume leader and now also stands tall as a 5 star rating EV car under Bharat NCAP.​

Safety and crash-test performance

• Nexon EV has secured 5 stars for both adult and child occupant protection in BNCAP.​
• It scored 29.86/32 in Adult Occupant Protection and 44.95/49 in Child Occupant Protection.​
• Tests included a frontal offset deformable barrier impact and a side movable deformable barrier test, where key body regions were rated mostly “good”.​
• Standard safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ESC, hill-hold, ISOFIX mounts, seatbelt reminders, and strong body structure engineering.​

So when car shoppers look for EV cars with 5 star rating that can handle family duties, the Nexon EV naturally appears at the top.​

Specs and everyday usability (Nexon EV)

• Battery packs:
• Around 30 kWh (MR) and 45 kWh (LR) options.​
• Claimed range:
• Up to 325 km for the MR variant and up to 489 km (MIDC) for the LR version.​
• Features:
• Large infotainment screen with connected tech
• Ventilated seats, sunroof in higher trims
• Fast charging support
• Multiple drive modes and regen levels​

Many Nexon EV variants remain within or near the electric cars under 20 lakh price band, especially entry and mid variants, making it one of the strongest 2025 top 5 star rating EV cars for all-round use.​

3. Tata Harrier EV 

The Tata Harrier EV builds on the strong safety reputation of its ICE sibling and positions itself as a premium 5 star rating EV car targeting buyers who want more space and road presence. While the final EV-specific BNCAP scores will align with production-spec models, Tata has already demonstrated high safety benchmarks for the Harrier platform with 5-star ratings in its lineup.​

Safety orientation

• The Harrier platform is engineered with high torsional rigidity, multiple energy-absorbing zones, and advanced airbag plus ESC systems, aligning with BNCAP rating EV cars expectations for larger SUVs.​
• Tata’s recent crash-test track record suggests the Harrier EV will target 5-star-level occupant protection, just as Punch EV and Nexon EV did.​

Specs and features outlook (Harrier EV)

• Expected large battery pack, offering long-range highway capability suitable for touring.​
• Likely dual-motor or high-output single-motor configurations, prioritising performance and refinement.​
• Premium features such as:
• Dual screens
• Advanced driver-assistance features in higher trims
• High-quality interiors and panoramic sunroof​

For buyers who want a bigger, more commanding 5 star rating EV car for long drives and family road trips, the Harrier EV emerges as an aspirational option.​

4. Mahindra XEV9e 

Mahindra’s new-gen EV lineup, including the Mahindra XEV9e, is being developed under the Born Electric and global SUV philosophy with strong emphasis on structural safety.​

Safety approach

• The XEV9e SUV is engineered on Mahindra’s EV architecture that is designed from the outset to meet or exceed modern crash norms, including Bharat NCAP requirements.​
• Expect multi-airbag setups, ESC, advanced braking systems, and EV-safe crash structures for battery and occupant protection.​

Expected specs and features (XEV9e)

• Likely positioned as a mid-to-large SUV with strong performance and long-range capability.​
• High-capacity battery packs supporting fast charging and extended real-world range.​
• Modern cabin:
• Large infotainment screens
• Connected features
• Configurable digital cluster

As Mahindra pushes deeper into premium EVs, the XEV9e is expected to be benchmarked against best electric cars in India for both safety and technology.​

5. Mahindra BE 6

The Mahindra BE 6 (often written as BE.06) is a key part of Mahindra’s Born Electric range and is mentioned among electric cars under 20 lakh in India.​

Safety and platform

• Built on Mahindra’s dedicated Born Electric platform, the BE 6 uses a skateboard-style chassis with integrated battery protection and engineered crash paths, aligning well with future BNCAP rating EV cars requirements.​
• Mahindra has indicated a strong focus on structural integrity and high-level crash performance for its BE range.​​

Specs and features (BE 6)

• Battery: Around 59 kWh, offering a claimed range of up to 557 km, which is among the more generous ranges in its class.​
• Segment: Mid-size electric SUV, targeted at buyers wanting long-range and advanced styling while still aiming to remain under or around the 20 lakh price band in base variants.​
• Features:
• Bold, futuristic exterior design
• Feature-rich cabin with digital interfaces
• Likely ADAS features in higher trims​​

For someone specifically searching 2025 top 5 star rating EV cars and “electric cars under 20 lakh,” the BE 6 stands out as a strong, range-focused candidate.​

How these EVs fit buyer needs

Here’s a simple view of how these 5-star-focused EVs position themselves for Indian buyers:

Final Thoughts

From an auto-care and safety perspective, the shift towards 5 star rating EV car options in India is a major win for everyday buyers. If safety is your top priority and your budget stays closer to electric cars under 25 lakh, the Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon EV should be at the top of your shortlist thanks to their verified BNCAP rating EV cars scores and mature feature sets.​

If you want something larger, more premium, or futuristic, keeping an eye on the Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra XEV9e, and Mahindra BE 6 makes sense, as these are shaping up to be among the 2025 top 5 star rating EV cars combining range, tech, and serious safety engineering.

Author: Aakash Mehra

Automotive Journalist & Car Reviewer. Aakash Mehra is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 9 years of experience in car journalism and consumer-focused reviews. Having test-driven more than 550+ vehicles, he delivers detailed comparisons, expert insights, and unbiased advice to help readers confidently choose the right car.