Best Electric Cars Under 20 Lakh

Electric vehicles or more precisely battery electric vehicles comprise an electric motor in place of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electric motor in an EV is powered using a large traction battery pack.

The battery pack will need to be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment. One of the largest and most celebrated aspects of an EV is that since they run on electricity, they do not emit any greenhouse gases and there are zero tailpipe emissions.

Additionally, EVs do not require conventional fuel elements such as a fuel tank, fuel pump, or fuel line, which are essential in ICE cars.

An EV would include:

• A vehicle that can exclusively be powered by an electric motor that requires charging equipment for charging. In essence, this is a pure electric vehicle.

• A vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor as well as an ICE. These are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Generally, compared to fuel-run cars, EVs have a shorter range (per charge). However, car makers are constantly innovating EV designs to develop new models that employ higher-energy batteries and high-power charging equipment which is gradually reducing this gap.

Now that we have an understanding of what EVs are, let us take a look at some of the best EV cars under 20 lakhs.

Indian car buyers are increasingly warming up to the potential and usefulness of electric cars and car makers are addressing this growing demand by developing and innovating new EV models. With that in mind, here is a list of electric cars under 20 lakhs:

Tata Punch EV The Tata Punch EV is based on Tata's new Gen 2 architecture called Acti.EV. This is a comprehensively re-engineered version of the original ICE platform for the application of EVs.

In this light, the Tata Punch EV is designed such that it excels in the transition to electric power. Its amazing urban runabout is hard to beat. Considering its compact size, agile features, and reliable performance, this is an excellent EV car for under 20 lakh for city driving.

Tata Punch EV The Tata Punch EV is based on Tata's new Gen 2 architecture called Acti.EV. This is a comprehensively re-engineered version of the original ICE platform for the application of EVs. In this light, the Tata Punch EV is designed such that it excels in the transition to electric power. Its amazing urban runabout is hard to beat. Considering its compact size, agile features, and reliable performance, this is an excellent EV car for under 20 lakh for city driving.

Tata Nexon EV Backed by a powerful 95kW motor, the Tata Nexon EV promises a smooth and quiet driving experience that is enjoyable for every driver. Its robust build quality and futuristic design have a wide appeal. The straight-line stability of the Nexon EV is praiseworthy as the car does not drive nervously even as it crosses 100 km/hr. It also comes with abundant torque and good handling characteristics along with an impressive list of tech features making it one of the best electric cars under 20 lakhs.

Tata Tiago EV The Tata Tiago EV offers a superior driving experience which is much better than other manual and automatic cars in the range. It has an unrivalled battery performance and is highly practical for city usage. It is refined and responsive which makes the car a particular delight on highways. It also comes with a host of high-end features which makes it an all-rounder EV car under 20 lakh.

Tata Tigor EV If you are looking for a car with good specs and superior comfort then you can opt for the Tata Tigor EV. It delivers a decent range for the city as well as planned highway usage. However, because the dimensions of the car are compact, it is a particular delight in city drives as it can navigate easily through vexing traffic. The Tigor EV also comes with a silent and smooth performance making it a remarkable EV car under 20 lakh.

Mahindra XUV 400 EV The Mahindra XUV 400 EV is the perfect blend of style with eco-friendliness. This peppy, spacious, and robust car is a bang for the buck. It delivers on its promise of excellent range and even at high speeds, its long wheelbase and weight give it a reassuring sure-footedness. What makes the Mahindra XUV 400 EV the best EV under 20 lakhs is that it is the most affordable SUV with a commitment to comfort through its best-in-class cabin space.

Citroen eC3 The Citroen eC3 is a smart-looking electric hatchback with a decent amount of space and practicality on offer. It is a reliable car for city runabout and its electric power steering unit is designed to be highly user-friendly. Drivers will enjoy the lightweight experience of the car at city speeds with reliable straight-line stability. The Citroen eC3 feels reliable even at high speed and offers a comfortable driving experience for the driver as well as for other occupants.

Now that we have taken a look at electric cars under 20 lakhs that are currently available in the market, let us take a look at some upcoming EV cars under 20 lakhs.

Exploring some upcoming cars can help you decide whether you would like to wait for the newer models or opt for a car that is currently being sold.

Although upcoming cars will impart the feeling of owning something unique, buyers may not find enough reviews to make an informed decision. Instead, they will have to rely on vehicle specifications and other factors before buying.

Tata Curvv EV Concept

The Curvv EV concept reveals the ‘Digital’ design language and can be referred to as the prototype before the car makes its way into showrooms. The Tata Curvv EV is set to add to Tata’s SUV portfolio.

Some highlights of the new design include a curved roofline and a notchback-styled boot, a full-width LED light bar, and triangular air vents. Although there is not much information about the battery pack just yet, Tata did mention that the Curvv will likely feature a larger battery pack than Nexon’s.

Although the Tata Curvv is positioned to be launched as an EV, it will soon be followed up by an ICE version. The estimated price of the Tata Curvv EV is ₹20 lakhs.

Tata Altroz EV

Expected to launch in January 2025, the Tata Altroz EV is one of the most promising electric cars in India. Its concept version was revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and 2020 Auto Expo.

The pure electric version of the premium hatchback would be replicating the design of its ICE version with a few distinctive styling elements. This upcoming model would potentially draw power from the car maker’s Ziptron powertrain.

The Tata Altroz EV would include a permanent magnet AC motor that would channel energy to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.

Honda Elevate EV

Expected to be released by 2026, the pricing for Honda Elevate SUV starts from ₹10.99 lakhs to ₹15.99 lakhs.

Considering Honda’s delayed entry into the booming electric car market in India, Elevate would be marking the company’s initial foray with EVs. By the end of this decade, the car manufacturer is determined to capture a significant market share by introducing more SUV models with Elevate leading the way as the inaugural offering.

With so many options to choose from, it is easy for buyers to get confused. So let us see how you can choose the best EV that is suited to your requirements.

In the last few years, EVs have managed to drive the future of mobility in India. In addition to offering several benefits, EVs also improve the environment.

To maintain this pace and continue to motivate buyers the Government of India is offering various incentives under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) Scheme.

If you are wondering how to choose the best EV for your needs, here are some factors to consider:**

• Driving Range: Choosing the right driving range is crucial. Depending on the purpose of your car purchase, you can choose a car with a suitable driving range.

  For instance, cars with a 100 km drive range should be enough for office commutes but for inter-state travels you can opt for high-end cars offering a driving range of more than 400 km.

• Incentives and Tax Benefits: EVs are costlier than ICE vehicles so to cut down the cost of your car, you can avail of the government incentives and benefits.

• Specifications and Software Updates: Carefully analyse the technical aspects of your car as an insufficiently powered vehicle can dampen your expectations.

• **Once you purchase the car, keep an eye on the software updates as manufacturers often release updates to improve car performance.

• Battery Life and Charging Infrastructure: EVs will dominate the car market but until then the infrastructure will take time to catch up.

  Urban areas may have adequate charging stations but the situation could be vastly different in rural regions.

• Maintenance and Other Costs: Although EVs have lower maintenance because they have fewer moving parts, it is important to be mindful of timely maintenance as any repairs or replacements could burn a hole in your pocket.

• Brands and Models: As the EV market is relatively new, there are not too many options to choose from. So, before opting for a car, make sure you carefully analyse all options for an informed purchase.

Purchasing a new car is an exciting experience. However, as EVs are relatively recent, a lot of aspects of owning an electric car would be new for buyers. So, it is important to protect yourself from any unforeseen losses with a comprehensive car insurance policy for your EV.

With comprehensive insurance for four-wheelers, you have a financial safety net to rely on as liabilities, losses, and damages are compensated by your insurance provider. Moreover, to legally drive on Indian roads, it is mandatory to have at least a third-party car insurance policy. However, third-party insurance for four-wheelers will only pay for damages to the third-party person or property.

This means damages to your vehicle will have to be paid from your pocket. So, for wholesome protection on roads, it is advised to invest in a comprehensive car insurance policy. Contrary to popular belief, insurance for a four-wheeler is not expensive if you choose your insurer prudently.

With Tata AIG, you can use a car insurance calculator to check how much premium would be payable. This would help you choose a plan that meets your budget. Additionally, you can customise your standalone or comprehensive car plan with our insurance riders for an additional premium. If you already have a policy, you can even get your car insurance renewal online.

Disclaimer: All the prices and other information listed above pertain to a specific city and vehicle model. Since this information is subject to change, it is advisable to check the latest information before purchasing a vehicle or an insurance policy.