Electric cars are gradually becoming quite mainstream in India. They are no longer being bought solely as a second vehicle, but even first-time car buyers aren’t afraid of taking the plunge into the world of EVs. After all, there’s nothing that comes close to EVs in terms of running costs. While public charging infrastructure still has a long way to go, electric vehicles are arguably the best choice if you are living in an urban environment and have access to home/office charging. Here, we’ve listed the five cheapest EVs currently on sale in India that are well-suited for the urban grind.

1. MG Comet EV

Price: Rs 7.50 lakh-10 lakh

The MG Comet is currently the cheapest electric car on sale in India. As a strict city commuter, the Comet is superb, as compact dimensions make it extremely manoeuvrable. Moreover, this car has a very cute appeal. It is also reasonably spacious for four adults despite a 2-door body style, and it comes well-equipped, too. The Comet EV’s downsides are its small battery, which limits range, and the tiny 12-inch wheels that do not lend it a good ride quality on our imperfect roads.

2. Tata Tiago EV

Price: Rs 7.99 lakh-11.14 lakh

Up next on the list of cheapest EVs in India is the Tata Tiago EV. It has a more practical 4-door body style, making for a sensible entry point into the world of electric cars. The Tiago EV also scores well with a smooth and refined powertrain and excellent ride quality, and it’s very economical to run, too. The compact dimensions also help its case as an urban runabout, and the interior is reasonably feature-packed. Just don’t expect typical EV-like performance; this one is more sedate in nature.

3. Tata Punch EV

Price: Rs 9.99 lakh-13.94 lakh

The Punch EV is the most complete package here; it’s the cheapest electric SUV currently in the country and is a far better value for money than some of the more expensive models that follow it on this list. It’s loaded with features and has strong performance, brilliant ride quality and sufficient range. It’s hard to beat as an urban runabout, and with a little bit of planning, you can perhaps use it for outstation trips as well. The only downsides are a cramped rear seat and a lack of finesse in fit and finish. That said, the Punch EV is really one of the best low-budget electric cars available. 

4. Tata Tigor EV

Price: Rs 12.49 lakh-13.75 lakh

The Tigor EV is the only sedan to feature in this list. It adds a proper boot over the Tiago EV, solving one of the hatchback’s biggest gripes. It also gets a slightly larger battery, and thereby, more range, but it’s hard to justify the premium over the Tiago EV. Otherwise, the Tigor EV carries over the strengths of good ride quality, a well-specced cabin and a refined powertrain from its hatchback sibling.  

5. Citroen eC3

Price: Rs 12.90 lakh-13.53 lakh

The last on our list of five most affordable electric cars in India is the eC3. It is an electric derivative of the C3 hatchback, with a boxy and upright body that lends it a spacious interior. And like most Citroens, it rides very comfortably as well. However, it is rather sparsely equipped, and performance is also quite dull, so it lacks the typical wow factor that EV buyers expect. However, the eC3 offers decent real-world range, quite comparable to that of the Punch EV, and is often listed with very attractive discounts. So, if you are able to get a good deal on this, it makes for a fairly reasonable choice.

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