Which electric car should I buy under Rs. 17 lakh for a daily commute of 50-80 km: the Tata Nexon EV Fearless 45, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara base model, MG Windsor EV, Tata Punch EV, or any other better 5-seater EV option?

autocar.india

•2d

For your requirements, we think you should go for the MG Windsor. It offers the most space within your budget, and since seating 5 is a priority, it is the best choice. Your budget won't get you the 'Pro' variant with the larger battery, but given your daily usage of 50-80km, the standard version is more than enough. Plus, you should be able to get the fully loaded Essence variant, with all the bells and whistles, in your budget.The Tata Nexon EV is your next best bet, and though not quite as spacious as the MG, it's got the softer suspension, and you and your passengers will appreciate the resultant comfort. It has a larger battery, so the real-world range will be higher, but given your usage, it shouldn't make much of a difference. The issue is you'll only get a mid-range variant in your budget, so you might have to give up a few features. The Punch EV is simply too cramped in the rear seat to be used as a regular five-seater, compared to these two.Whichever you choose, make sure you can have a home charger installed, as that's essential to running an EV as your only car.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•4h

You could consider the Nissan Magnite Turbo-CVT. Coming from a Tiago auto, this will feel much smoother in traffic, more powerful on the highway, and one of the mid variants should fit within your Rs. 12 lakh on-road budget. It is compact, and it gives you the extra ground clearance you wanted from an SUV. If there is a Nissan touchpoint nearby, it is worth checking out.Alternatively, if you are open to an electric car and you can arrange for home charging, consider a Tata Punch EV. It is an excellent, well-rounded car.

Nissan Magnite

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•19h

Pick the Tata Nexon EV 45. It fits your Rs. 18 lakh on-road target, is super easy to drive and park, and its high seating and ground clearance take bad roads and speed breakers in stride. For your moderate use, the larger 45kWh battery is enough for a week of city runs, and those occasional roadtrips with just one planned charge stop, and Tata’s charging and service network is the widest right now, which makes EV life simpler outside big cities. It is light on upkeep, too - no oil changes, fewer wear parts, and Tata’s EV service costs have been reasonable.

Tata Nexon EV