I am planning to buy an electric vehicle with a budget of around ₹20 lakh. My usage will mainly be within Mumbai city, with occasional long-distance trips as well. Could you please suggest the best EV options?

Autocar India

•1h

Regular trips to remote villages on rough roads with seven people and lots of medical gear call for something tough first, then roomy. In that brief, the Mahindra Scorpio N diesel manual, 7-seat, is the better fit for you. It sits high off the ground and feels strong on broken roads, so you can reach camp sites that softer city SUVs may avoid. The diesel will use less fuel on long days, and Mahindra has service in most small towns, which helps when you are far from the city. For your boxes, tables and chairs, the third row folds in parts, so you can keep five or six on board and still open up a large, useful space.Two things to note: with all seven seats up, the boot is small, so plan to fold part of the third row or add a carrier. Also, the third row is best for short stints for adults.If you must keep all seven seats up and still need real boot space, consider the Toyota Innova Crysta. While not an SUV, its tough construction makes it feel hardy and well-suited to rough road use.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Mahindra Scorpio N

Autocar India

•3d

For a 40-50 km daily city run and a budget of Rs. 15-17 lakh, go with the Nexon EV 45kWh version in a mid trim. It suits your use and budget better than stretching for the Vinfast VF6. You’ll get more than enough range for the week with a healthy buffer; it is easy to drive and park, rides comfortably over bad patches. Also, Tata’s service reach is fairly wide. The Nexon EV has also proven to be a safe car.Do note, the Nexon EV’s cabin does not feel as premium as the VF6. But for office runs, traffic and the odd weekend trip, it works well.If you want a fresher shape and a bit more road presence from your shortlist, the Tata Curvv EV is worth a look.

Tata Nexon EV

Vinfast VF6

Tata Curvv EV

Autocar India

•1h

Since you are not in a rush to replace your Maruti Suzuki Dzire, it's worth your while to wait for the updated Volkswagen Virtus. The model will get styling tweaks, a few more features, as well as the new 8-speed auto gearbox, which makes the car better suited to low-speed city driving. However, the bigger upgrade comes in terms of the new air conditioner, which addresses one of the big weaknesses of the current Virtus. Do note that new launches are usually accompanied by a price hike, so the deal might not be as sweet as the one you are getting now. If AC performance and gearbox characteristics aren't deal breakers for you, there is merit in opting for the current Virtus Topline for a discount. You’ll feel a big step up from your 11‑year Dzire in cabin quality, safety feel and features right away, without paying the higher launch price a facelift will bring.One thing to keep in mind. VW service costs can be higher than Maruti, though your low running will keep bills spaced out.

Volkswagen Virtus