I want to buy an EV under Rs. 12 lakh for city commuting, with a daily running of about 20 km.

autocar.india

•1m

With a weekly running of around 650km, you are clocking over 30,000km a year, which is well above the threshold where fuel efficiency and running costs become the most important factor. Your usage pattern is also very clear: long weekend highway runs of 300km each way, plus some city driving during the week. This is exactly the kind of usage where a diesel engine makes the most sense. EVs are not the right fit here. While they offer very low running costs, your 300km weekend runs would require careful planning around charging infrastructure. Petrol is also not ideal at this mileage, as the fuel cost difference compared to diesel becomes very significant over time.In terms of cars, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel is the best fit for your needs. It is a strong highway performer, comfortable for long distances, and well within your budget. If you want something slightly smaller, the Kia Seltos diesel is also a very good option. Both cars will give you the efficiency, reliability and comfort you need for your usage pattern.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•4h

With 1,500km a month of city driving, an electric car is the better choice. At that usage, the fuel savings from an EV become significant, and city driving plays to the strengths of electric cars with their instant torque, smooth acceleration and regenerative braking. The key is to have reliable home charging, as that makes ownership seamless and cost-effective. If you do not have home charging, a petrol car remains the more practical option. But if you have home charging, go electric.Since your budget is over Rs 30 lakh, you could consider the top-spec Mahindra XEV 9S, which is currently the best-selling electric car in India.

Mahindra XEV 9S

autocar.india

•7h

Go with the Hyundai charger. The Rs 75,000 price is not just for the hardware; it also includes installation, integration with the car’s battery management system, and Hyundai’s warranty support. That matters because if you ever have a charging-related issue, Hyundai cannot blame a third-party charger. With the Hyundai charger, you have a single point of accountability.The cheaper Rs 25,000 chargers you see online are often basic AC wallboxes without installation, safety certification or integration with the car. They may work, but you are taking a risk with a Rs 20 lakh+ EV. If you do want a third-party charger, look for brands like Exicom, Delta, ABB or Servotech, and make sure the installer is certified and the charger is BIS-approved.But our advice is simple: for a new Creta Electric, buy the Hyundai charger, have Hyundai install it, and keep your warranty and support intact. The Rs 50,000 difference is not worth the risk on a new electric car.

Hyundai Creta Electric