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•13w

Hi Autocar India, Please suggest any EV car with a range of 500+ km with a budget of 17-18 lac.

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•12w

For an electric car to deliver a real-world range of 500 km or more, it needs a fairly large battery. Since the battery is the single most expensive component in an EV, a larger pack directly increases the price. That’s why options with a claimed 500+ km range typically sit well above the Rs 20 lakh mark.

Within your budget, choices are limited, but the closest fit is the Maruti e-Vitara Zeta. It gets a 61 kWh battery with a claimed range of 543 km (MIDC), and its on-road price is just over Rs 18 lakh, depending on the state.

The e-Vitara comes across as a sensible, no-nonsense EV. It focuses on efficiency, ease of use and is backed by Maruti Suzuki’s widespread service network, which remains a strong advantage, especially for first-time EV buyers or those outside major metros.

That said, there are a couple of compromises to be aware of. The boot space is on the smaller side, and rear seat space isn’t particularly generous for a car of this size. Also, as with most EVs, real-world range will be lower than the claimed figure, so expect closer to around 450 to 470 km depending on driving conditions.

If your priority is genuinely achieving 500 km in everyday use, you may need to stretch your budget slightly or consider upcoming models. Otherwise, the e-Vitara remains one of the most practical options currently available near this price point.

 

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

•12w•

@raman_narang After driving the e Vitara, I felt it to be a reasonably good ev

•12w•

I think best choice for your budget is Tata sierra with 63 kw battery pack

•12w•

I also had initial budget of 17-18 lacs but realised eVitara and Curvve were not the best choice available Evitara - right leg hits the front dashboard, long drives would be challenge Currve ev - didn't options because if tata after sales and service support Finally stretched my budget and went for XEV 9S 79 kwh

•12w•

I am using e-Vitara. Real world range is 350km max.

•12w•

E vitara real world range is 350 max

•12w•

The one thing no dealer or manufacturer tells you is Zero value of an EV after its Battery warranty runs out. Scrap ke bhav mein jayegi aapki gaadi !!! EVs are just a big scam until Batteries get solid state i.e like your bulky laptop to today's light ones. Caveat emptor- Let the buyer beware.

•12w•

How is the MG Windsor performance from reliability and safety and operational cost points of view

•12w•

@bibhut MG Windsor is a strong all-round EV with low running costs (around ₹1-2/km with home charging vs public charging ₹3-4/km), a comprehensive safety package, and lower maintenance requirements than a petrol or diesel car. There have also been no major widespread reliability concerns reported by Windsor owners so far.

•12w•

Go for tata Cuurv, or vitara new entry ,Tata harrier as premium Who ever claim X KM reduce 60 km due to ac and ur operation efficiency which depends on ur driving skills Byd is good but I do not recommend U can check mg Hector also

•12w•

Wait for Syros Ev to launch, it's will be within the price bracket mentioned and able to give true range of 500 km

•12w•

@raman_narang There isn't an EV in India within 17-18 lacs that offers a true 500+ km real-world range. The Maruti e Vitara (if you can stretch your budget slightly) would be my top pick, otherwise the Tata Curvv EV 55 kWh is the closest option in your budget.

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•4d

I want to buy a sub-4-metre SUV, as most of my driving will be in the city, with tight parking spaces and short trips. I will occasionally take it on hill getaways. I like the Skoda Kylaq, but it misses out on a 360-degree camera and a proper digital instrument cluster. Its older user interface also feels familiar because I already own a Volkswagen Virtus. The Hyundai Venue does not feel special enough for its price, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO has awkward proportions and an uncomfortable rear seat, despite having the best suspension, engine and transmission combination. Should I wait for the new Kia Sonet or another launch expected by early next year? I also find DCTs less suited to city driving, although I realise no car can offer everything.

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•3d

Since you didn't like the current crop of compact SUVs, consider the Maruti Fronx with the 1.0 turbo-petrol engine and 6-speed torque converter. It is compact, peppy and nice to drive. Its top variant has the 360-camera you're looking for, and since the turbo-petrol isn't the popular choice from the range, you could end up getting a good deal too. Alternatively, you could pick the Taisor too, which is a rebadged Fronx sold and serviced through Toyota's network.If you didn't find the Venue exciting, you could check out the Venue N Line that gets some sportier bits to give it a more special feel. However, mechanically it remains largely similar to the standard version.The new Kia Sonet is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry, as it is expected to bring a more modern feature set and a fresher interior. However, it will still use a DCT for the turbo petrol automatic, which you have already identified as a drawback for city driving.

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•6d

I am a 6 ft driver who loves driving. I've driven the Swift 2013 petrol, Creta 1.6 Diesel Auto and the XUV500 the most on long trips. Now that I am planning to buy a car with a strict budget, do you think the 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol variant will be a wise decision to make, as I will be travelling once a month for short trips from Bangalore to Coorg, Pondicherry, GOA, and Mangalore? Which other car can be a perfect match for me, keeping a budget of 12 lakhs max? Also, the 3XO AX5 I'm getting from a friend who has hardly driven 6k km for 10 lakhs.

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•5d

Go for the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 TCMPFI petrol from your friend for Rs 10 lakh. At that price, it is a very good deal and a sensible upgrade from your Creta 1.6 diesel automatic. The 3XO is one of the most spacious compact SUVs in the segment, with a wide cabin and good rear seat comfort, which will make your long drives to Coorg, Pondicherry, Goa and Mangalore more comfortable. The turbo petrol engine is smooth and is well suited to both city driving and highway cruising. At Rs 10 lakh for a car with only 6,000 km on the clock, you are getting a nearly new car at a significant discount, which makes it a far better value proposition than buying new.If you are looking for alternatives under Rs 12 lakh, the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI manual is the best option for an enthusiast driver. The new Brezza turbo-petrol could also be a good choice. Overall, the 3XO from your friend is the most sensible choice. It offers a good balance of comfort, reliability and value, and will serve you well on your monthly road trips.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
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Posted on: 15 Jul 2026