Hi Autocar, I am currently using a 2019 Mahindra XUV300 diesel, and I have driven 2,50,000km so far. We are now planning to buy an EV. My daily usage would be around 100km (if I use city roads), 200km (if highway). We also go on a 3,000km road trip across South India every quarter, and once every year we drive 6,000- 7,000 km to North India. I am from Hyderabad, and I am considering the Tata Harrier EV, Tata Sierra EV and Mahindra XEV 9S. Please suggest whether an EV will really work for me. If yes, which one should I choose? If not, which car would suit my usage better? Thanks.

autocar.india

•6h

Go for the Mahindra XEV 9S. With 40-50 km a day, 80-90% city driving, and the ability to install a home charger, you are the ideal electric car owner. The XEV 9S is a genuinely well-rounded electric SUV with a strong real-world range, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and a very refined driving experience in the city. Your regular short trips every 15 days are easily manageable with an EV, and the convenience of home charging will make ownership effortless.The XUV 7XO AXT diesel is a very good SUV, but your usage pattern does not justify a diesel. Modern diesel cars are far less problematic than they used to be, but DPF regeneration still requires regular sustained highway runs, and your usage is predominantly city-based. The XEV 9S, on the other hand, will deliver lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a smoother, quieter driving experience that is perfectly suited to your daily routine.The only caveat is long-distance touring. If your short trips are genuinely long highway runs, you will need to plan charging stops. But for your usage, the XEV 9S is the smarter, more future-proof choice.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Mahindra XUV 7XO

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Toyota Innova HyCross non-hybrid. Your priorities are space, comfort and a good engine, and the HyCross delivers on all three. It is one of the most spacious cars in the segment, with a genuinely usable third row and a comfortable ride that makes it an excellent family car. The petrol engine is smooth, refined and well suited to your running of under 1,000 km a month, where the hybrid premium is harder to justify.The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a strong alternative with a more powerful engine and a more feature-rich cabin, but the HyCross has the edge on space, comfort and long-term ownership experience.The Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Seltos are good cars, but they do not offer the same level of space or comfort, and the Renault Duster is more of a driver's car than a family car. The Toyota car mentioned above is the car you will be happiest with after five years of ownership.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Renault Duster

Kia Seltos

Hyundai Alcazar

autocar.india

•1d

Based on your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara would be our recommendation. It offers a comfortable cabin, especially up front, a relaxed driving experience and a good suite of comfort features.The Mahindra BE 6 has the edge on performance, while the Tata Sierra EV has more space, and both offer a longer real-world range, but they are also considerably more expensive and, for your requirements, not worth the extra outlay. The e-Vitara is a good all-rounder, with more than sufficient range, and also the comfort features you seek - ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera.The Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella is the same as the e-Vitara but more expensive, and again, it doesn't justify its premium. Overall, the e-Vitara strikes the best balance between comfort, features and ease of ownership for your needs.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq

Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella

Tata Sierra EV