Hi Autocar team. I am looking for a car for my daily office commute for 60km, which is 70% city traffic and 30% highway and occasionally inter-city travel of 350 kms. Also, I am looking for an EV car with a sunroof. Can you suggest a practical car with a long-term ownership mindset? Is Creta ev perfect for this requirement?

Autocar India

•1d

Of the models on sale today, Rs 20 lakh and 300km are an intersection that very few electric cars meet. Your two strongest options are the MG Windsor Pro and the Tata Curvv EV LR, both of which have their pros and cons.The MG Windsor offers a more spacious and airy interior, with soft and plush rear seats and easy ingress and egress, which should be beneficial for your parents. It's also got a very smooth and refined powertrain, although downsides include a slightly firm suspension and the fact that MG's network isn't quite as wide as other brands.The Tata Curvv's swooping roof and high ground clearance mean getting in and out is not as easy, but once you're in the car, space is ample. Quality is not as good as in the MG, and though silent and strong, the powertrain is not as smooth. It has better ride quality and a longer list of features than the MG, though, while it has a wider service network, it doesn't have the best reputation for its after-sales quality. Test drive both, ideally with your parents, and see which one they prefer to sit in the back of.If you can stretch your budget by 2-3 lakh, two even better options are the Hyundai Creta Electric and Kia Carens Clavis EV. Their range is comfortably more than the Windsor Pro or Curvv EV, and they offer far better ride quality and rear seat comfort. The Kia, being an MPV, also offers easier entry and exit for the elderly.While VW-Skoda will eventually bring out EVs for India, likely in 2027, they will be far above this budget, positioned in the Rs 50 lakh plus range. Honda's EV is due to go on sale later this year and will be a rival to the EVs we have highlighted above. If you don't mind waiting, it could be an interesting proposition, though little is known about its specifications or price at this time.

Tata Curvv EV

MG Windsor

Hyundai Creta Electric

Kia Carens Clavis EV

Autocar India

•12h

Pick the Mahindra XEV 9e unless you truly need the extra size of the 9S. It's slightly easier to drive day to day and should deliver slightly better range on a full charge. The 9S makes sense only if you carry family and luggage often and need the third row. One thing to keep in mind, early Mahindra electric cars have been reported to have software niggles, though these should have been ironed out by now, and make sure your home charging setup is sorted and check local fast-charger reliability before you commit.If you want the best all-rounder at an even more affordable price, the Hyundai Creta Electric is an easy pick. It may not look or feel particularly special, but for the job of being an EV, it is hard to fault at this price. Though it has a smaller battery than the Mahindra's, it is more efficient, and therefore its real-world range is actually higher. Its powertrain is smooth and refined, it's loaded with features, the controls and ergonomics are incredibly friendly, and its smaller size offers a great mix of space and driving convenience.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Mahindra XEV 9S

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•1d

Consider the Hyundai Creta Electric 51.4kWh. Your 35 km daily city run is a breeze - one home charge can cover most of your week - and it has enough real highway range to handle your 500 km a month with one quick DC stop on longer trips.Coming from a City ZX, you will like the smooth, quiet drive and strong low-speed pull in traffic. Cabin space is good, features are plenty, and the Hyundai service network si wide spread.If you want a second option in the same price band, the Mahindra XEV 9e is a good choice, though your budget will only get you the smaller 59kWh battery pack.Overall, the Creta Electric is the sensible option for your budget and a good upgrade over your City.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Honda City

Mahindra XEV 9e