Hi. I'm looking for a new car in the range of 20-25 lakh. My usage is primarily city-based, with an average monthly distance of about 500 km, and I plan to retain the car for around 10 years. I'm leaning towards EVs mainly due to their lower running cost, lower maintenance costs, smoother ride quality, lower exposure to fuel price fluctuations, and being the technology for the future. I can have home charging installed, and I rarely go on long road trips. Given my usage conditions, should I go for an EV instead of a regular petrol car? If yes, which car would be best suited for my needs?

Autocar India

•1d

Yes, the electric Hyundai Creta will suit you quite nicely. The car has a very well-tuned electric drivetrain that is easy to drive. In the city, controls are light enough, and the ride is good. To support the additional weight of the battery, the Creta Electric’s suspension is stiffer than the ICE version’s, but it doesn’t translate into an uncomfortable ride. You can feel some firmness at low speeds, but road shocks are well in check, and what’s nice is that the stiffness has eliminated unnecessary (secondary) body movements, and even at highway speeds, the Creta Electric doesn’t lose its poise. So on your long trips, too, you will enjoy the driving experience. In true Hyundai fashion, the car is also well equipped and feels nice, and it feels nice and airy inside.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Autocar India

•2d

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

•1d

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