I need advice regarding my next car purchase. I am currently using a 2019 Innova and now want to buy an EV. My budget is under ₹20 lakh, and I prefer a car without a sunroof.

autocar.india

•10h

Go for the VinFast VF6 if you can install a home charger - at 1,000 km a month, you’ll save a lot over diesel, and your daily runs will be quieter and smoother. That usage suits an EV well, because one or two top-ups a week will cover you, and you’ll sidestep the diesel emission filter and clutch hassles that crop up in traffic as a Fiesta ages.The VF6 is the sensible pick here because it is compact enough for city parking but still feels modern and comfortable, and running costs will be far lower than your diesel. The larger VF7 only makes sense if you truly need more space or do frequent long highway days.A point to consider is that VinFast’s dealer in India is still growing, so make sure you have a dealer close by. As an option, you can consider the Hyundai Creta EV, which is a very sorted electric car and backed by a wide dealer network.

Vinfast VF6

Vinfast VF7

Hyundai Creta Electric

autocar.india

•2d

In the Rs 20-30 lakh price range, the Hyundai Creta Electric 51.4kWh is the best fit for your needs. For 150km, ECR runs every other day, it rides comfortably, has soft, supportive seats, and delivers 400-plus km of real-world range. That gives you enough charge to get to your destination and back with a healthy buffer. The steering is light in town but steady on the highway, and the driver aids take the strain out of longer stints.If you want something a bit larger, then the Mahindra XEV 9e 79kWh is worth considering. It brings a real-world range of around 480km, a larger cabin and more tech. However, if you don't see the benefit of the extra range, space and features, it would be worth sticking with the smaller and more manageable Creta Electric.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Mahindra XEV 9e

autocar.india

•4h

Pick the Kia Carens Clavis 7-seater, preferably with the diesel automatic, for the best mix of comfort and fuel efficiency. You like the calm, comfortable feel of Volkswagen and Hyundai car, and the Clavis comes closest to that, with a cushy ride, a quiet cabin and light controls that make city driving easy. On the two long trips you do each year, it keeps everyone happier with a roomy second row, a genuinely usable third row, strong air-conditioning and a stable highway feel. If your driving is largely restricted to the city, the petrol DCT would be the better choice, though it is not as smooth-shifting as the diesel automatic's torque-converter gearbox.An EV only makes sense if most of your driving is in the city and you can charge at home. In that case, the Carens Clavis EV’s smooth driving experience and very low running costs are worth it, though you will need to plan charging stops on those occasional highway trips.

Kia Carens Clavis

Kia Carens Clavis EV