I am planning to buy a new car, specifically an EV, within a budget of Rs 20-22 lakh. I am looking for a 5-star-rated car with a real-world range of over 400km. My usage will be mostly in the city, with occasional long drives. Daily running will be around 40-50km.

autocar.india

•17h

Go for the Honda City Hybrid. With 12,500km a year and a 60% highway/40% city split, the hybrid powertrain will deliver the best balance of efficiency, refinement and long-term ownership confidence. The City Hybrid is a proven, reliable package with excellent fuel economy in both city and highway conditions, and Honda’s ownership experience is among the best in the segment. It is also a car you can realistically keep for 15 years without major concerns.The Mahindra BE6 is an interesting EV, and at 12,500km a year and EV would prove to be economical. However, with significant highway usage, charging infrastructure, and long-distance planning, you may not want to add complexity.The City Hybrid gives you the best of both worlds: low running costs, strong reliability and no charging concerns. It is the most sensible long-term choice for your usage pattern.

Honda City

Mahindra BE 6

autocar.india

•2d

Given your usage pattern of 2,500-3,000 km per month, with a 50:50 city-highway split and a strong touring habit, the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack 2 is the better fit. The larger 79kWh battery gives you a more comfortable real-world range buffer for your 800 km leisure trips, reducing charging anxiety. This Mahindra car also offers a third-row seat, which will come in handy when you travel with your extended family. The Tata Sierra EV AWD is more stylish and eye-catching, and it is thrillingly quick too. The AWD system adds an extra level of safety in poor weather and also gives the Sierra a better off-road capability. This Tata car also packs in plenty of cool features and has a strong wow factor. However, its two-row seating layout will not work for you when you have seven passengers.Go for the XEV 9S, as it is the more practical and well-rounded choice for your requirements.

Mahindra XEV 9S

Tata Sierra EV

autocar.india

•2d

The Tata Sierra EV is a very different proposition from your Ignis, and the weight you felt is a natural consequence of both its size and its construction. This Tata car is a significantly larger and more premium vehicle, and the battery pack itself adds considerable weight. That said, the Sierra EV is on the heavier side but is not unusually heavy for its class.On the question of whether such a robust build is necessary, it is important to understand that safety is not just about ADAS. While ADAS systems can help avoid accidents, it is the fundamental structure of the car that protects occupants when an accident does occur. A strong body shell, well-engineered crumple zones, and a rigid passenger cell are still critical elements of crash safety. That said, there is a trade-off. Heavier cars do consume more energy, whether petrol, CNG or electricity. Manufacturers are constantly working to optimise weight, but safety standards and battery technology set certain minimums. The Sierra EV is a safe, comfortable, and premium family electric car, but if you are particularly sensitive to weight and efficiency, you may want to consider slightly smaller EVs as well. Ultimately, the Sierra EV’s weight is not a flaw; it is a reflection of its priorities and its segment.

Tata Sierra EV