I have been using an i20 for almost 14 years now, and I’m quite satisfied with its ownership experience and service quality. I’m now planning to upgrade to an EV, with a strict on-road budget of Rs 25 lakh. My monthly running would be around 850- 1,000 km, mostly within the city. Since my parents would accompany me on almost 40% of my trips, easy ingress and egress, along with a comfortable ride quality, are important to me. I’m looking for a reliable EV with good efficiency and a real-world range of 400+km. I have been considering the Creta Electric Executive LR and Smart LR, while some of my friends have suggested that I also look at the Mahindra BE 6. What would you recommend based on my requirements? I’d appreciate an expert opinion on which EV would be the better choice for me.

autocar.india

•1d

Hyundai will launch the next-gen Creta (ICE) early next year which is likely to be a bit larger than the outgoing version, have a new design language inside and out, and get more modern features. Alongside, the Creta Electric, which will be three years into its lifecycle by then, will also receive a major update, possibly with better range and quicker charge times. However, the launch date of the updated Creta Electric is still uncertain. So if you can defer your purchase, it could be worth waiting for.Overall, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a sensible, well-rounded EV. It delivers healthy range despite its smaller battery (compared to larger rivals), and recently after a recent update, its DC fast charging capability has significantly improved too. You won't go wrong even if you purchase the car now. As an added advantage, you might just avail a great deal due to the on-going festive discounts.

Hyundai Creta Electric

autocar.india

•2d

Based on your requirements, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a solid choice. With a 2,500 km monthly running and home charging available, an EV makes strong financial sense, and the Creta Electric stands out for its comfort, refinement and ease of ownership. The front seats are well-cushioned with good lumbar support, the driving position is comfortable for taller drivers, and the suspension is well-tuned for both city and highway use. The cabin is quiet, the ride is comfortable, and the overall driving experience is relaxed and effortless, which will significantly reduce fatigue compared to your Baleno. Running costs are low, maintenance is minimal, and Hyundai's service network is strong. The Creta also offers a spacious rear seat and a practical boot, making it suitable for occasional family trips. If you prefer a petrol option, the Kia Seltos 1.5 IVT automatic is the best alternative. It offers excellent seat comfort, an efficient engine, and a comfortable ride, but the Creta Electric is the better long-term ownership proposition given your usage pattern.

Hyundai Creta Electric

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•22h

With 4,000km a month, your running is extremely high, so low running costs become the top priority. The question is, do you have reliable home charging. If the answer is yes, then an EV is your best bet, with running costs being around Re 1 per km.Within your Rs 16 lakh on-road budget your best options are the MG Windsor EV Excite 38kWh, Kia Syros EV HTK Plus 42kWh and Nexon EV Creative 45kWh. Out of these, the MG Windsor is the biggest car with the roomiest cabin and largest boot. With a 38kWh battery, its real-world range will be the lowest between 260-310km. The Kia Syros EV is a surprisingly spacious EV, with high quality interiors, a sophisticated ride-handling balance and smooth, zippy performance. Its motor is very efficient, hence you can expect 320-340km of range. If you don't mind the way it looks, this is an EV you must seriously consider.The Tata Nexon EV has the largest battery pack and its real-world range of around 350km is the most too. It has been around for a while, and over the years, Tata has polished it and ironed out most inconsistencies, making it a mature offering.

Tata Nexon EV

MG Windsor

Kia Syros EV