My average running is approximately 2,000km per month. I want to buy a normal small-segment hatchback EV as a second car for the family, which can significantly reduce my running costs and offer better resale value.

autocar.india

•2h

For your requirements, we think you should go for the MG Windsor. It offers the most space within your budget, and since seating 5 is a priority, it is the best choice. Your budget won't get you the 'Pro' variant with the larger battery, but given your daily usage of 50-80km, the standard version is more than enough. Plus, you should be able to get the fully loaded Essence variant, with all the bells and whistles, in your budget.The Tata Nexon EV is your next best bet, and though not quite as spacious as the MG, it's got the softer suspension, and you and your passengers will appreciate the resultant comfort. It has a larger battery, so the real-world range will be higher, but given your usage, it shouldn't make much of a difference. The issue is you'll only get a mid-range variant in your budget, so you might have to give up a few features. The Punch EV is simply too cramped in the rear seat to be used as a regular five-seater, compared to these two.Whichever you choose, make sure you can have a home charger installed, as that's essential to running an EV as your only car.

MG Windsor

Tata Nexon EV

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•20h

Punch EV can do it, but only if the five aren’t all big adults and you pack light. For 100-150 km runs, it’s fine, especially in the Long Range version, because real highway range at steady speeds is roughly 250km with AC, so you won’t be hunting for a charger on a day trip.Where it strains is people and bags. The rear seat is narrow for three adults, so shoulders touch, and the middle passenger’s comfort fades after an hour or two. The boot will take weekend luggage for four easily, but five people’s 2-3 day bags will need some clever packing and ideally soft duffel bags.For a 2-3 day vacation, plan to charge at your hotel or at a reliable fast charger on the route. A quick top-up break of about 30-45 minutes is realistic, but outside major corridors, chargers can be patchy.If your family often travels five-up with big bags, this will feel cramped. If it’s mostly short trips, it’s okay.

Tata Punch EV

autocar.india

•1d

Get the Maruti Suzuki Fronx petrol. It fits under Rs. 15 lakh easily, is very easy to drive in the city, and gives good real-world mileage, so your running costs stay low without the fuss of CNG or charging. Maruti’s huge service network also keeps ownership simple for many years. The flip side is it isn’t very exciting to drive, and the rear isn’t the widest, but as a first, no-drama car, it just works.If your daily drive is mostly city and you have a private parking spot with power, an EV will save the most per km. Look at the Tata Tiago EV for the cheapest entry, or the Tata Punch EV for a more solid small SUV feel. If you do long highway trips or 1,000+ km a month, diesel makes sense - the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO diesels are the pick. If you only want rock-bottom fuel costs and don’t mind slower performance, CNG works - Maruti Wagon R CNG for city or Ertiga if you need 7 seats.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Punch EV

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO