So far, we have seen five new EVs launch this year, showcasing growth in the Indian electric car market. And there are more coming. Here are three EVs to look forward to before the year ends.
1. Mahindra XEV 9S
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Mahindra is all set to launch its first-ever 3-row e-SUV on November 27. Called the XEV 9S, the SUV is built on the INGLO platform that also underpins the XEV 9e and BE 6. The automaker has not yet confirmed the powertrain specifications, but expect the SUV to come with the same 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs as the XEV 9e and BE 6. In the latter, the larger battery pack’s ARAI-rated range is up to 656km. The XEV 9S features a fascia similar to that of the XEV 9e, with a sleek, connected LED light bar replete with triangular LED headlamps.
Teasers have confirmed that the XEV 9S’s interior will also be similar to that of the XEV 9e. Features such as a triple-screen setup, a Harman Kardon speaker system, a powered driver’s seat with memory function, a panoramic sunroof, sliding middle-row seats and a boss mode to adjust the front seat for more space will be part of the package. Also, expect the XEV 9S to come with front ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery and Level 2 ADAS. The XEV 9S has no direct rival. The Kia Carens Clavis EV and BYD eMax 7 offer three rows of seats but are MPVs.
2. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
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Maruti is finally making its EV debut in India with the e Vitara SUV on December 2. The e Vitara will be available with a choice of two powertrains – a 144hp 49kWh battery pack with a 2WD setup and a claimed range of 344km (WLTP) and a 174hp 61kWh battery pack with a 2WD setup and a claimed range of 428km (WLTP). Expect versions with the 61kWh battery to have an ARAI-rated range of over 500km.
The e Vitara gets rugged looks with LED headlamps and tail-lamps, beefy side cladding and aero-styled wheels. On the inside, there’s a dual-screen setup for the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The car comes with features such as keyless entry, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a powered driver seat, ADAS, an Infinity-branded audio system, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We’ve also reviewed the e Vitara in the UK.
3. Tata Sierra EV
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After launching the ICE-powered Sierra on November 25, Tata will debut the Sierra EV later this year. However, a price announcement for the all-electric Sierra is expected early next year. While there’s no confirmation on the battery packs for the Sierra EV, these will likely be the same as the Curvv EV (55kWh) and Harrier EV (65kWh).
Tata has revealed the production-spec Sierra EV’s exterior through teasers. Compared to its ICE-powered sibling, there aren’t major changes in terms of proportions, but its fascia gets a different treatment with a closed-off body-coloured grille instead of a gloss-black finish. Both Sierra models get similar headlight and tail-light setups. Expect the EV to have the same feature set as the ICE version, including an ADAS suite, a panoramic sunroof, a JBL-branded audio system, front ventilated seats, and more. Like the e Vitara, the Sierra EV will go against the likes of the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV and Mahindra BE 6.
