In the burgeoning electric midsize SUV segment, the Mahindra BE 6 and Tata Curvv EV are among the top contenders. While the range-topping BE 6 Pack Three has an advantage over the top-spec Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 Dark in terms of battery size and ARAI range, the Tata is a whopping Rs 5.16 lakh cheaper than the Mahindra EV. Here, we see how close these EVs’ real-world range is to their ARAI figure and which one posts a higher battery efficiency in our rigorous and exhaustive mileage tests.
Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Curvv EV specifications and price
BE 6 Pack Three offers more range and performance than Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 Dark
| Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Curvv EV specifications and price | ||
|---|---|---|
| BE 6 Pack Three | Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 | |
| Battery (kWh) | 79 | 55 |
| Drive layout | RWD | FWD |
| Max power (hp) | 286 | 167 |
| Max torque (Nm) | 380 | 215 |
| ARAI range (km) | 683 | 502 |
| 7.2kW charging speed (hours) | 11.7 | 7.9 |
| DC charging speed (minutes) | 20 (180kW) | 40 (70kW) |
| Price (in Rs, lakh) | 27.40* | 22.24 |
*Includes Rs 50,000 cost for 7.2kW charger and its installation
These homegrown e-SUVs are specced quite differently. The Mahindra, a born-EV, has an advantage in battery size (24kWh), output (119hp and 165Nm) and ARAI-rated range (181km). The Curvv EV’s 55kWh battery charges nearly 4 hours quicker on a 7.2kW AC charger than the BE 6 due to its smaller size. On the other hand, the Mahindra’s battery is capable of a DC charging speed of up to 180kW, which helps it post a claimed fast charging time that’s twice as quick as that of the Tata EV. Do note that a 7.2kW AC charger and its installation are included in the Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 Dark’s price but cost Rs 50,000 extra with the BE 6 Pack Three variant, which is priced at Rs 26.90 lakh.
Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Curvv EV real world range
Curvv EV is more efficient than BE 6, but Mahindra has longer real world range
| Mahindra BE 6 vs Tata Curvv EV real world range and efficiency | ||
|---|---|---|
| BE 6 Pack Three | Curvv EV Empowered+ A 55 | |
| Tested city range (km) | 438 | 371 |
| Tested highway range (km) | 459 | 358 |
| Tested overall range (km) | 449 | 365 |
| Tested battery efficiency (km/kWh) | 5.68 | 6.64 |
The Mahindra BE 6’s larger 79kWh battery pack holds it in good stead in our real-world range tests, as it posted a combined figure of 449km; it is a significant 234km short of the ARAI range. Meanwhile, our real-world Curvv EV 55 tests showed the battery managed to go a combined average of 365km on a single charge, which is 137km short of the number Tata and ARAI claim.
On the other hand, the Tata’s battery is more efficient than Mahindra’s, as each kWh of energy could propel the Curvv EV 6.64km. The BE 6’s 79kWh unit posted an efficiency figure of just 5.68km/kWh due to its higher kerb weight and more powerful 286hp, 380Nm motor, which drains more energy from the battery.
Autocar India’s range testing
Before our real-world range test, the battery of our test car is fully charged, and we maintain tyre pressures as recommended by the manufacturer. The car is driven in a fixed loop in the city and on the highway, and we maintain certain average speeds. In the end, we calculate the range based on the percentage of charge consumed. Throughout our test, the climate control is set at 22deg C, the fan speed is set to auto, and other electricals, such as the audio system, lights and ventilated front seats (if equipped), are used when required, just like how a regular user would. We take pride in our testing data, which isn’t just consistent but also gives users an accurate indication of what they can expect in the real world.
