Every electric SUV mentioned on this list comes with a claimed range figure. However, for those looking to buy one of these EVs, their real-world range will matter more than what their respective brochures carry. We rank the top 5 electric SUVs in India that are priced under Rs 30 lakh, from the lowest to the highest range based on our testing in real-world conditions.
5. Tata Sierra EV AWD
Real-world range: 437km
The Tata Sierra EV AWD has the lowest range of any car on this list, but it still managed a combined range of 437km. Its 75kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack powers two electric motors, a 140hp front unit and a 209hp rear unit, for a combined torque of 504Nm. While the claimed MIDC range is 624km, the Sierra EV AWD covered 438km in the city and 437km on the highway in our tests, which works out to a combined real-world average of 5.83km/kWh. The AWD version is only offered in the top-spec ‘Empowered A’ trim, which is priced at Rs 25.99 lakh.
4. MG Hector Tomahawk EV
Real-world range: 446km
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV comes in fourth, managing a combined range of 446km. Its 69.2kWh LFP battery pack powers a single front-mounted motor that outputs 204hp and 310Nm. While its claimed MIDC range is 517km, the Hector Tomahawk EV’s city range was 495km and highway range was 397km in our tests, which works out to a combined real-world average of 6.44km/kWh. Both its city range and combined efficiency figures are the highest of any SUV on this list. The Hector Tomahawk EV is priced between Rs 20.25 lakh and Rs 24.25 lakh.
3. Mahindra BE 6
Real-world range: 449km
The Mahindra BE 6 gets the same 79kWh battery pack and 286hp electric motor as the XEV 9e and XEV 9S. We tested the BE 6 Pack Three with a claimed ARAI range of 682km. When we put it through its paces, the BE 6 averaged 439km in the city and 459km on the highway, which gave it a combined real-world range of 449km and an efficiency of 5.68km/kWh. Mahindra now calls this model the BE 6 Sporteq, with the ‘Pack Three’ having been renamed to ‘Pack Three+’. The BE 6 Pack Three+ with the 79kWh battery pack is priced at Rs 24.95 lakh.
2. Mahindra XEV 9e
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Real-world range: 456km
The Mahindra XEV 9e uses the same 79kWh battery pack and rear electric motor as the XEV 9S, and has a claimed MIDC range of 656km. In our tests, however, the XEV 9e Pack Three covered 425km in the city and 488km on the highway. This works out to a combined real-world range of 456km, averaging 5.78km/kWh. The ‘Pack Three’ with the 79kWh battery is priced at Rs 30.50 lakh.
1. Mahindra XEV 9S
Real-world range: 478km
Mahindra's three-row electric SUV tops this list. While the XEV 9S is offered with 59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh battery packs, we tested the range-topping ‘Pack Three Above’ with the 79kWh battery. Its rear-mounted motor produces 286hp and 380Nm, while the claimed MIDC range stands at 679km. In our tests, the XEV 9S covered 478km in the city and 477km on the highway, for a combined real-world range of 478km. Its combined efficiency of 6.05km/kWh is also the best among the three Mahindra EVs here. The XEV 9S Pack Three Above 79kWh is priced from Rs 29.95 lakh to Rs 30.15 lakh, depending on whether you pick the 6- or 7-seater option.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
