Mahindra BE 6

If your commute is no more than 50km a day, then yes, an EV could be a good solution for you. It will certainly bring down your running costs compared to a petrol car. After-sales service is not an issue; in fact, EVs require far less maintenance and upkeep than ICE cars. It's mostly consumables - like brake pads - that get changed with subsequent services. 

However, what takes a hit is resale value, which for an EV is nowhere as strong as for an ICE car. As for charging infrastructure, it's always advised to have a charger installed at home or at work (or both) to reduce reliance on the public charging network. As it is still developing, and in some regions it is unreliable. 

In and around a big city like Hyderabad, however, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. You should, however, plot at least 2-3 charging options on any highway journey you make, as functionality and queues are potential hurdles. 

As for which EV to buy, none will give you quite the same thrill as a Volkswagen Virtus GT, especially in the same budget. But you can try out the Mahindra BE6 or the Vinfast VF6, both of which are fast and fun to drive, with a solid build.

The Hyundai Creta Electric is the most practical, sensible, and most sorted EV out of the options listed. It is practical, spacious, and it drives well too. Moreover, it is very efficient, hence you can expect over 400km of range without trying too hard. Since you are looking at a long-term buy, it is the Hyundai's ownership experience that's likely to be fuss-free.

The Tata Nexon EV 45's real-world range isn't likely to be as good as the Creta Electric's. The Mahindra BE 6 is the most radical option with excellent performance, battery and range. However, its user-experience is simply too complicated, its ergonomics are flawed, and backseat space isn't as good as the others.

Short-term resale values of EVs are not as good as those of ICE cars. However, since you are likely to hold on to your car for 10 years, resale should be the least of your concerns. 

Since you are looking for an EV for city use, the Hyundai Creta Electric is a good choice. While it isn't as powerful as the Mahindra BE 6 or Tata Harrier EV, performance is brisk and more than adequate for city conditions. 

The same holds true for its battery as well, which is the smallest (LR versions get a 51.4kWh battery pack) but delivers a comfortable 400km of real-world range in city driving. 

What makes the Creta Electric likeable and ideal for city use is its size. A Harrier EV is a full-size vehicle, while the BE6 is significantly wider. It means both can feel a bit cumbersome in congested confines. What also goes in favour of the Creta is that the tech onboard works as it's supposed to - free of glitches and errors. 

It’s good to know you have had a good experience with EVs and are ready to buy your next one. 

The Tata Sierra EV is unlikely to arrive before August next year, so you will have a long wait. If you like the Mahindra BE6, go for it. It has a striking design, drives really well and comes with a lot of features. 

The big negative is that the rear seat isn’t very comfortable, and you may want to wait for a new variant due in late January or early Feb 2026. It will get a three-screen infotainment system similar to the one in the XEV range

Yes, the Volkswagen Taigun is a lot of fun to drive, however if you are open to going electric, you could sell one and get an EV. That way, you will still have an internal combustion car for any occasional highway trips. 

Since both you and your wife's daily drive is within the city, either of you could use the EV, and range would not be an issue. Also, besides the lower running costs, you could also benefit from things like toll and parking fee waivers for EVs in certain cities. 

Consider the Hyundai Creta EV, which is a no-nonsense and practical car. However, if you do want a fun-to-drive electric, check out the Mahindra XEV 9S, or even the Mahindra BE6, which is very exciting to drive but has quite a few ergonomic issues.    

Opting for an electric SUV could be save you from a lot of uncertainties in the future around fuel mix, registration validity, etc., which might concern ICE vehicle owners. 

With a budget of Rs 20 lakh, the most sensible and trouble-free EV option is an entry-level Hyundai Creta Electric. If you want space, features and a fully-loaded car, the MG Windsor EV is also a good option to consider. 

The entry-level Mahindra BE 6 is a stand-out EV that also falls within your Rs 20 lakh budget.