5 Electric Cars Indian Ministers Should Consider Over Petrol/Diesel Vehicles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a major austerity programme to reduce the consumption of fuel, amidst the ongoing West Asia crisis. The government has requested citizens and its ministers alike to conserve fuel, as elevated global cruise oil prices and supply concerns have burdened the state exchequer. As a response, ministers have been asked to reduce their vehicle convoy by 50 per cent, while some ministers and senior bureaucrats were seen swapping their cars for two-wheelers and bicycles in a bid to drive home the point. That said, a faster reduction in fuel consumption can be, switching to electric vehicles, and we have compiled five EVs that would just do the job more efficiently.

1. Tata Nexon EV

The Nexon EV is one of the most popular-selling electric vehicles in the country, and should be one of the most obvious choices for ministers and bureaucrats, looking for an EV in their garage. The Nexon EV is already a part of several government agencies, and it’s super practical with a claimed range of 489 km (MIDC I+II)  on the 45 kWh battery pack. The SUV body style makes it practical for Indian conditions, while the cabin is feature-packed when compared to some of the utilitarian ICE options available. Moreover, the Nexon is a competitively priced EV, which helps reduce the burden on the state exchequer.

2. MG Windsor Pro

Another super practical electric vehicle on sale, the MG Windsor Pro makes for a good choice for those looking at frequent intra-city trips. The spacious cabin and big boot make it super comfortable, coupled with those well-cushioned seats, while the tall stance ensures there is ample room to seat four comfortably. The Pro version adds features such as ADAS, ventilated seats, and a bigger 52.9 kWh battery pack, which offers a range of 449 km (ARAI) on a single charge. That’s good enough to tackle commutes for about a week in the real world.

3. VinFast VF 7

The VinFast VF 7 arrives as a value-friendly option for minister saab and his team, when looking for a cost-effective EV. The VF 7 scores big on space measuring over 4.5 metres in length, which makes for a spacious second row. It’s also loaded on the feature front, and gets a powerful motor with AWD that’s quick as well. The battery capacity is an impressive 70.7 kWh, which offers a range of 510 km (ARAI), just enough for a field day when out on official business.

4. Tata Harrier EV RWD

The Tata Harrier EV is a great alternative to the Toyota Fortuner, the latter being a favourite among politicians, political affiliation notwithstanding. The Harrier EV has the same imposing stance, and powerful road presence, without the diesel clatter. You can have the Harrier EV in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (QWD), which makes it super capable across a variety of terrain. But for those looking to maximise range without compromising on comfort or features, it makes more sense to get the RWD version that offers a maximum of 627 km (ARAI) from its 75 kWh battery. Another bonus for the Harrier EV is that it looks great in white, which makes the red siren, a literal cherry on top.

5. Mahindra XEV 9S

And finally, the Mahindra XEV 9S should be a super pick for political leaders wanting to make the switch to electric propulsion during the West Asia crisis. The 79 kWh battery pack is huge and offers 679 km (ARAI) on a single charge. The cabin is well-appointed with premium materials and an array of advanced features to keep you company. Moreover, the XEV 9S gets captain seats in the second row, making it quite comfortable over long distances. The old-school SUV stance also helps the XEV 9S blend better on roads over the 9e, which would resonate with some of our politicos going about their business.