78th Independence Day: India Made Electric Cars Worth Considering

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the automotive industry continues to evolve, with a growing focus on sustainable transportation. Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional combustion engines. To mark this special occasion, we've compiled a list of the top five electric cars built right here in India from manufacturers like Tata to Citroën:

Citroën e-C3

Starting with the François offering, and also one of the affordable EVs in the market, the Citroën eC3 is not just built in India but also exported to ASEAN countries. This sub-compact electric SUV is available in just two variants with the base Feel variant priced at ₹12.76 lakh and the top Shine variant priced at ₹13.41 lakh. Like a typical Citroën, looking vibrant is embedded in the eC3’ DNA. Performance-wise, the eC3 is on the conservative end of things wherein it equips a 29.2 kWh battery that is good for an IDC-certified range of 320 km. Features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (not wireless though).

Tata Curvv.ev

The newly launched Tata Curvv.ev is hands down one helluva looker. Right from its sharp front end to that swooped-down C-pillar, down to those sleek tail lights. For doubters who would think that this is like a typical softroader SUV – for those naysayers, Tata took the Curvv.ev up to  a hill climb in Sandakhpu, showcasing the electric SUVs capability. Distributed across three broad trims, namely, Creative, Accomplished, and Empowered Plus – the Tata Curvv.ev can be had with either 45 kWh battery or a 55 kWh battery, depending upon the trim level. Tata has priced the Curvv.ev between ₹17.49 lakh to ₹21.99 lakh.  

Tata Nexon.ev

If you’d like the Tata Curvv.ev but find it too pricey, the Nexon.ev can live up to your expectations. As part of Tata’s ongoing design thematics, the Tata Nexon.ev also looks futuristic, and sharp, and with a price range between ₹14.49 lakh to ₹19.49 lakh, it’s much more affordable than the bigger Curvv.ev. Just like the latter, the Nexon.ev is also available with two battery pack options, 30 kWh and 40.5 kWh battery available with Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) nomenclatures. Additionally, there are 10 variants broadly divided into three trim levels, namely, Creative, Fearless, and Empowered. Therefore, the feature list is quite spread out, and there’s something for everyone. For a more detailed layout, check out our review of the same below:  

Tata Punch.ev

And if the Nexon.ev feels too expensive too, then Tata has the Punch.ev that starts from ₹10.99 lakh up to ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom). And unlike the Nexon.ev, the Punch.ev is more modern based on Tata’s latest Acti.ev scalable electric architecture that also underpins the Curvv.ev. Just like its bigger cousins, the Punch.ev is also available with the choice of two battery packs – 25 kWh and 35 kWh. The former is good for a 315 km MIDC-certified range, and the latter can do an MIDC-certified range of 421 km – plenty for city commutes and the occasional rendezvous. 

Mahindra XUV400

Lastly, if you want something more conventional-looking with an upright SUV stance, how about the Mahindra XUV400? Available in two main variants – EC Pro and EL Pro – the XUV400 is a direct rival to the Nexon.ev.  However, it’s 34.5 kWh and 39.5 kWh battery pack options are smaller than the Tata’s. Key features available inside include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.