Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting momentum in the Indian market. In order to tap the emerging segment, several car manufacturers have planned new electric cars that will arrive in the next 2-3 years. Here’re details of the upcoming electric cars from India’s top automakers including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata and Mahindra
MARUTI SUZUKI EV
As of now, Maruti Suzuki aims to improve its technology for CNG and hybrid cars to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The Indo-Japanese carmaker confirmed that it will enter into the electric vehicle sector “at an appropriate time” as market penetration of EVs in India is limited by operational cost.
The Maruti WagonR based EV, which was spotted testing multiple times, could be the first electric launch from the company. While there is no official information on its market launch, the model is likely to hit roads in the next 2-3 years. The Maruti WagonR EV is reported to support both standard AC and DC fast charging system.
HYUNDAI SMALL EV
The South Korean automaker is planning to roll out a new pure electric car by mid 2023. The model is reported to come under Hyundai’s brands. BorgWarner, Hyundai Motor Group’s electric powertrain partner, will supply a new integrated electric drive module for the new model that includes an electric motor and gearbox into on bolt-in unit.
The new e-powertrain is said to save space and weigh lighter than the conventional electric setup. Measuring around 3.5 or 3.7 metres in length, the new Hyundai small electric car will feature an 181bhp electric motor along with a modular inverter. It will be especially developed for developing markets including India and is estimated to cost under Rs 10 lakh.
TATA ALTROZ EV
Tata Altroz EV, which was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, is likely to hit showrooms sometime next year. For power, the electric hatchback will use the brand’s Ziptron electric powertrain that does duty in the Nexon EV and TIgor EV.
However, the battery size and power output might vary. The Altroz EV is reported to provide a range of 250km-300km on a single charge. Its battery pack might take 60 minutes to be juiced up to 80% with DC fast charging and 8 hours to get fully charged via standard power socket. Similar to the Nexon EV, it will carry Blue highlights on the exterior and feature ZConnect app. Prices of the Tata Altroz EV will be under Rs 10 lakh.
MAHINDRA EKUV100
Mahindra eKUV100 is slated to arrive in early 2022. Recently, its production-ready model was caught on camera during its test rounds that appears similar to the pre-production version. Though, the final model carries a differently designed grille with small arrow shaped insert, Blue highlights on headlamps and taillamps, new alloy wheels with Blue inserts and two flaps covering charging ports.
The electric mini SUV features a 15.9kWh battery pack delivering power to electric motor that’s good for 54.4bhp and 120Nm of torque. Mahindra says that the eKUV100 offers a range of up to 150km. The company is reportedly working on its long range version. It’s estimated to cost from Rs 9 lakh for the base variant to Rs 13 lakh for the top-end model.
MAHINDRA EXUV300
Mahindra & Mahindra will introduce the Tata Nexon EV rival sometime in 2023. Called the Mahindra eXUV300, the electric subcompact SUV will be the brand’s first model to underpin Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture (MESMA). It might be made available with standard and long range variants delivering range of around 200km and 375km respectively.
Rumour has it that the Mahindra XUV300 electric might also get a third battery pack option with even longer range. Most of the design elements are likely to be retained from the concept that was previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo. Though, the a few cosmetic updates and Blue highlights will differentiate it from the standard model.
