The Top 5: Upcoming EVs of 2022 for India

Recording a 168 percent increase in sales in 2021 over a year earlier, the Indian EV market is hyped up for a record 2022.

As more and more Indian car manufacturers join the bandwagon for new battery-operated vehicles, it is also notable to see the ones that are still staying out, like market leader Maruti Suzuki. Last year, Indian EV market saw an influx of big additions like the BMW iX, Porsche Taycan, Tata Tigor EV. EV infrastructure, one of the reasons cited by Suzuki to stay out for now is also improving gradually. That, and the issue of price in a cost sensitive market.

However, India’s ever-expanding issue of pollution, NDCs to fight it back, especially in the capital city of Delhi, and other factors, like rising fuel prices, also provide an incentive for a faster EV adoption in one of the biggest markets of the world. More options, better for the consumers.

Here’s a list of the 5 best upcoming EVs in 2022 in India.

#1 Tata Altroz EV

Expected launch – First Half of 2022

Estimated Price – INR 12-15 lakh

Tata Altroz EV is the premium hatchback that could be the first prodigious model to arrive. First showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the EV will be built on the company’s new Agile Light Advanced (ALFA) platform. After the success of the Nexon EV, Tata is set to make Altroz follow the same suit. Moreover, Tata Altroz EV could have the same battery pack that is currently used in the Nexon EV.

Further, the driving range may cross the 300km mark. With five passengers as its seating capacity, the estimated cost is INR 12-15 Lakh.

#2 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Expected Launch – First Half of 2022

Estimated Price – INR 50-55 lakh

Due to the semiconductor shortage, its arrival, in 2021, got delayed. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is equipped with a 78-kWh battery pack which offers a range of up to 418 km on a single charge as per the WLTP cycle. Its powerful powertrain provides it with one of the finest accelerations. The SUV can sprint from 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds, all the way up to a top speed of 180kmph.

Just like regular XC40, the XC40 Recharge is also a product of the company’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. Barring a few visual markings that signify its electric nature, the rest of the elements are similar to the XC40.

#3 Tata Tiago EV

Expected Launch – Mid of 2022

Estimated Price – INR 7-8 lakh

Another one from Tata Motors, Tata first showcased Tiago EV alongside the Tigor EV at the Auto Expo event. Except for its electric charging setup and a battery-powered mechanism, the Tiago EV looks identical to its regular fuel-powered versions. For its electric segment, Tata Motors is working with UK-based Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC).

Tiago EV will offer a similar powertrain as the Tigor EV. However, it might undercut Tiago EV in terms of pricing. Further, the EV may be expected to give a range of up to 310km on a single charge. Thus, in all, Tata Tiago is likely to be another budget-friendly car, pricing somewhere around INR 5-7 Lakh. It may very soon hit the road with a possible launch somewhere in the middle of 2022.

#4 Hyundai Kona Facelift

Expected Launch – Mid of 2022

Estimated Price – INR 24-26 lakh

Hyundai Kona Electric was already launched in July 2019 in India. It was the first electric vehicle in India from Hyundai. The Kona Electric was then globally updated with a mid-life facelift in November 2020. This Facelift model is expected to be launched in the Indian market sometime in 2022. While the side profile and rear remain mostly the same, the facelifted model comes with a far lesser body cladding than its predecessor.

Offering two variants, the Kona Electric gets its power from a 39.2-kWh battery and a 136hp motor for a 304km range, or a 64kWh battery and a 204hp motor for a 483km range. Further, the electric SUV may have a price label of around Rs 24-26 lakhs.

#5 Tesla Model 3

Expected Launch – Mid of 2022

Estimated Price – INR 70-90 lakh

The global EV leader may finally set foot in the Indian market in 2022. With some Model 3 even seen testing in India, this year could be the first time Tesla officially launches its most selling model in the country.

Globally, the Tesla Model 3 comes in four battery options – 54kWh, 62kWh, 75kWh, and 82kWh. The model has a fascinating range of 354kms to 523kms on a full charge. With a seating capacity of five, it may be marked somewhere between INR 70-90 lakh in India.