The Top 5: Most Affordable Electric Cars Under 10 Lakh

The journey of electric cars from being a concept to now being on the verge of replacing conventional vehicles faced a plethora of challenges. Two of the most important challenges were range and cost which made them pale in comparison to their ICE counterparts. While the year 2022 saw the rise of electric cars, the year 2023 is set to take the electric cars market to the next level, making electric cars affordable and improving their range.

Thanks to technology upgrades and government subsidies, many of the challenges have been taken care of. The upcoming electric cars are now accommodating more features, stylish, and comparatively longer range before the need for a charge.

Electric vehicles are generally seen as costly alternatives to ICE vehicles. However, the cost factor is also seeing progress with the brands now manufacturing electric options not just for the rich but for the masses as well.

Here, we look at the top 5 most affordable electric cars – under Rs 10 Lakh – in the market right now.

#1 Strom R3

Price: Rs 4.5 lakh onwards

Strom R3 has made quite the news for its affordability and unique approach to the concept. The three-wheeled and two-seater EV is priced at only Rs 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Its size is merely confined in the dimensions measuring 2,915mm in length, 1,510mm in width, and 1,545mm in height. There are hexagonal-shaped doors on either side, as the cabin stands on two wheels at the front and one at the rear.
Strom-R3 is powered by a single 15kW electric motor, while it comes in three Li-ion battery configurations claiming 120, 160 or 200 kilometres of range. It also comes in three driving modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport.

Though its cheap cost makes it one of the most affordable electric cars, its unique shape steals the show. The Mumbai-based company has already received bookings for 165 of these unique electric cars.

#2 PMV EaS-E

Price: Rs 4.7 lakh

EaS-E is developed by an Indian Startup PMV Electric. ‘EaS-E’ (pronounced as Easy) is an acronym for ‘Eco-friendly and Sustainable Electric’ vehicle. Like Strom R3, the 4-wheeler Quadricycle is also a micro electric car measuring 2915 mm in length, 1157 mm in width, and 1600 mm in height. The car has cool technical features like remote parking assistance, cruise control, remote keyless entry, electronically controlled mirrors, LCD digital instrument cluster, etc.

The EV is powered by a 10 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery coupled with a 15 kW (20 bhp) PMSM electric motor. It can achieve a top speed of 70 kmph. It will come in three range variants varying from 120 km to 200 km per charge, depending on the variant. It gets fully charged in less than 4 hours from a regular household outlet. All these features come just at a price of around Rs 4.7 lakh (ex-showroom).

#3 Tata Tiago.ev

Price: Rs 8.49 lakh onwards

Tata Tiago.ev is an EV variant of its popular hatchback Tata Tiago. The EV became the first premium hatchback to be offered as an EV in India. Tiago.ev offers multiple combinations of IP67-rated battery packs (water and dust resistant).

The car can deliver a range of 315 km for its 24kWh battery pack variant and 250km for its 19.2kWh battery pack. It also comes with four different charging solutions – 15A plug point for hassle-free – anywhere anytime- charging; a standard 3.3kW AC charger; a 7.2kW AC home fast charger which can add 35kms range with just 30min of charging and a full-charge in just 3 hr 36 mins; and, DC fast charging which can add  of range with just 30mins of charging and can charge 10- 80 per cent in just 57 mins.

The hatchback comes at introductory prices starting at just Rs 8.49 lakh (All India – Ex-showroom).

#4 Tata Xpres-T EV

Price: Rs 9.54 Lakh onwards

In July 2021, Tata Motors launched the XPres brand, exclusively for fleet customers and the XPRES-T EV is the first vehicle under this brand. The Xpres-T electric sedan comes with two range options of 213km and 165km, powered by 21.5 kWh and 16.5 kWh batteries, and can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 90 mins and 110 mins, respectively.

Other product highlights include single-speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across variants. Tata Xpres-T electric cars are tagged at minimum price of Rs 9.54 Lakh and go up to Rs 10.64 Lakh.

#5 Citroen e-C3

Expected Price: Rs 8.49-11.79 lakh (ex-showroom)

While it is still not launched in India, Citroen e-C3 is set to become one of the most affordable electric cars on its launch in India in January 2023. It will be an affordable, entry-level electric car that may come at a price range of Rs 8.49-11.79 lakh; a direct competition to Tata Tiago EV. The company will use a battery capacity of 30.2kWh and will feature a single electric motor delivering power worth 63kW. The C3 electric is expected to offer a range of 200 km – 250 km on a single charge.