Why the buzz around cheap EVs?
In the past, buying an electric car in India meant shelling out more than what many middle-class buyers were comfortable with. But things have shifted: battery costs have dropped, incentives have helped, and manufacturers are zeroing in on the truly budget segment. According to one guide, India now has several “affordable EVs under ₹10 lakh” with usable range and reasonable features.
On the flip side: charging infrastructure is still patchy, ranges aren’t massive compared to international EVs, and resale/maintenance dynamics are still evolving. So yes, it looks good — but you should still check carefully.
What you get (and what you compromise)
When you hunt for EV cars in India under 10 lakhs, here’s typically what you’ll find:
What you’ll likely get:
- Enough range for daily commutes and city trips (say 200-300 km) rather than long weekend drives. For example, the cheap hatchbacks in this bracket claim decent city range.
- Lower running costs: electricity is cheaper than petrol/diesel, fewer moving parts, less servicing.
- Smaller size = easier parking in cities, smaller maintenance budget.
What you may have to live with:
- Slightly fewer features than higher-priced models (maybe fewer luxury finishes or advanced tech).
- Charging at home may be essential; public fast-charging might not always be convenient.
- Possibly less space (if you pick a very compact hatch), or less “premium feel”.
- Resale value and network support may vary depending on the brand and model.
Top picks worth considering
Here are three of the stronger candidates in the EV cars in India under 10 lakhs segment (as of 2025) — each with its own angle.
1. Tata Tiago EV
This one often tops lists for affordability and practicality. It offers decent range (250–315 km claimed in MIDC cycle) and is from a known brand which helps with service backup.
If you live in a city, this feels very “normal car” — plug it in overnight, drive to work, pop to the mall — and you might never think too hard about the fact that it’s electric.
2. MG Comet EV
This is more the micro-EV/hatch style — smaller footprint, urban friendly. Price starts even lower in some cases.
It’s less “big family car” and more “smart city car” — so if you’re commuting, living in a tighter parking situation, or primarily urban, this might appeal.
3. Tata Punch EV (expected/near-launch)
This one is slightly on the threshold of ₹10 lakh (or just at it) and is more of an SUV/higher ride height option. According to listings, it stretches toward ₹9.99 lakh.
If you prefer a bit more space, a higher driving position, and don’t mind stretching the budget or waiting a little — this could be the compromise between “budget EV” and “roomy enough”.
What to check before you buy
Since this is a newer segment for many buyers, here are a few practical checks — like you’d do for any used gadget, but for your car.
- Real-world range: The claimed range (e.g., 250–300 km) might be under ideal conditions. In city stop-start traffic, AC on, you might get less.
- Home charging setup: Do you have a dedicated socket or charger at home? How many hours for full charge?
- Service & spares network: Especially if you live outside a metro – is the brand present nearby? Are batteries covered under warranty?
- Resale/support ecosystem: EVs are still evolving in India; consider how resale value or long-term support might be.
- Use case match: If you mostly drive around town, the budget EV is perfect. But if you have regular long highway trips, you might feel restricted.
- Incentives & state policy: Different states in India offer different incentives, subsidies or electricity-tariff benefits for EVs.
My take: Is this the “sweet spot”?
Yes — and no. If I were speaking to a friend considering this, I’d say: “Look, if your usage is city-centric, you’re looking at maybe 30-40 km a day, parking is tight, petrol/diesel costs are eating you — then yes, an EV car in India under ₹10 lakh absolutely makes sense. You’ll get the novelty of ‘electric’ + the budget sensibility.”
On the other hand, if your usage is mixed (highway + city), you travel out of town often, or you need big boot space and 7 seats — then you might want to stretch your budget a little more or wait for the next wave.
But for many first-time buyers, or families moving from two-wheeler to first car, or upgrading from an older petrol/auto — this is a very smart move. Also, knowing that eco-friendly isn’t just “for rich people” anymore gives a nice psychological boost.
FAQ
Q: Do EV cars in India under 10 lakhs have sufficient range?
For city use and daily commuting, yes — many models claim 200-300 km range and in urban driving you’ll likely see less than claimed, but still good enough.
Q: What about charging infrastructure?
It’s improving steadily, but still not as seamless as petrol/diesel. Ideally, you’ll have a home charger or access to workplace/public chargers if you buy a budget EV.
Q: Are these cars good for families?
It depends. Some are compact (like the hatchbacks) and great for small families. If you need more space or rear-seat comfort, pick the roomier budget EVs or wait for slightly larger models.
Q: Does the low price mean poor build or safety?
Not necessarily. Brands are increasingly taking safety seriously even in budget EVs. But as always, check variant, features (airbags, ESC, etc.) and reviews before you decide.
Q: Is maintenance cheaper?
Generally yes — fewer moving parts, no oil changes, less mechanical complexity. But battery health, software updates and brand servicing still matter. So “cheaper” doesn’t mean “free”.
Final thought
So, here’s where I land: If I were shopping today and had a budget up to ₹10 lakh, I’d strongly consider one of these affordable EVs. It feels like the tide has turned — you’re no longer forced to only look at petrol/diesel because EVs were “too expensive”. The door is open.
Yes, you’ll make trade-offs: maybe fewer features, maybe less range than a premium EV. But if you pick the model that matches your usage (city driving, daily commute, modest adult/family size) you’ll likely come away feeling pretty happy — about saving on running costs, cleaner driving and maybe the “cool” factor of being electric.
In my opinion, EV cars in India under ₹10 lakhs are no longer “entry-level luxo dreams” — they’re viable choices. If I were you, I’d go test-drive one this weekend and see how it fits your life. You might be pleasantly surprised.