The Auto Expo is back after a break of three years. You can catch the excitement at Greater Noida. Electric cars seem to have stolen the limelight this year at the expo. With the craze for a new technology, rising pollution levels, growing awareness, and also the advantages including zero fuel cost as well as zero carbon footprint, many people flocked to the expo to have a glimpse of their dream cars. So, let’s have a look at the top 10 electric cars in India in 2023.
1. Hyundai
Hyundai’s Kona is an all-electric SUV in India with a price tag of approximately Rs.23-24 lakhs. The company is expected to launch its Ioniq 5 which is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform and the term IONIQ is a fusion of “ion” and “unique”. The E-GMP platform comprises of vehicle chassis that includes – a battery, motor, and power electric system. The battery system features an advanced battery pack offering a high range. Its bi-directional charging plug allows the high-voltage battery to power various electronic appliances. The car’s launch is expected to be in mid-2023 and it will cost you around Rs.45 lakhs. The company confirmed the launch dates of its two models, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
2. MG
MG is a leading car brand in India. The company got success in the electric car scenario with its MG ZS electric car with a price tag of its top model at Rs. 24.22 lakh, and is now all set to launch a compact electric car in January 2023. The new MG electric car will cater to the affordable car category competing with the likes of Tata Tiago and Tigor EVs in India. MG Air EV will be the smallest electric car in India measuring just 2,900 mm with a price tag of ~Rs.10 lakhs. It will also house a dual-display touchscreen infotainment system. MG Motor announced the launch of their MG 4 electric hatchback, in two variants with a - 51 kWh battery and 64 kWh battery. at the expo 2023.
3. Tata
Tata is a leading name when it comes to cars in India. Some of the leading Tata cars in the electric segment are Nexon EV Prime, Nexon EV Max, Tigor EV, and Tata Tiago. Indian automaker Tata Motors unveiled its Sierra concept electric SUV at Auto Expo 2023. The car is like a luxurious German SUV. Tata’s electric car, Tata Altroz EV is also expected to be launched in February 2023 and comes at an attractive price tag of Rs.12-15 lakhs. The car is expected to come with the same electric powertrain, power distribution unit, and battery pack as the other Tata EVs. The new Tata Altroz will also have connected car technology that will guide the driver to the nearest charging station when necessary.
4. Toyota
Toyota’s Camry hybrid car has been quite popular in India so far. The car comes with nickel metal hydride battery unlike the lithium-ion battery used by most electric car makers. Camry comes with exciting features like reclinable back seats, cruise control and three different driving modes. The car is available at a price tag of INR 31 lakhs in India. Toyota showcased its new bZ4x electric SUV at Auto Expo 2023 which is expected to be launched in April 2023 and is good enough for more than 550 kilometres of range.
5. BMW
BMW launched its i8 electric car in 2014. The car looks stunning and very elegant and come at a price of more than INR 2 crore in India. The electric car has a 1.5 litre petrol unit and a 7-kWh battery. BMW’s i8 can run at a speed of 120Km/h. The car is a huge success in India.
6. BYD
BYD is a Chinese automaker. The cars are gaining popularity in India and a few of them also made it to the BluSmart Cabs’ fleet in Delhi. BYD announced the launch of its Seal all-electric sedan in India during Auto Expo 2023. The car is expected to be launched in India in the second-half of 2023.
7. KIA
Kia Motors made it big with its Seltos sports utility vehicle launch in India and sold nearly 45,000 units within just four months of the launch. The company has a plant for building electric vehicles for the Indian market at its Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. During Auto Expo 2023, Kia showcased its EV9 all-electric SUV concept which is expected to go on sale globally in 2023.
8. Harrier
Another car unveiled by Tata was Harrier at the Auto Expo 2023. This is expected to come to the market in 2024.
Conclusion
The two factors that have made Indians reluctant in buying an electric car are its price and safety concerns. India is a price-sensitive market and hence car companies are trying their best to introduce cars that do not pinch the buyer. The price of an electric car seems high because of the high import prices of raw materials and batteries. If we can domestically master the production the prices will go down effectively. Other concerns around EVs include high upfront costs, range anxiety, and long refuelling time.
