The electric vehicle (EV) sales in India have been on a consistent rise. In October 2023, 7,210 electric four-wheelers were sold, marking a significant increase from the 63,969 units in September. Car manufacturers are keen to capitalize on this growing trend and are expanding their EV product portfolio. Several popular internal combustion engine (ICE) cars are also making the transition to electric. Let’s take a closer look at these upcoming electric cars.
Mahindra Thar/Scorpio/XUV700
Mahindra & Mahindra has confirmed its intent to introduce electric versions of the popular Thar, Scorpio, and XUV700 SUVs. These electric SUVs, anticipated to arrive in the next 2-3 years, are based on the modified INGLO-P1 dedicated EV platform. They will sport a battery pack ranging from 60-80kWh, offering a substantial range of 400km-450km. Design-wise, the Thar.e and XUV.e8 will exhibit subtle variations from their ICE counterparts, with the Mahindra Scorpio EV drawing inspiration from the Mahindra Global Pik Up concept.
Tata Harrier/Safari/Punch
Tata Motors is set to launch the Punch.ev by the end of this year, followed by the Harrier.ev and Safari.ev in the next two years. These forthcoming EVs promise a remarkable range of over 500km on a single charge and will incorporate EV-specific design elements. Tata also plans to expand its charging infrastructure along highways by installing charging points at fuel outlets of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Hyundai Creta/Exter
The Hyundai Creta and Exter SUVs, known for their market success, are currently undergoing initial testing for their electric variants. The Creta EV is expected to hit the market in early 2025, equipped with the Kona EV’s 100kW permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery. The Hyundai Exter EV aims to target the mass-market EV segment and compete with the upcoming Tata Punch.ev.
Honda Elevate
Honda Cars India has decided to skip the Elevate hybrid and, instead, introduce the Elevate EV in the next three years. While specific details about this electric SUV remain undisclosed, Honda’s focus is on expanding its SUV product portfolio, with plans to introduce five new models by 2030, including EVs.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR/Jimny
Maruti Suzuki’s ambitious plan involves introducing six new EVs by fiscal year 2030. Within this timeframe, the company aims for a mix of 60 percent ICE vehicles (including CNG, biogas, and ethanol mixed fuel), 25 percent hybrid electric vehicles, and 15 percent battery electric vehicles. The company has teased the possibility of an electric Jimny or Jimny-styled EV and a potential WagonR EV, targeting the entry-level EV segment.
Renault Kwid
Renault is set to broaden its product portfolio in India with nine new models over the next 2-3 years. This plan includes three facelifts (Kwid, Kiger, and Triber) and a range of EVs, including the Kwid EV. Interestingly, the Renault Kwid EV is already available as the Dacia Spring EV in select global markets and is expected to make its way to Indian roads by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
