In fiscal year 2022-23, the EV (electric vehicle) sales crossed a 1 million mark in the country. A total of 1,152,021 units (including e-two-wheelers, e-three wheelers, e-four-wheelers and e-buses) were sold in FY 2023. The two-wheeler industry had the major sales contribution (62 percent) with sales of 726,976 units. Talking about the four-wheeler segment, a total of 39,562 units of electric passenger vehicles were retailed in FY 2023. In order to tap the growing EV market, several car manufacturers have planned new EVs across segments. The range will include all-new models and electric iterations of the existing popular models. Here’s a brief on India’s top 6 upcoming electric SUVs that will be based on their existing ICE (internal combustion engine) models.
Upcoming Electric SUVs
Tata Punch EV
The electric version of Tata’s second top-selling SUV – Punch – will hit roads in the second half of 2023 (possibly near festive season). One of the major upgrades will be made to its underpinning. The Tata Punch EV will be designed on the new Sigma platform that’s compatible to larger batteries. If reports are to be believed, the electric SUV could be offered with the 26kWh and 30.2kWh battery packs, sourced from the Tiago EV and Nexon EV respectively. The micro SUV will receive a few EV-specific design changes such as a closed-off front grille, revised bumpers, blue highlights and newly-designed alloy wheels. More details here…
Hyundai Creta EV
The South Korean automaker has stated testing the Hyundai Creta EV that’s reported to go on sale in early 2025. Codenamed SU2i EV, the model will be put up against Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming eVX electric SUV. The spy images reveal that the electric SUV will look similar to its ICE counterpart. Though, a few cosmetic changes are expected to made. While there is no information on its powertrain, the Creta EV is likely to source it from the Kona EV. The Hyundai Kona EV is currently available with a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor generating power worth 136bhp and 395Nm of torque. More details here…
Mahindra XUV700 EV
Mahindra’s popular XUV700 SUV will come with an electric powertrain towards the end of 2024. The model will be introduced under the company’s new XUV.e sub-brand. Reports suggest the electric SUV will feature a battery pack up to 80kWh and AWD (all-wheel drive) system. Its power figure will be around 230bhp – 350bhp. The Mahindra XUV700 EV will be longer (by 45mm), wider (by 10mm) and taller (by 5mm). In fact, its wheelbase will also be longer (by 7mm). The XUVe.8 will underpin Mahindra’s new INGLO modular platform and sport a closed-off front grille, bumper mounted headlamps, a sharply designed bonnet, full-width LED light bars and angular stance. More details here…
Kia Carens EV
Kia Carens electric MPV is reported to be under development. Its heavily camouflaged test mule was recently caught on camera in South Korea. Its production ready version is likely to hit roads sometime in 2025. The carmaker will make some EV-specific design changes to the MPV including differently designed front grille and alloy wheels. It will share its platform and powertrain with the Hyundai Creta EV. More details here…
Tata Harrier/Safari EV
Tata Motors will bring in electric versions of its popular Harrier and Safari SUVs in coming years. While the Harrier EV was showcased in its concept avatar at this year’s Auto Expo, the Safari EV was caught testing in the country. The Harrier EV will be built on Tata’s new Sigma (Gen 2) platform and come with AWD system, Vehicle-to-load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities. Its powertrain setup is likely to include a battery capacity of around 60kWh and promise a range of around 400-500km. The final production version of the SUVs likely to stay true to the concept. More details here…
