It isn’t rocket science predicting the future to be electric, and that includes every single commuter around us. Urban mobility, as things stand today, isn’t too far off; in fact it already exists. A number of manufacturers have already launched their EVs in India, and the market is growing gradually but steadily. What’s left to be seen is how quickly the infrastructure to support electric mobility will take shape. As of today, the number of EVs are limited on our roads, compared to combustion-engined cars, but the current choices of EVs is much better than what it was five years ago. So while buyers slowly begin to swap conventional fuel cars for EVs, we shortlist three of the best electric cars that are available on the market as of today.
1) Tata Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon is the first vehicle in the compact SUV segment to get electric power. The SUV has a range of 312kms. It comes with features like an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-compatible 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, keyless entry and go, power adjustable and folding mirrors, a 7.0-inch colour MID, an eight-speaker Harman-sourced speaker system, LED DRLs and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. It also gets ZConnect which boasts of 35 features. The Nexon EV comes with the manufacturer’s Ziptron electric tech. It gets a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery back that powers the motor mounted on the front axle. It makes 127bhp and 245Nm of torque, allowing the Nexon EV to sprint from 0-100kph in 9.9 seconds. The Nexon EV will take about an hour to charge up to 80% with the help of a CCS2-compatible DC fast charger, while a standard 15A AC charger will take 9 hours to charge the battery completely. It also gets a 5-year extended warranty pack. Customers will also have access to 300 DC fast chargers. The Nexon EV can be separated from the regular Nexon by noticing its blue highlights.
2) MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 141bhp and 353Nm of torque, with power being channeled to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. The ZS EV gets a 44.5kWh, liquid-cooled battery that can manage a range of 340kms. Its lithium-ion battery is IP-67 certified and features three drive modes and three levels of regenerative braking. The ZS EV can sprint from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds. Range anxiety won’t be a cause of concern as MG dealerships will have 50kW DC fast chargers installed, which can charge the battery up to 80% in a little under an hour. However, customers will have access to this facility only for a limited period, after having purchased the vehicle. Features include 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, automatic projector headlights with LED DRLs, power adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry/go, hill-descent control, rear parking camera and sensors, 6 airbags, ABS, ESC and hill-start assist.
3) Hyundai Kona EV
The Hyundai Kona EV is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 134bhp and 395Nm of torque. It gets a 39.2kWh lithium-ion battery that gives the SUV a range of 452kms. This battery pack can be charged up to 100% in a little less than an hour with the help of a 50kW DC fast charger, while an AC source will charge it in 6 hours. The Kona EV can sprint from 0-100kph in 9.7 seconds. Features include paddle-shifters, three drive modes, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered sunroof, heated wing mirrors and leather steering, head-up display, traction control, hill-start assist, rear camera, ABS with EBD, 6 airbags and electric parking brake. The Kona does not have a conventional grille like other cars, there are no exhausts, it gets body cladding all around and sleek LED headlamps.