LUXURY EV OPTIONS IN INDIA ALL SET TO GROW
Luxury segment is showing the way forward for electric mobility in India. With all eyes set on the entry of Tesla, some premium EVs are prepping to up the game
It may still be early days in India for electric vehicles (EVs) but reports of Tesla gearing up for its India debut has charged up the passenger vehicle space here. And while Tesla EVs may not be counted as luxury offerings in western countries, even the most affordable Model 3 may sit at a rather expensive price point in India which would squarely pit it against the luxury car makers such as Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Audi and Volvo. All of these have either already driven in an EV in India or are bringing one in. Now, therefore, may be the cornerstone moment for EVs in India with the luxury segment showing the way.
Note: Specifications of inbound EVs are subject to change for India models. Expected prices are indicative only.
Tesla Model 3
Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla in the world currently. It is priced at around $38,000 in the US (around ₹27 lakh). It is also the EV that is expected to announce Tesla’s entry to India but it is almost certain that the price of the EV here could be significantly higher due to taxes and levies, in excess of ₹60 lakh. Local assembly or production could bring the price down at a later stage, if it does happen at all. For the price, the standard range of Model 3 offers a percharge drive distance of around 400 kilometres.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
The XC40 is a popular offering from Volvo and its electric version — a first from the company — is also likely to find many takers. It may be the smallest of the luxury EVs listed here but may also be the most affordable at around ₹50 lakh to ₹55 lakh. The claimed range of the EV is 418 kilometres.
Mercedes EQC
The EQC is what really started it all in the luxury EV space in the Indian landscape. The first-ever all-electric Mercedes in India was launched in October of last year and promises a range of around 350 kilometres and a warranty of eight years on the battery pack. A price tag in excess of ₹1 crore means it is a rather exclusive offering.
Jaguar I-PACE
The I-PACE is one of the mostawarded EVs in the world and it has already touched down in India. Pre-launch bookings were opened back in November of last year. Equipped with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery, the I-PACE produces 294 kW and 696 Nm torque, helping it accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Expect a range of around 450 kilometres and a price tag that could be close to the EQC.
Audi e-tron
The e-tron may become the most-stylish looking luxury EV in the country when launched here. It is Audi’s first all-electric SUV and has a range of around 350 kilometres. In global markets where it is already available, the EV has a 95 kWh battery pack at its core and can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes using 150 kW DC fast-chargers. The EV could be priced upwards of ₹1 crore.