Electric mobility in india is moving fast. Cheaper EVs are making Zero-tailpipe driving accessible to everyday buyers- lower running costs, simpler maintenance, and attractive city-friendly packaging. This guide lists the Top 10 Cheapest Electric cars available in india (2025), gives short reviews for each model, and then walks you through a practical buying guide, maintenance checklist, and charging advice so you can decide with confidence.
Top 10 Cheapest EVs in 2025 (by starting ex-showroom price )
1. MG Comet EV – Starting around ₹6.2 lakh.
2. Tata Tiago.ev – starting ₹7.99 lakh.
3. Tata punch EV – Starting ~₹9.99 lakh.
4. Tata Nexon EV – Entry price ~₹12.49 lakh (depends on variant).
5. Tata Tigor.ev – Starting ~₹12.49 lakh.
6. MG windsor EV – Starts~₹12-13 lakh (base variant).
7. Citroen eC3 – Starts ~₹12.48 lakh.
8. MG ZS EV / MG Comet higher trims – ZS EV starts higher (₹15L) and comet higher trims push up the list.
9. Mahindra XUV400 / Mahindra BE.6 – affordable-ish mids (XUV400 around mid-teens).
10. Hyundai / kia small EVs (where available)- several compact EVs from mainstream PEMs site in the sub-20L bracket depending on variant and offers.
Detailed reviews – each model (short, practical)
- MG Comet EV – City micro EV; unbeatable price band Price (base):~₹6.24 lakh ex-showroom (base). Range / Battery:~ 17.3 kWh battery, ~200-230 km ARA/real-word in city use depending on variant. Why buy: Extremely low entry price, city-first footprint, easy parking, and surprisingly modern connected features (MG’s i-SMART tech on higher trims). Great as a second car or for urban commuters. Limitations: Small battery – not ideal for long highway trips. Fewer hard-core safety features on the base trims; check variant specs. battery rental schemes/ options may change upfront cost details.
- Tata Tiago.ev- value-packed hatchback EV from a trusted maker Price (base): ₹7.99 lakh ex-showroom (base MR/XE). Range / battery: Medium-range battery (around 19.2 kWh for the MR variant) offering ~220-290 km depending on variant and drive cycle. Why buy: Familiar Tiago packaging, Tata’s EV experience (charging network support, service), good cabin quality for the price. better safety and equipment levels than many micro-EVs. Limitations: Slightly higher price than micro-EVs; choose variant carefully if you need more range.
- Tata Punch EV – Tiny SUV vibe; practical for families in the city Price (starting):~₹9.99 lakh (intro/entry variants as listed). Range / Battery: Depends on variant – Tata offers punchy city ranges; check official Tata EV site for the specific variant. Why buy: Compact SUV-like stance, higher seating position, useful boot and practical Tata build. Good option if you want a more SUV feel than a hatchback.
- Tata Nexon EV – most sold indian EV; best overall value in compact SUV segment Price (entry);~₹12.49 lakh for the base Nexon EV variant (pricing varies by pack and state). Range / battery: Multiple battery options historically (30.2 kWh/40.5 kWh variants), real-world range 250-450 km depending on pack. Why buy: Proven reliability, reasonable range, strong safety kit, extensive dealer reach and parts availability – makes ownership effortless. Good for buyers who want a slightly longer range and more space.
- Tata Tigor.ev- Practical compact sedan EV Price (starting):~₹12.49 lakh ex-showroom (entry). Range / Battery: Multiple variants; check the official Tata site for up-to-date battery options. Good boot space compared to hatchbacks. Why buy: sedan lovers get roomy boot and Tata’s aftersales strength ; good family commuter.
- MG Windsor EV – MG’s compact EV play with feature list Price: Starting around ₹12 lakh (offers/finance options can bring effective cost down). Range / Battery: depends on variant; MG positions windsor as a modern EV with decent comfort features and connected tech. Why buy: if you want a non-Tata alternative with pleasant interiors and connected features – MG is a good choice. Finance schemes and festival offers occasionally make it very attractive.
- Citroen eC3 – stylish small EV with comfortable ride Price (base):~₹12.84 lakh ex-showroom. Range / Battery: Larger battery than micro-EVs (29.2 kWh variant typical), good claimed range (~300+km). Why buy: Spacious feel, comfortable ride setup, and sansible equipment for buyers wanting a long city range.
- MG ZS EV- compact crossover EV at higher end of affordable list Price: Around mid-teens (varies by region, trim). Range / battery: Larger battery options with highway-capable range. Good for buyers that want an all-round EV for longer trips occasionally.
- Mahindra XUV400 – Mainstream indian EV with solid feature set Price: Mid-teens depending on variant and battery. Why buy: Mahindra’s focus on SUVs and local service network make it a pratical choice for many. Good performance for the price.
- Hyundai / kia small EVs (selected variants)- strong brand, good service Price: Small EV trims or base variants of some models/availability shift whit launches. Why buy: Strong OEM backing, good warranty and dealer networks. Choose these if you prefer brand reliability and more refined cabins.
How I Chose the list (method & caveats)
Primary criterion: starting ex-showroom price ( cheapest first) combined with current availability in india. I used manufacturer pages and reputable aggregator sites (CarDekho, CarWala, official OEM pages) for prices and spec references. caveat: New launches, price cuts, special offers and battery-rental schemes can change the effective buying price quickly (festival offers and GST changes have big short-term effects). always reconfirm at the dealer.
Buying guide-what to check before you book
- True on-road cost vs advertised price
Manufacturers quote ex-showroom price. Add GST (IF application), RTO registration, insurance, and handling charges to get on-road price. festival discounts or manufactures offers may change the immediate cost – but treat them as transient.
2. Battery ownership model
some OEMs offer battery-included pricing, others offer battery rental or subscription models (which lower upfront cost but add recurring monthly fees). check the fine print for buyback/ transfer terms if you plan to resell car.
3. Real-world range vs ARAI claims
ARAI figures are tested under standard conditions. City driving with regenerative braking often delivers better range than highway heavy loads. Consider your usual use: if mostly short city trips, smaller battery is fine; if regular intercity trips, prefer larger packs.
4. Charging ecosystem & homme charging feasibility
Check Whether you can install a 3.3-7 KW AC wallbox at home (apartment versus house rules, parking availability). For apartments, check society rules and whether the parking bay has a separate meter/power supply. public DC fast chargers are increasing, but availability varies by city. (more on charging below.)
5. Warranty & Service
Battery warranties usually range 8 years / 1,60,000 km in india on many EVs, but check exact Numbers and what they cover (degradation clauses, capacity guarantee). Also check dealership network density in your city.
6. Resale & market acceptance
Early cheap EVs can be very attractive to first-time EV buyers, but resale acceptance depends on perceived battery health and serviceability. OEMs with strong service networks (Tata, MG, Mahindra, Hyundai/kia) currently have an edge.
7. Features you want
Decide which are non-negotiable: AC fast-charging capability, connected features, ADAS, parking sensors, airbags, and infotainment. Entry base variants may miss some of these.
Ownership & maintenance – what to expect Lower running cost, fewer moving parts
EVs have fewer mechanical parts: no engine oil, no spark plugs, no timing belts. that reduces routine maintenance visits and parts replacement cost. typical savings come from lower servicing hours and less frequent consumable replacements, Typical service checklist & expected items.
Regular checks: brake fluid, wiper fluid, cabin filters, tyre rotation, suspension checks, AC performance. Battery health: OEMs may ask for occasional health checks; battery cooling systems may require periodic inspection on models with active thermal management.
Brake pad life: Usually longer due to regenerative braking. Software updates: many EVs receive OTA updates for features and efficiency – these can improve range or add features without a workshop visit.
Estimated maintenance cost vs ICE on average, EV maintenance is substantially lower than ICE cars (fewer fluids, fewer wear parts). But battery repairs/replacement are high cost- offset by long warranties. compare total cost of ownership (TCO) for 5 years when deciding.
Charging – Practical advice & costs
Types of charging
- Home AC charging (slow / overnight): Usually a 3.3 kW to 7.4 kW Wall box (AC) is sufficient for nightly top-ups. A full charge overnight for a Small battery pack (17-20 kWh) is quick and cheap. Installation costs very (₹10k- ₹40k) Typically depending on wiring, earthing, meter).
2. Public AC chargers: Found at malls, workplaces – slower but convenient for topping up.
3. DC Fast charging (CCS/ CHAdeMO): Adds quick range quickly (30-80% in ~30-60 mines for many modern packs). Not all cheap EVs support DC fast charging; check compatibility.
How much does charging cost?
Charging cost = electricity rate kWh consumed. Example: if grid tariff is ₹8/ kWh and your car needs 20 kWh for a full charge, cost =₹160. Real costs vary with state tariffs, time-of-use (night economy) plans, and inefficiencies. public fast chargers often charger per kWh or per minute and are usually pricier than home AC.
Practical tips
prefer home overnight charging for most daily commuters – cheapest and most convenient. If you must fast charging (it speeds battery wear if done constantly on packs without robust thermal management). Use it for long trips or urgent top-ups.
Install a dedicated circuit & earthing for the wallbox; use an electrician from the OEM or certified partner. keep a charging card/app ready – front-end public networks often use app/KYC.
Resale & battery health- what buyers worry about
Batteries degrade slowly over years. Most OEMs guarantee battery health above a threshold (e.g. 70% capacity) for a fixed period or km. Check the battery warranty and what it cover (capacity guarantees, replacement terms, labour).
Checklist before buying used EV: Ask for battery health report from OEM/service, look for service history, verify whether battery rental scheme was applied ( and transfer rules), and check whether the vehicle has recorded major battery or drivetrain repairs.
City vs Highway – choose the right battery size
City drivers: small battery (comet, Tiago MR) is economical – ragen braking and low average speeds favor city efficiency Highway / intercity use: pick larger battery packs (Nexon EV higher packs Citroen eC3 larger battery) or models that support fast charging for long trips.
Checklist before you book – quick decision flow
- Daily km? <50 km – small battery ok.>100 km daily – choose larger pack.
- Parking & charging at home? yes – any EV works. No / apartment with no club support – confirm building permission and condo wiring.
- Budget: choose between battery-included vs rental models and calculate monthly running cost (electricity + parking + EMI).
- Service network: Pick OEM with good local service presence.
- Must-have features: ADAS, airbags, fast charging? prioritize trims accordingly.
Final tips & real-world ownership hacks
Use ECO mode for daily driving to prolong range. Regenerative braking setting optimizes city range; learn the one-pedal feel but keep safe spacing for traffic. Tire pressure & lightweight packing matter more for EV range – keep tires at OEM pressure and avoid unnecessary load.
Plan long trips with charging stops mapped in advance; apps and OEM navigation often help. Watch for dealer festival offers and GST adjustment – these can temporarily change the effective entry price.
conclusion – is an electric car the right choice now?
If your driving is mainly urban, you have access to overnight charging ( or a reliable public charger at work), and you value lower running costs with simple maintenance, an affordable EV is a very sensible buy in 2025. Tata and MG currently lead the cheapest segments with practical city EVs (comet, Tiago, punch) while models like Nexon EV, Citroen eC3 and MG windsor offer more range and comfort at slightly higher but still affordable prices. check battery ownership & warranty, confirm charging feasibility at home, and always compare the 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) versus an ICE equivalent before deciding.
FAQs
Q1: Which is currently the cheapest electric car in india?
AS of Sep-2025, the MG comet EV lists as one of the lowest starting ex-showroom prices (around ₹6.24L), Followed by Tata Tiago.ev at ₹7.99L. Always confirm current dealer pricing.
Q2: Are EV maintenance costs lower than petrol car?
Generally yes – fewer moving parts and no engine oil or complex transmissions reduce routine maintenance, but battery issues are expensive; full warranty coverage is important.
Q3: will cheap EVs be useful for highway trips?
Most micro-EVs are optimized for city use. for regular highway use choose larger battery variants or models that support DC fast charging.