Competition is intensifying in the compact and midsize electric SUV segment, as evident with several new products introduced in recent months. From the consumer’s perspective, one of the important factors in the decision-making process is the range of an EV. To help make informed decisions, here’s a comparison of the ARAI-certified range offered by mass-market electric C and D Segment SUVs.
Mahindra BE 6 tops the list; XEV 9e second
For anyone looking for maximum range, Mahindra BE 6 is likely to be the top choice. BE 6 is available with two battery pack options – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. Range is 556 km and 682 km, respectively. Mahindra XEV 9e has the same battery pack options. However, since the XEV 9e is larger and heavier, it has a slightly lower range.
While BE 6 is 4,371 mm long, XEV 9e measures 4,789 mm in length. Among mass-market electric SUVs, XEV 9e comes second when assessed exclusively as per range. It can run 542 km with the smaller battery pack and 656 km with the 79-kWh unit. Offering best-in-segment range, BE 6 and XEV 9e seem most appropriate for inter-city journeys and long-distance trips.
While charging infrastructure has improved significantly, it is still better to have fewer refuelling stops. However, prices of BE 6 and XEV 9e are on the higher side, especially for top variants. Mahindra BE 6 is available in the price range of Rs 18.90 lakh to Rs 26.90 lakh. XEV 9e is priced in the range of Rs 21.90 lakh to Rs 30.90 lakh.
The 500+ km club
Ignoring other variables, a range of 500+ km would seem desirable for most EV buyers. In that case, the options available are BYD Atto 3 and Tata Curvv EV. Atto 3 is available with battery pack options of 49.9 kWh and 60.5 kWh. Range is 468 km and 521 km, respectively.
However, BYD Atto 3 is the costliest among all SUVs listed here. That’s because it is imported into India as CKD, which means additional taxation. BYD Atto 3 is available in the price range of Rs 24.99 lakh to Rs 33.99 lakh. Tata Curvv EV is available with battery pack options of 45 kWh and 55 kWh. Range is 430 km and 502 km, respectively. Curvv EV is relatively affordable, starting at Rs 17.49 lakh.
The top variant is priced at Rs 21.99 lakh. Maruti eVitara also promises a range of 500 km, but it is yet to be certified by ARAI. However, it is unlikely that there will be any major difference between the claimed range and ARAI certified range of eVitara. Maruti eVitara has battery pack options of 49 kWh and 61 kWh.
450 – 500 km range electric SUVs
While MG Motor will be bringing multiple new EVs to India, the current options include the MG ZS EV. It is derived from the ICE platform used for MG Astor. MG ZS EV is available with a 50.3 kWh battery pack. It has a range of 461 km. While the base variant costs Rs 19.98 lakh, the top variant is available at Rs 24.23 lakh.
Next is Hyundai Creta Electric, available with battery pack options of 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh. Range is 390 km and 473 km, respectively. While Creta Electric may not have the highest range in this list, it is one of the most practical and reliable options among mass-market electric SUVs. Creta Electric is competitively priced in the range of Rs 17.99 lakh to Rs 23.50 lakh.
Source: Electric - rushlane.com
