While mass-market EVs have improved over the year its still the more expensive imported models that offer the best range.
In recent years, India has seen an increase in the use of electric vehicles. Several manufacturers have now entered the electric car segment, with models ranging from electric hatchbacks and sedans to more plentiful SUVs and crossovers in a variety of pricing ranges.
Tata Motors, a domestic carmaker, has emerged as the most powerful player in the EV field, capturing the lion’s share of the market thanks to mass-market electric models such as the Nexon EV and Tigor EV, albeit as costs rise, so does the number of EVs available.
However, in this article, we’ll look at which electric vehicles currently on the market in India will get you the most miles on a single charge. Do note that this is based on figures quoted by manufacturers with real-world figures set to vary depending on multiple factors.
| 5 Electric Cars with Longest Range | Claimed Range Upto (KMs) |
|---|---|
| BMW i4 | 590 km |
| Kia EV6 | 528 km |
| Audi E-tron GT | 500 km |
| Audi e-tron SUV/Sportback | 484 km |
| Jaguar I-Pace | 470 km |
Long Range Electric Cars
1. BMW i4 – Claimed range of up to 590 km
The all-electric BMW i4 sedan is at the top of the list, with a stated range of 590 kilometres on a single charge. The i4 uses an 83.9 kWh battery and a rear-axle mounted electric motor in a single configuration.
The electric powertrain produces 335 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, allowing the electric vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in under 5.7 seconds. The i4 is presently available for booking online or at BMW dealerships for Rs 69.90 lakh (ex-showroom), with deliveries slated to begin next month. In terms of design, the i4 doesn’t get a very stand out design with the overall design in line with the regular 4 Series Gran Coupe from international markets but with some design changes accounting for the model being an EV.
2. Kia EV6 – Claimed range of up to 528km
Kia’s flagship EV was merely launched in India a few days ago, with all 100 cars slated for the country in 2022 having sold out. The sleek-looking crossover is constructed on Hyundai’s purpose-designed e-GMP platform, with the larger 77.4 kWh under-floor battery pack being the only option in India. Buyers can pick between two drivetrains: a single motor with 226 horsepower and 350 Nm that promises reasonable range, or a more powerful and energy-consuming AWD model with 320 bhp and 650 Nm. The EV6 has a range of up to 528 kilometres, according to Kia. The all-wheel-drive variant reduces this statistic to 425 kilometres.
3. Audi E-tron GT – Claimed range of up to 500 km
The e-tron GT is Audi’s third e-tron model to arrive in India. With its low sports coupe inspired aesthetics and powerful powertrains, the e-tron GT is undoubtedly the sportiest looking EV from Audi’s trio. The e-tron GT, which starts at Rs 1.65 crore (ex-showroom), has sportscar looks and performance, as well as enough space in the back for two adults. The low-slung GT is available in two versions, both of which promise lots of performance and even a decent driving range. The ‘base’ GT comes with a 523 horsepower, 630 Nm all-wheel-drive system with a stated range of up to 500 kilometres and a 0-100 kmph time of under 4.1 seconds. The hotter RS e-tron GT bumps up numbers to 637 bhp and 830 Nm with 0-100 kmph dispatched in 3.3 seconds. The sacrifice? The range is reduced to 481km.
4. Audi e-tron SUV/Sportback – Claimed range of up to 484 km
Compared to the GT, the e-tron SUV and Sportback offer a more staid option for everyday green motoring. In terms of styling, the e-tron siblings look typical Audi with a restrained design much akin to a traditional Audi SUV but with elements such as the partially enclosed grille being thrown in to suggest its all-electric underpinnings. There are two body styles to choose from – the SUV which is available with a choice of battery packs – e-tron 50 and e-tron 55 – and the Sportback (e-tron 55 only) which sacrifices some space within for a sportier look. The e-tron 50 features a smaller 71kWh battery pack giving the SUV a claimed range of up to 379km. The 55 meanwhile uses a larger gets a 95 kWh battery boosting range to up to 484km.
5. Jaguar I-Pace – Claimed range of up to 470 km
Jaguar’s I-Pace electric SUV rounds out the list. The Jaguar I-Pace was unveiled in March 2018 as the company’s first-ever all-electric vehicle, and the business has since announced that it will go all-electric in the following years. Returning to the I-Pace, the SUV departs from Jaguar’s usual SUV styling with a low-slung appearance and a car-forward design, with the battery pack tucked beneath the floor. There is only one battery pack available for India: a 90kWh battery that offers the SUV a claimed range of up to 470 kilometres. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 394 horsepower and 696 Nm, so there’s enough of power to go around.