We thank you all for your comments and encouragement in our high speed electric scooter buyers guide!
Judging by the discussion in our YouTube video comments, we feel the buyer guide series will be useful and educational to all of you.
So we have our Electric Car Buyers Guide here for you. The choices are limited when it comes to Electric Cars. But we talk about what is available for you.
Judging by the discussion in our YouTube video comments, we feel the buyer guide series will be useful and educational to all of you.
So we have our Electric Car Buyers Guide here for you. The choices are limited when it comes to Electric Cars. But we talk about what is available for you.
Introduction
We will talk about the Electric Cars, you can buy now. When it comes to electric cars, we will talk about the limited options available to Indian viewers despite being almost near 2020.
Also, we will showcase data sheets of each vehicle and PluginIndia team members who have been following the electric car industry will give their take on every model and assign scores.
At the end we will show various graphs, leaderboards and tables and other cool stuff !
We also want this to be a regular series every quarter.
As we said earlier, we can’t make choices for you, as everybody’s priorities and needs are different but we can tell you about the options available.
So, without wasting any more time, let's begin!
We will talk about the Electric Cars, you can buy now. When it comes to electric cars, we will talk about the limited options available to Indian viewers despite being almost near 2020.
Also, we will showcase data sheets of each vehicle and PluginIndia team members who have been following the electric car industry will give their take on every model and assign scores.
At the end we will show various graphs, leaderboards and tables and other cool stuff !
We also want this to be a regular series every quarter.
As we said earlier, we can’t make choices for you, as everybody’s priorities and needs are different but we can tell you about the options available.
So, without wasting any more time, let's begin!
Video - Winter 2019 : Electric Car Buyers Guide
Data and Graphs
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Data Sheets and Details
Tata Nexon EV Compact SUV
| Tata Motors has surprised us. They launched a pretty underwhelming Tigor EV in 2018. So we at PluginIndia were wondering if they will take 4-5 years to develop the high voltage tech needed to launch a proper EV. Meanwhile, all this time, Tata Motors fed the Mainstream media to keep throwing gossip stories on how Tata are going to launch EVision, Tata Altroz EV and many more Electric Cars, while they were secretly working on the Nexon EV. So it’s a surprise to see the unveil of Nexon this week. Well done, Tata! We can’t wait to test drive this and share our experiences to PluginIndia followers! So after meeting their RnD team, marketing team and others we now know that Tata Motors indeed have an EV Vision for India. Tata have a separate division within the company for EV’s. This EV push is coming from senior management and we can expect multiple models from the Ziptron platform in the coming years.
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- Also looks like with all the electric cars using high voltage systems,
CCS is going to be the defacto standard for DC fast charging with Tata using the CCS connector for AC and DC charging, just like MG Motors and Hyundai - The car will be available for test-drive closer to the date of launch. Delivery will be post launch. Launch date is yet to be announced. It is expected in the first few weeks of January.
- The pricing is not revealed yet. Tata are accepting bookings without revealing the price.
On the other hand, the price of the base Petrol version of the Mahindra XUV300 starts at ₹ 9.27 Lakh and goes up to Rs. ₹ 14.07 Lakh for range topping Petrol model.
We believe you can pay a premium of 5-6 Lakhs for the Nexon EV compared to the Deisel variants. If you look at the excellent savings guide on the PluginIndia website, because of ridiculously low running costs, you can save around 5 Lakh rupees in 5 years if you drive for around 15000 km per year.
So in our estimation, Rs 15 Lakhs would be an ideal pricing by Tata Motors. This will really get more people to think aboiut getting an electric car.
It would show that Tata Motors wants to lead in the EV revolution and not play games.
PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores
Kamlesh - 4.1/5
Kamlesh - 4.1/5
- Wow Tata Motors have surprised me with the smoke screens they have been throwing in the media, while working on the real deal all this time. Now, when I bought the e2o in 2013, the decision was easy. The Reva electric car company had a pedigree of creating electric cars for 10+ years, so i could trust them completely.
With the Nexon being the first car under the Ziptron platform. Can Tata motors provide quick service and turn around times, in case of issues in the drive train, cells, electronic components etc
Having met the R&d team, i think they can offer good service. Rest is dependent on training provided to local teams.
I’m impressed by the connectivity features. I’m still not sure if the car will be truly connected - Will Tata improve the drive train with updates and will the Ziptron platform get better as the car ages?
I need to know about this.
All in all a promising, offering by Tata Motors that is a game changer for Indian electric car market if priced at 15 Lakhs.
- The car has excellent range, I don’t need to buy a second car or another long range car, this is it. With quick charging on the highway I am set. It lot of space, can have 5 people comfortably, I have a family of 5. Lot of boot space, can put lot of things inside like baggages, wheel chairs, whatever we want. That’s a good thing. The design aesthetic. I like the fact that they have integrated the design feature, the tri-star thing, the trip-star design everywhere. Its functional, its not just beautiful it serves a purpose. These are the things that appeal to me about the TATA Nexon, and the price instinctively because I am used to hearing the price of petrol vehicles being high but the moment I think about it I know its a good price. its really worth it and I would go for it, I mean I am looking forward to going for it.
- What I like about the car is the 8 yr warranty and also the range. Both of them are very nice. What I don’t like about the car: here is the thing, I am a small car guy and I don’t think we need more SUV's cluttering our congesting our already horribly polluted roads in bad condition so I would prefer a smaller car with the same range or almost the same range. Also obviously the high price that comes with an SUV, I would have preferred a 10 L car that is also that’s its for me.
MG Motors ZS EV Electric SUV
| MG Motors revealed their Electric SUV recently. If you are wondering about MG Motors or have never heard of them, then you need to know about a Chinese state-owned automotive design and manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai called SAIC Motor Corporation Limited. They own the historic British car brand called MG. And MG Motors India is a fully owned arm of China's SAIC Motor, took over the manufacturing facility from General Motors at Halol, Gujarat in India in 2017. The company has made an investment of ₹22 billion to refurbish the Halol manufacturing facility and roll out its first product, Hector, from the facility The MG ZS EV is being brought as a CKD unit (completely knocked down) and will be launched in early 2020. We again feel there will be limited numbers imported to India and the pricing will be revealed in January. What’s striking to us, is the range. We have information from European agency - WLTP, who have range tested the MG ZS EV and have achieved a 263 km highway range and more than 320 km when driven in the city. That is more than decent range. People who have been telling us that electric cars don't have good range, here is an option for you. Regarding performance, the power is staggering! The MG ZS EV offers 353 Nm of torque which is comparable to the torque offered by Kona. Also the motor delivers peak power of 104 kW. Compare that to our classic e2o, which had a 19 kW rated motor - The MG ZS EV will absolutely have all the power you need for those highway trips. |  |
Another thing, we at PluginIndia will use kW when talking about power and not use the antiquated ‘horsepower’ crap used by ICE car websites.Its disgusting that ICE terminologies are being used all over. What the hell is Horsepower?
It's kilo watts people!
Regarding fast charging. We remember Mahindra offering DC fast charging ports only in premium variants of the e2o Plus and only offering AC charge ports in entry level variants. It’s just ridiculous what Mahindra did, offering DC fast charge ports as some sort of premium feature in higher variants. Nowhere in the world we have that sort of thing. All electric cars have AC and DC charge ports. And MG ZS EV supports both AC and DC charging. But they are using CCS connector for charging. For those who don't know - The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a Type 2 connector, with two additional direct current (DC) contacts to allow high-power DC fast charging. For home charging, you will need to install a 7.2 kW AC line just like in the Kona.
What has impressed us the most is the connectivity features. The car is a truly connected car. MG is offering - Battery & Range Status, Vehicle Charging Status, OTA Software Updates, Driver Analytics and more.
One comment on the OTA software update we would want to know if MG will send software updates that affect the drivetrain or will they send OTA software updates that affect cosmetics, like the infotainment system.
Here are some examples of OTA software update that actually affect the drivetrain
It's kilo watts people!
Regarding fast charging. We remember Mahindra offering DC fast charging ports only in premium variants of the e2o Plus and only offering AC charge ports in entry level variants. It’s just ridiculous what Mahindra did, offering DC fast charge ports as some sort of premium feature in higher variants. Nowhere in the world we have that sort of thing. All electric cars have AC and DC charge ports. And MG ZS EV supports both AC and DC charging. But they are using CCS connector for charging. For those who don't know - The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a Type 2 connector, with two additional direct current (DC) contacts to allow high-power DC fast charging. For home charging, you will need to install a 7.2 kW AC line just like in the Kona.
What has impressed us the most is the connectivity features. The car is a truly connected car. MG is offering - Battery & Range Status, Vehicle Charging Status, OTA Software Updates, Driver Analytics and more.
One comment on the OTA software update we would want to know if MG will send software updates that affect the drivetrain or will they send OTA software updates that affect cosmetics, like the infotainment system.
Here are some examples of OTA software update that actually affect the drivetrain
- Tesla introduced a new OTA (Over The Air) software update to Model S, Model X, and Model 3 electric cars that included a new software option called "Chill Mode". Designed to tame the throttle response on high-performance electric cars for greater efficiency.
- Ather Energy had an OTA update that lowered the motor sounds
PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores
Kamlesh - 3.9/5
Kamlesh - 3.9/5
- First of all, i don't like large SUVs. Can't stand them. I prefer small cars. So this is not for me. I am impressed by the connectivity features. They have above and beyond to offer a great connected car. Also, I like the different, regen modes of the KERS system - When i go on highways i can reduce the regen level and increase it in the city. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is perfect, IMO. My one big issue, as of now, is that MG will only sell a limited number of these in India.
- Its a such, its a big car. its not for me but its good for those who want these kind of big cars. Its got amazing amount of power, I am super happy with the fact that it has got top in class power and acceleration, the price however is a bit high for the amount of range I am getting. I would expect it to be a bit lower. It’s got enough storage space, it’s got good design features and the connectivity is awesome
- Very quickly, I like the looks fo the car, I am not a very big fan of large cars but I do think this car looks very nice and also the range,I travel a great deal between Bombay and Mangalore, so I would like to, if there is any car that I would travel then it would be this car and What I don’t like is the lack of community outreach. Not a lot of information has come out about this car so that is something I would definitely like to see in the future - telematics, connectivity features, all of those things.
Hyundai Kona Electric SUV
| Hyundai made the first move to sell electric cars in India among the traditional car makers when they launch the Hyundai Kona in India in mid 2019. They have sold 375 units in 2019 and have a target of around 600 only for 2020. Initially Hyundai were not confident that they will sell the full quota of 300 units reserved for India. But the response was fantastic and people all over India have booked the Kona in good numbers and we came to know from the team at Hyundai that they did not anticipate the demand. We want to know if Hyundai are serious on EV’s for India. But given how conservative Hyundai are with selling the Kona globally - People in USA , Europe have a 6 month to 1 year waiting time for deliveries. And then they only got limited units sold in India. We feel that that is a deliberate ploy to sell less Electric Cars. Hyundai needs to act. They can't go entire 2020 and not launch even a single EV. They need to get an under 10 Lakh small car out in the market. The i10 electric car would be perfect. But we are not confident. They are a classic BIG ICE manufacturer who has the classic ICE Baggage. Selling EV’s will be a conflict for them as they need to sell their ICE cars to make money on service. Common Hyundai, Prove us wrong in 2020! |  |
Coming back to the Kona - what impresses us, the most is the range, we spoke to some customers of the Kona and they are getting 320-340 km in the city per charge - with AC and ventilated seats. On the highway, its lesser - 280-300 km. Another thing that we really like is the 8 year warranty on the battery pack. This is now the industry benchmark. Revolt electric motorcycle, Tata Nexon all offer 8 years warranty. So what Hyundai did is good for the industry as a whole.
What is disappointing is the lack of connectivity features in such a premium car. We spoke to Hyundai and they said that Telematics unit can be offered later.
What is disappointing is the lack of connectivity features in such a premium car. We spoke to Hyundai and they said that Telematics unit can be offered later.
PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores
Kamlesh - 3.8/5
Kamlesh - 3.8/5
- We got an opportunity to drive the Kona at the Buddh international circuit and it was incredible to drive. We have never experienced Regen like the way Hyundai implemented it. I love the button gear shifters and the fit and finish. Lack of connectivity is a red flag for me personally and limited availability also is not a good thing.
- The Hyundai Kona is an aspirational vehicle. I would love to have it but I wouldn’t buy it because that’s not my requirement. However what I love about it it has selective regenerative breaking 3 different modes allows me to drive differently within the city, differently outside the city. It’s got vehicle to vehicle charging, you can jumpier another Hyundai Kona and charge it up and save another Hyundai Kona if its in trouble. It’s got very spacious comfortable seats. I have been driven. I have not driven the car myself, but have been driven around. its got fantastic range and for the price that kind of range and luxury I get is definitely worth it but it is not connected that’s what pulls it down a bit otherwise a wonderful vehicle.
- What I liked about the car- its a very good looking car, If I had to make a choice I would definitely buy this car and also the range, it has good range in the city, good range on the highway.What I don’t like about the car - its the price I feel that for the price they are charging they are not offering enough features specially considering that they have a high end variant available abroad and also what I don’t like is the lack of connectivity features.
Mahindra 2019 eVerito Sedan
| The eVerito was shown way back in 2014, when Chetan Maini was still at the helm! And to see that the eVerito is selling very well in the fleet segment and has progressed to a competent fleet car. That is a great thing. It is the only big success story for Mahindra Electric since they purchased the Reva Electric Car company. Having met Mr Maini, his team and all the wonderful people from that company, we feel Mahindra just lost all they had. They could have been leaders in Electric Mobility by 2020. They had a 10 year headstart over other ICE car makers when they acquired Reva. But internal politics, letting go of REVA management, not focussing on Chetan Maini’s vision and absolutely no EV vision has led to this situation. If Chetan Maini was at the helm, we would have seen experience centers with at least 5 electric car options by now. Just imagine. What a lost opportunity. Anyway the past in the past what impressed me most about the 2019 eVerito is the enhanced range of 150-180 km. We visited BluSmart in Delhi and their operators there were happy with the performance of the vehicle. What is not cool is the lack of connectivity offered with the eVerito. If you are a fleet, you get Fleet management solutions including connectivity are sold separately. If you are an individual - good luck. And what is disastrous is that 2013 e2o was more tech savvy than the 2019 eVerito. |  |
At more than 13 lakhs for an individual buyer, we feel this car is overpriced as ####! We know the cost of a 20 kWh battery pack, and other electronic components.
This is the issue with legacy car makers. ICE cars generates revenue for dealers and car makers every time the car is serviced. EV’s don't generate revenue for them, so adding few lakhs to the sticker price will give them that revenue. That is what we have been observing and its awful :-|
This is the issue with legacy car makers. ICE cars generates revenue for dealers and car makers every time the car is serviced. EV’s don't generate revenue for them, so adding few lakhs to the sticker price will give them that revenue. That is what we have been observing and its awful :-|
PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores
Kamlesh - 3.3/5
Kamlesh - 3.3/5
- The 2019 Mahindra eVerito is a decent electric car. The fleet companies are getting reliable numbers in terms of range and performance. But that is what this car is meant to be a fleet car or a chauffeur driven car. For an individual, which this rating is for, the car is too pricey at 13 Lakhs and with no connectivity features, i would not recommend it.
- Mahindra 2019 Edition I drove in the earlier version of this car and it was really comfortable. I find that this is a great family car, a good chauffeur driven car, its a good car for fleets. Personally would I buy it? If I didn’t have an option I would. Personally I would go in for a little bit more sportier however having said that this car doesn’t have that much of a range and for the price its really expensive it doesn’t offer as much comfort either. It has great boot space but for that I wouldn’t pay so much money for. So I would like to mark down a little bit. Great for fleets, but not so good for individuals owning to the lack of connectivity the lack of features, the lack of everything.
- What I liked about the car- its a very good looking car, If I had to make a choice I would definitely buy this car and also the range, it has good range in the city, good range on the highway.What I don’t like about the car - its the price I feel that for the price they are charging they are not offering enough features specially considering that they have a high end variant available abroad and also what I don’t like is the lack of connectivity features.
Tata Tigor ER Sedan
| The Tigor Electric Sedan was launched for fleets in 2018 and also made available for Individuals in mid 2019. Unfortunately the range was severely lacking and many customers gave negative feedback that they could only get 95 km per charge. This resulted in Tata Motors acting and have upgraded the model which now offers 140-160 km real world range. Again fleet companies like this and the new Tigor is doing well. Amit, Kamlesh and Farah drove the 2019 Tigor and they really could feel the upgrade. This car will be fantastic for fleet owners and will be a great chauffeur car. We feel the Tigor is the prettiest electric car in the list we have here. The Coup design really stands out good among all the electric cars available in the Indian market. Again like the Mahindra eVerito, at more than 13 lakhs for an individual buyer, we feel this car is overpriced as #### What Mahindra does with the eVerito, Tata does with the Tigor! Same pinch no double pinch! |  |
PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores
Kamlesh - 3.2/5
Kamlesh - 3.2/5
- Same thing, as what i said for the eVerito applies here. Great for fleets, average experience and terrible pricing for Individual.
- My opinion about the Tata Tigor is that its just the same as the Mahindra e-verito. It has DC fast Charging, its got no app connectivity, its a chauffeurs car, it looks pretty I would admit that.
- What I like about it - its a decent EV sedan. It looks good and it has decent amount of range. What I don’t like is of course the price and lack of connectivity features. Same thing, as what i said for the eVerito applies here. Great for fleets, average experience and terrible pricing for Individuals
Indian Electric Car Industry - So what needs to happen in 2020?
The biggest problem is lack of choice, when it comes to Electric Cars. Indian public are ready to accept charged commuting. But BIG ICE are slowing the EV push.
To solve that, this has to happen.
The ball is in the industry's court. If BIG ICE just launch a token EV to gain PR with the aim of selling only pollution causing ICE cars, those companies will be found out.
They should not see EV's as a threat but an opportunity.
The biggest problem is lack of choice, when it comes to Electric Cars. Indian public are ready to accept charged commuting. But BIG ICE are slowing the EV push.
To solve that, this has to happen.
- Indian BIG ICE car makers need to grow a pair and start having EV's in their portfolio. The lack of any sort of EV push from these companies is hurting our cities as more and more people are buying harmful petrol automatics and diesel SUV's that cause more harm than good.
- The government needs to enforce to all manufacturers to have atleast 1 EV in thier portfolio, else pack your bags. This will get the likes of Maruti to get onnboard.
- EV conversions needs to be encouraged. Its sad that FAME 2 subsidy is not available for EV conversion kits. We hope they will get on this list during our summer Electric Car Buyers Guide.
- CCS based DC fast charging stations needs to be implemented in our highways as most cars will go CCS and our GB/T based connectors wont work.
The ball is in the industry's court. If BIG ICE just launch a token EV to gain PR with the aim of selling only pollution causing ICE cars, those companies will be found out.
They should not see EV's as a threat but an opportunity.