7 Upcoming Entry Level Electric Cars: Tata Tiago.EV Facelift To Vinfast VF3
Electric cars are slowly gaining popularity around the world, and India is no exception. Over the last five years, we have seen several brands introduce electric SUVs and MPVs in the market. Many manufacturers are now shifting their focus toward the affordable EV segment, aiming to popularise electric vehicles among mass-market buyers. To achieve this, they are working on several entry-level models. Here is a list of such entry-level electric vehicles that are expected to launch in the market soon.
The first on the list is Tata’s Tiago EV, from India’s leading EV manufacturer. It is Tata’s entry-level electric car and has been on sale for a while now. The Tiago EV is due for a facelift and has already been spotted testing on our roads.
As part of the update, the Tiago EV is expected to get a revised front grille, updated headlamps, a redesigned bumper, and possibly a new set of aero wheels. The current version comes with 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh battery packs. There is also a possibility that Tata might introduce a larger battery pack, similar to what they did with the Punch EV.
Vietnamese carmaker VinFast entered the Indian market last year with the VF6 and VF7. They also launched their MPV 7 recently at Rs 24 lakh. However, VinFast currently does not have an affordable entry-level EV in India. That is expected to change with the launch of the VF3.
The VF3 is a small electric hatchback designed with SUV-like styling and will be the brand’s most affordable EV. It will rival models like the MG Comet and Tata Tiago EV in the segment. This compact EV features a retro-inspired design and is already on sale in several international markets.
The VinFast VF3 will have a simple interior and exterior and is expected to be offered with 29.6 kWh and 37.2 kWh battery pack options, with a claimed range of up to 326 km.
In terms of design, the VF5 will resemble the larger VF6 and VF7 EVs sold globally. It will be positioned above the VF3 but is expected to use the same 29.6 kWh and 37.2 kWh battery packs. The range is likely to be similar, but the VF5 is expected to offer more features compared to the basic VF3.
Citroen currently offers the eC3 as its only EV in India. It appears that the brand is planning to reintroduce an entry-level or base variant of the eC3. This new trim is likely to be called the Live variant.
It is expected to come with body-coloured ORVMs, 15-inch steel wheels, front power windows, a digital instrument cluster with a regen indicator, rear parking sensors, ABS, and a high-speed alert system. It will continue to use the same 29.2 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of around 320 km.
The electric hatchback is expected to be launched at a starting price of around Rs 10.30 lakh and will be available for both private and fleet buyers.
Last year, MG announced plans to explore the affordable EV segment, which currently has limited competition. The company is working on an electric vehicle priced under Rs 10 lakh.
This upcoming EV is expected to rival models like the Tata Tiago EV and Citroen eC3, while being positioned above the MG Comet EV. The model is likely to launch next year.
The Dolphin is one of the most affordable electric cars built and sold by BYD. It looks similar to a tall-boy hatchback, and offers sharp and sleek-looking headlamps. It is available with 32 kWh and 45 kWh battery packs. The smaller battery variant operates with a 94 PS electric motor, and offers a claimed range of 302 km, while the bigger version offers 420 km.
In terms of features, BYD offers a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 5-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets six airbags, rear disc brakes, an electronic parking brake, and an electronic stability programme.
Hyundai is also working on affordable EVs, and one of them was recently spotted testing in Chandigarh. This upcoming model is expected to rival the Tata Punch EV in the segment.
It could be based on the Inster micro EV for India, although the exact identity of the test vehicle has not yet been confirmed due to heavy camouflage. Like most Hyundai cars, it is expected to offer premium features such as seat ventilation, ADAS, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and automatic climate control.
The EV might be offered with 42 kWh and 49 kWh battery packs, delivering a claimed range of around 400 km.