New Delhi: Going may be challenging for green cars on concerns around charging infrastructure and relatively higher prices, but India will see a flurry of SUV launches, including green versions of some popular models, within six-to-eight months.
The new models will be introduced by almost all the top carmakers – Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai and sibling Kia, Maruti Suzuki, JSW MG Moto, and luxury maker Mercedes-Benz.
Tata Motors will be first to add to its robust EV portfolio. The company, which last year accounted for almost 70% of electrics sold in the country through green versions of Nexon and Punch SUVs and Tiago hatch and Tigor mini sedan, will drive in Harrier EV. Harrier currently comes with a diesel engine and is priced upwards of Rs 17 lakh (on road). Its green version is expected to be priced some degrees higher, considering how aggressively the company has priced Nexon EV, which comes at par with the diesel variant.
Before Harrier EV, Tata is expected to introduce much-awaited Curvv. The crossover car, which has been showcased at Auto Expo, will offer both electric and ICE (internal combustion engine) options. The plan is to launch both EV and ICE versions together, a company official said. It is expected that the model will be priced around the Rs 15 lakh mark, but a lot depends on the battery capacity.
Hyundai will debut Creta electric and Kia will drive in luxury EV9, that will be priced around Rs 1 crore.
JSW MG Motor, which has ZS and Comet EVs, plans to drive in Cloud EV crossover utility vehicle. The company’s Chinese parent SAIC already sells this model in some markets under different badging. This is expected to be priced under Rs 20 lakh and will be placed below ZS.
Mahindra & Mahindra is also preparing to drive in a green version of XUV7OO model, whose launch will be closer to first born electric model (BE 05). XUV7OO electric is likely to be priced under Rs 20 lakh.
And Maruti Suzuki, the biggest carmaker, will not be behind. It will finally drive in its first EV, which is likely to debut at Auto Expo in 2025. The model will be based on eVX concept SUV that Maruti had showcased at the previous Auto Expo, with a battery capacity of 60kWh and a single-charge range of 550 km. Maruti’s model will be priced in Rs 10-15 lakh bracket, if the company will opt for a bigger battery size.
On the luxury side, Mercedes-Benz will drive in EQA around August and this will be the smallest electric car in its portfolio. Mercedes expects to get a quarter of its sales from EVs by 2026. The company currently sells EQS luxury saloon, EQB and EQE electrics in India.
