Here’re The Top Five EVs We Could Get In India In 2022

With the transition to electrification being the trend in the automotive industry, state and central governments in India introduce new incentives and more generous subsidies to help push electric vehicle (EV) sales in the country. 2021 already saw a variety of electric vehicles show up and 2022 looks set for a further explosion of EVs. 

With that in mind, here’s five key EVs to look out for in India by 2022:

BMW i4

Expected Launch: August 

Expected Price: Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom,India) onwards

BMW India recently kicked off its electric journey with the iX electric SUV, and the i4 will be the third launch after the Mini Cooper SE. It is essentially an electric counterpart to the 4 Series Gran Coupe with EV-specific design elements. It’ll also have nifty tech in the form of BMW’s latest i-Drive 8 UI. The real party trick will be under the hood with i4 sold in Europe getting the option of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drivetrains, pushing up to 551PS. With the help of a 83.9kWh battery pack, it boasts a WLTP-claimed range up to 510km on a single charge. 

Tesla Model 3

Expected Launch: September 

Expected Price: Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom, India) onwards

Tesla is set to kick off its India innings with the Model 3 entry-level sedan and has been spotted testing on Indian roads multiple times. The India-spec model could be offered in a Standard Plus trim that offers 432km of range via a rear-wheel drivetrain, and the Long Range trim which pushes 568km of range via a dual-motor setup and an all-wheel drivetrain. Electric prowess isn’t the only party trick, as the India-spec Model 3 could be loaded with features such as a massive touchscreen infotainment system, OTA updates, a 14-speaker audio system, and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats.

Mini Cooper SE 

Expected Launch: March 

Expected Price: Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

The second BMW EV to be launched in India, the Cooper SE is Mini’s first ever all-electric offering. While it is based on the internal combustion-engined three-door Cooper S, and largely similar in every conceivable angle, what’s under the hood separates the two hatches. It comes with a 184PS electric motor that can hit a 0-100kmph sprint in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 150kmph. A 32.6kWh battery pack helps it achieve a WLTP-claimed 233km on a single charge. 

Mahindra XUV300 Electric/eKUV100

Expected Launch:   August (XUV300 Electric / March (eKUV100)

Expected Price: Rs 18 lakh (XUV300 Electric) / Rs 10 lakh (eKUV100) onwards

At Auto Expo 2020, Mahindra had showcased electrified versions of the XUV300 and KUV100 and are set to be the first mainstream EVs from the carmaker to  go on sale. The XUV300 Electric does have a few design differences compared to its standard counterpart, but the biggest difference will be under the hood. While detailed specifications haven’t been released, it could run up to 300km on a single charge.

The eKUV100 on the other hand has already been spotted in near-production form with subtle differences in design compared to its standard counterpart. Under the hood, the model at the Expo utilised a 15.9kWh battery pack with the motor pushing 54PS and 120Nm. It was claimed to offer a range of 140km and took just 50 minutes to fast charge from 0-80 percent.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Expected Launch: January 2022

Expected Price: Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

After a variety of delays due to the global semiconductor shortage, Volvo looks set to bring in the XC40 Recharge to kickstart the carmaker’s electric journey in the country. It's the electric equivalent of the petrol-powered XC40, and is based on the same architecture. It utilises a 408PS electric motor driving all four wheels to give a 0-100kmph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. Juiced up by a 78kWh, is capable of a WLTPL-claimed 419km. It boasts fast charging capabilities with a 0-80 percent charge achieved  in 40 minutes. 

Aside from this, we could also have the likes of the Tata Altroz EV show up and have the Hyundai Kona Electric and the MG ZS EV get midlife refreshes. So 2022 looks set to be an electrified one in the country.