India’s electric vehicle market has reached an exciting turning point. With petrol prices hovering at record highs, government subsidies under the FAME India scheme still active, and battery costs falling year-on-year, buying a budget EV in 2026 is no longer a compromise — it’s a smart financial decision.
But with dozens of models now available, which electric car gives you the best value for money? This guide cuts through the noise and lists the 5 most affordable electric cars currently on sale in India, ranked by starting price (ex-showroom), with real-world range estimates, key features, and who each car is best suited for.
Quick Comparison: 5 Cheapest Electric Cars in India (February 2026)
| Rank | Car | Starting Price (Ex-Showroom) | ARAI Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MG Comet EV | ₹6.31 Lakh | 230 km | City commuters |
| 2 | Tata Punch EV (BaaS) | ₹6.49 Lakh | Up to 468 km | Value-seekers & SUV lovers |
| 3 | Tata Tiago EV | ₹7.99 Lakh | Up to 315 km | Budget hatchback buyers |
| 4 | Tata Tigor EV | ₹8.49 Lakh | Up to 315 km | Sedan lovers |
| 5 | Citroën ëC3 | ₹8.82 Lakh | 320 km | Feature-focused buyers |
Note: BaaS = Battery-as-a-Service. Prices listed are ex-showroom Delhi and may vary by state due to local EV subsidies (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and Karnataka offer additional benefits).
1. MG Comet EV — India’s Most Affordable Electric Car
Starting Price: ₹6.31 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Battery: 17.3 kWh ARAI-Claimed Range: 230 km Real-World Range: ~170–190 km (city driving) Top Speed: 100 km/h Charging Time: ~7 hours (7.2 kW AC) | ~45 min (DC fast charge to 80%)
The MG Comet EV holds the title of India’s most affordable electric car in early 2026. Its bite-sized footprint makes it an ideal choice for congested metro streets — think Mumbai’s Bandra lanes or Bengaluru’s Koramangala traffic gridlock.
Don’t be fooled by its compact size. The Comet punches above its price with a dual-screen setup inside the cabin (a 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a digital instrument cluster), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a surprisingly roomy interior for two adults in the front. The rear seats are best for shorter journeys or children.
What We Like: Urban manoeuvrability, tech-loaded cabin at this price, quirky styling that turns heads, low running cost (~₹1.5/km).
What to Watch Out For: Not highway-friendly; ground clearance may be a challenge on rough roads; boot space is minimal.
Best For: Urban professionals, first-time EV buyers, households needing a second city car.
2. Tata Punch EV (BaaS) — The Best-Value Compact Electric SUV
Starting Price: ₹6.49 Lakh (BaaS, Ex-Showroom) | ₹9.99 Lakh (with battery) Battery Options: 30 kWh (MR) | 40 kWh (LR) ARAI-Claimed Range: 365 km (MR) | 468 km (LR) Real-World Range: ~280 km (MR) | ~360 km (LR) Motor Power: 82 bhp / 114 Nm Charging: DC fast charge 0–80% in ~56 min (LR variant)
The freshly launched 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift has become one of the most talked-about budget EVs in India — and for good reason. Under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, the entry price of ₹6.49 lakh makes it the second cheapest electric car in India, while offering SUV-level ground clearance, significantly higher range, and Tata’s trusted after-sales network.
Under BaaS, you pay a monthly battery rental fee (approximately ₹3,500–₹4,500/month depending on variant), which lowers the upfront cost dramatically. For buyers who clock fewer kilometres per month, this model may cost more over time — so crunch the numbers based on your usage.
The Punch EV facelift comes with a refreshed exterior, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, Level 2 ADAS features (lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking), and Tata’s Z-Connect connected car tech. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to power small appliances from the car’s battery — a genuinely useful feature.
What We Like: Exceptional range for the segment, SUV stance, ADAS safety tech, Tata’s pan-India service network (1,000+ EV-ready service centres).
What to Watch Out For: BaaS monthly costs add up; if you prefer outright ownership, the price jumps to ₹9.99 lakh.
Best For: Young families, daily highway commuters, buyers wanting the lowest entry price for a compact electric SUV.
3. Tata Tiago EV — The Balanced Budget Hatchback
Starting Price: ₹7.99 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Battery Options: 19.2 kWh | 24 kWh ARAI-Claimed Range: 250 km (19.2 kWh) | 315 km (24 kWh) Real-World Range: ~200–250 km (city + highway mix) Motor Power: 60 bhp (19.2 kWh) | 74 bhp (24 kWh) Charging: 3.6 hours (7.2 kW AC) | ~58 min (DC fast charge to 80%)
The Tata Tiago EV remains one of the most well-rounded affordable EVs in India in 2026. It threads the needle between price, practicality, and performance better than most rivals at this price point. If you’re transitioning from a petrol hatchback and want a familiar, no-fuss experience in electric form, the Tiago EV is your answer.
The cabin gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four regenerative braking modes (allowing near one-pedal driving in city traffic), and a comfortable enough interior for four adults. It carries a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating — reassuring at this price.
Running costs are impressively low. At ₹8–9 per unit of electricity, charging the 24 kWh battery fully costs around ₹200–₹215 — enough for up to 250 km of real-world driving. Compare that to filling a petrol hatchback for the same distance, and the math becomes compelling very quickly.
What We Like: Proven reliability, well-calibrated regen braking, 4-star NCAP safety, low running costs, trusted service support.
What to Watch Out For: Boot space at 240 litres is snug; rear seat headroom is adequate but not generous.
Best For: Daily urban commuters, nuclear families, first-time EV buyers upgrading from petrol hatchbacks.
4. Tata Tigor EV — The Affordable Electric Sedan
Starting Price: ₹8.49 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Battery: 26 kWh ARAI-Claimed Range: 315 km Real-World Range: ~240–270 km Motor Power: 74 bhp | 170 Nm Charging: ~8.5 hours (3.3 kW AC) | ~60 min (DC fast charge to 80%)
For buyers who specifically want a three-box sedan — rather than a hatchback or SUV — the Tata Tigor EV is essentially the only affordable electric sedan in India right now, making it a niche but valuable option.
It offers a slightly longer wheelbase than the Tiago, which translates to more rear passenger legroom. The 26 kWh battery delivers a solid claimed range of 315 km — enough for a Mumbai-to-Pune highway run on a single charge under real conditions. Government and fleet operators have also found this car to be a popular cost-effective choice for urban cab fleets.
The Tigor EV shares much of its underpinnings and tech with the Tiago EV — four regen modes, Zconnect connected car features, and Tata’s widespread service network. The 7-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keeps the cabin modern and functional.
What We Like: Only affordable electric sedan available in India, decent rear legroom, reliable range, good resale value within the segment.
What to Watch Out For: Charging speed on the base variant’s 3.3 kW onboard charger is slow; styling is conservative.
Best For: Sedan-loyal buyers, fleet operators, government officials, Tier-2 and Tier-3 city buyers who prefer three-box cars.
5. Citroën ëC3 — The Spacious Underdog
Starting Price: ₹8.82 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) Battery: 29.2 kWh ARAI-Claimed Range: 320 km Real-World Range: ~245–270 km Motor Power: 57 bhp | 143 Nm Charging: ~10.5 hours (3.2 kW AC) | Fast charge not standard on base variant
Citroën’s approach to affordable EVs is different from Tata’s. The ëC3 prioritises ride comfort and interior space — areas where the French automaker has always excelled. With its raised suspension setup, you get an SUV-like ground clearance (180 mm) despite being categorised as a hatchback. This makes it noticeably better on broken urban roads compared to the Tiago or Comet.
The cabin is genuinely spacious for a sub-₹10 lakh car. Rear passengers get ample legroom, and the 315-litre boot is the largest in this comparison. The 10-inch free-standing infotainment touchscreen with wireless connectivity is a premium touch rarely seen at this price.
The Citroën ëC3’s main drawback is its charging infrastructure. With only a 3.2 kW onboard charger as standard and no fast-charge option on lower variants, overnight charging is your primary strategy. Citroën’s service network is also smaller than Tata’s, which is worth factoring in if you live outside a major metro.
What We Like: Best ride quality in this segment, largest boot, spacious cabin, highest ground clearance, distinctive French styling.
What to Watch Out For: Slow AC charging on base trims; limited Citroën service centres; motor output is modest.
Best For: Comfort-seeking buyers, families needing interior space, buyers in cities with good home charging infrastructure.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying an Affordable EV in India
1. Home Charging Setup All five cars on this list can be charged using a standard 15A home socket, though dedicated EV wall boxes (7.2 kW) significantly reduce charging time. Factor in the cost of installing a home charger (₹15,000–₹30,000 depending on wiring requirements).
2. Real-World Range vs. ARAI Range ARAI-certified range figures are tested under ideal lab conditions. Real-world range is typically 20–30% lower depending on driving style, AC usage, and road conditions. For daily commutes under 80–100 km, all five cars are more than adequate.
3. BaaS vs. Outright Ownership Battery-as-a-Service models (offered by Tata and MG) lower the upfront cost significantly but add a monthly rental fee. BaaS makes financial sense if you drive less than 1,500 km per month and plan to keep the car for under five years. For high-mileage drivers, outright ownership is more cost-effective long-term.
4. State-Specific Subsidies States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and Karnataka offer additional EV subsidies over and above the central government’s FAME II benefits. These can reduce the on-road price by ₹30,000–₹1.5 lakh. Always check your state’s current EV policy before finalising a purchase.
5. Service Network Tata Motors leads with 1,000+ EV-trained service centres nationwide. MG follows with a decent network in metros. Citroën’s network is still growing — verify coverage in your city.
Our Verdict: Which Affordable EV Should You Buy?
- Best overall value: Tata Punch EV (BaaS) — unmatched range, SUV practicality, and strong safety features at a headline price of ₹6.49 lakh.
- Best city car: MG Comet EV — cheapest on-road price, tech-savvy cabin, perfectly sized for metro traffic.
- Best all-rounder hatchback: Tata Tiago EV — proven reliability, strong range, and the lowest total cost of ownership in the hatchback segment.
- Best for sedan lovers: Tata Tigor EV — the only affordable electric sedan in India, practical for families and fleet use.
- Best ride comfort: Citroën ëC3 — the most comfortable ride in this price range, with the largest cabin and boot space.
India’s affordable EV segment has never looked this competitive. Whether your priority is price, range, comfort, or safety, there is now a compelling electric car waiting for you well under ₹10 lakh.
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