Top 5 EV Cars in India Under 5 Lakhs

Finding a fully electric car under ₹5 lakhs in India is still challenging because most mainstream EVs (like the Tata Tiago EV, Tigor EV, or MG Comet EV) start above ₹7-8 lakhs, even after subsidies. However, there are emerging small city EVs, quadricycles, and adapted electric three-wheelers that fit under the ₹5 lakh mark — especially after applying FAME-II and state incentives.

Here’s a look at the closest and most practical options under ₹5 lakhs, including some innovative personal mobility EVs that redefine what a “car” can be for city travel.

1. Strom Motors R3

The Strom Motors R3 is an innovative three-wheeled electric car that stands out for urban commuting. Priced around ₹4.5 lakhs, it offers an impressive range of 200 km on a single charge. Designed specifically for city traffic, the compact design makes it easy to navigate crowded streets and tight parking spots. Its futuristic look and tech-friendly interiors further add to its appeal, making it one of the best options in this price range.

2. PMV EaS E

The PMV EaS E is a smart microcar ideal for short daily commutes. It is priced at approximately ₹4.79 lakhs, offering a range of 120 km per charge. While its range is modest, it is well-suited for daily runs to work, market, or school. The PMV EaS E emphasizes convenience and low running costs, and it comes equipped with features like remote keyless entry and smartphone connectivity.

3. Tata Nano EV

Tata Motors is expected to make a big splash in the affordable EV segment with the upcoming Tata Nano EV. It is anticipated to be priced around ₹4 lakhs with an expected range of up to 300 km, making it an incredibly attractive choice for budget buyers. While still in the expected launch phase, this EV is generating significant buzz for potentially delivering a high range at a low cost. If Tata delivers on these promises, the Nano EV could revolutionize the budget EV market.

4. Mahindra Reva i (e2o)

The Mahindra Reva i, also known as the e2o, is one of India’s first electric cars, which still remains an economical choice for budget buyers. Priced around ₹3.79 lakhs, it offers a range between 80 to 120 km, depending on driving conditions and battery health. Though it’s been around for a while, it is a proven, reliable option for those looking to switch to electric at a low cost, especially for city driving.

5. Tata Tiago EV

Although slightly touching the upper limit of this budget range, the Tata Tiago EV starts at ₹5 lakhs and offers a remarkable range of 315 km, the highest among this list. It brings the familiarity of the Tiago hatchback design paired with electric efficiency. This car is well-suited for those who occasionally want to take longer drives without worrying about frequent charging stops. Its spacious interior and modern features make it a strong contender, slightly stretching the budget.

With increasing government incentives and the push towards cleaner mobility, these electric cars under ₹5 lakhs present a fantastic opportunity for buyers to go green without burning a hole in their pockets. Whether you prioritize range, price, or brand reliability, this segment has a model that caters to your needs. As technology evolves, we can expect even more options to enter this affordable EV market in India, making electric mobility accessible to everyone.

Why Choose an EV Under 5 Lakhs? Benefits & Savings

When budgets are tight, why should you even think about an EV? Here’s why buying an electric car under ₹5 lakhs is smart:

Massive Savings on Fuel

• Petrol now costs around ₹100/litre in most cities. Even small petrol cars can cost you ₹6-7 per km to run.
• Electric vehicles? They cost roughly ₹1-1.5 per km. Over 10,000 km annually, that’s ₹50,000+ saved every year.

Low Maintenance

• EVs have fewer moving parts — no engine oil, clutch, gearbox, or exhaust.
• Regular servicing is mostly about checking brakes, tyres, battery health.
• This means far fewer chances of breakdowns and very low yearly maintenance bills.

Environment Friendly

• Zero tailpipe emissions. No CO2, no harmful NOx or PM2.5.
• Helps reduce urban air pollution.

Easy Driving in Cities

• EVs deliver instant torque. Even basic electric cars can start off briskly at signals.
• Their compact sizes make them easy to park, navigate traffic, and squeeze through tight lanes.
   

Key Features to Expect in Budget Electric Cars

Don’t expect luxury from EVs under ₹5 lakhs, but manufacturers still offer:

Range

• Most budget EVs under this price band promise 80-120 km on a full charge.
• That’s more than enough for daily office runs or local shopping trips.
   

Essential Interiors

• You might get:
   
  • Fabric seats
  • Simple infotainment — FM/AM, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity
  • Basic air-conditioning (sometimes optional to save power)
     

Safety

• Almost all come with seat belts.
• Some offer ABS, rear parking sensors or a basic reversing alarm.
   

Utility & Compact Design

• Compact dimensions make them perfect for crowded streets.
• Easy to drive, park, and maneuver.
  
   

Pros & Cons of Buying an EV Under 5 Lakhs

Pros

• Extremely cheap to run — ₹1 per km vs ₹7 for petrol.
• No engine oil, filters, gearbox = very low maintenance.
• Clean, quiet ride in crowded cities.
• Often exempt from traffic bans (like odd-even).

Cons

• Top speed generally capped at 50-70 kmph.
• No airbags in most under-₹5 lakh EVs.
• Limited range; needs overnight charging.
• Limited resale market so far.

If your daily drives are within city limits, your parking has a plug point, and you want massive savings on fuel plus zero tailpipe emissions, buying an EV under ₹5 lakhs is one of the smartest financial and environmental decisions you can make.

India’s EV ecosystem is growing rapidly, with better tech and new models launching every year. By starting with a budget EV, you not only future-proof your mobility but also enjoy unbelievably low ownership costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Budget EVs

Q. Can I drive these EVs on highways?
Not recommended. Their speed and range are designed for urban mobility.

Q. Will my electricity bill shoot up?
Charging a 7 kWh battery adds ~₹70 to your bill for a full charge that runs 100 km. That’s still 80% cheaper than petrol.

Q. What if I have no home parking?
Look for community or society charging options. Otherwise, it’s difficult — home charging is critical.

Q. How long will the battery last?
6-8 years on average. Most manufacturers offer 3-5 year battery warranties.

Q. Can I install solar to charge?
Yes. A 2kW rooftop solar can comfortably charge your EV, making it nearly free to run.