Many people are inclined towards eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs), also known as green vehicles, to reduce their carbon footprint in the environment. With people in our country becoming more environmentally aware, electricity-powered cars have got a major acceptance. Since the Indians are realizing the competence and potential of EVs, their sales are on the rise in the country. The best thing about eco-friendly electric cars is that they require no fossil fuel and won’t even pollute the environment.
Being operated by a battery power or hybrid engine (that can switch between a traditional engine and an electric engine), these eco-vehicles don’t release any hazardous pollutants into the surrounding atmosphere. However, these cars need to be compliant with the EURO-6 emission norms.
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Another reason why people are switching to electric vehicles is that they are quite economical in the long run. After all, you won’t have to spend too much money on buying fuel for your car, and charging at electric stations or even at home is quite cheap.
While the standard fossil-fuel vehicles are still going strong, eco-friendly electric cards are gradually taking over. And, seeing Ev’s on Indian roads (especially in cities) has become so normal now that it does not draw any special attention nowadays. But what if you need eco-friendly electric cars for hilly regions?
Although there are several EVs available for Indian roads these days, hilly terrains and roads are quite more difficult than the ones in cities. So, it’s vital to choose the right EV for hilly regions to ensure that works efficiently without any trouble.
Here are our top 5 best eco-friendly electric cars to buy for hilly regions in India.
TATA Nexon EV Prime
Image: TATA
Integrated with a polymer battery, TATA Nexon EV Prime has been the most successful eco-friendly electric car in India. Its battery further comes with a cooling liquid to make the car stay cool even if you continuously drive it.
It also boasts auto headlamps, cornering stability control, auto climate control, and other premium features, like the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sunroof, Dual front airbags, semi-digital instrument cluster, and multi-level regenerative braking.
Besides being aesthetically appealing, the interiors of this car offer maximum comfort.
Battery: 30.2-40.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Price: ₹ 15 to ₹ 17.5 lakhs
Seating Capacity: 5
Range: 312 km
Launch Date: July 2022
Kia EV6
Image: Kia
Are you looking for a stunning luxury electric SUV for hilly terrain? Kia EV6 is a great option with premium appeal and amazing features, like lane-keep assist, dual-zone climate control, eight airbags, ventilated and powered front seats, electronic stability control, etc.
Some other noteworthy features of this EV include dual curved 12.3-inch displays for touchscreen infotainment and instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, 14-speaker Meridian sound system, sunroof, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
It looks more like a large hatchback and boasts a prominent bulge on its bonnet. And, its 2900 mm of wheelbase makes it longer than any other XUV.
Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion
Price: ₹ 59.95 to ₹ 64.95 lakhs
Seating Capacity: 5
Range: 500-528 km
Launch Date: June 2022
MG ZS EV
Image: Car and Bike
The MG ZS EV is the company’s second-generation model that comes with a lot of compelling features for a vehicle with less than INR 30 lakh price tag.
With a range of 461 km and many premium features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, 7-inch digital driver’s display, and powered driver seat, ZS EV makes a great family electric SUV for both city driving and short road trips.
Some other notable premium features of this electric car include a 360-degree camera, rear AC vents, six airbags, connected car tech, wireless phone charger, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, and electronic stability control.
Battery: 50.3 kWh lithium-ion
Price: ₹ 21.99 to ₹ 25.88 lakhs
Seating Capacity: 5
Range: 461 km
Launch Date: July 2022
Hyundai Kona Electric
Image: Hyundai
Korean car manufacturer’s first electric car in the Indian market is Hyundai Kona Electric. This is an electric SUV that’s manufactured to offer spectacular performance for driving enthusiasts. Thanks to its 452 km range, you won’t have any issues driving it in a city or for a short road trip.
Furthermore, the company has jam-packed Kona Electric with premium features, like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charger, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control, six airbags, ventilated front seats, hill assist control, vehicle stability management, rear camera, electronic stability control, disc brakes on all four wheels, tyre pressure monitoring system.
Battery: 39.2 kWh 327 V lithium polymer
Price: ₹ 23.75 to ₹ 24.03 lakhs
Seating Capacity: 5
Range: 452 km
Launch Date: January 2023
Mahindra XUV400 EV
Image: Mahindra
This is Mahindra’s first electric SUV, which is based on the company’s XUV300 model. Like its predecessor, Mahindra XUV400 EV also boasts a spacious cabin to provide maximum comfort.
With the claimed range of 456 km, XUV 400EV is around 4 km more than the Hyundai Kona Electric (452 km) and around 5 km short of MG ZS’s 461 km range. Plus, both contemporary cars are priced higher than Mahindra XUV400’s expected cost.
And, you cannot neglect XUV 400EV’s premium features, like dual-zone climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, single-pane sunroof, over-the-air updates, cruise control, six airbags, connected car technology (along with 60+ connectivity features), driving modes – Fun, Fearless, and Fast, LED Daytime running lamps, and disc brakes for all four wheels.
Battery: 39.4 kWh lithium-ion battery
Price: ₹15.99 Lakh – ₹ 18.99 Lakh
Seating Capacity: 5
Range: 456 km
Launch Date: January 2023