Along with happiness and well wishes, the festive season also brings in high amounts of pollution caused by various factors. These include the burning of farms or agricultural lands and fumes from firecrackers in major metro cities in India. Recently, Delhi’s AQI turned out to be 462 in a 24-hour period which is its worst in 5 years. The data gathered by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Friday showcases the lack of pollution awareness among society.
Middle-class individuals of India currently ensure to economize themselves thanks to increased household expenses and skyrocketing fuel prices. To promote environmental care, individuals should adopt a lifestyle that produces the least carbon footprint possible for decreasing pollution levels. This has led to individuals adopting EVs in order to minimize their carbon footprint and promote environmental benefits and awareness. The Indian Government has rolled out various subsidies for car buyers to incentivize the adoption of EVs in the country.
India’s Department of Heavy Industries has launched its updated FAME-II scheme offering 50% higher incentives on EVs and increased benefits. The scheme now includes a benefit increase from INR 10,000 per kWh to INR 15,000 kWh on EVs. Therefore, here’s a list of EV offerings from some of the country’s most notable OEMs which satisfy customer demands.
Priced at INR 20.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the updated MG ZS EV features a 44.5 kWh Hi-Tech battery. Along with a certified range of 419 Km, MG offers the EV with new 215/55/R17 tires. MG has also ensured to increase the ground clearance of the EV from 177 mm to 205 mm. The MG ZS EV produces 143 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque offered in two variants.
The EV achieves 100 kph in 8.5 seconds and sports a host of features in its ‘Excite’ and ‘Exclusive’ trims. These include a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, PM 2.5 Filter, and three driving modes- Eco, Normal, and Sport. MG offers its customers a 5-way charging ecosystem, including a free-of-cost AC fast-charger at residences/offices and portable in-car charging cable.
Other offers include DC superfast charging stations at dealerships, 24×7 charge-on-the-go facility in 5 cities, and charging stations in cities. The automaker offers an ‘MG eShield’ for the 2021 ZS EV which includes a free-of-charge 5-year warranty for unlimited KM. Other inclusions are an 8-year/1.5 lakh Km Battery Pack system warranty, 5-year Roadside Assistance (RSA), and 5 labor-free services.
Tata Motors recently launched the EV version of its successful compact sedan, the Tigor with a Teal Blue color scheme. Priced at INR 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tigor EV uses the ‘Ziptron’ architecture focussing on Technology, Comfort, and Safety. The Tigor EV sports a 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which powers an electric motor along with driving modes.
The EV produces 74.7 PS of power and 170 Nm along with a 0-100 kph time of 5.7 seconds. Tata Motors offers an IP-67 certification for the battery pack and motor with an 8-year/1,60,000 Km warranty. Currently, the Tigor EV sports a 4-star Global NCAP crash safety rating which is the highest in the segment.
Tata Motors claims that the Tigor EV has a driving range of 306 Km on a single charge. In terms of charging, the Tigor EV takes 8 hours 45 minutes to charge from 0-80% using a 15A charger. Whereas, using any 25 kW DC fast-charging technology, the Tigor EV can charge from 0-80% in 65 minutes. Tata has ensured to offer the EV with over 30 connected car features, including remote commands and diagnostics.
Launched in 2020, the Nexon EV is Tata Motors’ first passenger EV priced at INR 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Using its ‘Ziptron’ technology, the Nexon EV sports a 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers an electric motor. The Nexon EV sports 2 driving modes along with producing 130 PS of power and 245 NM of torque.
Tata Motors offers the Nexon EV with a choice of 3 color schemes- Teal Blue, Moonlit Silver, and Glacier White. Sporting a driving range of 312 Km on a single charge, the Nexon EV’s battery pack has an IP67 certification. The EV takes 8 hours and 50 minutes to charge from 0-80% using a 15A wall point plug. Using 25kW DC fast-charging, the EV takes 60 minutes to charge from 0-80%.
Priced at INR 23.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hyundai Kona sports a 39.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Along with 3 driving modes, the Hyundai Kona Electric produces 136 PS of power and 395 Nm of torque. With a 0-100 kph time of 9.7 seconds, the EV sports an ARAI tested 452 Km of range. Customers can use a CCS Type 2 DC quick charger to achieve an 80% charge in 57 minutes. Hyundai offers a 7.2 kW level-II AC wall box charger and a 2.8 kW portable charger.
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