Goodbye 2022: Top electric car brands and models have arrived in India this year

So as we say goodbye to the current year, here’s a glimpse at the new brands and electric vehicles coming to India in 2022. Lots of promise, lots of anticipation and certainly lots of variety, These are our top picks.

Also read: Goodbye 2022: The launch of the 2-wheel electric car impressed us the most

1. BYD Atto 3

China’s auto giant BYD entered the passenger car market last year, but it won’t really break into the private car segment until 2022. The automaker offers the e6 for the first time. MPV for private buyers followed by the very likely Atto 3 a few weeks ago. The BYD Atto 3 is an electric compact SUV, and as we noticed on our first drive, it is an extremely efficient machine. The power supply promises more than 201 hp, a range of 521 km and plenty of features. The quirky look also leaves its mark and so does the premium fit and finish. High valuations can be daunting, but there’s a lot to like about the Atto 3 and the direction BYD is heading.

Watch: BYD Atto 3: First ride review

2. Mercedes-Benz EQB/EQS

Mercedes-Benz India has struck the best when it comes to the electric vehicle segment. The automaker is not only bringing global flagships like the EQS and EQS 53 AMG to the Indian market, but both models are also being assembled in the country. It clearly demonstrates the brand’s commitment to the Indian market and the segment as a whole. Not only these but the automaker also introduced the EQB electric SUV this year. The new offering is the manufacturer’s most accessible EV in India and offers the practicality of seven comfortable seats. This is just the beginning of Mercedes’ electric car assault with more planned in the coming years.

Also read: Goodbye 2022: India’s attractive concept cars win hearts

3. Kia EV6

Making its debut in the electric vehicle market this year is Kia India. The automaker introduced the EV6 electric SUV this year that promises plenty of range with an action-packed driving experience. Coming as a Fully Built Unit (CBU), the model was well received with most of the units allocated to India already sold out. The premium Kia EV6 is fun and also quite practical, making it a good fit for our customers’ needs. On the plus side, Kia is planning to introduce the EV9 at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, so rest assured that more electric vehicles will be coming soon.

4. Recharge Volvo XC40

The Volvo name is known for great products and this year we finally have the brand’s first all-electric product in India. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is the domestic brand’s most accessible electric model and a rival to the Kia EV6. It’s spacious, practical, packed with features, and just what you’d expect from the Swedish automaker. It also drives excellently as we discovered in our review. Volvo plans to bring at least one new EV a year to India and that certainly excites us.

Also read: Goodbye 2022: Important events that will shape the Indian auto industry this year

5. Tata Tiago . Tram

Tata Motors has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle segment in recent years and has successfully captured the mainstream space with the Tiago EV. price from $8.49 lakh onwards (old showroom), the Tiago EV is a real, affordable and practical option for customers looking to switch to electric mobility. The price is right and the range is 250 km (lower variant) and 315 km (higher variant) on a single charge. The Tata Tiago EV will pave the way for more models, which will make electric mobility more accessible to the masses.

6. Ultraviolet F77

Moving from cars to electric two-wheelers, Bengaluru-based startup Ultraviolette Automotive finally launched its first product this year. The F77 is India’s fastest accelerating electric motorcycle and hits some impressive performance numbers. This bike has about 38 hp and 95 Nm of torque with a range of 307 km (ARAI certified) on a single charge. The car has a top speed of 147 km/h and has a jet fighter-inspired styling. Expectations are high from Ultraviolette and the company will start shipping next month starting from Bengaluru.

7. Vida from Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp has entered the EV segment with its new Vida sub-brand, and the new V1 electric scooter arrives with a lot of promise. It is comparable to the best electric motorcycles on sale at the moment and even outperforms it in some areas. Add to that Hero’s extensive experience in selling two-wheelers and hopefully Vida will become mainstream, not only in India but also in developed countries. The Vida V1 will only be available to customers next year and we can’t wait to drive one soon.

Also read: Goodbye 2022: 5 important developments in the Indian auto industry

Special mention

Also making some serious impact this year are Tata Motors and MG Motor India. Tata not only introduced the long-range Nexon EV Prime this year, but also showcased the future of its electric mobility business with concepts like the Curvv and Avinya, and previewed the upcoming Gen 3 electric vehicles. How does it look like. Next, MG introduced the ZS EV facelift this year that brings comprehensive changes to the electric compact SUV. The brand has also introduced the Air EV, which will be their most affordable electric vehicle in India and will appear at Auto Expo 2023.

Date of first publication: December 27, 2022, 19:47 PM IST