Top 10 electric cars with the highest range in India
There is no concrete evidence that EVs are the future, even though automakers from all over the world are keeping their nose to the grindstone to make us believe that. However, EVs are the new trend and while they have got more technologically advanced, there are consumers who are sceptical about the overall range. Range anxiety is real, and at least in India, the charging infrastructure is still growing. However, green mobility should be prioritised on any given day, to lower the carbon footprint, globally. So, here are the top 10 electric vehicles with the highest range in India, which will help you with your decision to buy one.
10. Jaguar I-Pace: 470km
The I-Pace is the only electric Jag offered globally and has been around for quite some time now. It is built on the D7e platform, which is developed exclusively for the I-Pace. As for performance, the I-Pace’s dual electric motors produce a combined 394bhp and 696Nm of torque. Powering the electric motors is a 90kWh battery pack, which is estimated to offer a total range of 470km, according to the WLTP test cycle. The 90kWh battery pack can be fully charged in 8.5 hours, using a home charger. The I-Pace is available in S, SE, and HSE trims.
9. Porsche Taycan: 484km
Porsche Taycan is among the most acclaimed EVs around the world, thanks to the huge lineup of variants, and mind-boggling performance. The Taycan is available in both the saloon and the Cross Turismo estate version. In its least powerful form, the Taycan produces a decent 402bhp. On the contrary, the Taycan Turbo S, which is the top-end variant, is among the quickest-accelerating EVs sold in the country, with 750bhp and 1,050Nm of torque. If you want to extract the best range out of the Taycan, the base model with the 93.4kWh Performance Battery Plus will let you travel up to 484km as per the WLTP test cycle. Despite being more aerodynamic, the numbers match with the Audi e-tron in terms of driving range. The Taycan supports up to 270kW DC fast charging.
8. Audi e-tron: 484km
Serving as a luxury electric SUV in India, the Audi e-tron is a gorgeous machine. It is based on the same MLB platform as the Q8, Q7, and Q5, among other Audi-branded cars. The Audi e-tron was launched in 2021 with two variants: 50 and 55. Both models come equipped with Audi's proprietary quattro AWD system. The 55, as the name suggests, produces more power: 402bhp and 664Nm of torque. It also sports a larger 95kWh battery pack which should be good for up to 484km of WLTP-rated range. The cheaper and less powerful 50 model packs a smaller 71kWh battery pack, and that should be capable to deliver about 379km on a single charge.
7. Audi e-tron GT: 500km
The e-tron GT is among the most focused Audis with a high-performance electric powertrain. The e-tron GT saloon pushes out 469bhp and 630Nm of torque from its dual-motor powertrain. Despite being a performance-oriented vehicle, the overall range is quite impressive. The e-tron GT can deliver up to 500km according to the WLTP test cycle. Both the e-tron GT and the RS e-tron GT sport an identical 93kWh battery pack. The 800-volt architecture allows the e-tron GT to replenish the battery pack by up to 80 per cent in 22.5 minutes.
6. BYD Atto 3: 521km
Coming from the biggest electric carmaker in the world, the Atto 3 is surprisingly impressive. BYD is targeting the mid-size electric SUV market in India with the Atto 3 and this SUV is very practical and decently luxurious for the price. Built on the new e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 3 is powered by a single electric motor with a 201bhp and 310Nm rating. Under the floor, there is a 60.48kWh battery pack, which could offer 521km of ARAI-rated range. With an 80kW DC fast charger, the BYD Atto 3 can charge from nought to 80 per cent in 50 minutes.
5. BMW i4: 590km
Born out of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 serves as the entry-level electric sedan from BMW in India. This electric sedan has the infamous nostril-like kidney grilles at the front but they are mostly covered because there is no engine to cool under the hood. The i4 is only available in the eDrive40 variant in India, so there is a rear-axle mounted electric motor putting out a healthy 337bhp and 430Nm. According to the WLTP test cycle, the i4 could be frugal if you keep your right foot less busy and can return as much as 590km on a single charge. Should you need a quick top-up, the i4 can deliver up to 164km in just 10 minutes of charging.
4. BMW i7: 625km
The i7 is the first 7 Series which has a fully electrified powertrain. This electric luxobarge competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan but has a boxier appearance. However, just like the EQS, the i7 has a tech-laden cabin, which also includes the colossal 31-inch 8K ‘theatre screen’ which descends from the roof over the second row. The i7 is available in the xDrive60 flavour and is rated at 539bhp and 745Nm of torque. A 101.7kWh battery pack provides juice to the motors and can deliver a maximum range of up to 625km, according to the WLTP standards. The battery architecture supports up to 195kW DC fast charging and will let you travel about 170km in just 10 minutes of plug-in action – if you can find a charger rated that high.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5: 631km
Sharing the underpinnings with the EV6, the Ioniq 5 is one of the most accoladed EVs throughout the world. Though it has all sorts of quirky design details, which are unique to the automotive space, it is still a delight to own and drive one. Based on the E-GMP platform, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 sports a 72.6kWh battery pack which powers the rear wheels only. According to the ARAI, the Ioniq 5 would deliver about 631km of range, which is considerably lower compared to the EV6 but is good considering the price difference. The Ioniq 5’s rear electric motor produces 214bhp and 350Nm of torque, making it powerful enough for your daily chores.
2. Kia EV6: 708km
Being the fraternal brother to the Ioniq 5 SUV, the EV6 is Kia’s pride and is its flagship vehicle offered in India. The Kia EV6 is the reason why the transition from ICE-powered vehicles to EVs seems legit, thanks to the aggressive styling, and power-packed performance. Available in two variants, the GT Line AWD is the more powerful of the two and cranks 321bhp and 605Nm of torque. However, if you want the maximum driving range, the 226bhp RWD variant would be the best since it has been rated by the ARAI with 708km of range. The default 77.4kWh battery pack supports 350kW DC fast charging and can replenish 80 per cent of the charge in just 18 minutes.
1. Mercedes-Benz EQS 580: 857km
Being the electric equivalent of the luxobarge S-Class, the EQS is seemingly one of the best luxury EVs available across the globe. Apart from its sleek and ultra-modern aesthetics, the EQS sedan boasts a paramount of gadgetry, including the colossal 56-inch Hyperscreen. In the 580 4Matic flavour, this beast of an electric luxury sedan can travel 857km, according to the ARAI, on a single charge, making it the most efficient EV in the country. Thanks to the 200kW fast charging, the EQS’ massive 107.8kWh can juice up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. The EQS 4Matic’s dual motors propel out 516bhp and 855Nm of torque.
