The electric car segment in India is growing at a rapid pace
In this post, I am discussing the soon-to-be-launched affordable electric cars that are about to make their entry into our market in the coming months. In the last couple of years, the EV space has been booming. New carmakers have entered the market, while the established car companies have launched new products. As a result, the buyers now have a wide range of options to choose from. Also, the charging infrastructure is developing swiftly across the nation. Therefore, the range anxiety issue is being tackled, too. For now, let us take a look at the details of the upcoming EVs.
Budget Electric Cars Launching Soon
VinFast VF3
Let us commence with the VinFast VF3. The Vietnamese carmaker has been introducing innovative strategies to get people excited about its products. It will be the smallest and most affordable VinFast model aimed at attracting mass-market buyers and helping the Vietnamese automaker achieve strong sales volumes in the country. With its boxy styling and upright stance, many people have already drawn comparisons between the VF3 and the Maruti Jimny in terms of design and road presence. The VF3 measures 3,190 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,075 mm, making it extremely compact and well-suited for navigating crowded urban streets.
Despite its small size, it features a rugged exterior with a rectangular front panel, chrome strip across the fascia, black bumper cladding, squared wheel arches and blacked-out pillars. The rear gets a black panel, slim taillamps connected by a chrome strip and a shark-fin antenna. Inside, the cabin follows a minimalistic design with a flat-bottom steering wheel and a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. Key features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rotary HVAC controls, wireless charging, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof and 285 litres of boot space. Power comes from an 18.64 kWh battery offering a claimed 210 km range (NEDC). The 32 kW motor produces 110 Nm, enabling 0-50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and fast charging from 10-70% in 36 minutes.
VinFast VF5
Then we have yet another VinFast car on this list, the VF5. Clearly, the Vietnamese auto giant wants to grab as much market share in India as it possibly can. To achieve this, it is deploying the product-offensive strategy. As the name suggests, it will sit above the VF3 and below the VF6 in the lineup. In terms of design, the VinFast cars bear a typical appeal, which we see across the board. Talking about the pricing, the VF5 might well be positioned around that sweet spot of Rs 10-12 lakh. That will certainly make it immensely enticing for a whole lot of buyers who might be purchasing an EV for the first time.
On the inside, we know that VinFast loves to offer all sorts of tech and convenience amenities to pamper the occupants. I have no reason to believe that it won’t be the case with the VF5. Furthermore, it could use two battery packs – a 29.6 kWh and a 37.23 kWh. This ensures that the buyers get to pick according to their requirements. The claimed range figures for these batteries are 268 km and 326 km on a single charge, respectively. These are decent numbers for urban usage. Also, the power and torque figures are 95 hp / 135 Nm and 136 hp / 135 Nm, respectively. For those looking for highway performance, the latter will make sense. Combine this with DC fast charging capabilities and you have a great highway companion.
Tata Tiago.ev Facelift
Tata Motors is selling EVs in high numbers, thanks to its strategy of converting the existing ICE models into EVs. That is how the inception of the Tiago.ev came about back in 2022. Over the years, it has only received minor updates. However, in recent times, the test mule of the facelift has been spotted multiple times. It will offer an updated design language with new headlamps, a redesigned front bumper, new LED DRLs and a new grille section. Even the alloy wheels will be different and the same goes for the rear profile. What won’t change is the overall demeanour and silhouette.
On the inside, we will most likely witness some new features and a bigger touchscreen infotainment display. Talking about the battery and performance, this is one area where we won’t experience anything new. It will most likely continue to carry the 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh battery packs, good for 223 km and 292 km of range on a single charge, respectively. At present, it rivals the MG Comet EV and Citroen eC3 in our market. It remains a key product for the Indian brand to cater to the entry-level EV buyers.
MG Wuling Binguo EV-based Model
Finally, there is a new and intriguing electric car that will come to India under the MG banner. It will be based on the Wuling Binguo EV, which is currently on sale in markets like China, Thailand and Malaysia. The EV carries a hatchback silhouette and its compact dimensions will make it a rival to the Tata Tiago.ev, Citroen eC3 and MG Comet EV. Abroad, it is available with three battery pack options – a 17.3 kWh, a 31.9 kWh and a 37.9 kWh, with range numbers of 203 km, 333 km and 410 km, respectively. The EV generates 67 PS and 150 Nm of peak power and torque and the top speed is approximately 120 km/h. The inside will be loaded with tech and connectivity functionalities, including things like a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. More details will emerge in the coming months.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
In my view, the next phase of India’s EV growth will be driven by affordable, city-friendly electric cars rather than expensive premium models. Products like the VinFast VF3, VF5 and the updated Tata Tiago.ev highlight how carmakers are aggressively targeting the sub-₹15 lakh segment where volumes truly exist. Having tracked the Indian market for over a decade, I believe the real tipping point for EV adoption will come when practicality, price and charging infrastructure align. The upcoming launches clearly indicate that manufacturers are now moving decisively in that direction.
Also Read: VinFast VF6 and VF7 To Get More Expensive
