Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Impressions | Surprisingly Sensible |...
- Dec 10, 2024
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As part of Maharashtra's 2025-26 budget, the state government proposed a 6 percent tax on EVs priced above Rs 30 lakh, up from zero. This will be in addition to the 5 percent GST on EVs levied by the union government. This move is intended to increase state revenue. While this is just a proposal, it could take effect from April 1, 2025.
With that said, let's look at ten popular EVs in India whose prices will be impacted by Maharashtra's proposed motor vehicle tax.
Mahindra's latest all-electric SUV, the XEV 9e, is first on our list. While it starts at Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the top-spec XEV 9e costs over Rs 30 lakh and will be affected by the new tax. This means that after the tax is implemented, the top-end variant of the XEV 9e will become more expensive by around Rs 1.80 lakh on-road. As for the specs, it is offered with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery pack options, delivering a claimed range of up to 656 km.

BYD's Seal electric sedan, which appears to be gaining popularity due to its aggressive pricing, will also be affected. It is priced between Rs 41 lakh and Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom), meaning its price could increase by up to Rs 3.18 lakh if the tax is implemented. The Seal is available in three broad trims and two battery pack options, offering a claimed range of up to 650 km. It gets features such as a 15.6-inch rotating infotainment system, a panoramic glass roof, 9 airbags, and ADAS.

It is to be noted that the 2025 BYD Seal is revealed and awaits a price announcement. Read our launch story here.
Termed the SUV counterpart of the Seal, the BYD Sealion 7 is another EV from the Chinese automaker that will see a price bump ranging up to Rs 3.30 lakh. It starts at Rs 48.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 54.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Top features of the Sealion 7 include a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a panoramic glass roof, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS. It is offered only with an 82.5 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 567 km in the rear-wheel-drive variant.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has been in our market for quite some time, will see a price hike of around Rs 3 lakh, if the new policy comes into effect. Hyundai offers the Ioniq 5 in a single variant with a 72.6 kWh battery pack that is paired with a 217 PS electric motor, delivering an ARAI-claimed range of 631 km. Feature highlights include 12.3-inch infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and ADAS. Prices for the Ioniq 5 start from Rs 46.05 lakh (ex-showroom).

Ioniq 5's sibling, the Kia EV6, will see a price hike of around Rs 4 lakh with the implementation of the new motor vehicle tax. It is set to receive a facelift sometime in March, bringing an updated design, a refreshed interior, and a larger 84 kWh battery pack. The India-spec 2025 EV6 is also expected to get new features like an upgraded NFC-based digital card key, an augmented reality-based navigation system, and a digital rearview mirror. Prices for the 2025 EV6 are expected to start from Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom), while the current model ranges between Rs 60.96 lakh and Rs 65.96 lakh (ex-showroom).

Recently, BMW launched the iX1 LWB in India at Rs 49 lakh (ex-showroom). While appealing, it falls into the bracket where it will see a price bump ranging up to Rs 2.94 lakh if the new tax is implemented by the Maharashtra state government. Compared to its predecessor, the iX1 LWB boasts a longer wheelbase, an updated powertrain with a 204 PS output, and a claimed range of 531 km.

Mercedes' most affordable EV in India, the EQA, is another premium electric SUV that will see a price hike of around Rs 4 lakh. It is offered in a single EQA 250+ variant that is equipped with a 70.5 kWh battery pack coupled to a 190 PS / 385 Nm single electric motor, delivering a WLTP-claimed range of up to 560 km. Feature highlights include a 10-inch infotainment system, a 12-speaker Burmester sound system, a head-up display, and wireless phone charging. The Mercedes EQA is priced at Rs 67.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Popular among buyers for its quirky design and interior, the Mini Cooper SE is the next EV on this list. If the new tax system comes into effect, you can expect the Cooper SE's price to increase by around Rs 3.20 lakh. It is powered by a 184 PS / 270 Nm electric motor, paired with a 32.6 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of up to 270 km. Top features include a 5.5-inch digital driver’s display, an 8.8-inch infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Cooper SE is priced at Rs 53.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Previously known as the XC40 Recharge, the Volvo EX40 also lands into the price range that will be affected by the new motor vehicle tax. The EX40's price is expected to increase between Rs 3.36 lakh and Rs 3.47 lakh. It is powered by a 238 PS electric motor paired with a 69 kWh battery pack, delivering a range of 475 km. The EX40 comes equipped with features such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered front seats with ventilation, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and ADAS. Prices for the EX40 range between Rs 56.10 lakh and Rs 57.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

Finally, there’s the Mercedes EQS, for which an Rs 8 lakh price hike may not seem like a drastic jump, but it will still push its price even higher if the new tax is implemented. Priced from Rs 1.28 crore (ex-showroom), the EQS is available in India in both 5-seater and 7-seater versions. It is offered with a 122 kWh battery pack across all its variants, delivering a claimed range of up to 821 km. Feature highlights include a 17.7-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch front passenger screen, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and a four-zone climate control system.

With EVs over Rs 30 lakh set to become pricier, the Maharashtra government justifies the move as a way to boost revenue. While the state still advocates for greener mobility, this shift marks a clear departure from its earlier approach of promoting EV adoption through incentives. Additionally, the state government plans to introduce a 1 percent tax hike on other cleaner fuel alternatives like CNG and LPG.
What’s your take on Maharashtra’s new tax policy? And despite the price hikes, which of these EVs still catches your eye? Let us know in the comments!
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