Top 5 Most Affordable EVs In The World

Internal combustion engines are on the cusp of being overthrown by all-electric powertrains. It has everything going for it right from acceleration to cost of running, maintenance and zero emissions. But electric vehicles (EVs) are still in their developing stages and more affordable entry-level EVs are yet to breakthrough into the automotive space. Nevertheless, here are the top 5 most-affordable EVs in the world right now:

1.Great Wall Motors Ora R1

Let’s start with the price first. Just Rs 6 lakh ($8,680)! This little hatchback is touted as the most affordable EV in the world. It packs a 35kWh battery pack good for an impressive range of 312km. It also comes with a 3-year/120,000 km warranty and an AI infotainment system.

2. Renault City K-ZE

Renault’s Kwid-based all-electric hatchback gets a 26.8kWh battery pack that gives it a range of 271km (NEDC cycle). It also features a fast-charging system, enabling it to juice up from 0-80 per cent in 50 minutes. The styling is similar to the Kwid facelift with the major difference being the front grille and the bumpers. As for the price, it retails at 66,800 RMB (Rs 6.78 lakh) in China.

3. Smart EQ ForTwo

Daimler-owned Smart’s EQ ForTwo is one of the cheapest electric vehicles on sale today. The compact hatchback uses a 17.6kWh battery pack capable of a maximum driving range of 160km (NEDC). Powering the car is an electric motor that produces 80PS ad 160Nm of torque. What makes it stand out from the rest are its urban-friendly proportions and a price tag of $23,900 (Rs 17 lakh).

4.Nissan Leaf

Nissan’s flag-bearer for green vehicles, the Leaf retails at $29,990 (roughly Rs 21 lakh). The all-electric crossover makes use of a 40kWh battery pack resulting in a driving range of 241km. The Leaf is powered by an electric motor that produces 147PS and 319Nm of torque. It is the best-selling EV in the world and is expected to make its debut in India by the end of 2020.

5. Hyundai Ioniq

Launched in January 2016, the Ioniq is Hyundai’s first model to be built from the ground up as a hybrid/electric vehicle. The 5-door liftback comes with a 38.3kWh battery which powers an electric motor good enough for 134PS of power and a maximum range of 311km (WLTP). Six hours is all it takes to charge the Ioniq to 80 per cent. The Ioniq is Hyundai’s entry-level EV, priced at $29,815 (Rs 21.21 lakh), making it even cheaper than the Kona Electric sold in India.