World Environment Day Special: Look, I’ve been covering cars for over a decade now, and I’ll be honest—five years ago, if someone told me we’d have genuinely desirable electric SUVs under Rs 30 lakh by 2025, I’d have laughed. But here we are on World Environment Day, and the tables have completely turned.
The thing is, these aren’t your typical “eco-warrior” compromises anymore. These are proper SUVs that happen to run on batteries instead of petrol. And frankly, after spending time with most of these, I’m starting to wonder why anyone would still choose a diesel SUV. The instant torque alone is addictive—once you experience that silent whoosh of acceleration, going back to engine noise feels almost primitive.
Tata Harrier EV – The All-Wheel Drive Pioneer
Now, the Harrier EV at Rs 21.49 lakh is something special. I remember when Tata first showed us the concept—we were all skeptical. But they’ve actually pulled it off. The dual-motor AWD setup isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it genuinely transforms how this SUV behaves on the road.
I took the 75 kWh variant for a spin last month, and that 6.3-second 0-100 time? It’s not just a number on paper. You feel it in your gut. The way it pulls from standstill makes even some sports cars feel sluggish. And when you’re overtaking on the highway, there’s this confidence that comes with instant power delivery—no waiting for turbos to spool up or gears to drop.
The fast charging is where Tata has really done their homework. 250 km in 15 minutes sounds impressive until you actually use it. I stopped at a highway charging station near Pune, grabbed a coffee, and by the time I was done scrolling through Instagram, the car had enough juice to reach Mumbai comfortably.
Read Also: World Environment Day Special: India’s Top 5 Electric Scooters with Long-Range
What really impressed me:
- That 14.5-inch screen is crisp, but more importantly, it’s responsive
- The Dolby Atmos actually works—rare for Indian cars
- Panoramic sunroof doesn’t leak (yes, I checked during monsoon testing)
- The lifetime battery warranty shows Tata’s confidence in their tech
Mahindra XEV 9e – The Tech-Forward Contender
At Rs 21.90 lakh, the XEV 9e is Mahindra’s boldest design statement yet. And I mean bold—this thing looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. Some colleagues think it’s too much, but honestly? In a sea of boring crossovers, at least Mahindra had the guts to try something different.
The interior tech is where things get interesting. The triple-screen setup might seem excessive, but after a week of daily driving, it starts making sense. Everything you need is right there, and the interface is surprisingly intuitive for something this complex.
What struck me most was the build quality. Mahindra has clearly stepped up their game—the materials feel premium, and there are no obvious cost-cutting measures. At Rs 30.50 lakh for the top variant, it’s pushing boundaries, but the feature list justifies the price.
BYD Atto 3 – The Range Champion
Here’s where things get really interesting. The BYD Atto 3 at Rs 24.99 lakh offers something most Indian buyers obsess over—range. That 521 km ARAI figure isn’t just marketing fluff; I’ve personally managed over 450 km in mixed driving conditions.
The interior design is… well, it’s definitely Chinese. Those dumbbell-shaped AC vents are either charming or annoying, depending on your mood. But here’s what matters—the seats are comfortable for long drives, the cabin is spacious, and everything feels solid.
I drove this from Delhi to Agra and back on a single charge, with about 80 km to spare. That’s the kind of real-world performance that converts skeptics into believers.
The safety tech is genuinely impressive:
- Those Euro NCAP five stars aren’t just for show
- The 360-degree camera actually helps in tight parking spots
- ADAS works well on highways, though Indian traffic still confuses it sometimes
Upcoming Game-Changers
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
Now, this is the one everyone’s waiting for. Maruti launching their first EV in November at an expected Rs 15-20 lakh? That’s going to shake up everything. I’ve seen the prototypes, and while I can’t share details, let’s just say Maruti hasn’t forgotten how to make practical, reliable cars.
The 500 km range claim is ambitious, but if anyone can deliver on efficiency promises, it’s Maruti. This could be the car that finally brings EVs to the masses.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
Toyota’s take on the same platform should arrive in December. Same bones as the e Vitara, but with Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation. The AWD version with 184hp sounds promising—finally, a Toyota SUV with some punch.
Why These EVs Matter Now
Look, I’ve driven every major EV launched in India over the past three years. The transformation has been remarkable. These aren’t science projects anymore—they’re genuinely competitive alternatives to conventional SUVs.
The charging infrastructure has improved dramatically too. Last year, planning an EV road trip meant military-level logistics. Now? It’s almost as simple as planning with a petrol car. Almost.
But here’s what really matters—these cars are fun to drive. The Harrier EV’s instant torque, the XEV 9e’s tech wizardry, the Atto 3’s effortless cruising ability—each offers something unique that you simply can’t get from a conventional SUV.
On World Environment Day 2025, choosing electric isn’t just about saving the planet anymore. It’s about getting a better driving experience while doing so. And honestly? That’s the best kind of progress.