Electric cars’ ACTUAL launches: Tata Tiago and Tigor EVs, Hyundai Ioniq and Mahindra e2o NXT

Auto Expo 2018 was all about electric cars and two-wheelers. There were numerous electric two-wheelers and cars from Indian and international manufacturers at the show. Many of which were concept models. Which electric cars from the 2018 Auto Expo will actually come to India? Let’s find out.

Mahindra e-KUV

At the time of the launch of the KUV NXT last year, Mahindra officially announced that they are working on an electric version of the KUV 100 and it will be launched in 2018. At the Auto Expo, Mahindra showcased the KUV EV. The car will be powered by a 40 Bhp electric engine and will have a range of 140 km. It also gets a fast charger that can charge it to 80% in 90 minutes.

The production version of the KUV electric is expected to get a range of 350 km. It will also get a top speed of 186 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 9 seconds. The car is expected to be launched by the end of 2018 or early 2019. Mahindra has started testing the vehicle too.

Mahindra e2o NXT

Mahindra also showcased an upgraded version of the e2o NXT at the expo. Currently, it is the only electric hatchback available in India. The NXT version retains the original outline but gets visual changes like dual barrel headlamp cluster, a new grille, and a new bumper and side skirts. The car also gets a new larger infotainment system. There are no changes in the powertrain. However, it gets a bigger battery from the e2o fleet specific car that can now keep the hatchback running for 140 km. It also gets a fast charging option which is missing from e2o’s regular models.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata showcased the Tiago EV at the Auto Expo. This is the first time Tata showcased the electric version of the hatchback in India. Last year, the company showcased the car in the UK at an event. Tata is yet to reveal the powertrain that it will use in the hatchback. However, a 3-phase AC motor is expected to be in the vehicle that will generate around 40 Bhp. It will be produced at the Sanand plant in Gujarat and will be launched later this year.

Tata Tigor EV

Tata also showcased the sedan Tigor EV at the event. It is the same car that Tata is supplying to the ESSL through a contract that it won last year. However, details about the powertrain are not out yet. The Tigor EV sedan is already in production but it is not known if there will be a different version for the private consumers or it will be the same car. It is expected to be priced around Rs. 11 lakh.

Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq EV at the 2018 Auto Expo and it may become the first electric Hyundai car in India. Hyundai will gauge the reactions and will decide to launch the vehicle. The Ioniq is powered by a large 28 kWh battery pack that can keep the vehicle running for 280 km. The electric motor is quite powerful and produces around 118 Bhp and 295 Nm torque. It will have a top speed of 165 km. Hyundai also claims that the Ioniq can be quickly charged in 23 mins, which is seriously short time.