Mahindra BE 6 range, Creta Electric range, Tata Curvv EV range, electric SUVs with highest range

The last few months has seen a swarm of new midsize electric SUVs make their way into the market. Mahindra kicked things off late last year with the launch of the BE 6 and XEV 9e, and Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki followed suit at the Auto Expo with the Creta Electric and the e Vitara, respectively. These midsize electric SUVs come with much larger batteries than the compact electric SUVs and hatchbacks that characterised the Indian mass-market EV space so far, and naturally, positively addressed the biggest concern for electric vehicle buyers – range.

Here, we have compiled a list of all the midsize electric SUVs currently available in the market, and ranked them in order of lowest to highest as per their claimed range figures. Read on to find out which electric SUV can go the farthest on a single charge.

MG ZS EV

The ZS EV is the electric equivalent of the MG Astor, and is based on an adapted ICE platform. It is the oldest of the midsize electric SUVs currently on sale, but it’s battery size of about 50kWh is par for the course in this segment. A claimed range of 461km is decent, but unlike all others, the ZS EV only gets a single battery option. The battery powers a front-axle mounted electric motor that produces 177hp and 280Nm of peak torque.

Also See: MG ZS EV real world range tested, explained

Hyundai Creta Electric

The regular Creta is a best seller in its segment by a big margin, so the electric version was an important addition to the Creta lineup. Its smaller 42kWh battery with a claimed range of 390km is the lowest in this category, although that also allows for a competitive entry-level price. The larger 51.4kWh battery improves that to a respectable 473km. Power figures are 135hp and 171hp for the 42kWh and 51.4kWh batteries, respectively; torque is rated at 255Nm for both. The Creta Electric, too, is an adaptation of ICE sibling, carrying over a very similar exterior and interior design.

Tata Curvv EV

The Curvv EV sets itself apart with a coupe-SUV body style, and is the most affordable midsize electric SUV here. It is based on the Nexon platform that has been heavily modified for an electric powertrain. Its batteries are slightly larger than the Creta Electric, and that results in greater claimed range as well. On the performance front, the 45kWh variant produces 150hp and 215Nm, while the 55kWh variant produces 167hp and 215Nm. The Curvv EV also its equivalent petrol and diesel siblings.

Also See: Tata Curvv EV real-world range tested, explained

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is the only model here that’s not locally made. Instead, it is assembled here from CKD kits, which is why it is also the most expensive electric SUV here. A tad larger than other SUVs on this list at 4.45m, the Atto 3 is a born EV which means it doesn’t have an ICE equivalent. This also allows for larger battery packs with greater range than modified ICE vehicles, and it brings interior packaging advantages as well. Both variants use a front-axle mounted electric motor producing 204hp and 310Nm of torque.

Mahindra XEV 9e

Like the Atto 3, the XEV 9e is also a born-electric SUV, and incidentally, its battery pack comprises BYD’s proprietary Blade cell technology. It has the largest batteries of all the midsize electric SUVs, and unlike most others, the XEV 9e is rear wheel driven. Naturally, its claimed range is in a different league altogether, and so is performance. The rear axle motor produces 231hp with the 59kWh battery and 286hp with the 79kWh unit; torque is rated at 380Nm for both. The XEV 9e is on the more expensive side, but it also offers greater value with greater range.

Mahindra BE 6

The BE 6 is identical to the XEV 9e under its skin, so it carries over the same rear wheel drive layout and battery pack options, arguably in a more stylish package. It is also slightly smaller and lighter than the XEV 9e, which is what gives it the edge in terms of range. With 682km on a single charge with the larger 79kWh battery pack, it has the highest claimed range among all mainstream electric SUVs in India. If you had to choose an EV for long distance usage, say for intercity trips, for now, the BE 6 is the one that’s most poised to do so.

Do note that we haven’t considered the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara for this list because the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed an ARAI range figure. Maruti says it will do over 500km on a single charge, but that’s as per their own internal testing. We will have an exact figure closer to its launch in March, so stay tuned for that update.  

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi

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