If you’re planning to switch to an electric car in India and your budget is under ₹20 lakh (on-road), the good news is — the EV market now has practical, real-world options that are closer to this price point than ever before. With rising fuel costs and better charging infrastructure, picking the right EV can significantly cut your daily running expenses.
This guide walks you through the top EVs you can realistically consider under ₹20 lakh, compares their pricing, range, and features, and helps you make a confident choice.
Why You Should Look Beyond Ex-Showroom Prices
When buying an EV, the list price (ex-showroom) only tells part of the story. What really matters is the on-road price — which includes:
- Registration & road tax
- Insurance
- Dealer handling charges
- Optional accessories & extended warranties
Since these vary by state and city, two EVs with similar ex-showroom prices can end up costing considerably different amounts. Always compare on-road price for your specific city to avoid surprises.
Top EVs in India That Fit (or Nearly Fit) Under ₹20 Lakh
Based on current pricing and availability in 2025, these EVs are among the best choices under ₹20 lakh:
- Tata Tiago EV
- Tata Tigor EV
- BYD Dolphin
- Tata Punch EV
- Mahindra BE 6 (base variants only)
Below we compare their price, range, and usability so you can decide what matters most to you.
Ex-Showroom Pricing (Approximate)
| EV Model | Ex-Showroom Price Range (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Tata Tiago EV | ₹8.5 – ₹12.5 L |
| Tata Tigor EV | ₹12.5 – ₹13.75 L |
| BYD Dolphin | ₹11 – ₹16 L (varies by variant) |
| Tata Punch EV | From ~₹9.99 L |
| Mahindra BE 6 (Base Pack) | ~₹18.9 L |
Note: Some top trims of BE 6 and Dolphin can exceed ₹20 lakh ex-showroom. Here we focus on base or lower variants that can potentially stay under ₹20 lakh on-road with good negotiation and state EV incentives.
Estimated On-Road Price Range (Example Cities)
To give you a practical idea of what you’ll actually pay, here’s a broad estimate of on-road prices for typical variants in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Lucknow.
| EV Model | Approx On-Road Price (Base/Popular Variant) |
|---|---|
| Tata Tiago EV | ₹10 – ₹12 L |
| Tata Tigor EV | ₹13 – ₹15.5 L |
| BYD Dolphin | ₹13 – ₹17.5 L |
| Tata Punch EV | ₹11 – ₹14 L |
| Mahindra BE 6 (Pack One) | ₹20 – ₹20.5 L (may just exceed ₹20 L in some cities) |
On-road prices depend heavily on state EV subsidies, insurance, and RTO charges.
Driving Range & Charging (Real-World Focus)
One of the most important things about an EV is how far you can go on a single charge — and how fast you can recharge it.
| EV Model | Claimed Range (ARAI)* | Real-World Range | Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Tiago EV | ~220 – 290 km | ~180 – 230 km | Yes (DC) |
| Tata Tigor EV | ~315 km | ~230 – 270 km | Yes (DC) |
| BYD Dolphin | ~260 – 285 km | ~210 – 250 km | Yes (DC) |
| Tata Punch EV | ~265 – 365 km | ~200 – 300 km | Yes (DC) |
| Mahindra BE 6 | ~557 – 682 km | ~440-500 km (real) | Yes (DC) |
* ARAI range is the “standardized claimed range,” real-world figures tend to be lower depending on speed, AC use, and terrain.
Feature & Value Comparison
Here’s how these EVs compare on key factors that matter to most buyers:
| Feature / Metric | Tiago EV | Tigor EV | Dolphin | Punch EV | Mahindra BE 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for City Commuting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Longest Practical Range | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Charging Support | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interior Comfort & Space | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features & Tech | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value Under ₹20 Lakh | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Quick Before-You-Buy Checklist
Here’s what you should keep in mind before zeroing in on one of these EVs:
1. Range vs Daily Need
If your daily commute is short (<50 km/day), Tiago EV / Punch EV are excellent. If you want more flexibility for weekend trips, Tigor EV or Dolphin are better. BE 6 offers the longest range, but base variants might stretch your budget slightly. Wikipedia
2. Charging Infrastructure
Fast DC charging support is now common in all the models here — which means quick top-ups during highway hauls or at public chargers. CarWale
3. State EV Incentives
Many states (like Delhi, UP, Gujarat, Karnataka) offer additional tax breaks or subsidies for EVs — which can push an on-road price comfortably below ₹20 lakh. Always check these before quoting final figures.
4. Insurance & Warranty
Insurance costs vary quite a bit — comparing quotes from multiple providers can save ₹20k-₹50k or more. Also check how long the battery warranty is — that’s often critical for resale value.
Verdict: Which EV Is Best Under ₹20 Lakh?
Here’s a clear recommendation based on who you are and how you drive:
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Lowest entry cost | Tata Tiago EV |
| Best balance of comfort & range | Tata Tigor EV |
| Most features & fun to live with | BYD Dolphin |
| Small city SUV feel | Tata Punch EV |
| Longest range (if budget allows) | Mahindra BE 6 (base) |
Final Tips for Smart Deals
- Ask your dealer about state EV subsidies before booking.
- Shop for insurance quotes from external providers.
- Negotiate handling & accessory charges — they are negotiable!
- Consider festival / year-end deals to get better pricing.
Closing Thoughts
Electric cars are no longer niche — with multiple models offering practical range, modern tech, and affordable running costs, the transition from petrol/diesel is getting easier. Under ₹20 lakh, you can now find EVs that work as primary cars for many families in India.