With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, the Battery as a Service (BaaS) model has made it easy and affordable for buyers to buy an EV. In this scheme, the price of the battery is separated from the initial price of the car, which reduces the upfront cost significantly and the battery is used by paying a rental fee per kilometer.
This brings the starting price of EV close to ICE cars, while the running cost remains low. Brands like MG, Tata and Maruti have adopted this model, due to which MG Comet EV is the most affordable, Tata Punch EV is the most affordable and new models like Maruti e Vitara have come in the market. If you are planning to buy an EV with BaaS in the coming days, then we have brought 5 such options for you.
MG Comet EV
Comet EV is India's most affordable EV, which is perfect for short commutes in the city. Its starting price with BaaS starts at ₹4.92 lakh and battery rental is ₹3.2 per km. Whereas, without BaaS it will be available for ₹ 7.63 lakh. It has a 17.4 kWh battery, which gives an ARAI range of 230 km. Features like small size, rear-wheel drive, cruise control, 360° camera and regenerative braking make it a perfect option for the city. The top speed is 100 km/h and it is a compact and low maintenance option for the family.
New Tata Punch EV
Tata Punch EV is a compact electric micro SUV, which offers the most attractive per km charge with BaaS. With BaaS prices starting at ₹6.49 lakh (₹9.69 lakh without BaaS), battery rental is only ₹2.6 per km. It has 30 kWh and 40 kWh battery options and the ARAI range goes up to 365 and 468 km. Features include dual 10.25-inch screens, ventilated seats, 360° camera, iRA connected tech and lifetime battery warranty (first owner). This SUV is best for both city and highway along with looks, ground clearance and safety.
MG Windsor EV
Windsor EV is an intelligent crossover SUV, which gives a premium feel. Price starts at ₹9.99 Lakh with BaaS. Battery rental ranges from ₹3.9-4.5 per km (depending on battery pack). It has 38 kWh and 52.9 kWh battery options, with ARAI claimed ranges of 332 and 449 km. Features include 15.6-inch touchscreen, reclining rear seats, infinity view glass roof, level 2 ADAS, 6 airbags and premium sound system. It is spacious for family use, rear seat experience is excellent.
Maruti e Vitara
Maruti E Vitara is the country's first homegrown electric SUV, which starts at ₹ 10.99 lakh (Delta variant, 49 kWh battery) with BaaS. Battery rental is ₹3.99 per km. In variants with larger 61 kWh pack, fare will have to be paid at the rate of ₹ 4.39/km. Maruti's reliability, 8 years/1.6 lakh km battery warranty, free charging (first year) and assisted buyback make it a better option.
MG ZS EV
The ZS EV is a premium mid-size electric SUV, available with BaaS for just ₹ 13 lakh. Battery rental will have to be paid at the rate of ₹ 4.5 per km. It has a 50.3 kWh battery, which is capable of giving a range of up to 461 km according to ARAI. Features include advanced infotainment, regenerative braking, quick DC charging (0-80% 60 minutes) and good cabin space. It gives better performance on the highway, is strong in safety and practicality.