Cheapest EV Cars Under 5 Lakh in India – Smart Buy or Compromise?
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is booming, but one major barrier remains – price. While premium EVs like the Tata Nexon EV or MG ZS EV attract attention, their high price tags keep many buyers away. For budget-conscious car buyers, the dream of owning an EV seems distant.
But the good news? In 2025, electric cars under ₹5 lakh are becoming a reality. Affordable, compact, and city-friendly, these EVs are ideal for first-time buyers, daily commutes, and eco-conscious drivers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best EV cars under ₹5 lakh in India, their features, pricing, pros, and cons, so you can decide whether they’re the right choice for you.
Why Consider an Electric Car Under 5 Lakh?
- ✅ Rising fuel prices – Petrol and diesel costs continue to rise.
- ✅ Low running cost – EVs cost just 1/5th compared to fuel cars per km.
- ✅ Government subsidies – EV incentives make them even cheaper.
- ✅ City-friendly – Compact EVs are easier to drive in traffic and park in tight spaces.
- ✅ Eco-friendly – No tailpipe emissions, reducing pollution.
While these EVs won’t give you the luxury of a Tesla or long-range SUVs, they offer practical mobility for Indian cities.
Top 3 EV Cars Under 5 Lakh in India (2025)
1. Affordable EV Under 5 Lakh – City-Friendly Electric Car
The first EV on our list is a newly launched compact budget-friendly electric hatchback priced at just ₹3.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
Key Highlights:
- 🔋 Battery – 18 kWh lithium-ion battery
- ⚡ Motor – 16 kW electric motor (20 bhp, 40 Nm torque)
- 🚗 Range – 250 km on a full charge
- ⚡ Charging – 45 mins (fast charge, 80%) / 5 hours (normal charge)
- ☀️ Solar Panel – 150W panel for up to 12 km/day free solar charging
- 🛡️ Warranty – 3 years / 80,000 km (car) & 5 years / 1,20,000 km (battery)
- 💰 Price – ₹3.25 lakh (ex-showroom)
Safety Features:
- ✅ 1 Airbag
- ✅ Tire Pressure Monitor
- ✅ Rear Camera
Best For: City users looking for an entry-level EV at the lowest price.
2. MG Comet EV – Compact Premium Budget EV
The MG Comet EV is already popular in India for its futuristic design and compact size. Though priced slightly above ₹5 lakh with battery ownership, MG offers a unique battery rental plan, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Key Highlights:
- 🔋 Battery – 17.3 kWh lithium-ion
- ⚡ Motor – 30 kW motor (43 bhp, 110 Nm torque)
- 🚗 Range – 230 km per charge
- ⏱️ Charging – 7 hours (3.3 kW normal charger)
- 🚫 No Fast Charging option
- 🛡️ Warranty – 3 years/1 lakh km (car) & 8 years/1.2 lakh km (battery)
- 💰 Price – ₹4.99 lakh (with battery rental option ₹2.9/km)
Safety Features:
- ✅ Airbags
- ✅ ABS with EBD
- ✅ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Unique Selling Point: The battery rental plan reduces upfront cost. Pay-as-you-drive model is perfect for city commuters.
3. Strom R3 – Futuristic City EV
The Strom Motors R3 is a futuristic, two-seater compact EV designed purely for city use.
Key Highlights:
- 🔋 Battery – 15 kWh lithium-ion
- ⚡ Motor – 15 kW motor (20.11 bhp, 90 Nm torque)
- 🚗 Range – 200 km per charge
- ⏱️ Charging – 3 hours (normal charger, no fast charge)
- 🛡️ Warranty – 3 years/1 lakh km (car & battery)
- 💰 Price – ₹4.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
Safety Features:
- ✅ Rear Camera
- ✅ Basic ABS
- ✅ Good stability for a microcar
Additional Features:
- 🌞 Small Sunroof
- 🧳 300 liters boot space
- 🏙️ Ideal for urban driving
Pros and Cons of EV Cars Under 5 Lakh
✅ Pros:
- Low price – EV ownership under ₹5 lakh
- Compact & city-friendly design
- Low running and maintenance cost
- Subsidies make them more attractive
❌ Cons:
- Limited range (200–250 km)
- No fast charging in some models
- Small size – not practical for highways
- Higher battery replacement cost after warranty
Government Support for Budget EVs
The Indian government supports affordable EV adoption under schemes like FAME II and state-level subsidies. Buyers can save up to ₹60,000 in subsidies depending on their state.
🔗 Government of India – FAME II EV Scheme
Cheapest EV Cars Under 5 Lakh – Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for an affordable, eco-friendly car for daily city use, these budget EVs are worth considering. They may not be ideal for highway trips, but for commuting, small families, or students, they are the perfect entry point into EV ownership.
FAQs – Cheapest EV Cars Under 5 Lakh in India
1. Which is the cheapest EV car in India 2025?
Currently, the cheapest EV is the new city-focused hatchback priced at ₹3.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Is MG Comet EV under 5 lakh?
Yes, with MG’s battery rental plan, it starts at ₹4.99 lakh. With battery ownership, the price is higher (₹7.5 lakh).
3. Can I use these EVs for highway travel?
Not recommended. These EVs are designed for short city commutes with ranges of 200–250 km.
4. How much does EV charging cost in India?
Charging an EV costs between ₹1.2 to ₹2.5 per km, depending on electricity rates.
5. What is the battery replacement cost?
Battery replacement costs around ₹2–2.2 lakh depending on the model.
6. Do budget EVs come with fast charging?
Only some models offer fast charging. Others take 3–7 hours on standard chargers.
7. What is the warranty on these EVs?
Most EVs under ₹5 lakh offer 3 years on vehicle and 5–8 years on battery.
8. Are subsidies available on these EVs?
Yes, under FAME II and state schemes, buyers get additional price benefits.
9. Which is better for cities – MG Comet EV or Strom R3?
MG Comet EV is better for small families (4 seats), while Strom R3 is ideal for singles/couples.
10. Where can I buy these EV cars?
You can book through official websites like:
“Here’s a quick go-through of what we’ll cover in this article so you don’t miss anything important.”
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