Discover 3 new affordable electric SUVs launching in India within 12 months: Tata Punch EV facelift, Hyundai Inster, Kia Syros EV. Prices start at ₹10 lakh with 300+ km range – perfect for budget buyers!
India’s electric vehicle scene is buzzing like a Diwali market these days. With fuel prices playing hopscotch and city traffic turning commutes into marathons, folks are eyeing affordable electric SUVs that promise zippy drives without burning holes in pockets.
Why Affordable Electric SUVs Are the Talk of the Town
These affordable electric SUVs are set to hit Indian roads in the next 12 months, blending compact size, decent range, and prices under ₹15-20 lakh. Perfect for urban warriors dodging potholes in Mumbai or navigating Delhi’s flyovers, they offer zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs – think ₹1-2 per km versus petrol’s ₹8+.
Tata, Hyundai, and Kia are leading the charge, building on India’s push for green mobility. Government incentives like FAME III subsidies could shave off even more from ex-showroom tags, making ownership sweeter.
Tata Punch EV Facelift: The People’s Champ Returns
Tata Punch EV facelift is launching around February 2026, starting at ₹10.61 lakh ex-showroom. This mini-SUV facelift amps up the original Punch EV’s appeal with refined looks, better tech, and a claimed range of 265-365 km on a single charge.
Expect a bigger battery option, faster DC charging (up to 60 km in 15 minutes), and features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera, and six airbags. Its 147 bhp motor delivers punchy acceleration – 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds – ideal for overtaking loaded autos on highways.
In true Indian style, Tata focuses on ruggedness: 190 mm ground clearance tackles our infamous speed breakers, while V2L (vehicle-to-load) lets you power a fan during picnics. Priced competitively against the current Punch EV at ₹9.99 lakh, the facelift adds sunroof and ADAS for that premium feel without the premium price.
Hyundai Inster EV: Compact Korean Firecracker
Hyundai’s Hyundai Inster EV, a global micro-SUV tailored for India, eyes a June 2026 debut at ₹12 lakh ex-showroom. With battery packs of 42 kWh or 49 kWh, it promises 300+ km city range – enough for Bengaluru to Mysore runs without a sweat.
Key highlights include a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup, wireless charging, 64-colour ambient lighting, and V2L for juicing gadgets. Safety shines with Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, and a 360-camera – crucial for our chaotic roads.
Hyundai’s expertise in EVs (think Ioniq 5) ensures quick charging: full top-up in 4-4.5 hours on AC. At under 3.8 meters long, it’s nimble for parking in tight Pimpri spots, yet spacious for four with a 270L boot. This affordable electric SUV could undercut rivals with Korean build quality and a 7-year warranty.
Kia Syros EV: Stylish Sibling with Swagger
Kia’s Kia Syros EV rolls out in early 2026 from ₹14-15 lakh, positioning as a premium pick among affordable electric SUVs. Sharing the Inster’s platform, it boasts 350-450 km range and twin 12.3-inch screens for that wow factor.
Ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and Level 2 ADAS make it family-ready, while a frunk adds quirky storage. Expect 400+ km real-world range for Pune-Mumbai jaunts, with 0-100 kmph in 8 seconds from its electric heart.
Kia’s Indian touch: bold tiger-nose grille in EV form, connected tech via UVO app, and prices rivaling Tata Nexon EV. As Kia’s entry below EV6, it’s for young buyers craving style without splurging ₹20 lakh+.
Price and Launch Comparison Table
| affordable electric SUVs | Expected Launch | Starting Price (ex-showroom) | Range (km) | Key Battery/Charge Time |
| Tata Punch EV Facelift | Feb 2026 | ₹10.61 lakh | 265-365 | 25-35 kWh / 15 min DC |
| Hyundai Inster EV | Jun 2026 | ₹12 lakh | 300+ | 42-49 kWh / 4 hrs AC |
| Kia Syros EV | Early 2026 | ₹14-15 lakh | 350-450 | ~45 kWh / Fast DC |
These figures position them perfectly against current options like MG Comet EV (₹6-10 lakh) or Tata Tiago EV.
Also Read : 2026 Hyundai Verna Facelift Spied – Bigger, Bolder, and Ready to Rule Indian Roads, Launch Soon!
What Makes Them ‘affordable electric SUVs’ in India?
In a market where mid-size EVs like Nexon EV start at ₹14 lakh, these under-₹15 lakh tags qualify as affordable electric SUVs. Running costs? A full charge at home (₹200-300) covers 300 km – cheaper than a petrol SUV’s weekly fuel bill.
Home charging via 15A sockets is plug-and-play, no fancy wallboxes needed initially. Resale? Tata’s EV track record and Hyundai-Kia’s networks assure confidence. Plus, state subsidies in Maharashtra could drop effective prices further.
Features Showdown: Tech and Safety Edge
All three pack modern goodies: wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, voice commands in Hindi, and regenerative braking for one-pedal driving in traffic. Tata leads in affordability and ground clearance; Hyundai in warranty; Kia in bling.
Safety ratings? Expect 5-star Global NCAP like Punch EV’s sibling. ADAS features like adaptive cruise will ease highway merges amid trucks.
Challenges and Real Talk for Indian Buyers
Bigger batteries mean heavier kerb weights – up to 1.3 tonnes – so expect some body roll on ghat roads. Charging infra? Highways are improving, but urban homes need stable power. Battery life? 8-year warranties cover 1.6 lakh km degradation under 30%.
Service networks: Tata’s vast, Hyundai-Kia catching up. Insurance? 10-15% higher than ICE, but incentives balance it.
The Bigger Picture: EV Boom in India
By 2026, these launches align with 30% EV penetration goals. Competitors like Mahindra XUV 3XO EV (₹13.89 lakh, H1 2026) heat things up. For content creators like us tracking bikes to EVs, these signal a shift – quieter, greener rides ahead.
Why Wait for These Affordable Electric SUVs?
If you’re leasing or waiting out petrol woes, these affordable electric SUVs deliver value. Tata for basics, Hyundai for reliability, Kia for flair. Test drives post-launch will seal the deal – mark calendars!
