The year 2023 witnessed the arrival of new premium and mass-market EVs on the Indian market, from the MG Comet to the Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, we have a lot else to look forward to as there is a good deal of electric cars that many automakers are planning on bringing for the coming year. Our list of top upcoming electric vehicles of 2024 includes the Kia EV9, Mahindra XUV.e8, Skoda Enyaq iV, the Tata Punch EV, and more. So, here's what you can expect:
Kia EV9
The EV9, Kia's flagship electric vehicle, is claimed to be the brand's biggest and most expensive SUV offered globally. While the pricing details for the India-spec model are under wraps, expect the car to be priced over Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom, inclusive of import duties) in India.
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The EV9 is based on the E-GMP (electric global modular platform), which also underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. Overseas, the EV9 is offered with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The powertrain options include a 99.8kWh battery with RWD and a 99.8kWh battery with AWD. The RWD version can go from a halt to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds, and has a range of 563km as per WLTP standards. Meanwhile, the AWD version does 0 to 100km/h dash in 5.3 seconds, and claims a range of 512km.
The SUV’s headlamps and taillamps get a vertical design, along with sharp-edged wheel inserts, Star Map LED DRLs merging with the headlight units on both sides, flush-fitted door handles, and Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille. Besides, the SUV gets a tall & flat roofline, a tiny frunk, and aero-style alloys with square-shaped elements.
Being comfortable and tech-loaded, it is an electric vehicle substitute for the premium Kia Telluride SUV offered globally. The international-spec model is available in both 6- and 7-seat configurations. Expect the India-spec model to come with multiple seating options. Kia will use the completely built-up unit (CBU) route to deliver the EV9 to our shores.
Mahindra XUV.e8
The first of Mahindra's XUV.e models, the XUV.e8, is scheduled for release in late 2024, with the price expected to be in the range of Rs 21 lakh to Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). The brand's new INGLO EV skateboard platform will serve as the foundation for the vehicle; however, certain elements look similar to the XUV700 – silhouette, three-row seating layout, and others. Mahindra has been seen road testing the XUV.e8 in India, and the spied test mule spotted last month revealed a vertically stacked split LED headlight setup with a pod-like design as well as a full-width LED light bar, along with a three-screen setup: an infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a screen for the co-driver.
While there is no confirmation at the moment, the upcoming Mahindra XUV.e8 will likely have an 80kWh battery pack with an all-wheel drive configuration. It is anticipated to have a range of about 450 kilometres.
Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch EV, expected to hit Indian roads by early 2024, will be differentiated from its ICE counterpart by EV-specific design elements, like a front bumper integrated with a charging port and a closed-off grille. Other bits are LED headlamp clusters, a sunroof, new alloy wheels, and all-wheel discs.
Like the new Nexon, the Punch EV could get a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system and a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo. Though Tata has yet to disclose technical details, the Punch EV could come with multiple battery options, offering a range of 200km to 300km on a single charge.
Expect the car to be priced in the range of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will compete against the Citroen eC3 and the Hyundai Exter.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Enyaq iV will lead Skoda's electric campaign in India by being the first EV from the Czech automaker. As part of the brand's expansion plans to introduce six battery electric vehicles by 2026 in the international market, the Enyaq iV will adopt the 'Modern Solid' design philosophy.
Measuring 4,648 mm in length, 1,877 mm in width, and 1,618 mm in height, the upcoming electric SUV is one of the first Skodas to be built on the Volkswagen Group's Modular Electrification Platform (MEB), a technology platform designed specifically for electric vehicles.
While the international-spec Enyaq iV comes in different variants, the test mules seen in India were of the top-spec 80x. The powertrain setup of the 80x consists of a 77kWh battery pack and two electric motors (one on each axle). Range and power figures stand at 513km (WLTP) and 261bhp, respectively. With such power output, the Enyaq iV 80x can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Features-wise, the iV offers a 13.0-inch centre infotainment screen, a redesigned head-up display with AR, a 5.3-inch digital driver's display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, a trapezoidal grille, and more. Expect the brand's first electric SUV to range between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is a high-performance EV offered in select international markets. Based on VW’s MEB electric platform, the model gets two electric motors – one at the front axle and one at the rear, capable of producing 295bhp. It comes equipped with a 77kWh lithium-ion battery that has a claimed range of 480 kilometres on a single charge.
The German automaker has been testing this model in India. So, there is a possibility that the ID.4 GTX could make its way into our market. If it did, it would be the brand's first all-electric offering for India through a CBU route. From the model showcased in India in April 2023 to the recent spy shots taken, it has been revealed that the ID.4 GTX has an aerodynamic design with a closed-off front grille, sleek LED headlamps with DRLs, and a beefy rear end with 20-inch alloy wheels.
Expect the interior to incorporate an all-black interior theme, a floating touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a fully digital instrument panel, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The launch could take place by mid-2024, and the price will likely be in the range of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Creta EV
Last but not least, the Hyundai Creta EV. It will be an electric derivative of the ICE-powered Hyundai Creta, although with some distinctive design elements. Hyundai has already been testing the EV, and the test mules have shown unique front fascia characterised by a split headlamp design and C-shaped LED DRLs. Besides, the bumper and taillights will likely receive minor design tweaks.
Styling tweaks aside, the Creta EV could offer a similar feature and equipment list as the facelifted ICE version. The test mule spotted in India featured a distinctive digital instrument cluster, while the gear selector was repositioned from the centre console to the steering wheel.
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The company has yet to reveal the technical specs. However, market reports suggest that the Creta EV could use a 45kWh battery unit supplied by LG Chem. Meanwhile, the electric motor will be the same as the new Kona EV offered overseas. The global debut will take place towards the end of next year, while the India launch is slated for 2025.
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