Electric cars are no longer just a future concept—they are quickly becoming a practical and economical choice for Indian buyers in 2026. With rising fuel prices and improving EV infrastructure, more people are now looking for electric cars under ₹15 lakh that offer the best mileage (range).
In this blog, we break down what mileage means in EVs, list the best electric cars in this budget, compare real-world range, explain ownership costs, and help you decide which electric car offers the best value for money.
What “Mileage” Means in Electric Cars (Range Explained)
Unlike petrol or diesel cars, electric cars do not measure mileage in km per litre. Instead, EV mileage is referred to as driving range, which indicates how far the car can travel on a single full charge.
For example, if an electric car has a claimed range of 300 km, it means the battery can theoretically last for 300 km under ideal test conditions. However, real-world range depends on driving style, traffic, weather, air-conditioning usage, and road conditions.
In simple terms:
Higher range = fewer charging stops
Better efficiency = lower electricity cost per km
Ideal range for city users: 200–300 km
Ideal range for mixed usage: 300+ km
Best Electric Cars Under ₹15 Lakh With Best Mileage (2026)
Tata Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV is one of the most affordable entry points into electric car ownership in India and remains a strong choice in 2026. Designed mainly for city use, it offers smooth acceleration, silent driving, and very low running costs. Its compact size makes it easy to drive through traffic and park in tight spaces, while Tata’s growing EV service network adds confidence for first-time buyers.
Claimed Range: Up to 315 km
Real-World Range: 250–270 km
Best For: Daily city commuting and first-time EV users
Why Buy: Budget-friendly pricing, dependable battery performance, low electricity cost per km, and hassle-free ownership
Tata Tigor EV
The Tata Tigor EV builds on the strengths of the Tiago EV by offering a more spacious cabin and a larger boot, making it suitable for small families. It feels stable at higher speeds and delivers consistent range even with moderate highway usage. In 2026, the Tigor EV is a practical option for buyers who want a balance between comfort, space, and electric efficiency.
Claimed Range: Up to 315 km
Real-World Range: 260–280 km
Best For: Small families and mixed city–highway driving
Why Buy: Comfortable ride quality, good rear-seat space, stable handling, and trusted Tata build quality
MG Comet EV
The MG Comet EV is built specifically for urban lifestyles. Its ultra-compact design makes it perfect for crowded city roads, narrow lanes, and quick errands. While it may not be suitable for long highway drives, it excels as a second car or a daily office commuter. The Comet EV also stands out for its futuristic design and easy-to-use features.
Claimed Range: Around 230 km
Real-World Range: 180–200 km
Best For: Short city commutes and urban households
Why Buy: Extremely compact size, easy parking, eye-catching design, and stress-free city driving
Citroën ëC3
The Citroën ëC3 is one of the most practical electric hatchbacks under ₹15 lakh, especially for buyers looking for comfort and usable range. Known for its soft suspension setup, the ëC3 handles rough Indian roads well and remains comfortable even on longer drives. It also offers a spacious cabin compared to most electric hatchbacks in this price range.
Claimed Range: Up to 320 km
Real-World Range: 260–290 km
Best For: Daily commuting with occasional highway trips
Why Buy: Excellent ride comfort, spacious interior, practical driving range, and relaxed driving experience
Tata Punch EV
The Tata Punch EV brings the feel of a compact SUV into the electric segment, making it one of the most attractive EVs under ₹15 lakh in 2026. With its high ground clearance, strong road presence, and long driving range, it suits both city driving and longer journeys. The long-range variant, in particular, offers one of the best mileage figures among affordable electric cars.
Claimed Range: Up to 421 km (Long Range variant)
Real-World Range: 320–350 km
Best For: Buyers who want maximum range with SUV-like styling
Why Buy: Best-in-segment range, modern features, solid safety focus, and versatile usage
Electric Car Mileage Comparison Table (Under ₹15 Lakh)
Real-World Mileage vs Claimed Mileage – What to Expect
Claimed range figures are tested under controlled conditions, which means real-world results are usually lower. On average, most electric cars deliver 80–85% of their claimed range.
Factors that reduce real-world range include:
Heavy traffic and frequent braking
High-speed highway driving
Continuous air-conditioner usage
Poor road conditions
Overloading
For daily city driving, real-world range is usually sufficient even if it is lower than the official claim.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Car Under ₹15 Lakh
Before buying an electric car, focus on how you actually use your vehicle. If your daily travel is under 50 km, even a 200 km range EV is more than enough. Charging availability at home or work is another critical factor.
Battery warranty, charging time, service network, and resale value should also be considered. Fast-charging support is a big advantage if you travel frequently. Lastly, check boot space and cabin comfort, especially for family use.
Ownership Cost of Electric Cars (2026 Reality Check)
Electric cars are significantly cheaper to run compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. On average, electricity cost per km is ₹1–₹1.5, while petrol cars cost ₹6–₹8 per km.
Annual maintenance costs are also lower, usually between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000, because EVs have fewer moving parts. Insurance costs are comparable to petrol cars, while battery warranties typically range from 8 years or 1.6 lakh km, offering peace of mind.
Expert Verdict – Which Electric Car Gives the Best Mileage?
If your priority is maximum range under ₹15 lakh, the Tata Punch EV (Long Range) is currently the best option in 2026. For balanced daily use and affordability, the Citroën ëC3 and Tata Tigor EV offer excellent real-world efficiency.
City-focused buyers with shorter commutes will find the Tiago EV and MG Comet EV extremely cost-effective and practical.
Conclusion
Electric cars under ₹15 lakh in India have matured significantly by 2026. With improved battery technology, better range, and growing charging infrastructure, owning an EV is now both practical and economical.
Choosing the right electric car depends on your daily driving distance, charging access, and comfort needs. If mileage (range) is your top priority, today’s EVs offer impressive efficiency without breaking your budget.
FAQs
Which electric car under ₹15 lakh gives the best mileage?
Tata Punch EV offers the highest real-world range in this budget.
Is real-world range lower than claimed range?
Yes, expect about 80–85% of the claimed range in daily usage.
Are electric cars cheaper to maintain than petrol cars?
Yes, EVs have much lower service and running costs.
Is 200 km range enough for daily use?
Yes, it is more than enough for city commuting.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car fully?
A full charge usually costs between ₹200–₹400, depending on battery size.
Rohit Sharma
AuthorLast updated 1 hour ago
