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Eco-friendly cars, also called green vehicles, are becoming popular all over the world, including in India. Though conventional fossil-fuel cars are still in vogue, eco-friendly cars are slowly but surely taking over. With people becoming more environmentally conscious, electricity-powered vehicles are gaining acceptance, and some of the best eco-friendly cars are now seen running on Indian roads. Eco-friendly cars consume little to no fuel and are non-polluting for the environment. Being battery-powered, they do not emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These vehicles must also be compliant with EURO-6 emission norms. The eco-friendly cars available presently are of two types: electric vehicles (EVs), which are only battery-powered, and hybrid cars, which have the ability to switch between electric engines and traditional fuel engines. Electric vehicles are economical since they are battery-powered and do not rely on fossil fuels. Hybrid cars have the ability to reach high engine power when required, while at the same time causing minimal pollution. Eco-friendly cars -be it hybrids or EVs - come with a range of exclusive features and save on fuel costs, which is why many are turning to these green vehicles.
1. TATA Tigor EV
An amazing electric car launched by Tata Motors, the Tata Tigor is an electric sedan offering ample space for storage purposes. Having a global NCAP safety rating of 4 stars, it is the safest compact sedan EV in India. It has a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you enjoy your journey to the fullest.
One of the most affordable and best eco-friendly cars in India, it is a reasonable choice for daily commuters as it gives a range of 306 km.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 306 km
- Battery: 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Price: 12.49 to 13.49 lakhs
- Launch Date: September 2021
2. TATA Nexon EV Prime
The most successful EV in India, the TATA Nexon EV Prime, comes with a polymer battery with a cooling liquid that helps the car stay cool even after running continuously. Available in three colours, it comes with lavish exteriors and a sunroof, making it aesthetically appealing. The spacious interiors provide the utmost comfort.
The Nexon EV Prime also boasts auto headlamps, automatic climate control, cornering stability control, and other premium features.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 312 km
- Battery: 30.2-40.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Price: 15 to 17.5 lakhs
- Launch Date: July 2022
3. MG ZS EV
A compelling choice under Rs. 30 lakhs, the MG ZS EV comes with a host of features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, 360-degree camera, connected car tech, etc. Launched by the British brand MG, it boasts a 448-litre boot space and machined diamond-cut alloy wheels. Definitely one of the best eco-friendly cars available today, it is a family electric SUV that is perfectly suitable for city driving.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 461 km
- Battery: 50.3 kWh lithium-ion
- Price: 21.99 to 25.88 lakhs
- Launch Date: July 2022
4. Hyundai Kona Electric
A clean and green EV, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a premium car. With features such as a rear camera, cruise control, hill assist control, ventilated front seats, and so much more, getting this electric car is definitely a step in the right direction! The first electric car from the Korean maker for the Indian market, the Kona Electric is the best choice for driving enthusiasts. With quirky yet elegant looks and smart features, it is undoubtedly high on our list of the best eco-friendly cars.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 452 km
- Battery: 39.2 kWh 327 V lithium polymer
- Price: 23.75 to 24.03 lakhs
- Launch Date: January 2023
5. Mini Cooper SE
With features such as a digital driver’s display, twin sunroof, heated front seats, and crash sensor, this British luxury car is flawless in manoeuvring through traffic. Delivering a fun and enthusiastic drive, the Mini Cooper SE is a two-door hatchback with a Harman Kardon audio unit, multi-function steering wheel, centrally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, and much more.
It has got looks to kill for. One of the best eco-friendly cars on the market, this car is a combination of comfort and brilliance.
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Range: 270 km
- Battery: 32.6 kWh lithium-ion
- Price: 50.90 lakhs
- Launch Date: February 2022
6. Kia EV6
Taking your eyes off this luxury electric SUV is impossible. With features like dual-zone climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, lane-keep assist, eight airbags, and electronic stability control, the Kia EV6 is one of the best eco-friendly cars with a premium appeal. Its silhouette is that of a large hatchback, with full LED headlamps and a significant bulge on the bonnet. Its most important feature is its wheelbase of 2900 mm, which is longer than any other XUV.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 500-528 km
- Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion
- Price: 59.95 to 64.95 lakhs
- Launch Date: June 2022
7. BMW i4
With a rear-mounted motor that has a strong 340 hp, this beauty zooms from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.7 seconds. A completely soundless and quiet ambience, where even the ambient noise is cut out, is what makes this car soothing to drive. Looks-wise, it is not that different from the trademark BMW classy sedans. A flowy roof, stylish windows and bumpers with a high deck boot make this engineering marvel an exclusive beauty.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 590 km (highest in India)
- Battery: 83.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Price: 69.90 lakhs
- Launch Date: May 2022
8. Jaguar I-Pace
Going from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.8 seconds, this car is a true speed maven. This 2.2-tonne Jaguar I-Pace manages a spectacular performance with the all-wheel-drive. Retaining its trademark raised eyebrow-like headlights and square grill, a large passenger cell, and sturdy bonnet make it deviate from the regular SUV design.
The panoramic sunroof makes it look spacious, while the glass on the roof absorbs infrared sun rays, keeping the cabin unheated. A true driver’s car, it is one of the best eco-friendly cars, a futuristic electric vehicle, and a cut above the rest.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Range: 470 km
- Battery: 90 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Price: 1.05 to 1.12 Cr
- Launch Date: March 2021
Eco-Friendly Cars and Insurance
You might have noticed that the cost of some of the best eco-friendly cars is more than those with conventional ICE (internal combustion engines). Repairing EVs is costly as the spare components of these green vehicles are priced higher. The advanced electrical system that results in lower pollution levels tends to increase the price of EVs.
There is also a shortage of trained manpower to repair these vehicles, and the advanced tools required for repair also tend to be expensive. Further, the battery of EVs costs more than those of traditional ICE cars. All these factors add up to higher repair costs for eco-friendly cars. Having said that, ACKO provides the most economical and beneficial insurance coverage for eco-friendly cars. Check out the various insurance plans by ACKO and choose the most suitable option offering financial protection for your car against accidental damage, theft, fire, or any other damages.
Electric cars means driving without creating emissions on the road and can be a good eco friendly driving option. You still need to generate the electricity to charge them though. This energy can come from fossil fuels elsewhere. To get around this problem you could get a home charging point installed and switch to a renewable energy supplier. Then charge your car using that renewable energy. Solar panels and other home renewable energy sources can also be used to charge your car. If you get an electric car and decide to have a charging point installed at home it might not cost you as much as you think. You may be able to get a government subsidy. Check for the latest subsidy information here: grants for electric vehicle charging . Another criticism of electric cars is your driving range is limited before you have to recharge them. Things are changing though. Some electric vehicles have ranges of over 200 miles. Others have a small petrol engine which charges the battery and helps to increase the range.
Switch to driving an eco-friendly hybrid car
A hybrid car is a compromise between an electric car and non-electric car. When the vehicle is running it will use a combination of battery power and fuel.There are different types of hybrid vehicles. Some can be charged too giving them more battery power. When it is idling e.g. when you are stuck in traffic, it will just use battery power. So overall in theory it will use less fuel, be less polluting and should save you money on fuel costs. There is a down side to hybrid cars though. When they are using petrol or diesel only they can be very uneconomical when it comes to fuel usage. My parents have a hybrid car. From their experience they have found that their’s switches over to solely fuel usage on acceleration and at higher speeds. So you really have to think about how you will use the car and as to whether hybrid or electric is the better eco friendly driving option for you.
Hybrid cars aren’t as eco-friendly as a car charged entirely on renewable energy. However (unless you get a plug in hybrid) you don’t have to worry about charging the car up between uses. Also your journey length isn’t limited by how long the car charge will last.
Lease a hybrid or electric car
If buying a new car isn’t affordable, leasing a hybrid or electric car could be a good alternative. It could also help you keep up with the latest developments in technology. Go Green Leasing is a great example of an eco-minded car leasing company. They go further than just thinking about the cars though, they also promise to: minimise their carbon footprint and strive towards being a carbon neutral company.
educate children about the environment and ways to preserve it by donating 1% of their turnover to an environmental education scheme.
Selling your old car
If you are going to upgrade your car to a more eco-friendly one you will want to sell or scrap your old one. There are lots of ways to sell cars including using auction sites like BPI Auctions or Gumtree You could also look for a hybrid or electric car through an auction site. You may want to consider a scrappage scheme if you have an older car and are looking to buy a new one . However be careful as they don’t always work out cheaper as explored in this article do diesel scrappage schemes match the hype?
Car sharing – another way to make driving more eco-friendly
You can save money and energy on a regular commute, school or college run by filling up the car with other people. Do a rota and take it in turns to do journeys or even charge people for the ride. Ask around at your place or work, kids school or college to see who is in your area and could do a lift share.
You can balance car driving with walking, cycling and getting public transport where possible, but these changes can help to lower your impact on the environment when you do get in the car. Did you know that for every 2 minutes idling you use up the same amount of fuel as if you had driven a mile! If you idle for 2 minutes a day, you are adding 365 un-travelled miles to your fuel bills! Often we idle our cars in the winter to defrost our windscreens, so instead of doing that try this trick: how to defrost your car window without idling your engine.