It was an electrifying showdown at Auto Expo 2018. All the manufacturers both home and abroad Including BMW and Mercedes showcased their Electric Vehicles (EVs). With the Indian government has laid out a 2030 deadline. This year’s expo witnessed many futuristic models in the form of concepts from many manufacturers. These concepts are sure to become production models soon. Here are a few models that we are all electrified about.

Mahindra eKUV100

The eKUV100 boasts a claimed range of 140 km in a single charge and a battery that can be charged up to 80 percent in under an hour. The eSUV from Mahindra looks similar to the KUV100 except for the redesigned front bumper and an EV badging on the rear. This small wonder will hit the Indian market this year.

Indian auto major Mahindra showcased eKUV100 under #FutureofMobility at Auto Expo 2018 along with six EVs including E2O NXT among EVs from other manufacturers.

Tata Tigo and Tigor EVs

Tata Motors also showcased its Tiago and Tigor EVs alongside their Jayem Tata Performance (JTP) sporty models. The electric versions look similar to the existing models except for the EV decals on the body and badges on the grill sides.

The Tata EVs powered by Electra powertrain have a claimed range of 130 km. Tata, however, hasn’t revealed a concrete launch timeline but have aims of pitting these models against the Mahindra eVerito. The cars are expected to get a fast charge facility which will help charge the car up to 40 percent in less than an hour.

Mahindra E2O NXT

The E2O NXT displayed at the Auto Expo 2018 is an upgraded version of the E2O Plus. The electric hatch gets a complete refresh with premium designing and headturner look. Single charge range of this eHatch has gone up by 30 kms.

Mahindra claims a total range of 140 kms, as opposed to the existing 110 kms, per single charge. The battery charges to over 80 percent under 60 minutes. This model is expected to be launched in 2018.

Kia Soul EV

With Kia, minority-owned by Hyundai Motor Company, plans of launching in India towards the end of 2019, Auto Expo 2018 was a perfect launchpad to showcase the Kia Soul EV. Kia also plans to launch two other cars, one of which would battle it out with the likes of EcoSport and Brezza and the other targeted at the likes of Etios and Aspire.

Kia’s subcompact eSUV, the Soul EV doesn’t have an all pleasing appearance. The boxy profile with rounded ends gives it a look of an elevated hatchback more than an SUV. Powered by 110PS FWD motor, a range of up to 250km per single charge and a top speed of 145 kmph the Soul will win hearts when launched in late 2019 or 2020. Charging through 120v socket takes about 24 hours for a full charge while 240v socket takes about 4 to 5 hours. However, a DC Fast Charge takes about 30 minutes to charge providing 155 – 205 kms for every of 30 minutes of charge. A completely discharged battery will give you an 80% charge in about 30 minutes on a DC Charger.

Hyundai Ioniq

Ioniq displayed in the 2018 auto expo at Noida came in two avatars, electric and hybrid. The electric Ioniq cars are already retailed in the US, Europe and a few East Asian countries with a price range of INR 18-20 lakhs. However, the manufacturer hasn’t revealed a launch timeline in India.

Ioniq Hybrid packs a 1.6-litre petrol and a 43.5PS electric motor to boost the car’s driveability. The motor draws power from a 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery and claims a mileage of 25 kmpl. The Ioniq electric is powered by a large 28 kWh battery with a range of 280 km emission-free driving. The gearbox in it is a single-speed reducer transmission which helps the car clock a top speed of 165 kmph. Home charging point will charge the Ioniq within 4-5 hours and charge through a 3-pin plug could take up to 9-10 hours.

Maruti Suzuki e-Survivor

e-Survivor showcased at the 2018 auto expo in Noida will be Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle in India. The Survivor was earlier showcased at 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The electric SUV concept takes inspiration from the Jimny and the Vitara in keeping the carmakers 4WD heritage.

This mini off-roader gets four in-wheel motors powering each of its wheels. It also features a hybrid system currently used by Suzuki cars in Japan. This two-seater is expected to be launched in 2020. The specifications of the vehicles are under wraps at the moment.

Image Credits: India Times, Rush Lane, Team BHP

Elizabeth Mathew is an entrepreneur, digital journalist and a photographer. A life-long generalist, she writes for various blogs covering digital entertainment, social media and tech. She can be followed @raisamathew