Find Toyota eBella Too Costly? 5 Great Alternate Electric SUVs You Can Buy
Toyota has finally launched its much-anticipated Urban Cruiser eBella electric SUV in India at a price of Rs 23.60 lakh. Now, even though it is offering a premium design, decent range, and a feature-loaded cabin, there are a lot of people who feel that it is a bit too expensive for what it offers. So, if you are also someone who thinks the same, then here are 5 electric SUVs which offer more value, more range, and better performance for a similar price.
The first and most obvious alternative to the Toyota Urban Cruiser eBella is the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Alpha Dual Tone. This particular EV SUV has been priced at Rs 20.01 lakh, ex-showroom. Mechanically, the e Vitara is almost identical to the eBella but costs Rs 3.6 lakh less, which makes it a fantastic bargain.
Just like the eBella E3, the e Vitara Alpha top-of-the-line variant comes equipped with a larger 61 kWh battery pack. It comes paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 174 bhp and 193 Nm of torque. As for the range, it offers the exact same claimed range of 543 km and supports DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 45 minutes.
In terms of features as well, the e Vitara offers almost everything that the eBella gets. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, JBL premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, sliding and reclining rear seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Level 2 ADAS.
What makes the e Vitara a better buy than the eBella is the value proposition. Basically, you are getting the same platform, same battery, same power and torque figures, same range, same features, and very similar dimensions, and you will still save around Rs 3.6 lakh.
The next SUV on this list is the Mahindra XEV 9S Pack Two Above with the 70 kWh battery pack. This variant is priced at Rs 24.45 lakh, which makes it slightly more expensive than the eBella. However, we have to note that it is a lot bigger in size as well. Compared to the Toyota, the XEV 9S also offers a proper 3-row layout.
It comes with a rear axle-mounted electric motor which makes a whopping 245 bhp and around 380 Nm of torque. It also offers an ARAI-claimed range of around 600 km, which once again is higher than the eBella’s 543 km.
The XEV 9S also gets a much more futuristic and premium interior. Its list of features includes triple 12.3-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and ADAS suite. Overall, the slight price increase over the eBella for the XEV 9S is completely worth it.
Now, if you are someone who wants a much sportier electric SUV, then you should definitely check out the Mahindra BE 6 Pack Two 79 over the Toyota eBella. This variant is priced at Rs 23.50 lakh and offers a lot more performance and range than the Toyota eBella. The BE 6 Pack Two 79 comes equipped with a battery pack which offers a range of 682 km.
It also comes powered by an electric motor which sends all the power to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, it makes 282 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. When compared to the eBella’s 174 bhp and 193 Nm, the BE 6 is in a completely different league in terms of performance.
Another major highlight of the BE 6 is its design. This SUV looks extremely futuristic and aggressive and boasts a unique road presence. Its feature highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, ADAS, ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple drive and regen modes.
Another very strong alternative to the Toyota eBella is the Tata Harrier.ev Fearless Plus. This SUV is much larger than the eBella and has a lot more power. So, if you are someone who is looking for an EV SUV that offers a much bolder appearance and road presence, then you should check it out. It comes equipped with a 75 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor which makes 235 bhp and 315 Nm of torque.
The Harrier.ev offers a claimed range of 538 km and can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds. In terms of features, the Harrier.ev comes offered with ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, JBL Black 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, auto park assist, and even a 540-degree camera system.
The last SUV on this list is the Hyundai Creta Electric Excellence 51.4 kWh variant, which is priced at Rs 23.66 lakh. Although it offers a smaller battery compared to the eBella, it still is a very strong contender because of its features, comfort, and Hyundai’s strong EV ecosystem. This SUV is known for its reliability, ease of driving, and not being too flashy.
The Creta Electric Excellence comes equipped with a 51.4 kWh battery pack which offers a range of 510 km. As for the electric motor, it makes 171 PS and 255 Nm of torque. This electric SUV from Hyundai comes loaded with premium features including Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, powered driver seat with memory function, panoramic sunroof, surround view monitor, leather seats, dual screens, rear wireless charger, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.