Five Electric SUVs Offer Cost-Effective Alternative Amid Fuel Price Rise

Rising fuel prices and growing awareness around emissions are pushing more Indian buyers to consider electric vehicles as a practical alternative to petrol and diesel SUVs. With improving charging infrastructure, longer real-world range, and a widening product lineup, electric SUVs are increasingly being viewed as viable long-term mobility options rather than niche experiments.

One of the latest entrants in this space is the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, which marks the company’s debut in the electric SUV segment. Priced from ₹10.99 lakh under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, the model comes with two battery options—49 kWh and 61 kWh. The larger pack claims an ARAI-certified range of up to 543 km, while output goes up to 172 bhp. The SUV also features a dual-screen setup, ventilated seats, and sliding rear seats, positioning it as a feature-rich option in its category.

Another strong contender is the Mahindra BE 6, which has quickly gained attention for its performance-oriented design and aggressive positioning in the EV market. It is offered with two battery packs: a 59 kWh unit producing 170 kW and a larger 79 kWh variant delivering 210 kW. Both versions produce 380 Nm of torque and feature a rear-wheel-drive layout. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, making it one of the quicker electric SUVs in its segment.

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The BE 6 offers a claimed range of up to 557 km for the smaller battery and 638 km for the larger pack, depending on driving conditions. With pricing starting at ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom), Mahindra is positioning the model as a performance-centric electric SUV aimed at buyers seeking both range and driving dynamics.The growing appeal of electric SUVs is being driven by a combination of factors, including fluctuating fuel prices, lower running costs compared to internal combustion engines, and increasing consumer awareness about sustainability.

While upfront costs remain higher in some cases, the long-term economics are beginning to favour EV adoption for urban and semi-urban users.As automakers continue to expand their EV portfolios, the segment is expected to become more competitive, with more options likely to enter the market in the coming years. This is gradually reshaping buyer preferences in India’s SUV-dominated automotive landscape, where electric mobility is transitioning from early adoption to mainstream consideration.