AFFORDABLE SILENCE

Could these two be your choice to enter the electric world? We find out.

As much as I dislike the stereotypes that come with it, petrol-heads are a disappearing breed. Big engines are now a part of the folklore, and it is hard to be excited by a 1-litre three-pot which delivers exceptional fuel economy. I mean, yes It could be fun in a golf-cart but not in a mid-size SUV.

This gradual de-sizing, not just of engines, but the love of cars has been a long time coming, making the time ripe for electric vehicles.

Sure, they have been around a long time too now, but now concepts are becoming reality sooner. Almost every manufacturer has an EV ready or is making one, and some of them are good. Since this is the Tech Special, I am going all in for the planet and completely believe EVS are the way forward. Unlike the average Motoring reader, I will also believe that a vehicle is only the means for getting from point A to B.

Let's be bold and add that efficiency and price are more significant than driving pleasure. The choice of the MG Comet and TVS iQube for this issue special was not random. Miles of scrolling pages have told you what are the factors affecting EV adoption. With cars, range anxiety is probably a bigger concern whereas for electric 2Ws, well, not catching fire must be pretty high up. Both these machines have their strong and weak points, naturally, but they have some common things too - apart from a motor and 12-inch wheels. Both are legacy brands and yet have stayed relevant through their products.

Most won't remember what MG went through before SAIC, but since then it has been pushing the envelope Like I wrote, when I drove the Comet for the first time, it is pretty gutsy to launch a car like this in an India which is in love with SUVs. TVS on the other hand has been on a roll, and if they were caught off-guard by the start-up brigade, the iQube crossing the 250,000 sales mark is a resounding response.