The Vayve Mobility Eva is a groundbreaking addition to India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, heralded as the country’s first solar-assisted electric car. Launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, this compact hatchback has captured the imagination of urban commuters and eco-conscious drivers alike. Designed by Pune-based startup Vayve Mobility, the Eva aims to redefine urban mobility with its innovative engineering, affordability, and sustainable features. Priced competitively, it targets the growing demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation in India’s bustling metro cities. With a claimed range of up to 250 km and a unique solar panel roof that adds an extra 10 km of range daily, the Eva stands out as a practical solution for short-distance travel and city navigation.
This tiny, funky car combines modern technology with a minimalist design reminiscent of earlier EVs like the Mahindra e2O and Reva, but with a contemporary twist. Available in three distinct variants—Nova, Stella, and Vega—the Eva caters to a range of budgets and preferences, making it accessible to middle-class families and first-time EV buyers. Its affordability, coupled with features like a dual-screen setup, regenerative braking, and a solar-powered boost, positions it as a game-changer in the Indian automotive market. In this detailed product overview, we’ll explore the technical specifications, variants, pricing in metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of the car, along with its close competitors.
Technical Specifications
The Vayve Mobility Eva is engineered for efficiency and simplicity, with specifications tailored to urban driving needs. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing its technical details, sourced and verified from platforms like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale:
| Specification | Nova | Stella | Vega |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 9 kWh | 12.6 kWh | 18 kWh |
| Range (Claimed) | 125 km | 175 km | 250 km |
| Motor Power | 16 bhp | 16 bhp | 20.11 bhp |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 40 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top Speed | 70 kmph | 70 kmph | 70 kmph |
| Charging Time (10-90%) | 5 hours (AC) | 5 hours (AC) | 5 hours (AC) |
| Fast Charging | 45 mins (80% DC) | 45 mins (80% DC) | 20 mins (10-70% DC) |
| Battery Cooling | Air-cooled | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2950 x 1200 x 1590 mm | 2950 x 1200 x 1590 mm | 2950 x 1200 x 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2200 mm | 2200 mm | 2200 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 170 mm | 170 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 3 (2 adults + 1 child) | 3 (2 adults + 1 child) | 3 (2 adults + 1 child) |
| Wheel Size | 13-inch steel | 13-inch steel | 13-inch steel |
| Weight (Kerb) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Safety Features | Driver airbag, seatbelts | Driver airbag, seatbelts | Driver airbag, seatbelts |
These specifications highlight the Eva’s focus on compactness, efficiency, and urban utility, with the Vega variant offering the most advanced features, including a liquid-cooled battery and higher power output.
Variants
The Vayve Mobility Eva is offered in three variants, each designed to cater to different customer needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Nova | Base model, 9 kWh battery, 125 km range, halogen headlights, powered windows, regenerative braking |
| Stella | Mid-tier, 12.6 kWh battery, 175 km range, LED headlights, auto AC, panoramic sunroof, smart connectivity |
| Vega | Top-spec, 18 kWh battery, 250 km range, LED headlights, keyless entry, touchscreen, dual driving modes |
The Nova is the entry-level option, ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking basic EV functionality. The Stella adds comfort and tech features, making it a value-for-money choice, while the Vega is the premium variant with enhanced range and luxury touches.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Vayve Mobility Eva varies slightly across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges and insurance. Below is the on-road price (ex-showroom + RTO + insurance) as of March 24, 2025, based on data from CarDekho and ZigWheels:
| City | Nova (On-Road) | Stella (On-Road) | Vega (On-Road) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹3.42 Lakh | ₹4.19 Lakh | ₹4.71 Lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹3.45 Lakh | ₹4.22 Lakh | ₹4.75 Lakh |
| Bengaluru | ₹3.44 Lakh | ₹4.21 Lakh | ₹4.73 Lakh |
| Pune | ₹3.43 Lakh | ₹4.20 Lakh | ₹4.72 Lakh |
| Hyderabad | ₹3.44 Lakh | ₹4.21 Lakh | ₹4.73 Lakh |
Note: These are estimated on-road prices, and actual costs may vary based on dealer discounts, additional accessories, or state-specific subsidies. The ex-showroom prices range from ₹3.25 Lakh for the Nova to ₹4.49 Lakh for the Vega.
About the Vayve Mobility Eva
Design and Build
The Vayve Mobility Eva is a compact, quadricycle-like vehicle designed to navigate the congested streets of India’s metro cities. Measuring 2950 mm in length, 1200 mm in width, and 1590 mm in height, it’s slightly larger than the MG Comet EV in terms of wheelbase and length. Its slim, two-door design rides on 13-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, giving it a quirky yet functional aesthetic. The exterior features modern styling cues like connected LED daytime running lights (DRLs) on the Stella and Vega variants, while the Nova gets halogen headlights. The front fascia sports circular headlamps and a subtle ‘VM’ branding, with black air dams at the bottom to cool the battery pack. The side profile includes body-colored door handles and ORVMs, complemented by black cladding for a rugged touch.
A standout feature is the solar panel roof, standard across all variants, which harnesses sunlight to add up to 10 km of range daily or approximately 3000 km annually, according to Vayve. The rear design mirrors the front with connected taillamps, turn indicators, and a registration plate housing, maintaining a cohesive look. Inside, the Eva adopts a unique three-seater layout—a centrally positioned driver’s seat upfront and a bench seat for two passengers (or one adult and one child) at the rear—akin to a fighter jet cockpit. The cabin is finished in white fabric upholstery, enhancing the sense of space despite its compact dimensions.
Powertrain and Performance
The Eva’s powertrain is tailored for efficiency rather than high performance, making it ideal for city commutes. The Nova and Stella variants feature a 16 bhp electric motor, while the Vega ups the ante with 20.11 bhp. All variants deliver 40 Nm of torque, sufficient for quick acceleration from 0-40 kmph in 5 seconds, though the top speed is capped at 70 kmph. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup ensures nimble handling in tight urban spaces. Battery options include 9 kWh (Nova), 12.6 kWh (Stella), and 18 kWh (Vega), offering claimed ranges of 125 km, 175 km, and 250 km, respectively.
Charging is a practical affair, with a standard 5-hour AC charge (10-90%) across all variants. However, DC fast charging capabilities differ: the Nova and Stella reach 80% in 45 minutes, while the Vega’s liquid-cooled battery achieves 10-70% in 20 minutes with a 20 kW charger. The inclusion of regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by recapturing energy during deceleration, a feature present in all variants. Vayve claims a running cost of just ₹0.5 per kilometer, making it significantly cheaper than traditional petrol hatchbacks, whose costs can exceed ₹5 per kilometer.
Features and Technology
The Eva blends affordability with modern technology, offering a surprising array of features for its price point. The interior boasts a dual-screen setup, comprising a digital driver’s display and a touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Vega variant adds keyless entry, dual driving modes, and a 6-way powered driver’s seat, elevating comfort and convenience. The Stella and Vega also include smart connectivity, allowing over-the-air updates and vehicle diagnostics, though this is absent in the Nova. A panoramic glass roof comes standard on the Stella and Vega, adding a premium feel, while all variants feature a solar panel roof as a unique selling proposition.
Safety is basic but adequate, with a driver airbag and seatbelts for all occupants. The battery pack, placed under the floor, boasts an IP67 waterproof rating, ensuring durability in diverse weather conditions. Additional conveniences like hill-hold assist, a reverse parking camera, and climate control (auto AC on Stella and Vega) make the Eva a practical daily driver. The Nova keeps it simple with powered windows and halogen headlights, while the higher variants upgrade to LED headlights and central locking.
Market Positioning and Availability
Priced between ₹3.25 Lakh and ₹4.49 Lakh (ex-showroom), the Vayve Mobility Eva is marketed as India’s most affordable solar-assisted EV. Its initial rollout is limited to select cities like Pune and Bengaluru, with plans to expand based on demand and infrastructure development. Pre-bookings began with a token amount of ₹5,000, and Vayve offers perks like an extended battery warranty and three years of complimentary connectivity for the first 25,000 customers. Deliveries are slated to commence in the second half of 2026, as the car remains under final development and homologation.
The Eva’s unique battery-as-a-service (BaaS) option further lowers the upfront cost. Customers can opt for this subscription model at ₹2 per kilometer, with minimum running distances of 600 km (Nova), 800 km (Stella), and 1200 km (Vega) per month. This innovative approach reduces the initial investment, though it mandates a baseline usage even if the car isn’t driven extensively.
User Experience and Practicality
The Eva is designed for small families or individuals seeking a secondary vehicle for urban use. Its three-seater configuration limits its appeal for larger households, but the compact footprint (just 2950 mm long) makes parking a breeze in crowded metro cities. The 170 mm ground clearance is adequate for India’s uneven roads, though it’s not suited for heavy off-road conditions. The lack of cruise control and a modest boot space (exact figures unspecified) suggest it’s not built for long highway trips but excels in stop-and-go traffic.
User reviews from platforms like CarDekho and ZigWheels praise its maneuverability, low running costs, and eco-friendly credentials. The solar panel is a crowd-pleaser, offering a tangible benefit for those in sunny regions. However, some critique the limited range of the Nova (125 km) and the basic safety features, wishing for dual airbags or ABS in higher variants. The Vega’s 250 km range is competitive, but real-world figures may vary based on driving conditions and load.
Environmental Impact
As India’s first solar-assisted EV, the Eva aligns with the country’s push toward sustainable mobility. The solar roof’s ability to add 3000 km of range annually reduces reliance on grid electricity, cutting carbon emissions further. Paired with its electric powertrain, the Eva offers a greener alternative to petrol-powered hatchbacks like the Maruti Alto K10 or Renault Kwid. Vayve’s focus on affordability also democratizes access to EVs, encouraging wider adoption among middle-class buyers.
Close Competitors
The Vayve Mobility Eva operates in a niche yet competitive segment of affordable EVs and compact hatchbacks. Here are its closest rivals:
MG Comet EV
- Price: ₹6.99 Lakh – ₹9.53 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: 230 km
- Power: 41.42 bhp, 110 Nm
- Comparison: The MG Comet EV offers a higher power output and a slightly smaller footprint, appealing to buyers seeking a premium compact EV. However, it lacks the Eva’s solar panel and starts at a significantly higher price, making the Eva more budget-friendly.
PMV EaS E
- Price: ₹4.79 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: 160 km
- Power: 13 bhp, 50 Nm
- Comparison: Another quadricycle-like EV, the EaS E is closer in price to the Eva but offers less range and no solar charging. The Eva’s tech features and variant options give it an edge.
Strom Motors R3
- Price: ₹4.50 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: 200 km
- Power: 20 bhp, 90 Nm
- Comparison: The R3 matches the Eva’s top-end power but falls short in range and lacks solar integration. Its two-seater layout is less versatile than the Eva’s three-seater design.
Maruti Alto K10
- Price: ₹4.23 Lakh – ₹6.49 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: Petrol-powered (25.5 kmpl)
- Power: 66 bhp, 89 Nm
- Comparison: As a petrol hatchback, the Alto K10 offers higher seating capacity (5) and power but lacks the Eva’s zero-emission advantage and low running costs.
Bajaj Qute
- Price: ₹3.61 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- Range: CNG-powered (43 km/kg)
- Power: 13 bhp, 19.6 Nm
- Comparison: The Qute is cheaper and CNG-powered, but its quadricycle status and lower power make it less appealing than the Eva’s electric efficiency and tech.
The Eva’s primary advantage lies in its solar-assisted range, affordability, and low running costs, setting it apart from both EVs and ICE (internal combustion engine) competitors. However, it faces challenges from rivals with greater brand recognition (MG, Maruti) and broader dealership networks.
Final Thoughts!
The Vayve Mobility Eva is a bold step forward in India’s EV revolution, blending innovation with affordability. Its solar-powered roof, compact design, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for urban dwellers in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. While it may not match the power or luxury of higher-priced EVs, its focus on sustainability and practicality resonates with the needs of modern India. With variants catering to diverse budgets and a unique BaaS model, the Eva has the potential to carve a niche in a market dominated by traditional hatchbacks and pricier EVs. As Vayve Mobility ramps up production and expands availability, the Eva could become a symbol of accessible green mobility in India. For now, it stands as a testament to smart engineering and a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
