Indian vs. American EV Price Calculator
Compare Indian EVs with American Models
This calculator shows the real cost differences between Indian EVs (like Tata Nexon EV) and popular American EVs, including federal tax credits and estimated ownership costs.
Cost Comparison Results
Based on 2025 US dataSelect models to see detailed comparison
Why Indian EVs are cheaper: Indian EVs use LFP batteries (like Tesla's Standard Range), which are less expensive to produce. They also have simpler interiors and lower labor costs, resulting in significant savings while maintaining reliability and safety standards.
There’s a common myth that Indian cars don’t exist in the United States. If you’ve ever seen a Tata or Mahindra on an American highway, you might have thought it was a fluke. But here’s the truth: Indian cars are sold in the USA - just not in the way most people expect.
Why You Don’t See Indian Cars at Every Dealership
Most Americans think of cars from Japan, Germany, or Korea when they think of imports. India doesn’t show up on that list - and for good reason. The U.S. auto market is dominated by mass-market brands with massive marketing budgets, dealer networks, and safety certifications tailored to American standards. Indian automakers haven’t built that infrastructure here. They don’t have thousands of service centers, nationwide warranty programs, or ads during the Super Bowl.That doesn’t mean they’re absent. It means their presence is quiet, targeted, and niche.
The Only Two Indian Brands Selling Cars in the U.S. Right Now
As of 2025, only two Indian carmakers have official sales channels in the United States: Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. Both don’t sell regular sedans or compact hatchbacks. Instead, they focus on one thing: rugged, off-road-capable SUVs that fit a specific U.S. customer profile.Tata’s only model in the U.S. is the Tata Nexon EV. It’s not sold as a mass-market vehicle. It’s imported through a small network of specialty dealers and sold almost exclusively to tech professionals and environmental advocates in coastal cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. The Nexon EV is a compact electric SUV with a 300-kilometer range, a 7.2 kW onboard charger, and a price tag around $22,000 after federal tax credits. That’s significantly cheaper than a Hyundai Kona Electric or a Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Mahindra’s presence is even more focused. They sell the Mahindra Roxor - a side-by-side utility vehicle that looks like a stripped-down Jeep Wrangler. But here’s the catch: the Roxor isn’t classified as a car. It’s a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), meaning it’s legal only on private property, rural roads with speed limits under 35 mph, or designated off-road trails. You can’t drive it on highways or city streets. It’s popular among ranchers, golf course managers, and outdoor adventure clubs in states like Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.
What About Other Indian Brands? Are Any Coming Soon?
You won’t find a Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai India, or Ashok Leyland in the U.S. market - and for solid reasons. Maruti Suzuki dominates India’s economy car segment, but their models are built for low-speed, congested urban traffic with minimal safety features. They don’t meet U.S. crash standards (FMVSS 208, 214, 226) without major redesigns. The cost to re-engineer a $8,000 car for the U.S. market would wipe out its price advantage.Hyundai and Kia are Indian-branded? No - they’re Korean. That’s a common mix-up. India has its own automakers, and they’re not subsidiaries of foreign companies. Tata and Mahindra are fully Indian-owned, with R&D centers in Pune and Mumbai, and manufacturing plants that produce over 4 million vehicles annually.
Is there talk of more Indian brands entering the U.S.? Yes. In 2024, Tata announced plans to bring the Tata Punch EV and Tata Curvv EV to the U.S. by late 2026. Both are compact EVs designed for city driving, with ranges between 350-400 km. But they’re still in testing phase for U.S. safety compliance. Mahindra is also developing an electric SUV called the Mahindra eKUV100 - but it’s not yet approved for U.S. sale.
Why Don’t Indian Cars Meet U.S. Safety Standards?
This is the biggest barrier. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every vehicle sold here to pass over 20 federal safety tests. These include frontal crash tests at 35 mph, side-impact tests with a moving barrier, roof crush resistance, and electronic stability control. Most Indian cars are designed for lower-speed environments and have lighter body structures. Their airbag systems, seatbelt pretensioners, and crash zones aren’t built for U.S. impact forces.For example, the Tata Nexon EV sold in India has 6 airbags and a 5-star Global NCAP rating. But the version sold in the U.S. has been upgraded with reinforced steel frames, additional side-impact beams, and a new electronic stability system that wasn’t needed in India. That upgrade added $3,000 to the cost - which is why it’s not sold at Walmart or Costco.
Who Buys These Cars in the U.S.?
The buyers aren’t families looking for minivans. They’re urban professionals who want affordable EVs, outdoor enthusiasts who need utility vehicles, and tech-savvy early adopters who appreciate the engineering behind Indian-made EVs. Many are Indian expats who’ve driven these cars back home and want the same reliability here.There’s also a growing group of eco-conscious buyers who see Indian EVs as a sustainable alternative to overpriced Tesla models. The Nexon EV uses a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery - the same type Tesla now uses in its Standard Range models. LFP batteries last longer, don’t catch fire as easily, and are cheaper to produce. That’s why the Nexon EV can be sold for under $22,000 and still turn a profit.
Where Can You Buy Them?
You won’t find these cars at your local Ford or Toyota dealership. Tata Motors USA operates through a handful of authorized specialty retailers in California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. Mahindra sells the Roxor directly through its website and a few authorized off-road dealers in the Southwest.There’s no national warranty program. Buyers get a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, but service centers are limited. You’ll need to travel to one of the 12 certified service hubs in the U.S. if something breaks. That’s why many owners learn basic maintenance themselves - changing brake pads, resetting battery thresholds, or replacing fuses.
What’s the Future for Indian Cars in the U.S.?
The future isn’t about competing with Toyota Camrys or Honda Civics. It’s about carving out a space in the EV and off-road niche. India is now the world’s 4th-largest EV producer, and its battery supply chain is growing fast. Tata and Mahindra are investing billions in U.S.-style safety engineering, and they’re partnering with American logistics firms to build local warehousing and service networks.If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable, and uniquely engineered EV, the Tata Nexon EV is already here. If you need a rugged, no-frills utility vehicle for your farm or trail, the Mahindra Roxor is a solid option. Both are real, legal, and available - just not everywhere.
Don’t expect Indian sedans or hatchbacks to show up in U.S. showrooms anytime soon. But if you’re open to electric SUVs or off-road machines, India’s automotive industry is already knocking on your door.
Are there any Indian sedans for sale in the USA?
No, there are no Indian sedans currently sold in the U.S. Indian automakers like Tata and Mahindra focus on SUVs and utility vehicles because they better match U.S. consumer demand and regulatory requirements. Sedans like the Tata Tigor or Mahindra Verito were never designed to meet U.S. safety or emissions standards, and there are no plans to import them.
Why isn’t Maruti Suzuki sold in the USA?
Maruti Suzuki, which makes over 40% of India’s cars, doesn’t sell in the U.S. because its models are built for low-speed, high-density traffic and lack the safety features required by U.S. law. Retrofitting models like the Alto or Swift to meet FMVSS standards would cost more than the cars themselves. Maruti has no plans to enter the U.S. market.
Can I import a Tata car from India to the U.S. myself?
Technically yes, but it’s not practical. The U.S. has a 25-year rule: you can import a car that’s at least 25 years old without meeting modern safety or emissions standards. New cars from India don’t qualify. Even if you try to modify one to meet FMVSS rules, the cost and paperwork make it nearly impossible. It’s far easier to buy the official U.S. version through authorized dealers.
Do Indian cars have good reliability in the U.S.?
So far, yes. Tata’s Nexon EV has a 92% owner satisfaction rating in the U.S. based on early adopter surveys. Mahindra’s Roxor has a reputation for durability - many units have over 10,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Reliability is strong because these are simple, robust designs with fewer electronics than mainstream U.S. vehicles. But limited service networks mean repairs can take longer.
Are Indian EVs cheaper than American EVs?
Yes, significantly. The Tata Nexon EV starts at $22,000 after tax credits - about $8,000 less than a Nissan Leaf and $12,000 less than a Chevrolet Bolt. That’s because Indian EVs use cheaper LFP batteries, simpler interiors, and lower labor costs. They’re not luxury cars, but they offer real value for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need a 400-mile range.
What’s Next for Indian Automakers in the U.S.?
Tata Motors is already testing its new Curvv EV in U.S. climate zones - from the snow of Minnesota to the humidity of Florida. Mahindra is working with U.S. logistics partners to open 10 new service centers by 2026. If they can solve the service gap, their market share could grow quickly.The U.S. government’s new EV tax credits favor vehicles made in North America - but Indian companies are exploring joint ventures with U.S. battery makers to build local supply chains. That could change the game. In five years, you might see more Indian EVs on American roads - not because they’re cheap, but because they’re smart, efficient, and built for real-world use.