MG Comet EV : In a country obsessed with bigger cars and more features, the MG Comet EV has done something rather extraordinary – it’s proven that sometimes less really can be more. This pint-sized electric vehicle, barely longer than a Tata Nano, has quietly become one of India’s most intriguing automotive success stories. But like all disruptors, it’s not without its share of controversy and compromises.
Size Matters – Sometimes in Reverse
At just under 3 meters in length, the Comet EV is comically small by modern standards. Park it next to a Fortuner and it looks like a toy that wandered onto the grown-ups’ playground. Yet this diminutive size is precisely its superpower in India’s chaotic urban landscape. With a turning radius of just 4.2 meters, it can execute U-turns where larger cars would need to find a roundabout.
The compact dimensions translate into real-world benefits that spreadsheets can’t capture. Finding parking in Mumbai’s Bandra or Delhi’s CP becomes less of a strategic military operation and more like slotting a key into a lock. The high seating position and massive glass area create visibility that would make truck drivers jealous, while the lightweight construction means it feels surprisingly peppy despite its modest 42PS power output.
Interior Space That Defies Physics
Here’s where the Comet gets genuinely clever. Despite looking like it could fit inside a Maruti Swift’s boot, it actually accommodates four adults with surprising comfort. The secret lies in its EV-specific platform design, which eliminates the transmission tunnel and allows for a completely flat floor. The tall-boy proportions mean even six-footers won’t feel cramped, though getting into the rear seats requires some contortionist skills thanks to the two-door layout.
The interior design deserves special mention for its audacity. Twin 10.25-inch displays dominate the dashboard, creating a tech-forward ambiance that wouldn’t look out of place in a Mercedes EQS. The build quality, while not premium, feels substantially better than the price suggests, though some plastics do betray the car’s budget positioning.
The Charging Reality Check
This is where the Comet EV’s story gets complicated. The biggest revelation – and disappointment – for many buyers has been the lack of DC fast charging capability. Yes, you read that correctly. In 2025, when even budget EVs typically offer fast charging, the Comet relies entirely on AC charging through a home socket or dedicated AC chargers.
The implications are profound. That weekend trip to Lonavala or Rishikesh becomes a logistical nightmare, not because of range limitations, but because you can’t quickly top up at highway charging stations. The 7.4kW AC charger takes 3.5 hours for a full charge, which is reasonable for overnight home charging but problematic for on-the-go requirements.
Real-World Range Tells the Truth
MG claims a 230km range on the ARAI cycle, but real-world conditions paint a different picture. Most users report achieving 190-210km with mixed driving, dropping to around 150-160km with heavy AC usage and aggressive driving. While this might seem limiting, it actually covers the daily needs of most urban commuters who rarely venture beyond city limits.
The 17.3kWh battery pack, while not large by modern standards, proves adequate for its intended role as a city-focused second car or urban runabout. The key is understanding its limitations and working within them rather than expecting it to be something it’s not.
Market Performance Defies Skeptics
Despite its obvious limitations, the Comet EV has found genuine success in the market. March 2024 saw nearly 900 units sold, making it the third best-selling model in MG’s lineup behind only the Hector and Astor SUVs. This achievement is particularly impressive considering the skepticism that greeted its launch.
The pricing strategy has been equally interesting. Starting at ₹4.99 lakh under the Battery-as-a-Service model (where you pay ₹2.5 per kilometer for battery usage), or ₹7.50 lakh with the battery included, it undercuts competitors like the Tata Tiago EV by a significant margin.
Vivo X200 FE – Amoled display smartphone with 50MP front camera
Feature-Rich Despite Size Constraints
The 2025 updates have addressed several early complaints. Power-folding mirrors, rear parking camera, and leatherette seats in higher variants show MG’s commitment to improving the ownership experience. The iSmart connectivity suite with 55+ connected features puts it ahead of many conventional cars costing twice as much.
MG Comet EV The Bigger Picture
The Comet EV represents something more significant than just another electric car launch. It’s proof that Indian consumers are willing to embrace unconventional solutions when they address real problems. For families needing a second car for school runs and grocery shopping, or young professionals living in congested metros, it offers a compelling alternative to conventional thinking.
Yes, it won’t work as your only car. Yes, the charging limitations are frustrating. But for its intended role as an urban mobility solution, the Comet EV delivers on its promises while challenging preconceptions about what cars need to be in modern India.
Sometimes the best solution isn’t the biggest or fastest – sometimes it’s simply the one that fits.