The intercity cab market in India has shifted. Battery electric vehicles now operate commercially on high-frequency routes like Mumbai–Pune, and passengers are increasingly choosing them — not just for environmental reasons, but for the practical advantages of a quiet cabin, fixed fares, and zero surge pricing. But which EV is actually the best for a 3-hour highway journey?
This review covers all four vehicles in the Orbitmiles fleet from a passenger's perspective. The aim is to help you choose the right vehicle for your specific trip — whether that is a solo business journey, a family of five, or a premium group transfer.
What Makes an EV Good for Intercity Cab Travel?
Three criteria separate a genuinely good intercity EV cab from an adequate one. First, range: the vehicle needs more than 200 km of real-world highway range to cover the Mumbai–Pune corridor with confidence, without any charging stops. Second, comfort: highway ride quality, seating support, headroom, and cabin noise all matter over a 3-hour journey. Third, boot space: real intercity passengers carry luggage. A small boot is a practical limitation.
All four vehicles in the Orbitmiles fleet meet the range threshold easily. They differ meaningfully on comfort positioning and boot space. The sections below cover each vehicle in detail.
Citroën EC3 — The Best-Value Electric Cab
The Citroën EC3 is the entry point of the Orbitmiles electric fleet and the best-value option for the Mumbai–Pune route. Its real-world highway range of 200–220 km comfortably covers the 150 km corridor with 50–70 km of battery remaining on arrival.
Boot capacity is 315L — practical for two carry-on bags or one large suitcase plus a carry-on. Seating is four passengers. The EC3's cabin is quiet at highway speeds, and the ride quality is stable on the expressway. The suspension is tuned for urban use, but it handles motorway conditions well enough for a 3-hour run.
Fare: ₹2,700 inclusive of 150 km, driver, toll, and fuel. Extra km at ₹16/km. This fare is the most competitive all-in price on the corridor for an EV cab. Best suited for: solo travellers, couples, budget-conscious passengers who want EV comfort without a premium fare. For context on how this fare compares to petrol cabs, see the full cost comparison.
MG ZS EV — The Business Traveller's Choice
The MG ZS EV is the standout vehicle in the Orbitmiles fleet for business and professional travel. Its real-world range of 300–400 km means it arrives in Pune with more than half its battery intact after the Mumbai–Pune expressway run. But the range is almost secondary to what the ZS EV offers in the cabin.
Boot space is 448L — the largest in the fleet. That comfortably accommodates three large suitcases or two carry-ons plus laptop bags and equipment. The cabin is premium in its class: supportive seating front and rear, good rear legroom, strong climate control, and a near-silent electric drivetrain at all speeds. Highway stability at 100–120 km/h is excellent.
Fare: ₹3,200 inclusive. This is ₹500 more than the EC3 — a small premium for a materially more spacious and polished travel experience. Best suited for: business travellers, passengers bringing clients, professionals needing to work during the journey, and airport transfers with significant luggage. The MG ZS EV is also an excellent choice for airport transfer bookings to and from Mumbai and Pune airports.
Kia Clavis EV — The Family Electric MPV
The Kia Clavis EV is the only 6-seat battery electric vehicle in the Orbitmiles fleet. Its three-row layout makes it the natural choice for families of 4–6 and group travellers who need individual seats rather than sharing a row. Real-world range exceeds 400 km — the highest of the three BEVs in the fleet.
Boot space with all seats occupied is 216L — the smallest of the fleet. The trade-off is seat flexibility: the third row can fold to significantly increase load area for trips where luggage matters more than rear seating. With three adults and a child, the remaining boot space is adequate for two carry-ons or one large case.
Fare: ₹3,800 inclusive for six seats. On a per-passenger basis for a group of five or six, this works out to ₹633–₹760 per person — competitive with train fares, with door-to-door convenience. Best suited for: families of 4–6, groups travelling together, school pickups from out-of-town, and any trip where individual seating for 5+ passengers is the priority.
Innova Hycross — The Luxury Hybrid for Premium Travel
The Innova Hycross occupies a different category from the three BEVs in the fleet. It is a strong hybrid MPV — it has a petrol engine working in combination with an electric motor and a self-charging battery. It is not a battery electric vehicle and cannot be plugged in. This distinction matters for toll purposes: the Innova Hycross does not qualify for the Maharashtra BEV toll exemption.
What the Innova Hycross offers instead is a genuinely premium cabin experience. Captain seats in the second row with individual armrests and recline, a large third row that folds flat for luggage, excellent headroom throughout, and a remarkably refined powertrain. At lower speeds, the hybrid system runs on electric power — noticeably quiet for urban sections of the journey. At highway speeds, the petrol-electric combination delivers a smooth, composed 120 km/h cruise.
Boot capacity is 300L with all seats up, or substantially more with the third row folded. Six seats are available. Fare: ₹7,200 inclusive — the premium tier of the fleet. Best suited for: luxury travel, elderly passengers who benefit from the high-seating comfort, corporate groups requiring a prestige vehicle, and 5–6 passenger trips with significant luggage.
Comparison Table: All Four Vehicles Side by Side
The table below captures all four fleet vehicles across the key passenger-relevant dimensions for an intercity Mumbai–Pune journey.
| Vehicle | Type | Seats | Boot | Fare | Real-World Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën EC3 | Battery Electric | 4 | 315L | ₹2,700 | 200–220 km | Solo, couples, budget-conscious |
| MG ZS EV | Battery Electric | 4 | 448L | ₹3,200 | 300–400 km | Business, airport, clients |
| Kia Clavis EV | Battery Electric | 6 | 216L | ₹3,800 | 400+ km | Families, groups of 4–6 |
| Innova Hycross | Strong Hybrid | 6 | 300L+ | ₹7,200 | N/A (petrol-hybrid) | Luxury, elderly, premium groups |
Which Vehicle Should You Choose?
Solo traveller or couple: the Citroën EC3 at ₹2,700 delivers full EV benefits — silent cabin, zero emissions, fixed fare — at the most accessible price point. It handles two passengers with luggage comfortably.
Business trip: the MG ZS EV at ₹3,200 is the clear choice. The 448L boot, premium cabin, and professional appearance make it well-suited to client-facing journeys, airport transfers, and any trip where how you arrive matters. The ₹500 difference from the EC3 is minimal against any business context.
Family of 5–6: the Kia Clavis EV at ₹3,800. Three rows, six seats, 400+ km range. On a per-seat basis, it is the most efficient vehicle in the fleet for groups. The modest boot is the only compromise — plan luggage accordingly.
Premium travel: the Innova Hycross at ₹7,200. Captain seats, luxury cabin, and the most comfortable ride in the fleet. The go-to option for elderly passengers, high-value client transfers, and group bookings where premium experience is the priority.
View full fare details on the pricing page or learn more about why electric vehicles work on this corridor. For a full breakdown of EV cab costs on the route, read the electric cab Mumbai to Pune guide. For a direct cost comparison, see the electric vs petrol cab comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Orbitmiles EV has the longest range?
The MG ZS EV has ARAI-rated range of 461 km and the Kia Clavis EV is rated at 473 km. In real-world highway conditions, both cover 300–400+ km on a single charge. For the 150 km Mumbai–Pune route, both vehicles arrive with more than half their battery remaining. The MG ZS EV also has the largest boot in the fleet at 448L, making it the top choice for business travellers needing range and luggage space.
Is the MG ZS EV comfortable for a 3-hour Mumbai-Pune journey?
The MG ZS EV is well-suited for highway travel. It offers a premium cabin with supportive seating, good headroom, and a near-silent electric drivetrain at highway speeds. The 448L boot handles significant luggage. Business travellers consistently rate it as the most comfortable vehicle in the Orbitmiles fleet at its price point, particularly popular for client-facing journeys and airport runs.
How many passengers can the Kia Clavis EV carry?
The Kia Clavis EV has a 6-seat configuration with three rows. It comfortably carries 5–6 passengers depending on build and luggage requirements. Boot space is 216L with all seats in place. The seating flexibility makes it the best choice for families of 4–6 or group travel on the Mumbai–Pune route.
Is the Innova Hycross a fully electric vehicle?
No. The Innova Hycross is a strong hybrid MPV — it combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and a self-charging battery. It is not a battery electric vehicle and cannot be plugged in to charge. It does not qualify for the full Maharashtra EV toll exemption that applies to BEVs. For pure EV travel, the Citroën EC3, MG ZS EV, or Kia Clavis EV are the correct options.
Can I request a specific vehicle when booking with Orbitmiles?
Yes. When booking via WhatsApp or phone, you can specify your vehicle preference — Citroën EC3, MG ZS EV, Kia Clavis EV, or Innova Hycross. Orbitmiles will allocate your choice subject to availability at your requested time. Each vehicle has a different fare from ₹2,700 (EC3) to ₹7,200 (Innova Hycross).