Truck Under 15 Lakh

Mahindra Bolero Maxx Pik-Up HD - the pickup end of the band

Rs 9.17 lakh to Rs 10.52 lakh for 1,700 kg of payload at 3,460 kg GVW, from a 2,523 cc m2Di diesel making 59.7 kW, roughly 80 BHP, and 220 Nm, at 17.2 kmpl.

If 1.7 tonnes covers your daily loads, buy the Mxx Pick-Up HD and save Rs 4 lakh. 17.2 kmpl is the best mileage available in this category, and no LCV here comes close on running cost.

Tata Ace EV - the cheapest electric truck listed

Rs 10.51 lakh for 600 kg of payload at 1,840 kg GVW, with a 21.3 kWh battery and 154 km of range.

600 kg is small, and Rs 10.51 lakh is a lot for the Ace EV. This works only on a fixed city route, or where a contract pays extra for electric delivery. Otherwise buy the pickup.

Tata Intra EV - the electric one I would actually buy

Priced at ₹11.95 lakh, the Tata Intra EV hauls 1,750 kg payload at 3,310 kg GVW, a 97 hp motor with 230 Nm, a 28.2 kWh battery and a certified 211 km range.

Nearly three times the payload of the Ace EV for Rs 1.44 lakh more. The site shows 1,000 kg in one table and 1,750 kg in another, so confirm before you book.

Eicher Pro 2049 CNG - the CNG option, on the right route only

The Eicher Pro 2049 CNG truck is priced at ₹13.32 lakh for 2,187 kg at 4,995 kg GVW, from a 3,298 cc naturally aspirated CNG engine making 70 kW, about 100 HP, and 245 Nm.

CNG pays back only on a fixed route with reliable filling at both ends. The site quotes both 11 kmpl and 7 to 8 km/kg. Ask for the km/kg figure in writing.

Tata 610 LPT - the most payload per rupee here

Rs 13.20 lakh to Rs 15.61 lakh for 4,670 kg at 6,450 kg GVW, a 2,956 cc four-cylinder making 100 hp and 300 Nm, at 10 kmpl with a 60 litre tank.

4,670 kg at 10 kmpl is the best weight per rupee, and the 610 LPT is the first true truck built to carry a high load. Only the lower variants stay under Rs 15 lakh.

Tata 1212 LPT Tubeless - the most truck the budget will stretch to

The Tata 1212 LPT truck price starts at ₹14.41 lakh and goes up to ₹ 16.64 lakh for 7,500 kg at 11,990 kg GVW, with a 3.3-litre NG BS6 four-cylinder diesel making 125 HP and 390 Nm, at 6 kmpl.

Twelve tonnes gross at the base variant is remarkable, and 125 HP is the most power here. The cost is fuel, 6 kmpl against 10 on the Tata 610. Take it only if your loads pass five tonnes.

Tata Ultra Sleek T.6 - the best cabin in the band

Rs 14.85 lakh to Rs 16.21 lakh for 3,500 kg at 6,450 kg GVW, a 2,956 cc engine making 98 hp and 300 Nm, at 10 kmpl, with 10 ft, 12 ft and 14 ft deck options.

The Tata 610 LPT carries 1,170 kg more on the same gross weight for less money. Buy the Ultra Sleek T.6 only if your driver sits in that seat all day.

Eicher Pro 2050 - the mileage pick among the LCVs

Rs 14.96 lakh for 2,462 kg at 5,400 kg GVW, from a 2,000 cc three-cylinder E366 making 75 kW, about 100 HP, and 285 Nm, at 11 kmpl.

11 kmpl is the best figure of any LCV here. The catch is payload: 2,462 kg against 4,670 kg on a cheaper Tata 610 LPT. Buy the Eicher Pro 2050 for light bulky freight, not dense cargo.

All prices here are ex-showroom. Add 10 to 13 percent for RTO, insurance, permit and fitness, so a Rs 14.41 lakh Tata 1212 LPT lands near Rs 16 lakh on the road, and a bare chassis still needs a load body on top. Lenders fund about 80 percent over 48 months.