Inverex XIO vs. GUGO GIGI | Battle of the Budget EVs
Ahsan Tahir
Here’s a matchup that’s as unexpected as it is intriguing. First up is the Inverex XIO—brought to you by the same company that kept your lights on with solar inverters, now hoping to charge up your daily commute cheaper than CD70. Yes, Inverex claims that their XIO EV car only costs Rs.4 per kilometre, and that’s even cheaper than the per-km cost of CD70, which is about Rs.5.5 per kilometre.
Now, this XIO EV car gives direct competition to GUGO GIGI—a tiny and compact EV with running costs so low they’ll put a smile on even the grumpiest gasoline lover’s face. While not specified by the company, we are assure that this car’s running cost is also way cheaper than any gasoline powered car in Pakistan.
So, we have two small electric machines offering some of the lowest running costs around. But only one question matters: Which of these budget EV oddities deserves your attention—and possibly your cash? Let’s find out.
Pricing Details
The base-trim price of XIO starts from 34 lacs for the 140 Km range variant, mid trim for 42 lacs with up to 220 Km range and top-spec variant for 52 lacs with up to 320 Km range variant. Note that all these prices are ex-factory pricing.
At the time of publishing this blog, we came to know that Inverex is offering a limited-time discount on the XIO’s pricing. We recommend contacting your nearest dealership to confirm if this offer is still available.
On the GIGI side, you only get one trim that costs 33 lacs with range of up to 220 Km. Again, it’s ex-factory pricing.
Variants Selection
Inverex XIO is available in three variants, but we’ve selected the base model, the XIO EV-140, due to its price, which is close to the GIGI or specifically, it’s 1 lac expensive. On the other hand, the GUGO GIGI offers only one variant in Pakistan, so there’s no choice available in its lineup.
Battery and Performance
When it comes to battery and performance, GIGI clearly takes the lead. It offers higher horsepower, more torque (though only 5 Nm more than the XIO), and an additional 70 km of range. While higher-range XIO models do exist, they come with a heftier price tag. At the same price point, GIGI outperforms the XIO hands down.
Feature
XIO 140
GUGO GIGI
Motor Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Machine
Motor Power
20-30 HP
40 HP
Torque
95 Nm
100 Nm
Battery Type
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Battery Capacity
14.72 kWh
16.8 kWh
Range (NEDC)
150 km
220 km
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Yes
Charging Power
2.8 kW
3.3 kW
Dimensions
While both are compact hatchbacks, XIO is longer, wider and taller than GIGI. The wheelbase of XIO is also bigger, which means more legroom in the backseats.
XIO on the left and GIGI on the right
Feature
XIO 140
GUGO GIGI
Length x Width x Height (mm)
3584 x 1475 x 1666
3030x1495x1640
Wheelbase (mm)
2455
1960
Body Type
Compact Hatchback
Compact Hatchback
Doors
5
3
Interior Features
The XIO 140 offers more infotainment and connectivity features with a larger screen and Android Auto. The GUGO GIGI, while more basic, provides touch-based climate control and multifunction steering.
GIGI on top and XIO on bottom.
Feature
XIO 140
GUGO GIGI
Seat Material
Fabric
Not Specified, fabric most probably
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual (Front & Backrest)
Not Specified
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Not Specified
Rear Seat Folding
Fully Folding
Fully Folding
Infotainment Screen
10.1”
8.8”
Instrument Cluster
7” LCD
7” LED
Speakers
4 Speakers
2 Speakers
Android Auto
Yes
No
Climate Control
No
Yes
Steering Wheel
Not Multifunctional
Multifunctional
Exterior Features
XIO 140 has modern LED lighting and larger alloy wheels, enhancing visual appeal. GUGO GIGI uses traditional halogen lamps, including fog lights and automatic windows with green glass tint.
XIO on the left and GIGI on the right
Feature
XIO 140
GUGO GIGI
Headlamps
The type of headlamps is not specified
Halogen with bifocal lens
Daytime Running Lights
Yes (LED)
Yes (LED)
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
No
Alloy Wheels
15”
13”
Mirrors
Electric Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Windows
Power Windows
Power Windows + Green Glass
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Safety Features
GUGO GIGI offers a more comprehensive set of electronic safety systems, including ESP, traction control, and emergency braking assist. In contrast, the XIO 140 focuses on basic but essential safety features.
Feature
XIO 140
GUGO GIGI
Airbags
1 (Driver Side)
1 (Driver Side)
ABS + EBD
Yes
Yes
ESC/ESP
No
Yes
Brake Assist (EBA/BAS)
No
Yes
Traction Control (TCS/ASR)
No
Yes
Anti-Roll Bar
No
Yes
ISOFIX Child Seat Mount
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Radar
Yes
Yes
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Auto-Hold Brake
No
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Immobilizer
Yes
Yes
Let us know your thoughts on this comparison. Here’s our takeaway: beneath the surface, GIGI packs a better battery and more powerful motor, making it the clear choice if you prioritize range and performance. But step inside, and XIO pulls ahead—offering Android Auto, a larger display, two extra speakers, and superior legroom thanks to its longer wheelbase. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value power and range or interior tech and comfort.
