Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular and much sought after by consumers. However, the reality is that EVs are still expensive and impractical, especially in developing countries. As a result, automobile manufacturers need every advantage they can utilize to deliver an impressive product. So when Tata decided to target Indian car buyer’s with an electric car, it settled with one of its most attractive products, the Nexon compact SUV.
Tata Motors, the largest Indian automobile manufacturer, launched an all-electric derivative of the Nexon in India. Dubbed Nexon EV, the company’s first real EV, aside from the Tigor EV, which launched earlier, targets car buyers instead of taxi operators.
India’s first home-grown electric SUV demonstrates the effective vertical integration of the Tata Group. The collaboration of its affiliates helped Tata to achieve the very competitive pricing of just under $20,000 (23.6 million won).
Sitting underneath the Nexon EV’s hood is a 129 hp engine with 245 Nm torque powered by a 30.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack assembled by Tata Chemicals. The liquid-cooled battery powers the 3-phase electric motor assembled by Tata Autocomp.
Scoring a 5-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, the Nexon EV offers a safe, smooth, and effortless driving experience for users. The 50-kWh charger, installed along with the purchase of the vehicle, powers the battery from 0-80 percent in 60 minutes.
Now #DriveTheLightning with #NexonEV – The Electric SUV powered by #Ziptron, wait less and drive more with fast charging option which charges from 0% to 80% in 60 min*.
Book now – https://t.co/8IX5xFuv9d
* under test ambient conditions#IndiasOwnElectricSUV #TataMotorsEV #BookNow pic.twitter.com/7t8r5fl1dH— TATA.ev (@Tataev) February 12, 2020
In Sports mode, Tata claims that the Nexon EV will do 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.9 seconds. Full-charged, the vehicle’s battery, provides a 312-kilometer (193 miles) range according to ARAI’s optimistic driving cycle. However, translating that into EPA-like “real-world” figures, the range is more realistically around 193 km (120 miles).
Tata is also offering an 8-year or 160,000 kilometers (99,400 miles) and powertrain warranty on the battery pack as well as an AIS 48 rating, which is currently the strictest safety test in India. These features further boost buyer confidence with purchasing and owning a Nexon EV.
Tata based the Nexon EV’s exterior design with the combustion derivative of the vehicle. The front façade of the SUV has been completely redesigned, bearing a sharper look in comparison to the EVs predecessor. From the side, the EV retains the swelled wheel arches.
The cabin layout and design of the Nexon EV adopted the standard Nexon interior, though there are some unique design elements such as the blue-colored highlights added. The seats are covered in leatherette, giving off a classy yet comfortable feel.
The EVs dashboard features a new 7-inch touchscreen to control its infotainment system. The system supports smartphone connectivity through Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Tata also introduced ZConnect, the carmaker’s connected car technology providing 35 features such as remote commands, safety alerts, location-based services, and more.
Tata Motors is already demonstrating the essential parameters of quality with a price point that could be more competitive than most EVs available in Europe. As the company owns Jaguar Land Rover brands, the Nexon EV may likely find a way into the European market.
