Should you consider Tata Nexon EV as your next daily driver
Tata has launched a proper daily driving Electric car in India. In the current Indian market, we have electric vehicles like Mahindra e2o, eVerito, Tata Tigor EV, Hyundai Kona, MG ZS EV, Mercedes EQC. With Tata Nexon EV, Tata has launched their 2nd Electric car in India. There are a few upcoming electric cars in India like Tata Altroz EV, Tata Tiago EV, Mahindra eKUV100 & XUV300 Electric, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 & Model S. Let’s talk about Tata Nexon EV, why is this the best electric vehicle in the current Indian EV market. And I will answer the question Should I buy a tata Nexon EV?.
Tata Nexon EV
Tata Nexon EV is an affordable and efficient EV in the current market. An earlier generation of EV in India was not promising as it did not have the power or the range. But Tata Nexon EV has brought about a spark in Indian Market in 2020. With 320 Km of claimed range and 127 BHP and 245 NM of torque, it is one of the best Electric vehicles in the current Indian market.
There are 3 variants
| Variant Name | Ex-Showroom Price | On-Road Price (Nagpur) |
| Nexon EV XM | 13.99 lakhs | 14.78 Lakhs |
| Nexon EV XZ plus | 15.40 Lakhs | 16.26 Lakhs |
| Nexon EV XZ plus LUX | 16.40 Lakhs | 17.32 Lakhs |
Lets see specification
| Range | Max Power | Charging Time | Battery | Max Torque | Warranty |
| 312 KM Claimed, Real World Range around 200 KM | 127 bhp | 0-80% dash charging 60min, Normal 15 amp charging 8 hrs. | 30.2 kWh 320 V liquid cooled lithium polymer | 245 NM | 8 Years/ 160000 KM on battery back and electric motor. |
The Real world Range will depend on the driving style and road condition.
There are no gears in Nexon EV as electric vehicles don’t need one, because electric motors produce continuous power. You also get regenerative braking which helps to add range when you let go of throttle or when you brake. You also get 245 Nm torque as soon as you press the throttle. Though there is Drive & sport mode with Neutral and reverse.
Drive mode is a daily drive mode where you get enough power to drive in a city with a decent amount of pickup The exact torque numbers in drive mode is around 160NM. But when you switch to sport mode, you will get 60% more power, and you will seriously feel the power surge instantly.
Exterior of Tata Nexon EV
The first look is not different from the current Tata Nexon. But there are significant EV touches to make the vehicle stand out. The first thing you will notice is the blue colour tone around the vehicle. Like blue chrome accents in the rear and front bumpers as well as in the shoulder line. You also have different headlamps and front grille.
Interior of Tata Nexon EV
The seats are comfortable, with good interior quality. You get a 7-inch infotainment screen. You don’t get apple car play or android auto nor the touch screen in the XM version. The blue colour tone is continued in the dashboard & seats to make the interior stand out of normal Nexon.
The top variant XZ + LUX additionally gets leather seats, sunroof, auto headlamps and auto wipers.
The noise cancellation is brilliant, the cabin is really well insulated.
Safety
You get ABS with EBD, 2 Airbags driver and passenger, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts in all models. Though you get the rear camera in XZ+ & XZ+ LUX only.
Problems
Little problems which I faced while driving Tata Nexon EV are
- It tends to roll back on the slope when you lift off the brake. You can use the left foot brake for that if you are comfortable with it.
- There is no universal charging socket, which means you cannot charge at a Mahindra fast charging point.
- There is no wireless android auto and apple car play
- No wireless charging provision for your phone.
Comparing Tata Nexon to a Petrol car
Lets calculate how much would you save if you buy Tata Nexon.
- Mileage = 16 KMPL of your petrol car
- Daily KM you drive = 50KM on average, this may vary, monthly KM 50*30 = 1500
- Petrol Price Rs. 90 average, this varies from city to city
- So total cost on average required on fuel for a month = 1500/16 = 94 liters of petrol, 94*90 = Rs. 8450/month.
- The yearly cost for fuel is 8450*12 = Rs. 1,01,300
- Lets consider you drive your petrol car for 8 years 1,01,300*8 = 8,10,400
Now lets see cost to drive Tata Nexon EV
- Claimed Range = 312 KMPL
- Real-world Range = 200 KMPL (this varies on driving conditions you may get a better range)
- Battery Size = 30.2 Kwh
- To charge 1 KWH you require Rs 7, so to charge 30 KWH you would require 30*7 = Rs. 210
- On one charge, you can travel around 200 KM, which almost equates to Re.1/KM.
- So to travel 1500 KM in a month you would require Rs 1500.
- So yearly cost = 1500*12 = Rs 18000.
- For 8 years 18000*8 = Rs 1,44,000
So you see how much you save on fuel, you also save the environment from the pollution caused by petrol car. Also, you don’t have engine parts like which needs replacing. Definitely, you are paying more for Tata Nexon EV, but in long run, you are saving money. I think this answers Should I buy Tata Nexon EV, as real-life driving range and cost is very important
Verdict
I think you should buy a tata Nexon EV if you are going to drive within city limits because you are going to get the most range in city driving, not in highway driving. Also, this is more appropriate to buy as a second car in the current scenario, where you can have a petrol car for long drives and this as a daily city driver.
I would suggest waiting for 3 years and we will have more options at a competitive price in the electric car segment. Also more fast charging ports.
Overall this is a strong start for Electric vehicles in the Indian market, and Tata Nexon EV is priced really good when compared to other options available in the market.
Special Thanks to Tata website for information
