Tata Nexon EV

The Tata Nexon EV is based on the facelifted Nexon and sports the same new-look front and refreshed rear. A closed-off grille, tri-arrow design elements and blue embellishments do help establish this as the all-electric Nexon. There are details differences on the inside as well. The traditional gear shifter has been done away with and makes way for a useable cubby under the dash while the rotary drive mode selector serves as the gear selector on the Nexon EV. Blue outlines add further distinction to the cabin. Like the standard Nexon, the Nexon EV scores well on space and practicality with enough room for five occupants to sit in comfort. There’s no shortage of luggage room either.

The Nexon EV makes for a great city car. Acceleration is brisk and performance is more than sufficient for everyday driving. Turning the selector dial to Sport makes the Nexon EV quicker still. However, stomping on the accelerator pedal will have the front wheels spin, and the added safety of ESC is missed in such situations. Buyers shifting from a combustion engine car will also take time getting used to the Nexon EV’s regenerative braking. There’s no option to control the intensity of the regen braking with the sole setting resulting in rather strong deceleration. Hill-start assist is a welcome feature but doesn’t ‘hook’ as quickly as it should.

The Nexon EV doesn’t feel quite at ease on the highway. Acceleration tails off after 100kph with the Nexon EV maxing out at 120kph. High speed ride stability, however, is reassuring. A sharp steering, quick turn-in and tight body control also make the Nexon EV good fun in corners. At low speeds, the Nexon EV rides with a layer of firmness and doesn’t feel as absorbent as the standard Nexon.  

We are yet to put the Nexon EV’s 312km certified range to the test but you can expect a real-world range of 180-220km. What’s reassuring to know is that the battery pack can be juiced-up from 20 percent in eight hours from a standard 15 amp AC plug. DC fast charging that will be rolled-out at more locations in India allows a charge up to 80 percent in just one hour.