Tata Nexon EV SUV spied testing ahead of early 2020 launch

Team OD Updated: January 21, 2020, 09:14 AM IST

OVERDRIVE found the upcoming Tata Nexon EV, with its unique circuitry inspired camouflage, undergoing testing on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The electric Nexon will be launched by early 2020 and is set to be the first EV from the carmaker to come with its new Ziptron electric powertrain.

OVERDRIVE Tata Nexon EV spied

The car we saw was heavily camouflaged but still seemed to be carrying the look of the current Nexon. But we expect the EV to get the mid-life facelift that the conventionally-powered Nexon has in the works by the time it comes to market. As other spy photos have shown, this means a more aggressive front-end with slimmer headlamps, reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque.

The Nexon EV will get a redesigned semi-digital instrument cluster. The video makes us think this might have the same basic layout as that of the Harrier's set up but come with unique dials to suit its powertrain. So expect a different colour theme, a Charge/Power dial and a battery status bar. The speedometer is an analogue dial.

Tata Motors has stated that the Nexon EV will be priced around the Rs 15 to 17 lakh mark. This is a significant premium over the standard car but still undercuts the more upmarket Hyundai Kona Electric. The SUV will have close to 300 km range and come with an eight-year battery and motor warranty. Further, it will feature a high-voltage drivetrain, fast charging capability, and meet IP67 dust and waterproof standards.

This will be the one of four EVs Tata Motors has planned for in the next 12 to 18 months. The other cars are the long-range Tigor EV for private buyers that launched recently, the electric version of the upcoming Altroz hatchback, and another, yet unnamed vehicle.