Tata Nexon EV SUV debut December 17: What we know so far
Tata Motors will debut its first EV SUV, the Tata Nexon EV on December 17. This is the first of a full line of such cars that the brand plans on launching over the next year. Aside from the Nexon EV, the brand will also launch the Altorz EV, the long-range Tigor that has already been launched and another as-yet unnamed vehicle. Here's what we already know of the Nexon EV.
Tata Motors has said that the Nexon EV will be priced between Rs 15 to 17 lakh. This means that it will undercut the Hyundai Kona EV, it's closest competitor as of now quite handily. The Tata will likely go up against the MG ZS EV, that is set for a December 5 debut. Having said that, this is still quite a premium over the standard Nexon whose prices start around Rs 6.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Nexon EV will feature the brand's Ziptron EV architecture. The Nexon will have a range of over 250 km and come with an eight-year battery warranty. These will power a 300 V permanent magnet synchronous motor and use a single-speed transmission. The battery packs will use lithium-ion cells and come with an IP67 rating, one of the highest for dust protection and waterproofing The battery packs will be encased in high strength steel cases and be liquid-cooled, keeping typical Indian heat and summers in mind to avoid deterioration over prolonged use. Both regular and fast charging capabilities are expected although the charge times haven't been revealed
Connected car techThe new Nexon EV is also expected to come with a suite of connected car tech, as seen on cars like the Venue, Seltos and Hector. Like with those cars, the built-in SIM will allow the car's functions like engine start-stop, HVAC controls to be remotely accessed through an app. There will be geo-fencing, driving data, vehicle diagnostics, and other features built-in.
The Nexon EV is expected to get an all-new front fascia, which it may share with the facelifted Nexon as well. 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.
Also see: Tata Nexon EV | First Drive Review