Tata Motors Electrifying - NEXON EV

Looks like the new decade is going to be all about the electric vehicles. Indian Manufacturer Tata Motors understands this and has developed their Compact SUV NEXON in an electric avatar, The NEXON EV. 

Starting with the Tigor EV, Tata Motors knows a thing or two about electric vehicles. Tata Motors has developed a New Electric Technology – ZIPTRON. The main difference between Ziptron and Tata’s earlier EV efforts are in the high-voltage 300V permanent synchronous motor and 30.2kWh battery, which together promise over 250km of real world driving range. Additionally,  the Ziptron tech features quick charge times and considering the hot Indian climate there is liquid cooling for the battery and motor, the safety net of IP67 water resistance and a mammoth 8 year/1.6 lakh kilometre warranty on the motor and battery. Apart from which connected car technology and telematics will be standard. 

Styling Interior Exterior and EV bits 
First off, Tata Motors has brought the facelift of the Petrol & Diesel Nexon to the Electric Nexon before the Petrol & Diesel Nexon. Now with the exterior design, Pratap Bose has given the Nexon EV a more purposeful, strong macho face. 

So how does the Electric Compact SUV drive ?
According to the Spec sheet provided by Tata Motors the Nexon EV powered by the New Ziptron technology puts out 129ps and 245nm of peak torque from the Electric Motor and the 30.2kWh battery. But the way Nexon EV delivers power is very different compared to the traditional IC engined NEXON. The Electric Motor puts out the peak torque from the moment you put your foot on the accelerator making the Nexon EV thrust ahead with vigour in silence. Put in the “S” or Sports mode and the Motor pushes out 60% more torque instantly. All this torque results in wheelspins, torque steer and a big wide grin on the drivers face. 

With a 0-100kmph timing of 9.9secs, this beast is fun. The batteries are placed below the floor of the car, bringing the center of gravity much lower than the IC Nexon. Tata Motors has also managed to give the Nexon EV a near perfect 50-50 weight distribution between front and back. Resulting in a very well-balanced car. 

Charging ?
Now the ARAI-Certified range of 312km on a full charge is optimistic.Tata Motors says the Nexon EV can be charged from 80-100% in 8hours from a normal 15amp socket, while using the DC charging systems from Tata Power same can be done in 1hour. Realistically speaking the Nexon EV could easily offer 200-240kms of range on a full charge. You could obviously get more mileage out of the Nexon EV if you drive carefully and plan regenerative braking etc. 

Thoughts 
With a Realistic Driving Range of Over 240kms and the Manic Sports Mode, The Nexon EV makes for perfect daily drive that is a lot of fun to drive when you want it to be. With Prices starting at 13.99Lakh, The Nexon makes a lot of sense. With incentives offered by the government, the actual cost could be lower and this is where we think Tata Motors has got a game changer on its hands with Nexon EV.