Dubbed as #TheUltimateElectricDrive, the series shows the Tata Nexon EV being tested around the scenic mountains of Northern India. The series aims to give an insight into how the electric compact-SUV will perform in day-to-day driving conditions.
Tata Motors has scheduled the official debut of the Nexon EV for 19 December (launch in early-2020), and now, the interiors of the electric vehicle have been leaked for the first time. The image confirms that the Tata Nexon will come with a rotary drive selector rather than a conventional lever to switch between the various modes: Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Sport. ‘Park’ should be a separate button.
A portion of the new flat-bottom steering wheel is also visible and reports state that it will house the cruise control buttons. Higher variants of the Tata Nexon EV will feature automatic full-LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, sunroof, smart key and the arguably best-in-class Harman audio/infotainment system.
Coming to the drivetrain, the Tata Nexon EV features the brand’s all-new Ziptron technology. The floor-mounted battery layout helps a lot in bringing down the centre of gravity and hence, improve stability (especially in corners).
The 95kW/254Nm electric motor is coupled to a 28.8kWh battery pack that has a claimed range of 300km on a full charge. The electric compact-SUV can be charged from empty to about 80% in an hour’s time with a DC fast charger. On a standard AC charger, the 0-100% charging time rises to 8-9 hours.
The regular ICE Tata Nexon is available in both petrol and diesel formats. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron turbo petrol makes 108bhp and 170Nm while the 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel motor churns out the same 108bhp and a strong 260Nm of torque. The engines come mated to either a 6-speed manual or an equivalent AMT unit. The AMT variant boasts of Creep function and Hill Climb Assist.
Since the EV market in India is still in its infant stage, the Tata Nexon EV may not have a direct rival at the time of launch, but quite a few alternatives such as the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, etc. Tata Motors is also working on an electric Altroz avatar while Mahindra Electric plans to introduce the eXUV300 as a direct rival to the Nexon EV. Prices for the Tata Nexon EV is expected to range from Rs 15 – 18 lakh ex-showroom.
