India is slowly but steadily climbing up the ladder of green mobility, taking significant steps towards automotive electrification. While companies such as Ather Energy and Ola Electric have been at the forefront of this change, there is one company that, despite being a little late to the party, has taken the Indian EV scene by storm. Yes, we are referring to Tata Motors.
Unlike other electric vehicle companies in India that poured millions into EV technology and manufacture from the very outset, Tata’s EV segment comes from humble beginnings. At present, the company has only two electric car models on the market, the Tigor EV and the Nexon EV. Nonetheless, Tata Motors dominates 90% of the electric car market in the country.
In June 2021, the company outlined its meticulous plans of launching as many as ten electric car models by the year 2026. The very first of the line-up comes in the form of an exciting upgrade of the existing Nexon EV. The Tata Nexon EV Max, as it is being called, is the long-range variant of the Nexon EV and comes as exciting news to enthusiasts of electric cars in India. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from the Tata Nexon EV Max and when it’s set to be launched.
Tata Nexon Long-Range EV Launch Date
Tata Motors is all set to launch the long-range variant of its Nexon EV, the Tata Nexon EV Max, on May 11, 2022. The price has not yet been confirmed but is expected to be anywhere between 17 to 18 lacs INR ex-showroom. Though not particularly cheap, the Nexon EV Max is bound to offer maximum value for money and is certainly priced more affordably than many of the top-tier electric cars in India. Most importantly, it comes from the house of Tata Motors, leaving little to speculate or question about its reliability and efficiency.
Tata Nexon Long-Range EV Specifications
Tata has been fairly discreet about the specifications of the upcoming Tata Nexon EV Max, leaving EV aficionados on the edge of their seats. From what is known, there are both similarities and differences between the existing Nexon EV and the upgraded model. The first and most obvious highlight is the upgraded battery and powertrain. The existing model has a 30.2 kWh battery pack and a promised range of up to 312 km. The actual mileage, however, is around 200 to 250 km. The upgraded Nexon EV Max is expected to be fitted with a 40 kWh battery pack claiming a 400 km mileage, with the real-world mileage being close to 300 km on a single charge.
The current Nexon EV produces a peak torque output of 245 Nm and little is known as to whether this will be bumped up in the upgraded model. The more powerful electric motor will be producing 136 hp, which is 7 hp more than the existing motor. While this certainly means greater range, it also implies longer charging times. The battery pack in the Tata Nexon Long-Range EV will be placed in the boot of the vehicle, significantly reducing boot capacity. So, while the current Nexon EV and ICE models flaunt a boot space of 350 liters, the upgraded version is expected to offer lesser boot space. To efficiently handle the added weight, rear disc brakes have been added for increased stopping power.
The teaser released by Tata Motors a few weeks ago also confirms that the new Nexon Long-Range EV will also flaunt a Park Mode. The traditional rotary gear selector has also been switched up with a display screen with P-R-N-D options, a neat touch to the overall modern design of the vehicle. The auto-hold feature, placed close to this display, is a first in a sub-4-meter SUV. The EPB or Electronic Parking Brake toggle has also been placed in close proximity to the gear display. If that isn’t enough, the Tata Nexon EV Max will also come with a button for hill ascent and descent control situated right beneath the climate control knobs.
There is also a possibility that Tata Motors will be selling the Nexon EV Max with a new 6.6 kW charger as opposed to the existing 3.3 kW charger. This would make charging the vehicle remarkably faster and more efficient. The interior of the upgraded model is expected to largely stay the same with adjustable regenerative braking, ventilated seats, cruise control, an air purifier, and an Electronic Stability Program. The exterior too will mostly remain the same as the current Nexon EV, although the newer model is expected to sport 5-spoke alloy wheels.
All in all, the Nexon Long-Range EV is all set to be one of the most feature-rich and efficient EVs at a relatively affordable price point, making it one of the most sought-after electric vehicles in India.
Electric Vehicles in India—Tata Nexon EV Max
Bookings for the Nexon EV Max are expected to begin on the same day as its launch, that is, 11 May 2022. So if you are an avid enthusiast of electric vehicles in India, buckle in because Tata Motors is certainly packing a punch with this new launch!
Featured Image: ev.tatamotors