World EV Day: Taking A Walk Through Tata Nexon EV’s History

The Nexon EV debuted in 2020 and just got its first major update, let’s see how it became the face of the EV revolution in India

The Tata Nexon EV facelift has recently been unveiled, sporting a fresh look along with an improved powertrain and many added features. This electric subcompact SUV was launched back in January 2020 and soon laid the foundation for the EV revolution in India. On account of World EV Day 2023, as Tata opens bookings for the Nexon EV facelift, we take a dive into the history of the Nexon EV and have a detailed look at its evolution.

Rewind To 2019

At the end of 2019, Tata revealed the Nexon EV as their second electric vehicle after the Tigor EV and debuted the brand’s all-new Ziptron technology. This was a big step forward as the Tigor EV back then came with a short driving range of 213 km and was exclusively offered as a fleet vehicle. The arrival of the Nexon EV SUV, which claimed a range of 312km, and was to be offered as a passenger vehicle, made it more appealing for customers looking to switch from an alternative ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle to an electric vehicle. 

Also Read: Watch: Tata Nexon EV Facelift V2L Feature in Action

In January 2020, Tata launched the Nexon EV at a very attractive starting price below Rs 15 lakh, making it far more affordable than the next long-range EV in the market, and it soon became customers’ favourite. The electric SUV got a few feature updates over the years to keep it up to date but one of the biggest changes came in 2022 with the launch of the Tata Nexon EV Max.

Introduction Of Nexon EV Max

While there have been many changes in the electric SUV since its debut, the biggest change came in June 2022 when the carmaker launched the long-range version of the Nexon EV, by the name of the Nexon EV Max. This version of the electric SUV had a bigger battery pack, a more powerful electric motor and a claimed range of 437km, which was later updated to 453km. This made the Nexon EV more practical as an alternative to ICE options, and took it from a city car to a vehicle you can use for short intercity trips.

The Nexon EV Max also came with a different beige cabin theme and got additional premium features like cruise control, ventilated front seats, air purifier, auto-dimming IRVM, wireless phone charging, electronic parking brake, hill hold assist and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In terms of design, there weren’t any changes except for a different set of alloy wheels. 

Design Evolution

Like most EVs based on ICE models, the Nexon EV looked the same as the ICE Nexon but with EV-specific elements, both on the inside and outside. Its exterior had a closed-off grille and blue elements all around, but the overall design was the same. In 2021, Tata added new dual-tone five-spoke alloy wheels and a single-pane sunroof as part of some feature upgrades and the carmaker also introduced some special editions like the Dark editions.

The cabin was also the same as its ICE with the same dashboard layout, the same seats, and the same cabin theme. Even here, the differences were only EV-specific blue elements, and the electronic parking brake in place of the usual handle. 

But the biggest design change has come recently after the arrival of the Tata Nexon EV facelift. It still looks a lot like the facelifted ICE version, but uses the brand’s new LED light signature styling to distinguish itself featuring connected LED DRLs at the front. Its fascia is now sharper compared to the original Nexon EV, the side profile gets aerodynamic alloy wheels and the rear end now gets connected LED tail lamps.

The current Nexon, both ICE and EV, now gets a completely revamped cabin with a sharper layered dashboard, new leatherette seats in different colours and a new centre console. 

Also Read: Tata Nexon EV Facelift Exterior And Interior Detailed In 15 Images

The EV now also gets an enhanced colour scheme, both inside and out, including the “Empowered Oxide” exterior shade, which has been taken from the Sierra EV concept showcased at the Auto Expo.

Feature Updates

Initially, the Nexon EV had the same features and conveniences as the ICE Nexon like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 7-inch TFT instrument cluster and a Harman sound system. A sunroof was added in 2021 to keep up with the SUV trend and later it got more features like ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging to make the electric SUV more premium.

The recent facelift took the feature upgrades to whole another level. It now gets more features than its ICE counterpart like a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Arcade.ev which allows you to play games and stream videos on this touchscreen and Vehicle-2-load/Vehicle-2-Vehicle technology which are features nowhere to be seen in this segment. 

Improvement In Powertrain

The Tata Nexon EV has been around since 2020 but a major change to its powertrain has come just now with the facelift. At first, it was only called with the one battery option and had a 312km range. Later, after the introduction of Nexon EV Max, the smaller battery pack version got the “Prime” moniker and remained the affordable option for an electric SUV.

Now, the current version uses the same battery packs but has the Gen-2 electric motor with similar power outputs. Using these motors and improved aerodynamics, the carmaker has bumped the range of both battery packs by over 10kms. Also, with the facelifted Nexon EV, Tata has dropped the “Prime” and “Max” monikers, and the battery packs will now be distributed based on the variants.

Price Has Gone Up

Like any car that has been around for a while, Nexon EV’s prices have also gone up since its launch in 2020. Even though the base-level price position is protected at sub Rs 15 lakh, the top-end variants have gotten pricier by over Rs 3.5 lakh since the model debuted. In the space of a year, prices for the Nexon EV Prime have reduced slightly, and for the Max, they have been hiked by Rs 30,000. We are expecting the prices for the facelifted Nexon EV to start from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards with the top variant crossing the Rs 20 lakh mark post the introductory incentives.

A Growing Journey

Since its arrival, the Tata Nexon EV picked up gradual demand as it got more and more popular, going on to become the most successful EV in the country. In June 2023, it surpassed sales of 50,000 units and in August, it helped the carmaker reach total EV sales of 1 lakh units. Currently, the Tata Tiago EV has high sales digits each month due to its affordability, which will soon surpass the sales units of the Nexon EV and become the best-selling EV in India. However, the Nexon EV will stick with us as the mass-market offering that really changed the game for green mobility in the country.

Also Read: This Is What The Tata Nexon EV Facelift Gets Over Its ICE Version

Prices for the Nexon EV facelift will be out on September 14 and it will continue its rivalry with the Mahindra XUV400.

Read More on : Nexon AMT