Tata Tiago EV: Long Term Report

Laying some EV doubts to rest in the second month with the Tiago EV

Alas for the Tata Tiago EV; it sat accumulating dust in my parking lot for the better part of a month. Whether it was a week-long road trip (for work, promise), and other year-end commitments, the Tiago EV simply wouldn’t cut it. In the process, we still managed to learn a couple of critical things about living with an EV. 

#1 What Happens If I Leave It Unattended? 

Does the charge drop? Nope. Not one bit. In the time I’ve had it, I’ve already left it unattended for a week once, and two weeks the second time round. The battery’s state-of-charge was exactly where it was when it was last used. 

The manual states: “It is recommended that the vehicle must be charged greater than 50 percent before leaving the vehicle for a long resting period (>15 days). After the resting period the vehicle must be charged to 100 percent using slow charging before use.” 

We’d left it under 50 percent for around 14 days, and didn’t really face any issues. Post an extended period of non-usage, Tata recommends a slow full charge. Which brought us to our next doubt... 

#2 Should I Just Fast Charge It ALL the time? 

Quoting the manual again: “One complete charging (slow) at least once a month is recommended for optimum battery life. One full slow charging after every 4 fast charging cycles is recommended”

We’re sure this is great for the car. But when the car is with an impatient person with no slow charging facility at their residence, it’s not entirely feasible. Our test Tiago EV has seen 7 back-to-back fast charges. Almost twice of what’s recommended. 

The result was quite apparent. A clear drop in range. The Tiago would eat through nearly 65-70 percent of charge in around 100-120km, as opposed to the usual 50-60 percent, which translates to a loss in range of around 10-15 percent. This is a bit much, considering the range is a limited 200km to begin with. 

Fast charging regularly will most definitely cause faster degradation in overall battery health. It’s best you avoid fast charging regularly. Charging at 3.3kW or 7.4kW (AC) regularly is optimal to maintain the battery’s health. 

#3 Can I Pressure Wash It?

Since we’ve established the author is rather impatient, the Tiago has also made frequent trips to the nearest pressure washing center. Also, it’s unlikely you’d have the time to painstakingly clean your EV with a bucket and a cloth all the time. 

Pressure washing has no impact on the vehicle whatsoever. That said, you have to be careful to inform the cleaning staff to not pressure wash under the bonnet, and the charging flap. A direct pressure wash on the underbody of the car is a strict no-no too. 

As far as the interior is concerned — there are no restrictions whatsoever. The parts and components are shared with the regular petrol-powered Tiago and can be cleaned and treated in the exact same manner. 

We’re entering the last month with the Tiago EV. And while usage has been largely sporadic, the Tiago EV has done plenty to prove its worth as a city slicker. In the next report — what could be better? 

Positives: Compact Size, Chiller AC, Predictable 200km range

Negatives: White interiors likely to get dirty easily

Date When Received: October 26, 2023

Kilometres When Received: 2800km

Kilometres Till Now: 3600km