Carbike360 Presents “Tata Nexon Electric Car of the Year 2023” | Know Why

Welcome to the unveiling of the "Tata Nexon Electric Car of the Year 2023" brought to you by Carbike360! This prestigious award celebrates innovation, performance, and the remarkable journey of Tata Motors' Nexon EV.

Since its launch on January 28, 2020, the Nexon EV has soared to remarkable heights, achieving a significant milestone in just 41 months – a testament to its enduring popularity and unwavering demand. This eco-friendly SUV has not only propelled Tata Motors to the forefront of the EV market in India but has also cemented the Nexon's position as the nation's best-selling SUV.

Classifying the best electric car of the year in India involves considering various criteria that assess performance, innovation, market impact, and environmental sustainability. Here are several factors that could be considered:

Tata Nexon: A Comprehensive Review of India's Best Electric Car

Electric cars are gaining popularity in India, thanks to their environmental benefits, lower running costs, and government support. Among the various models available in the market, Tata Nexon stands out as one of the best options for Indian consumers. 

The total sales of Tata Nexon EV in 2023 were 27,814 units, a growth of 46% compared to FY22. The Tata Nexon EV also crossed the 50,000 sales mark in December 2023.

Monthly Sales Table of Tata Nexon EV in 2023

In this article, we will review the Tata Nexon on the basis of 10 criteria and explain why it is a great choice for anyone looking for an electric car.

Range

One of the most important factors for an electric car is its range, or how far it can go on a single charge. The Tata Nexon starts at an impressive range of 315 km and goes upto 468km, which is the highest among all electric cars in India. 

This means that you can travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery or finding a charging station. The range is also certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which ensures its reliability and accuracy.

Charging Infrastructure

The New Nexon support up to 50kwh of DC charging. Another factor that affects the convenience and practicality of owning an electric car is the availability and accessibility of charging stations. Tata Motors has taken care of this aspect by launching its own network of fast charging stations across the country, called Tata Power EZ Charge. 

These stations can charge the Nexon up to 80% in just 60 minutes, making it easy to recharge on the go. Moreover, Tata Motors has partnered with other companies and organizations to provide more charging options for its customers, such as Croma, HPCL, IOCL, and eee-Taxi.

Performance

The Tata Nexon is not only efficient but also powerful and fun to drive. It has a 30.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a maximum power of 129 PS and a peak torque of 245 Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 km/h. 

The Nexon also has three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and City, which allow you to customize your driving experience according to your preference and road conditions. It also has a smooth and silent ride quality, thanks to its electric motor and regenerative braking system.

Battery Technology

The battery is the heart of an electric car, and the it has one of the best batteries in the market. It uses a lithium-ion battery that has a high energy density, long lifespan, and fast charging capability. 

The battery is also liquid-cooled, which ensures optimal performance and safety in extreme temperatures. The battery is also covered by an 8-year or 1.6 lakh km warranty, which gives you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.

Safety Features

The Tata Nexon is not only eco-friendly but also safe for you and your passengers. It has received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP, which is the highest safety rating for any car in India. It has also received a 4-star rating for child occupant protection, which makes it ideal for families with kids. 

It has various safety features, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, hill hold control, reverse parking camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and more. 

Cost

The cost of an electric car is often a concern for many buyers, as they tend to be more expensive than conventional cars. However, the Tata Nexon offers great value for money, as it has a competitive price tag and lower maintenance and operational costs. 

The Nexon is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh for the XM variant and Rs 16.40 lakh for the XZ+ LUX variant (ex-showroom Delhi). 

This makes it cheaper than some of its rivals, such as the MG ZS EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. Moreover, the Nexon has lower running costs, as it consumes only Rs 1 per km of electricity compared to Rs 7 per km of petrol or diesel. 

It also benefits from various government incentives and subsidies under the FAME II scheme and state-level policies.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Customers have a lot of positive things to say about the Tata Nexon, a popular compact SUV. When you look at user reviews, a few key themes emerge:

Firstly, many customers praise the comfortable and enjoyable riding experience offered by the Tata Nexon. They appreciate its refined engine, smooth gearbox, and well-tuned suspension, which collectively contribute to a pleasant driving experience.

Another aspect that stands out for users is the Tata Nexon's design. Customers find its exterior striking and its interior spacious. They love the blend of modern features and classic charm that the car offers, making it visually appealing and practical at the same time.

Safety is a significant concern for many, and the Tata Nexon seems to deliver on this front as well. Customers appreciate the array of safety features it provides, including dual-channel ABS, traction control system, emergency stop signal, and six airbags, which contribute to an enhanced sense of security.

Finally, customers highlight the Tata Nexon's economical aspects, making it suitable for daily use. Its decent mileage and reasonable price range make it an attractive option for those looking for efficiency without compromising on quality.

Innovation

Tata Nexon EV is a compact SUV that has been innovating in its segment since its launch in 2020. Some of the features that make it stand out are:

• It is the first car in India to offer a traction control system, which prevents wheel slip and enhances stability.
• It is the first car in India to feature a smartphone voice control system, which allows the driver to access navigation, music, calls, and messages using voice commands. This feature is only available in the DLX Pro variant.
• It is the first car in India to have a side stand engine cut-off, which prevents the engine from starting when the side stand is down.
• It is the first car in India to have an emergency stop signal, which automatically flashes the hazard lights when the driver applies sudden brakes.
• It is the first car in India to have a fuel cell bus, which is under development and uses hydrogen as a fuel source.

The Tata Nexon EV also has some unique features that are specific to its electric nature, such as:

• V2V charging, which allows the car to charge another EV, anywhere with vehicle-to-vehicle charging. This feature is applicable for compatible sink models only at a power output of 5kVA.
• V2L technology, which enables the car to power gadgets with the power of its EV. This feature has a maximum amount of power output of 3kVA.
• Ziptron technology, which is Tata Motors’ electric vehicle technology brand that powers the car with a high-performance motor, a long-lasting battery, a fast-charging capability, and a high-voltage system.

The Tata Nexon EV is a testament to Tata Motors’ vision of innovation and future mobility solutions. It is a car that is designed to offer a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe driving experience, with a blend of modern features and classic charm.

Sales and Market Impact

The Tata Nexon EV was launched in January 2020 and has crossed the 50,000 sales mark in December 2023, with a cumulative sales of 50,806 units in the domestic market.

• It has consistently grown in popularity to become India’s highest-selling electric vehicle, commanding a market share of 64% (YTD FY21).
• It sold 19,105 units in FY22, a growth of 353% compared to FY21. It also sold 27,814 units in FY23, a growth of 46% compared to FY22.
• It has helped the brand pip Hyundai Creta to become the largest selling SUV in the country in FY22.
• It has benefited from several state incentives and policies, particularly in Maharashtra, where EV sales have gone up by 157% after the state EV policy came into effect.
• It has also offered innovative solutions such as subscription-based model, V2V charging, and V2L technology to attract more customers and enhance user experience.

Awards and Recognitions

• The Tata Nexon EV won the 2021 CNB EV of the Year award, becoming the first EV to win this title.
• It also won the Facelift of the Year award in the 4-wheeler category at the Zee Auto Awards 2023.
• It received positive feedback from many customers and experts, who praised its performance, features, design, and affordability.

Carbike360 Verdict

A comprehensive evaluation considering these factors in the context of the Indian market could help in determining the best electric car of the year. It's essential to weigh these criteria based on their significance and relevance to the Indian consumers' needs and preferences.