Tata Nexon EV: India’s Affordable Electric SUV with Surprising Punch
Looking for a no-nonsense electric SUV that delivers real range, practical features, and won’t break the bank? The Tata Nexon EV has been quietly dominating the EV conversation in India, and for good reason. It starts at just $14,600 (€13,578), but don’t let the price fool you—it’s far from a barebones budget ride. Built in India and refreshed for 2025, this five-door SUV brings a cocktail of comfort, efficiency, and technology into one tight package. Perfect for daily commuters, city slickers, and even the weekend wanderers looking to go green without going broke.
- Manufactured by Tata Motors in India, the Nexon EV is aimed at both new-age urbanites and practical families.
- Unveiled as a facelift in 2024, it’s a refined evolution of a best-selling electric crossover.
- Starting at $14,600 (€13,578), it’s one of the most competitively priced long-range EVs globally.
- Positioned squarely against the likes of the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric, it punches above its weight.
Nexon EV Specs: Battery and Performance Breakdown
Battery Specs
Let’s talk juice. The Nexon EV packs a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery (usable) in its Long Range version. You can also opt for a 30 kWh unit if you're city-bound. Charging from a 7.2 kW home box takes between 4.3 to 6 hours, while a 60 kW DC fast charger can top it up from 10–80% in just 40 minutes. On a regular home plug, it’s an overnight affair—about 15 hours. Expect a realistic range of 350–375 km (217–233 miles) in urban driving, with a max claim of 489 km (304 miles) under ideal conditions.
- Battery capacity: 45 kWh (Long Range), 30 kWh (Medium Range)
- Charging time (home AC): 4.3–6 hours
- Charging time (DC fast): 40 minutes (10–80%)
- Estimated range (real-world): 350–375 km (217–233 miles)
Performance Specs
Under the skin, you get 145 horsepower (108 kW) in the long-range version and 129 hp (96 kW) in the medium-range trim. It’s front-wheel drive only, but that doesn’t mean it's sluggish. The 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint takes just 8.9 seconds, which isn’t bad for a sub-$15K SUV. With 215 Nm of torque (159 lb-ft) on tap, it’s responsive in the city and decently peppy on the open road.
- Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
- Power: 145 hp (108 kW)
- Torque: 215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
- 0–100 km/h: 8.9 seconds
The Empowered Plus 45 Red Dark Edition sits atop the lineup, featuring the full-fat 45 kWh battery, premium interior trim, and all tech bells and whistles.
Nexon EV Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior
Design-wise, Tata went all-in on future-forward styling. The Nexon EV flaunts connected LED DRLs, a sealed-off grille, vertical air slats, and a sculpted hood. The 16-inch alloy wheels aren’t flashy but get the job done. You’ll also find body-color accents and vibrant paint options like Intensi Teal, Flame Red, and Fearless Purple—names as bold as the hues.
Interior
Step inside, and it’s a different world from the Nexon of yesteryear. A dual-tone dash, touch-sensitive climate controls, and a backlit 2-spoke steering wheel add polish. There’s a massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with a 10.25-inch driver display, plus JBL audio with nine speakers. Rear seats are supportive, though the missing center headrest and quirky cupholder placement leave room for improvement.
Pros and Cons of the Nexon EV
Pros
- Exceptional pricing for a long-range EV
- Feature-loaded cabin with immersive tech
- Responsive city performance with good torque
- 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
- V2L and V2V charging capabilities
Cons
- Touch-based AC panel can be finicky
- Gear selector feels clunky to some users
- Charging lid occasionally sticks
- Rear headroom tight for taller passengers
Conclusion: Is Nexon EV the Smart Urban EV Buy?
For budget-minded drivers who want EV practicality without missing out on features, the Nexon EV brings serious value. It’s tech-forward, built tough, and easy on your wallet. While a few quirks remain, it’s a standout in its class for anyone thinking electric without going exotic.
Exterior and Interior photos of Tata Nexon EV
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Comparison:
The Tata Nexon EV isn’t gunning for luxury—it’s gunning for logic. And when lined up next to fellow compact electric SUVs like the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, BYD Atto 3, and Mahindra XUV400, it puts up one heck of a fight in the numbers game.
Range
The Nexon EV Long Range hits up to 489 km (304 miles), which stacks favorably against the MG ZS EV at 461 km (286 miles), and beats the Hyundai Kona Electric (484 km / 300 miles). The BYD Atto 3 clocks in at 420 km (261 miles), while the XUV400 trails at around 456 km (283 miles).
Acceleration
With a 0–100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds, the Nexon EV matches the MG ZS EV and beats the BYD Atto 3 (7.3 seconds), while the Kona Electric edges ahead with 7.9 seconds. The XUV400 clocks a close 8.3 seconds.
Power
The Nexon EV delivers 145 hp (108 kW), just under the ZS EV at 174 hp (130 kW), Kona Electric at 201 hp (150 kW), and Atto 3 at 201 hp (150 kW). The XUV400 is neck and neck at 148 hp (110 kW).
Charging Time
The Nexon EV’s 60 kW DC fast charge to 80% in 40 minutes is on par with the Atto 3 and Kona, while the ZS EV takes about 42 minutes. The XUV400 clocks in slower with up to 50 minutes depending on the charger type.
Price
Priced at $14,600, £11,500, €13,578, the Nexon EV massively undercuts the MG ZS EV ($25,000 / £21,000 / €23,000), Hyundai Kona ($34,000 / £27,000 / €31,000), Atto 3 ($29,000 / £24,000 / €27,000), and XUV400 ($18,500 / £15,000 / €17,000).
FAQ:
What is the usable battery capacity?
The Tata Nexon EV features a usable battery capacity of 45 kWh (121 Ah), with a second 30 kWh option available for shorter commutes.
What is the real driving range?
The Nexon EV Long Range offers up to 489 km (304 miles) on a full charge under ideal conditions, and about 350–375 km (217–233 miles) in everyday urban use.
What’s the top speed?
The Nexon EV tops out at 150 km/h (93 mph), suitable for highway cruising and city use alike.
How fast does it accelerate?
The Nexon EV hits 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8.9 seconds, making it one of the quicker electric SUVs in its segment.
What’s the total horsepower and torque?
The Tata Nexon EV Long Range delivers 145 hp (108 kW) and 215 Nm (159 lb-ft) of torque for confident, everyday driving.
How long does it take to charge?
Using a 7.2 kW home charger, it takes around 4.3–6 hours. With a 60 kW DC fast charger, you can go from 10–80% in just 40 minutes.
What does it cost?
The Nexon EV starts at $14,600, which equals about £11,500 or €13,578, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs globally.
