Hey everyone! Let's dive into a comprehensive Tata Nexon EV review after three years of hitting the Indian roads. This electric SUV has been a game-changer, and we're going to explore how it holds up after a considerable amount of time. Has the initial excitement faded, or does it still shine as a viable electric car option? Let’s get started!

Initial Impressions and Long-Term Ownership

When the Tata Nexon EV first launched, it was a breath of fresh air in the Indian automotive market. An affordable electric SUV promised to deliver decent range and performance, making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. Fast forward three years, and many owners have clocked significant miles, providing valuable insights into its long-term reliability and usability.

What Owners Are Saying

Generally, most Tata Nexon EV owners report a positive ownership experience. The common praises include the car's zippy acceleration, comfortable ride quality, and the significantly lower running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. The initial cost savings from reduced fuel expenses are a major draw, and this benefit continues to accumulate over time.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some owners have reported issues with the battery range degradation, particularly those living in extremely hot climates or frequently using the vehicle for long highway trips. The real-world range often falls short of the claimed ARAI range, which is a common concern among EV owners across different brands.

Performance and Range

The Tata Nexon EV boasts a peppy motor that delivers instant torque, making city driving a breeze. The initial acceleration is impressive, allowing for quick overtakes and a fun driving experience. But what about its long-term performance? After three years, most owners find the performance levels remain consistent. There might be a slight decrease in the initial punch due to battery aging, but it's generally not a significant concern.

Range anxiety is a major concern for potential EV buyers. The Tata Nexon EV originally promised a range of around 312 km as per ARAI standards. In real-world conditions, this figure typically hovers around 200-220 km on a single charge. After three years, some owners have noticed a decrease in the usable range, especially if the battery has been subjected to frequent fast charging or extreme weather conditions. This range degradation can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors.

Battery and Charging

The battery is the heart of any electric vehicle, and the Tata Nexon EV is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack. Over time, lithium-ion batteries can experience degradation, which means their capacity to hold charge decreases. Several factors influence this degradation, including:

• Charging Habits: Frequent fast charging can accelerate battery degradation compared to slow charging.
• Climate: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can negatively impact battery health.
• Usage: High mileage and aggressive driving can also contribute to faster degradation.

Tata Nexon EV owners should adopt best practices to prolong battery life, such as:

• Avoiding frequent fast charging.
• Keeping the battery SOC (State of Charge) between 20% and 80% as much as possible.
• Parking the car in shaded areas to minimize exposure to extreme heat.

Charging the Tata Nexon EV is relatively straightforward. It can be charged using a standard wall socket, which takes around 8-9 hours for a full charge. Alternatively, using a DC fast charger can replenish the battery to 80% in about an hour. The availability of charging infrastructure is continuously improving in major Indian cities, making it easier to keep the Nexon EV juiced up.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Tata Nexon EV is practical and functional, offering a comfortable cabin for both the driver and passengers. The design is modern, with a decent array of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and connected car technology.

Interior Quality and Comfort

After three years, the interior quality generally holds up well. Some owners have reported minor wear and tear on the seats and plastic trims, but overall, the cabin remains in good condition. The seats are comfortable for long journeys, and the ample headroom and legroom make it suitable for families.

The infotainment system can feel a bit dated compared to newer offerings in the market. While it offers essential features like navigation and smartphone connectivity, the user interface can be clunky, and the response times can be slow. However, Tata Motors has been rolling out software updates to improve the system's performance and add new features.

Features and Technology

The Tata Nexon EV comes equipped with a decent set of features, including:

• Touchscreen infotainment system
• Automatic climate control
• Connected car technology (Tata ZConnect)
• Dual airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors with camera

While these features were considered adequate at the time of launch, the competition has upped the ante in recent years. Some owners may find the need for additional features like ventilated seats, a sunroof, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Maintenance and Reliability

One of the major advantages of electric vehicles is their lower maintenance requirements compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. The Tata Nexon EV has fewer moving parts, which translates to reduced maintenance costs. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about.

Servicing and Maintenance Costs

The periodic servicing of the Tata Nexon EV primarily involves checking the battery health, brake pads, suspension components, and other essential systems. The service intervals are typically longer than those for ICE cars, and the overall maintenance costs are significantly lower.

However, if any major components like the battery or motor need replacement, the costs can be substantial. Battery replacements, in particular, can be expensive, but the prices are expected to come down as battery technology advances and production scales up.

Common Issues and Reliability

While the Tata Nexon EV is generally reliable, some owners have reported a few common issues:

• Battery Range Degradation: As mentioned earlier, battery range degradation is a common concern, especially in extreme climates.
• Software Glitches: The infotainment system can sometimes experience software glitches, requiring a restart or software update.
• Suspension Noise: Some owners have reported noise from the suspension components, particularly on rough roads.

Tata Motors has been addressing these issues through service campaigns and software updates. The company's after-sales service has generally been responsive, but the experience can vary depending on the dealership.

The Verdict: Is the Tata Nexon EV Still a Good Choice?

So, after three years, is the Tata Nexon EV still a good choice? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a few caveats. The Nexon EV continues to offer a compelling package for those looking to switch to electric mobility.

Pros

• Affordable Price: The Nexon EV remains one of the most affordable electric SUVs in the Indian market.
• Low Running Costs: The significantly lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel cars make it a financially sound choice.
• Zippy Performance: The instant torque and peppy acceleration make city driving enjoyable.
• Decent Range: The real-world range of around 200-220 km is sufficient for most daily commutes.
• Reduced Maintenance: Lower maintenance costs compared to ICE cars.

Cons

• Battery Range Degradation: Battery range can degrade over time, especially in extreme conditions.
• Infotainment System: The infotainment system can feel dated and clunky.
• Limited Features: Some owners may desire more advanced features.

Final Thoughts

The Tata Nexon EV has proven to be a reliable and practical electric SUV over the past three years. While there are a few areas for improvement, its affordable price, low running costs, and decent performance make it a compelling option for those looking to embrace electric mobility. If you're considering buying a Tata Nexon EV, be sure to factor in your usage patterns, climate conditions, and charging infrastructure availability. And always remember to follow best practices for battery care to maximize its lifespan.

Ultimately, the Tata Nexon EV has paved the way for electric vehicles in India, and it continues to be a strong contender in the growing EV market. Thanks for reading, and happy driving!