Long-range Nexon EV launch soon; will get additional features

Tata Motors is all set to launch the long-range version of the Nexon EV by April. The highlight of the EV is the bigger battery pack, lending it more range compared to the standard Nexon EV.

As the launch nears, more details about the car’s features have surfaced. 

• Long-range Nexon EV to get additional equipment like ventilated seats
• Will have a claimed range of more than 400km
• To be sold alongside the current model

Long-range Tata Nexon EV: new features

The upcoming Tata Nexon EV will get new comfort and convenience features over its standard counterpart, such as cruise control, ventilated seats and a park mode. Tata could also add air-purifier to the equipment list. On the safety front, it may also get Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Recently, to mark three-lakh unit production milestone of the Nexon, Tata had introduced added equipment like air-purifier, ventilated seats and auto-dimming mirrors to the Nexon range. Additionally, the Nexon is now also offered with a Royal Blue paint shade.

Long-range Nexon EV: other updates    

We were the first to report that Tata Motors is working on a long-range Nexon EV. A test mule of this EV was also spotted in February. While cosmetic updates are likely to be minimum, the long-range EV will see major changes under the skin.

The biggest update on the long-range Nexon EV will be a larger 40kWh battery pack. It is a significant 30 percent increase over the existing model’s 30.2kWh. To accommodate the larger battery pack, Tata Motors will modify the Nexon EV’s floor plan, and the boot space is also likely to be sacrificed. 

The larger battery pack, however, does result in a significantly higher range. The existing Nexon has an ARAI-claimed range of 312km, and the updated model is expected to have a range of over 400km on the official test cycle. Therefore, a real-world range of 300-320km could be expected on a single charge. For reference, in our tests of the existing Nexon EV, we managed a real-world range of 200-220km on a single charge.

Another major upgrade could be a more powerful charger. According to sources, the long-range Nexon EV will come with a more powerful 6.6kW AC charger. Currently, the Nexon EV is available with a 3.3kW AC charger which takes approximately 10 hours to charge the battery. Tata could be offering the more powerful charger as an option to help the larger battery in the long-range Nexon EV faster, although the 3.3kW AC charger is expected to be retained.

The long-range Nexon EV is also expected to get selectable regen modes, allowing drivers to adjust the intensity of regenerative braking, which, in turn, improves range. While the existing Nexon EV too comes with variable regen, it is mild and non-adjustable.

Long-range Nexon EV: to be sold alongside current model

The long-range version of the Nexon EV is expected to be priced at a premium of Rs 3 lakh-4 lakh over the current model. However, Tata Motors will continue to offer the current model alongside the long-range version, to give buyers more choice in terms of price and driving range.

The biggest selling point of the current Nexon EV is its well-judged price-to-range ratio, and that is the reason why it is so popular. It’s considerably more affordable than other electric SUVs in the market and fits the needs for a city runabout. The long-range version, meanwhile, will be more expensive but will broaden its appeal and usability, bringing in a new set of buyers.

Long-range Nexon EV: price and launch date

With the higher price tag of the long-range Nexon EV, Tata Motors will inch closer to the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV. However, the locally manufactured long-range Nexon EV will still maintain a price advantage over Hyundai and MG, which come to India through the CKD route.

Recently, MG introduced the facelifted ZS EV, which comes with a bigger 50.3kWh battery pack. Along with it, the car sports revised exteriors and interiors, along with a longer equipment list. 

Hyundai is also expected to unveil the facelifted Kona Electric in the Indian market sometime this year, as a part of their strategy to launch four new SUVs in the country this year. 

Although not confirmed, it is expected that the long-range Nexon EV will go on sale by April 2022.

Also see:

MG ZS EV vs Tata Nexon EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric comparison

Tata Nexon EV review, road test

Tata future proofs EV line-up with three platform strategy

Tata Nexon Coupe to launch in 2023