2020 is shaping up to be the year of the electric car here in India, with the Tata Nexon EV being the latest in a line of affordable electric mobility coming our way. Now, it may be India's first homegrown electric SUV, but it's not Tata's first gander at an EV, with the Tigor EV earning that distinction. Earlier only available to commercial buyers, an updated car with a larger 21.5kWh battery and longer certified range of 213km can be had by anyone now, and is currently the top-selling EV in the country, priced at about Rs 12.5 lakh. But Tata's not stopping there – it's got a new line of EV technology it calls Ziptron, debuting in the Nexon EV you see here. So, what's the deal then?
First, what is Ziptron?
Think of it as a long-range motor and battery package that is modular, and can be shoehorned into any of Tata's future cars/SUVs, with Tata already having confirmed the Ziptron electric underpinnings will soon find its way into the Altroz hatchback, for starters. The main difference between Ziptron and Tata's earlier EV efforts are in the high-voltage 300V permanent synchronous motor and 30.2kWh battery, which together promise over 250km of real world driving range. This compared to the 72V (41PS/105Nm) motor in the Tigor, which when paired with either a 16.2kWh battery, or more recently, the 21.5kWh pack led to very conservative driving range figures of between 140-213km, but only as certified. Additionally, Ziptron will feature quick charge times, liquid cooling for the battery for temperature management in hot weather, the safety net of IP67 water resistance (can be submerged under a metre of water) and a standard 8 year/1.6 lakh kilometre warranty on the motor and battery. Apart from which standard connected car technology and telematics will be standard. How's that for electric peace of mind?
Back to the Nexon EV
You'll notice the Nexon EV looks far more grown up than the Nexon, with an overall more squared off face and profile thanks to the new headlights, grille and bumpers. There's definitely more than a hint of Land Rover in there and it's resulted in one of the best looking compact SUVs there is. Detailing, like the Nexon badge in piano black between the headlight and flatter hood is executed well, and while most of the exterior changes will make their way to the Nexon facelift soon, the Nexon EV will stand out with its teal trim and tri-arrow motifs all around the car. The headlights, halogen projectors and not LED, do feature LED DRLs which double up as the front indicator on the higher trims, like on this XZ+ we've driven. The Signature Teal shade on our tester is complemented nicely by the white roof too. 16-inch wheels come wrapped in low-rolling resistance tyres, except we're not sure how the MRF Wanderer Streets on all the test cars certify as such.
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