Tata Motors may be working on an all-electric car based on the Tata Nexon compact-SUV. Tata is already working on the electric segment of cars and had showcased the Tata Tiago EV (Electric Vehicle) at the 2018 Auto Expo.
Now a mysterious spyshot of possibly an electric powered Tata Nexon has surfaced online and has given rise to some speculations that Tata may have a prototype and might be testing for road readiness. The picture suggests a slightly different type of Tata Nexon probably with a missing radiator at the front. The picture is quite blurred and hence nothing can be confirmed as of now. Speculations are that the Nexon could be using the same electric technology present on the Tiago EV, reworked to be used on the Nexon.
The Tata Tiago EV is powered by a three-phase, permanent magnet, induction motor with 216 Ah, 72 V lithium-ion battery with a liquid-cooling system. It may have an estimated torque output of 90 Nm and is expected to have a range of 130 km on a single charge and can charge up to 80% from 0 in 60 mins and can do speeds of up to 100 kmph. The battery when plugged in a home charger will take six hours to charge fully.
In terms of design, the electric car will remain similar to the standard ICE (internal combustion engine) variant. But the Tata Nexon EV is expected to get a larger battery enhancing its range to even 200 km, compared to the Tiago.
The standard Nexon is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which makes 110 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 110 PS of power and 260 Nm of torque with multi-drive modes and is coupled to a 6-speed Manual or 6-speed AMT(Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox.
The Tata Tiago EV is due to launch in 2020 with the Tigor following closely. Tata may also be working on the Altroz EV and the concept H2X EV. If Tata launches all the electric vehicles, adding the Nexon EV, Tata will have 5 electric cars in their portfolio.
Another speculation is that Tata may be working on a mild-hybrid engine with a 48V system. The Altroz is said to feature a mild-hybrid system that Tata is currently developing in Europe and could possibly be used to power the Nexon.