India’s first long-range compact SUV, the Tata Nexon EV (Electric Vehicle) was delisted by the Delhi government from its list of subsidy that the government offers for encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce the oil dependency of the country and curb air pollution in the metropolitan city. The Delhi government removed the EV from the subsidy list due to numerous complaints from consumers of EV having “Sub-Standard” driving range. But now in a Writ petition, Tata Motors has moved the Delhi High Court and the brand has now received an interim relief from the Honourable Court as it decided to direct a stay against delisting the car from the subsidy list. The Delhi High Court has also granted time to the Delhi Government to file a counter affidavit on the matter.
Market Capture
The Tata Nexon EV prices start at INR 13.99 lakh ex-showroom and the electric car receives benefits on registration and road tax under the FAME-II Scheme for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles) and the brand had captured nearly 74% of the electric vehicle market share in India, in November 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the associated lockdown and supply chain disruption, Tata Motors managed to retail more than 2,600 units in CY 2020 and holds almost 63% of the electric vehicle market. Tata Motors also offer the Nexon under a subscription plan to allow easy acquisition of the EV and further accelerate Electric Vehicle adoption.
Powertrain and Range Claims
Powering the Tata Nexon EV is IP67 ingress protection rated Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a single-speed gearbox that is capable of delivering 129 PS of power and 245 Nm of torque. The electric motor draws power from a 30.2 kWh high energy density lithium-ion battery pack that claims a range of 312 km on a single charge. The range has been tested by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) a prime Testing and Certification Agency, affiliated with the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. The consumers in their complaints to the Delhi Government claim that the EV does not even provide 200 km of range on a charge.
Mileage Challenge
Recently, Tata Motors organised a Mileage Challenge Rally in Pune, Maharashtra to inculcate good driving habits, charging techniques through awareness and knowledge about the different driving dynamics of electric vehicles compared to the internal-combustion engine vehicles. The first prize winner of the Mileage Challenge Rally drove the Nexon EV for 376 km on a single charge demonstrating the vehicles long-range ability. More than 200 Tata Nexon EV owners and their friends & family joined the Mileage Challenge Rally.
