Tata Motors has unveiled the eagerly anticipated Nexon.ev facelift with enhanced design, features, and improved range. This is the electric SUV’s first facelift since it was launched back in December 2019. It follows the same design theme that we witnessed in the updated 2023 Nexon, except for some EV-specific bits for differentiation. Unlike its ICE counterparts, which recently experienced their second facelift, the Nexon.ev is receiving its first mid-life cycle transformation. Moreover, both ICE and EV versions of Nexon continue to flaunt a similar design.

The much-anticipated pricing for the Nexon.ev facelift is slated to be announced on September 14, 2023. However, the bookings are to open on September 9 which is also celebrated as World EV Day from 8 AM onwards at a token payment of ₹21,000. Interested buyers can get the booking done either online or at Tata’s dealership stores across the country.

Tata also highlights that the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels have been further reduced and made smooth. Moreover, the new Nexon EV now offers regeneration via paddle shifters, with an improved regen efficiency ranging from 10-15 percent. Additionally, it features the lowest rolling resistance tires seen in the car segment.

UPGRADED DESIGN

Drawing inspiration from the innovative Curvv-inspired design concept, the Nexon.ev follows in the footsteps of its conventional petrol and diesel siblings although, the facelifted models do differ from each other. Some standout features include a single-tone, body-colored upper grille, unique slatted designs for the lower grille, trapezoidal headlamp housings, and a full-width LED light band that displays the charging status of the vehicle. The ‘ev’ badge proudly boasts the vehicle’s distinct electric identity. Furthermore, the updated Nexon EV introduces numerous pioneering technological enhancements. 

MODERN INTERIORS

The cabin design is similar to the regular Nexon but receives a fresh layered design with a variety of textures and materials, including carbon fiber-like trim, soft-touch surfaces, and glossy piano black finishes. The traditional gear lever also replaces the rotary drive selector.

The top-spec variant boasts a class-leading 12.3-inch touchscreen with a revamped user interface, an illuminated two-spoke steering wheel, a customizable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with navigation, and touch-based HVAC controls with toggle switches, creating a high-tech atmosphere with minimal physical and manual controls. The upgraded 10.25-inch screen is backed by a robust processor, enhancing the audio-visual experience. Compared to the older 7-inch unit, the screen is now 45% larger. The new Nexon EV also features a 320-watt Harman-sourced JBL sound system with five dynamic speakers, and the updated digital console also displays navigation.

Besides this, the SUV comes equipped with an array of features, including a 360-degree camera system with sensors both at the front and rear, along with seatbelt reminders for all occupants and front parking assistance, connected car technology, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, an air purifier, fast-charging type-C ports, a single-pane sunroof, JBL sound system, voice commands, OTA updates, and more. An Arcade.ev app suite even allows streaming of popular OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.

In terms of additional features, the new Tata Nexon EV is drenched with new technologies such as automatic climate control featuring Xpress cooling and an auto defogger.

SAFETY FEATURES

In terms of safety, the Nexon.ev facelift offers six airbags, ABS, ESC, front parking sensors, blind view monitor, ISOFIX anchors, hill descent and ascent control, all-wheel disc brakes, panic brake alert, emergency and breakdown call assistance, auto vehicle hold and i-TPMS.

VARIANTS

Tata Motors has replaced the previous Prime and Max variants with Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) to distinguish between the two variants of the new Nexon.ev.

The MR features a 30kWh battery, while the LR retains the larger 40.5kWh battery. Notably, despite identical battery sizes, both variants offer increased range. The MR boasts an ARAI-claimed range of 325km on a single charge, a 13 km increase from its predecessor, while the LR offers an extended range of 465km, an improvement of 12 km from the previous model. Both batteries maintain IP67 protection levels.

The Nexon.ev MR and LR variants offer three distinctive trim versions namely Creative, Fearless, and Empowered. Each trim comes with an unique exterior color and interior upholstery. Optional packages marked with a ‘+’ suffix do allow for further customization.

CHARGING FEATURES

Tata Motors is offering four different types of charges for the new Nexon: a 7.2kW home wall box charger for quick charging at home, which was previously exclusive to the Max version, an AC home wall box charger with slightly longer charging time at home, a DC fast charger for quick charging while travelling, and a 15A portable charger. The 7.2kW AC home wall box charger promises 10% - 100% charge in 4.3 hrs for Medium Range and 6 hours for Long Range while the AC home wall box charger promises 10% - 100% in 10.5 hours for Medium Range and 15 hours for Long range.

With a DC fast charger, this time is reduced to just 56 minutes for both versions. The Nexon.ev also introduces V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2L (vehicle-to-load) charging capabilities, enabling users to charge other electrical devices or even another EV with ease. With V2L, the new Nexon EV can deliver up to 3.3 kVA, while V2V enables charging capacities of up to 5 kVA for compatible EVs and 3.3 kVA for non-compatible EVs.

According to Tata Motors, the Nexon 2023 EV has long long-lasting battery, which is ideally suited for Indian driving conditions. Besides, it comes with a vehicle-to-vehicle charging feature. Furthermore, the battery pack maintains its IP67 protection, adhering to AIS038 standards and SIL C compliance. Continuous telematics scans critical parameters of the e-SUV.

POWERTRAIN

Under the hood, the Nexon.ev boasts a new Gen-2 permanent magnet synchronous motor, which is 20kg lighter, utilizes 30 percent fewer rare earth materials, and incorporates improved cooling and battery management systems, along with more efficient components. The motor operates on an extended operational range, capable of running up to 16,000 rpm as compared to the previous 12,000 rpm. The four-level brake regeneration, controlled via paddle shifters, has also been enhanced by 10-15%.

The MR variant delivers 129 bhp and 215 Nm of torque, while the LR version impresses with 145 bhp and a peak torque of 215 Nm at the wheel. The LR variant can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 8.9 seconds and offers a top speed of 150 kmph, up from the previous 120 kmph. The NVH levels have also been improved. The SUV is offered with three drive modes namely Eco, City, and Sport.

EXPECTED PRICE AND COMPETITIORS

In the electrified SUV segment, the Nexon.ev facelift stands alone, with its sole rival being the Mahindra XUV400 EV. It is anticipated that the EV might get a premium price tag over the outgoing model due to the extensive tech, equipment, and mechanical upgrades. The previous Nexon EV was priced between ₹14.49-19.54 lakh (ex-showroom).

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