CARVERSAL

Tata Nexon has been a game-seller for Tata Motors in both compact SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs). The Nexon has been India's top-selling compact SUV since its inception in 2017, with style, performance, and price all wrapped into a single package.

But it was in 2020 that Tata Motors launched the Nexon EV, which actually revolutionized the Indian automotive sector with its launch in ushering in mass electric mobility.

There have been some updates to the Nexon EV over the years, and Tata Motors has recently made a significant move in its battery pack lineup by phasing out the aging 40.5 kWh battery pack and launching a new 45 kWh battery pack. Not only does this make the Nexon EV more attractive, but it also makes it a pioneer in the Indian EV market.

The Rise of the Tata Nexon EV

The Tata Nexon EV was launched in 2020 when Tata Motors entered electric SUVs in the market. The Nexon EV launched with two battery pack options at its release – a 30 kWh battery pack and a 40.5 kWh battery pack.

The 30 kWh model was aimed at price-sensitive customers and was available with an advertised 312 km on one battery charge. The most popular model among buyers was the 40.5 kWh model with an advertised 465 km, which provided better range and performance options.

The success of Nexon EV is due to several reasons. To begin with, it was among the initial electric SUVs in India to provide a real-world range, so it was well-suited for intra-city usage as well as long distances.

Secondly, it was complemented by a set of new-generation features, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a premium JBL sound system. Furthermore, the Nexon EV's design, following the highly successful Nexon ICE variant, proved to be attractive to a large number of buyers.

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The Launch of the 45 kWh Battery Pack

Tata Motors has brought out the Curvv EV in 2023, a new electric SUV larger in size and spec than the Nexon EV. The Curvv EV arrived with a couple of battery packs – a 45 kWh battery pack as well as a 55 kWh battery pack. The 45 kWh variant with an estimated range of 489 km was itself a feat as it had a significantly higher range increase than the 40.5 kWh battery pack of the Nexon EV.

Seeing the potential of the 45 kWh battery pack, Tata Motors also decided to equip it on the Nexon EV. The motive was to make the Nexon EV a player in the rapidly expanding EV segment.

With the facelift, the 45 kWh battery pack is offered in three battery pack options – 30 kWh, 40.5 kWh, and 45 kWh, but for a little while longer as Tata Motors recently announced that it would be phasing out the 40.5 kWh battery pack and introducing the new 45 kWh battery pack instead.

Why Retract the 40.5 kWh Battery Pack?

The basis for phasing out the 40.5 kWh battery pack was on several grounds. To begin with, the 45 kWh battery pack boasts a higher claimed range of 465 km compared to the 40.5 kWh battery pack's 465 km.

The values of the range, while similar, are the lesser priority in this case, given that the 45 kWh battery pack is more efficient and boasts better performance, particularly under everyday driving conditions. In addition, the 45 kWh battery pack is future-proof because it is in a better position to meet the changing needs of customers, who are rapidly asking for range-extending EVs.

Secondly, the 45 kWh battery pack is cheaper to manufacture, and therefore, Tata Motors is able to price it competitively. Nexon EV variants with the 45 kWh battery pack cost between Rs 14.79 lakh and Rs 18.09 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), and so they are great choices for customers who need an electric SUV with an acceptable longer range without shelling out top rupees for it.

Lastly, with the phase-out of the 40.5 kWh battery pack, Tata Motors shall be able to simplify its manufacturing process, declutter complexity, and enhance efficiency. This would also enable the company to focus on producing good quality products for its customers.

What's New in the Nexon EV with the 45 kWh Battery Pack

The addition of the 45 kWh battery pack is not the only feature addition Tata Motors has made to the Nexon EV. The carmaker has added a whole lineup of new features that have made the Nexon EV even more desirable.

One of the best features is the panoramic sunroof, which gives the Nexon EV a sense of luxury. The sunroof not only adds to the overall look of the car but also gives the interior a well-ventilated and airy feel. The frunk (front trunk) in the Nexon EV has also been added, giving space to store small things like charging cables, umbrellas, etc.

The second major upgrade is the addition of a 45W Type-C charging port that will charge compatible devices more quickly. This will prove to be useful quite frequently for tech-savvy consumers who use their phones and other devices for navigation, entertainment, etc.

Feature-wise, the Nexon EV also carries forward its 360-degree camera, giving a bird's eye view of the car, and thus is simpler to maneuver in congested areas. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen also carry forward with a smooth and intuitive interface. Ventilated seats and the high-end JBL surround sound system are some of the features that contribute to the overall enhanced comfort and convenience of the Nexon EV.

The RedDark Edition: A Special Touch

Tata Motors has also launched the RedDark Edition of the Nexon EV with the updated 45 kWh battery pack. The RedDark Edition was earlier on offer on the pre-facelift Nexon EV and has now been launched again following the recent updates. The RedDark Edition boasts a red and black dual-tone body, which makes it look sporty and aggressive. The RedDark Edition also gets red accenting inside, adding further to its premium feel.

Conclusion

Tata Nexon EV has traveled a long distance since its introduction in 2020. From being among the first electric SUVs in India to the top-selling EV in the nation, Nexon EV has been leading the way in making the Indian EV market.

The recent upgrade of the 40.5 kWh battery pack by the launch of the 45 kWh battery pack, coupled with new updates, further consolidates the Nexon EV's leadership position in electric SUVs.

With Tata Motors being at the forefront of electric mobility, the Nexon EV is all set to continue as Indian customers' go-to choice.

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