[Omkar]

Spent some time with the Tata Nexon EV Red Dark edition. It’s available with the 45 kWh battery pack which is shared with the Curvv EV and replaces the older 40.5 kWh battery pack. Was digging around a bit about the battery packs and found out that Tata has 2 battery pack providers for its EVs.



• The 30 kWh battery pack comes from Tata AutoComp which gets the cylindrical cells for the battery from a company called Gotion from China. The same company used to provide the older 40.5 kWh battery pack and they also provide the bigger 55 kWh battery pack on the Curvv EV.

• Now, the new 45 kWh battery pack comes from Octillion Power Systems which is a US-based company that gets its prismatic cells from another Chinese company called EVE. The prismatic cells are claimed to provide higher energy density and better charging time. Having multiple sources for its batteries can be a way to avoid any supply-related issues.

• Coming to the Nexon EV 45 kWh version, the prices start at Rs. 13.99 lakh and go up to Rs. 16.99 lakh. This Red Dark edition is priced at Rs. 17.19 lakh and IMO, this is a good price, especially when you compare it to the Curvv EV which starts at Rs. 17.49 lakh. Unless you absolutely require the long range of the 55 kWh battery pack on the Curvv EV, the Nexon EV 45 kWh should fulfil your needs just as well.

• In this segment, the other option to look at is the MG Windsor EV which has been consistently racking up good numbers since the launch and deservedly so. It offers good comfort and practicality and is very well-priced as well. In fact, Tata has tried to price the 45 kWh variants closer to the MG Windsor to get back some sales.

• When you start driving the Nexon EV though, you understand why a lot of people prefer it. It has a bit of familiarity with the IC engine cars which is a good stepping stone into the EV ecosystem.

• In terms of the driving experience of the 45 kWh version, there's no difference from the previously discontinued 40.5 kWh battery version as the motor is the same. You will technically get more range which is also expected given the bigger size and prismatic cell structure. Tata claims a real-world C75 driving range of 350-370 km. C75 means that 75% of the drivers that they tested the car with got a 350-370 km range. Which is fair.

Where Tata has done well is the styling department and the Nexon EV looks great. Especially in this Red Dark edition, the all-black treatment has been done very well. There are no unnecessary chrome elements, it’s just all-black and manages to grab some attention on the road as well:


The Nexon EV Red Dark edition is available only with the 45 kWh battery pack:


These 16-inch alloy wheels have a simple 5-spoke design and IMO, they look better than the ones on the regular Nexon EV (reference image):


You get a Red Dark badge on the fender:


The all-black theme continues on the inside as well. You get subtle red stitching on the dashboard trim which is a nice touch:


Fully red-coloured leatherette seats are a bit much IMO. Maybe a mix of red and black would’ve looked a bit better. Front seats are ventilated:


A look at the rear seats. Due to the battery underneath, the floor is high which results in a knees up position. Not the best seats in the cabin. The MG Windsor fares better in this aspect (not the best backseat ride quality though):


• You can download the 2025 Tata Nexon.EV brochure here - Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh Brochure.pdf

[car_guy1998]

One of my cousin's husband, who bought a Nexon EV 45 Emp+ a month ago, had sent me a pic that consists of the range being at 411 Kms and 99% of charge, which is impressive, I feel.

In real world, he is getting the range of around 350-380 Kms and is so happy with it that he booked himself another EV, i.e, XEV 9E, that is scheduled to be delivered soon.

BTW, his Nexon EV 45 has run more than 2500 Kms in a month and they have a Brezza ZDI+ as well.

Here is a odometer picture of his Nexon EV 45, that he sent me today


By hearing the review of their Nexon EV, my another cousin is sitting in the fence and deciding whether he should go for Nexon EV 45 or Windsor. Though he is very keen on getting the Windsor due to better rear seat comfort and being a new kid on the block, I suggested him the Nexon due to better ride quality and has better range when compared to Windsor, that gives the range of around 300 Kms in real world. The car he is replacing is a 2017 City iDTEC, that he bought used a couple of years ago and with the increasing running costs, he is feeling pinch on his pockets each day so much that he wanted to get rid off his City ASAP and being a practicing lawyer, he felt EV would make sense as his daily driver as his daily commute involves a visit to court and then to his law office after the court though he has Innova for highway usage, where he travels with his parents and whenever needed, he can borrow our Hycross as well since he lives in the same gated community as ours.

Apart from city usage he has, he also visits his hometown often, which is around 150 Kms from his home and another icing on the cake is there are a plenty of EV charging stations on the highway, where he travels to his hometown.

Meanwhile, I myself too looking to upgrade our 2014 City iDTEC with any of the EVs and confused whether I should go with Nexon, Creta, Windsor and BE6. And, this will serve as second car, which sees 100% city usage most of the time and occasional highway drives of within 400 Kms while for other purposes, we have Hycross.

But, the only concern with Nexon is its rear seat space. Coming from the Honda City, whose leg space is exceptional even today, I found Nexon's rear seat to be average, even in the ICE variant, while there is not much of an issue in Creta, which is my mom's favourite and Windsor (haven't been in it yet, though).

[Staraptor]

Originally Posted by car_guy1998

Meanwhile, I myself too looking to upgrade our 2014 City iDTEC with any of the EVs and confused whether I should go with Nexon, Creta, Windsor and BE6. And, this will serve as second car, which sees 100% city usage most of the time and occasional highway drives of within 400 Kms while for other purposes, we have Hycross.

But, the only concern with Nexon is its rear seat space. Coming from the Honda City, whose leg space is exceptional even today, I found Nexon's rear seat to be average, even in the ICE variant, while there is not much of an issue in Creta, which is my mom's favourite and Windsor (haven't been in it yet, though).

I had a Seltos initially and bought the Nexon EV 2 months back as a city car (happy with the range as I've mentioned my range experience a couple of posts before, and even the car as a whole), while upgrading the Seltos to the Hycross. Now, I've sat in the backseat of both Seltos and City, and I believe that Seltos has slightly better underthigh support, better headroom but city is better in everything else.

Coming to the Nexon EV, the car will definitely feel a bit cramped. I'm 5'10 with a healthy build, and the Nexon does feel like it could be more comfortable. I'm yet to find the ideal seating position tbh. And somehow my foot aches on extended drives, not sure if it's cause my right foot isn't on the pedals to enjoy regen. Even in the rear, the space is fine but the underthigh support does seem lacking due to the high floor. It's not like it's uncomfortable, but you're very aware of sitting high.

So I'd say, if you and your family are 5'7 or below, the Nexon EV seems like a no brainer, frankly one can get used to reduce leg space, but if not, please do go for an extended test drive to understand how comfortable y'all will be. The suspension, though, is superb and is better than even the Hycross's ZX(O) trim, and leagues ahead of the Seltos.

[car_guy1998]

Originally Posted by Staraptor

I had a Seltos initially and bought the Nexon EV 2 months back as a city car (happy with the range as I've mentioned my range experience a couple of posts before, and even the car as a whole), while upgrading the Seltos to the Hycross. Now, I've sat in the backseat of both Seltos and City, and I believe that Seltos has slightly better underthigh support, better headroom but city is better in everything else.

Coming to the Nexon EV, the car will definitely feel a bit cramped. I'm 5'10 with a healthy build, and the Nexon does feel like it could be more comfortable. I'm yet to find the ideal seating position tbh. And somehow my foot aches on extended drives, not sure if it's cause my right foot isn't on the pedals to enjoy regen. Even in the rear, the space is fine but the underthigh support does seem lacking due to the high floor. It's not like it's uncomfortable, but you're very aware of sitting high.

So I'd say, if you and your family are 5'7 or below, the Nexon EV seems like a no brainer, frankly one can get used to reduce leg space, but if not, please do go for an extended test drive to understand how comfortable y'all will be. The suspension, though, is superb and is better than even the Hycross's ZX(O) trim, and leagues ahead of the Seltos.

Thanks for the inputs Prajwal. Nice to hear that you are happy with your Nexon EV as a city car.

And, surprised to hear that Nexon EV's suspension is better than a Hycross, which itself is an exceptional in its price range.

Since our Hycross VX is shod with 17 inch tyres, I feel there won't be much of difference in ride quality between a Nexon EV and Hycross VX.

And, nice to hear that you are extracting more range from your Nexon EV.

[mally2]

Yes the Nexon45 does real world range of 330-350+ in city at 130-140whkm during the summers. I expect this will be better during lower temperatures and hover around 120whkm (375km). Efficient highway hypermilling can yield 110whkm (410km) I am yet to test this in my upcoming Bangalore Mangalore run.

[tumordox]

350 could be an over estimate- possible only with a cautious driving , 320km is achievable in most of the use cases, for me in a recent heavy right foot driving, 100-10% yielded 284km, it hit limp mode at 284km, with average 155wh/km, the day was sunny with outside temperatures of 32-34 degrees.
I consistently takes the car around 18% before recharge , done 12000km in 5 months, happy that the battery holding up good with no unexpected limp modes or rapid charge loss below 25%

[Jazzybala]

Originally Posted by car_guy1998

But, the only concern with Nexon is its rear seat space. Coming from the Honda City, whose leg space is exceptional even today, I found Nexon's rear seat to be average, even in the ICE variant, while there is not much of an issue in Creta, which is my mom's favourite and Windsor (haven't been in it yet, though).

I moved from the OG Jazz to the Nexon 45 in November last year, so I get the feeling of space that Honda's have, brio excluded obviously.

So far, I have not found any issues with the space inside the car, as far as driver or co-driver positions are concerned. They seem almost the same as in my outgoing Jazz. The rear though is a little underwhelming but not a deal breaker.

If 80-90% of your use case is 2 adults with children or 3 adults, this car has plenty of space, with 4 adults it becomes just enough, with anything more, its cramped, assuming adults are over 5'7" and normal built, based on my experience so far.

Originally Posted by tumordox

350 could be an over estimate- possible only with a cautious driving , 320km is achievable in most of the use cases, for me in a recent heavy right foot driving, 100-10% yielded 284km, it hit limp mode at 284km, with average 155wh/km, the day was sunny with outside temperatures of 32-34 degrees.
I consistently takes the car around 18% before recharge , done 12000km in 5 months, happy that the battery holding up good with no unexpected limp modes or rapid charge loss below 25%

I get similar range figuers, extrapolated in some cases.
I have also had unexpected limp mode warnings come up randomly when starting up the car, fortunately never when driving though. I bought this up to the RSM Tata Motors during the recent 2L EV breakfast drive and he said they will look into this. My 7.5K service is also due soon, will take this up with the ASC as well then..

I also had the number stuck on MID feature come up recently, which got resolved with a forced restart fortunately.

[shyampsunder]

Originally Posted by tumordox

350 could be an over estimate- possible only with a cautious driving , 320km is achievable in most of the use cases, for me in a recent heavy right foot driving, 100-10% yielded 284km, it hit limp mode at 284km, with average 155wh/km, the day was sunny with outside temperatures of 32-34 degrees.
I consistently takes the car around 18% before recharge , done 12000km in 5 months, happy that the battery holding up good with no unexpected limp modes or rapid charge loss below 25%

I agree and for someone buying a new car, I will highly recommend assuming 6 KMs / kWh for any of the mainstream EVs. It's more important with Tata EVs because of the limp mode that gets activated below 10% where even the AC gets cut off and makes life pretty miserable. This is why I consider both the Windsor and Nexon 45 kWh to have a similar range.

On my ZS EV which has a 50 kWh battery pack, I assume a range of 300 KMs. With plenty of EV charging infra on highways nowadays, easy enough to find a charger at 200 - 250 KMs distance. Best to familiarise yourself with the charging infra on your routes rather than try and stretch to avoid charging.

For folks new to EVs, it's better to be a bit conservative so that there are no negative surprises. Stretching the range through conservative driving should be an option, not a necessity.

[mally2]

Originally Posted by shyampsunder

I agree and for someone buying a new car, I will highly recommend assuming 6 KMs / kWh for any of the mainstream EVs. It's more important with Tata EVs because of the limp mode that gets activated below 10% where even the AC gets cut off and makes life pretty miserable. This is why I consider both the Windsor and Nexon 45 kWh to have a similar range.

On my ZS EV which has a 50 kWh battery pack, I assume a range of 300 KMs. With plenty of EV charging infra on highways nowadays, easy enough to find a charger at 200 - 250 KMs distance. Best to familiarise yourself with the charging infra on your routes rather than try and stretch to avoid charging.

For folks new to EVs, it's better to be a bit conservative so that there are no negative surprises. Stretching the range through conservative driving should be an option, not a necessity.

Agree with most; range is a very driver/weather/tarmac/elevation/traffic-dependent thing, and many factors influence range, so 6km/kw on the conservative side and 9km/kw on the optimistic side is a good yardstick.

Also one correction. Tata EV limp mode is 10% but AC works till 5%.

[Jazzybala]

Originally Posted by mally2

Also one correction. Tata EV limp mode is 10% but AC works till 5%.

I am seeing this is more like a window than a hard stop.
Last time, i took my car down to 6% before recharging and the AC was cooling till 8% but was not heating below 10%. This time, i again took my car down to 8% before recharging and the AC was not working immediately after 10%.

[smilealways24]

Originally Posted by mally2

Yes the Nexon45 does real world range of 330-350+ in city at 130-140whkm during the summers. I expect this will be better during lower temperatures and hover around 120whkm (375km). Efficient highway hypermilling can yield 110whkm (410km) I am yet to test this in my upcoming Bangalore Mangalore run.

What is your definition of efficient hypermiling? Please provide ideal speed and regen levels for highway hypermiling so that new folks like me can also learn.

I am also looking at buying my first EV and will be choosing between Nexon45 and Windsor50.

[mally2]

Travel post

I am in the middle of my road trip. Bangalore - Mangalore - South Goa - Mangalore - Bangalore

I have completed the first leg Bangalore to mangalore

Was able to do the 361km trip without any charge stop and ending at 15% left over battery. That means this can do 400Km+ of real world highway with 5-10% spare
, drove it like a ICE car between 85-100. Managed 111 whkm mostly due to the lower elevation. Expect 10-15% drop on the return leg

Here are some stats

[mally2]

Trip update

Mangalore to Benaulim Goa - 347km typical 2 lane highways unlike Bangalore to mangalore.

Started Mangalore with 100% @6AM drove for 6.5 hours straight with a small coffee break of 20 mins.

Reached with 5% battery @ 127whkm full AC @22degrees.

This means the car returns a real life range of 370km on a full charge on typical state roads. Used sports mode 50% of the time. Drove like a typical lCE car
Averaged speeds of 85-95 sometimes touched 100

It was a bit nerve racking to touch the last 5%. In hindsight I should have done a quick 10-15 min top up at any 60kw charger( there were plenty on the way)

No hypermilling just CC @ 87kmph 90% of the time. Used sports mode a lot to overtake trucks at the start of Goa border. If I had done some hypermiling I could have saved another 10% at best and brought it down to 110whkm. No fun in that

Here are some stats