Living Electric: A Deep Dive into the Tata Nexon EV’s Long-Term Performance

The Tata Nexon EV has been a game-changer in the Indian electric vehicle market, making EV ownership accessible to a wider audience. But beyond the initial excitement, how does it hold up over extended periods of ownership and thousands of kilometers? We’ve spent considerable time with the Nexon EV, putting it through its paces in various conditions, and here’s our comprehensive long-term review.

The Initial Appeal: What Drew Us In

When the Nexon EV first launched, its compelling price point, decent range, and familiar SUV form factor were immediate draws. It looked like a practical, everyday electric car for Indian families. The promise of lower running costs and a silent, smooth driving experience further sweetened the deal.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Still a Joy

Even after significant mileage, the Nexon EV continues to impress with its peppy performance. The instant torque from the electric motor makes city driving a breeze, allowing for quick overtakes and effortless navigation through traffic. On highways, it comfortably cruises at triple-digit speeds, though sustained high speeds do impact range. The ride quality remains pliant and well-suited for Indian roads, absorbing bumps and undulations with ease. The steering, while light, offers enough feedback for confident driving.

Range and Charging: Real-World Experience

This is often the biggest question mark for prospective EV buyers. Our long-term experience confirms that the advertised range figures are achievable under ideal conditions. However, real-world range varies significantly with driving style, use of AC, terrain, and outside temperature. We consistently observed a practical range of around 200-250 km (for the Prime/Max variants, depending on the battery size) on a single charge for mixed city and highway driving.

Charging infrastructure has improved, but planning longer trips still requires some foresight. Home charging (AC slow charging) is the most convenient for daily top-ups, while DC fast chargers are crucial for inter-city travel. We found the fast charging speeds to be consistent, allowing for quick breaks on longer journeys. Battery degradation over time has been minimal, a testament to Tata’s battery management system.

Interior and Features: Holding Up Well

The Nexon EV’s interior has proven to be durable and practical. The quality of materials, while not overtly luxurious, is robust and has withstood daily wear and tear well. The infotainment system, though not the most cutting-edge, is functional and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features like the automatic climate control, multi-mode regen, and connected car tech continue to be useful. The cabin remains spacious enough for four adults, and the boot space is adequate for weekend trips.

Maintenance and Running Costs: The EV Advantage

This is where the Nexon EV truly shines in the long run. With far fewer moving parts than an ICE vehicle, maintenance costs are significantly lower. Routine service involves checking fluids, brakes, and general wear and tear, rather than expensive engine oil changes or filter replacements. Our electricity bills have been a fraction of what we would have spent on petrol or diesel, making the overall running costs incredibly economical.

Any Downsides?

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points emerged:

Charging time: While DC fast charging is quick, AC charging at home can take several hours, requiring overnight charging for a full top-up.
Feature wish list: Some advanced features seen in newer EVs (e.g., ADAS, larger digital clusters) are still missing.
Boot space: While adequate, it’s not cavernous, especially if you carry bulky luggage.

Conclusion: A Solid Long-Term Investment

The Tata Nexon EV has proven itself to be a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective electric vehicle for long-term ownership in India. It delivers on its promise of a practical and enjoyable EV experience, making the transition to electric mobility a smooth one. For anyone considering an electric SUV that offers a great balance of performance, range, features, and low running costs, the Nexon EV remains a highly recommended choice. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement about sustainable and smart mobility.