The Tata Nexon is India’s most popular EV. Period. Its own sibling, the Punch EV may have overtaken the Nexon on the sales numbers front, but there’s no denying that the Nexon EV is a more popular nameplate. And in a bid to ensure the Nexon EV stays relevant and continues to appeal to buyers, Tata Motors has launched a ‘longer range’ version of the Nexon. The Nexon EV 45 here is thus the latest version, where 45 stands for its 45kWh battery. Tata Motors has also taken the opportunity to equip the Nexon with more features, and no prizes for guessing, it all resulted in a higher price tag. The bigger battery and more range sure sound good, but is the Nexon 45 worth its asking price? We spent a couple of days driving it, to decide.
The Nexon EV 45 remains relatively unchanged as compared to the previous Nexon EV LR. The design, interiors, alloy wheels and colour options remain the same, barring the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof in the top-end Empowered+ variant and a 12-litre frunk, which is absent in lower variants, though the frunk’s odd shape restricts its usability.
We’ve always liked the Nexon’s comfortable driving position, and its responsive steering (with the rather annoying toggle switches on it that you tend to press accidentally pretty frequently while turning) and these haven’t changed obviously. Fit-finish levels haven’t changed either, and could be better. The 45 also continues to come equipped with the sharp-looking 12.25-inch touchscreen, excellent instrument cluster display with customisable views, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and the brilliant JBL audio system, besides the gamut of features including 360-degree, TPMS, voice assist functions and ventilated front seats to name a few.
Getting to the heart of the matter, the bigger, 45kWh battery pack has also allowed Tata Motors to bump the Nexon EV’s power output by 5PS, and peak power produced now stands at 150PS, though peak torque remains the same at 215Nm. Claimed range is 489km per charge, up from the claimed 390km for the previous LR or Long Range version that used a 40.5kWh battery pack. The claimed real world figure now stands at 370km, up from 310km earlier.
Nearly 60 percent of my time with the SUV was within city limits including bumper to bumper traffic. I was able to cover 352km using 89 percent of the charge, with regen set to two. So the claimed figure of 370km, or perhaps higher is achievable in the real world. Maybe, with a lighter foot and in Eco mode. Another big update is the fact that the Nexon EV 45 supports DC fast charging at speeds of up to 60kW, up from the previous 50kW. 10-80 percent charging can now be done in 40 minutes as compared to 56 minutes earlier, at 60kW, which is a significant improvement. The 3.3kW and 7.2kW wallbox chargers will take about 17.5 hours and 6.5 hours respectively. The Nexon EV has always impressed as a city slicker and the 45 feels as good if not better, thanks to its responsive steering. The well-tuned suspension adds to its likeable matters too by offering a plush ride along with confident handling. This likeable demeanour, coupled with the impressive range per charge and faster charging speeds mean the Nexon EV 45 is a tempting proposition. Prices begin from ₹13.99 lakh ex-showroom and go up to ₹16.99 lakh for the fully loaded Empowered + variant. Effectively, the premium of ₹70,000 over the previous LR version is not a big ask as the improved range and convenience of faster charging justify it.
