Tata Motors has just confirmed that the Nexon sub-4 meter compact SUV will get an electric variant within the next 18 months. What this means is, the Nexon Electric SUV could be on Indian roads before the end of 2020. The Nexon will be the first electric SUV in Tata Motor’s vehicle line up. The only other electric SUV sold in India currently is the recently launched Hyundai Kona. By the end of this year, another electric SUV is the pipeline from MG Motor. Called the eZS, the new electric SUV is expected to be priced well under Rs. 20 lakhs, making it cheaper than the Venue.
The exact range of the MG eZS electric SUV is yet to be announced. Hyundai is also investing Rs. 2,000 crore to develop a new, affordable high range electric car for the Indian market, and the new EV is likely to be an electric SUV as well. Maruti Suzuki will launch the WagonR EV early next year, and is likely to have a 150 kilometer range. Mahindra is about to launch the electric variant of the KUV100. Called the eKUV100, the electric SUV could have a range of around 250 kilometers, making it quite a practical vehicle for everyday use. The eKUV100 is expected to be priced close to Rs. 10 lakhs.
The Tata Nexon is expected to have a range of around 250-300 kilometers, and could borrow the electric powertrain from the Altroz EV, which was first showcased at the Geneva Motor Show of this year. Expect a price tag somewhere between Rs. 10-15 lakhs for the electric version of the Nexon. Along with the electric powertrain, the compact SUV is also likely to get a mid life makeover, which is slated to happen in 2020. The mid life makeover is likely to make the Nexon look a lot more fresher, with styling cues likely to be borrowed from big brother Harrier.
The Indian government is betting big on electric vehicles, and has announced a slew of measures to promote electric vehicles and dissuade buyers from opting for petrol and diesel engined vehicles. Road tax and registration charges for electric vehicles have been waived off. At the same time, the government has steeply increased registration and re-registration charges for petrol and diesel powered vehicles. Also, the Union Budget of 2019 has announced a tax rebate on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. From 2020, a slew of new electric cars are likely to arrive in the Indian market. A lot of action will take place in the electric two wheeler segments as well.
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