Tata Nexon Electric SUV Unveiled In India, To Be Priced Up To Rs 17 Lakh
Tata Motors has unveiled the Tata Nexon electric SUV in India. This is the first EV to feature the brand’s Ziptron architecture and significantly differs from the standard Nexon, the powertrain aside. The Nexon EV will be launched in January 2020 and be priced between Rs 15 to Rs 17 lakhs. The Nexon EV can be booked for Rs 21,000 starting tomorrow, 20th December, either through the Tata Motor’s official website or through select dealers.
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Similar to a number of international EV markets, the compact sports utility segment (SUV) battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is gaining significant traction even in India. In a short span of time three all-electric SUVs have been announced or launched in the Indian market, to include the pure electric Tata Nexon SUV, the MG (Morris Garages) ZS SUV and the all-electric Hyundai Kona.
Tata certainly has gained valuable experience from the success of its all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV via the Jaguar Land Rover business owned by Tata. In fact, the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV has achieved significant success since its launch in the international markets in 2018.
As is now the case with most automotive manufacturers, electric vehicles are being developed on new dedicated platforms and the Nexon is no different. The electric Nexon is being developed from Tata’s Ziptron architecture, that will also be used to develop other EV models.
Of course, unlike the premium Jaguar I-PACE SUV, the Nexon has been developed and priced for a price sensitive market like India and at Rs 17 lakhs, it certainly reinforces the theme of affordability. Moreover, with a zero-emission electric range of up to 300 kms, the EV is well positioned for the ‘sweet spot’ with ‘practical range’ and ‘value’ for consumers in India.
However, the success of the all-electric Nexon and other EVs being launched in India is the improvement in electric car charging infrastructure. One of the key themes that has has been critical for the success of EV adoption in international markets. Also important is for consumers in India to be educated comprehensively on the benefits of zero-emission electric driving.
Pure electric cars available in India, include the, all-electric MG ZS SUV, the pure electric Tata Nexon SUV, the all-electric Tata Tigor sedan, the all-electric Mahindra e Verito and the all-electric Hyundai Kona SUV.
Forget Electric Cars – e-Bikes Will Be The Top Selling EV In The Next Decade
130 million e-bikes are expected to be sold globally between 2020 and 2023. The next decade is going to be defined by a revolution of battery-powered transportation, and the vehicle that will lead the change won’t be the Tesla Model 3 or even the wildly polarizing Cybertruck. And it definitely won’t be an electric scooter. It will be an electric bike.
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It is indeed the case that e-bikes also known as ‘pedal-assist’ electric bikes will gain significantly in popularity, as the broader trend of EV adoption picks up steam. However, larger volumes of e-bikes does not mean that electric cars will not be wildly successful.
In economic value terms, the size of the electric car market will dwarf the e-bikes segment, despite the potential higher volumes of electric bikes. The reason is simple. The average cost of an electric bike globally is Rs 1.5 lakhs, while the average selling price of an electric car is closer to 35 lakhs. Also, e-bikes, despite all their benefits and lower acquisition costs will not be a ‘natural fit’ for all markets. Many factors will influence the success of e-bikes to include, perception of cycling, need for electric bikes and of course, the weather.
India maybe potentially more suited for e-bikes, given the humongous size of the two-wheeler and cycle market in India. However, it is to early to conclude on the potential viability and success for electric bikes in India i.e. will consumers take the leap from better priced conventional cycles and two-wheelers to pedal assist e-bikes. Having said that, e-bikes from established Indian manufacturers like Hero Electric, do make a strong case for exponential adoption, given the price point offered by the company.