Battery electric vehicles are a new entrant in the Indian automotive market. Along with being new, the technology and the infrastructure in India are quite naive. But at times the coming late to the party, there is no cake is left to share. This is exactly what Tata is doing. As of now, the Indian car maker Tata has the highest market share in the all-electric vehicle market. Right now in the Passenger car segment, the company has two-vehicle, Tata Tigor EV and Tata Nexon EV. But as the Nexon EV relatively costs more, it is the Tata Tigor EV that makes an affordable proposition. So, should you buy it?
Before answering the question, let us get it straight Tata Nexon is the most affordable battery electric vehicle in India. This opens up a lot of scope for new battery electric vehicle buyers to taste this totally different powertrain.
The Price | Tata Tigor EV Is Affordable
Let’s start with the fact that brought us here in the first place, Tata Tigor EVs price. Tata Tigor EV has a starting price of Rs. 12.49 Lakh for the base XE variant. As the variants progressed, the price too progresses. The top-end trim, XZ Plus Dual Tone sells at Rs. 13.64 Lakh. However if one can settle with a single shade of paint, XZ Plus costs Rs. 13.49 Lakh. All Prices in ex-showroom.
Speaking of the base variant, it gets most of the basic amenities right, like automatic climate control, a fully digital instrument cluster, power adjustment for the ORVMs and more. However, the top-end trim gets you features like Projector headlights, a touch screen infotainment system with 4 speakers and 4tweeters tuned by Harman/Kardon.
Powertrain | Tata Tigor EV Gets An Efficient Motor
Engine | Tata Tigor EV
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| Tata Tigor EV | |
| Power | 75hp |
| Torque | 170Nm |
| Battery | 26kWh |
| Range | 300+ (claimed) |
| Charging Speed | 1 hour (0-80%) |
Under the hood, the Tata Tigor EV gets a 75hp motor that is capable of generating a peak torque of 170Nm. As there is no transmission, the torque delivery is instant. Also, this motor is not the same as the Nexon EVs as the one in the SUV is way more powerful and offers a little more range. Strange but okay.
Under the chassis of the vehicle rests a 26kWh battery that also is marginally smaller than the one in the Nexon EV which gets 30.2kWh. Again, strange. Less power less torque a little less batter should have given this compact sedan a little edge.
Nevertheless, the company claims the range of Tigor EV to be a little over 300Kms. However, people at Autocar tested the real-world range to be 200kms in the city and about 180kms out on the highway.
Here are 9 Questions You Ask Your Self Before Buying An Electric Car
Tata Power Charging Infrastructure
One of the problems one thinks before buying an electric vehicle is charging. But with Tata expanding the existing large charging base, gives reassurance of the future if you buy one.
Additionally, the company claims that the charging times are low. A 25kW DC fast charger will allow the battery to charge from 0% to 80% in about 65 minutes. On the other hand, 15A plug point will charge from 0% to 80% in 8 hours 45minutes. Apart from that, almost all the major cities across the country have a charging station. So, if you need more info:
Click here to know all the charging stations in various cities across the country.
Tata Tigor EV is Safe and Practical
Dimensions
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| Tata Tigor EV | |
| Length (mm) | 3,993 |
| Width (mm) | 1,677 |
| Height (mm) | 1532 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 |
| Boot Space (Litres) | 316 |
On the inside, the Tigor looks almost identical to a regular Tigor, with a few additions that distinguish it from an EV. The electric blue hues around the AC vents, seats and other areas give the battery electric vehicle vibe. Tata Tigor shares its length with Tata Nexon EV. This opens up similar space for the interior and boot.
Speaking of safety, it comes with dual airbags as standard, rear parking sensors as standard, a rear parking camera, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminder and more. The icing on the cake is the 4-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test. This makes this compact sedan the first made in India car running on an electric powertrain to be tested at the GNCAP facility.
Should you upgrade? Tata Tigor EV vs Nexon EV | What’s The Difference?
Who should buy Tata Tigor EV?
Now, let’s answer the question, why is Tata Tigor EV worth buying and for whom. As Tata Tigor comes with a relatively smaller battery pack, hence the range is limited. Additionally, a little downer is the power of the motor which makes the car feel stressed on the highways. But in the city, the 170Nm of instant torque will get the job done.
Hence if you are looking for a vehicle that is light on your pocket to buy and maintain, and your commute is under 150kms or has charging infrastructure in your office, Tigor can just be the right car for the commute. Coupled with carpooling, this vehicle would further reduce the carbon footprint in the years to come. Not to forget Tata gives a warranty of 8 years and 1.6 Lakh Kms for the battery and the motor.
Comparo: Tata Tigor EV vs Tata Nexon EV vs MGZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Compared
Let us know in the comment section if you have any questions regarding buying an electric vehicle. Also, do let us know which one is your favourite electric car in India as of now.
