The Tata Tiago EV is revolutionizing the Indian electric vehicle market, offering a compelling combination of affordability, practicality, and eco-friendly performance. Let’s see if this electric marvel fits your electric car needs.
Electric Efficiency on a Budget
While there’s no concept of fuel efficiency for electric vehicles, the Tiago EV boasts an ARAI-certified range of 250 km (for the XE variant) and 315 km (for the XZ+ Tech Lux LR variant) on a single charge. In real-world scenarios, expect a range between 200-280 km depending on driving conditions and usage of features like air conditioning. The Tiago EV offers fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to juice up the battery from 10% to 80% in around 57 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast charger.
Safety First with High Scores
The Tata Tiago EV prioritizes safety with a commendable 4-star rating in Global NCAP crash testing. It comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, and seatbelt reminders. Higher variants add features like rear parking sensors and a camera for better maneuverability.
Multiple Trims for Different Needs
The Tiago EV boasts a competitive starting price of ₹ 7.99 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the XE variant, making it one of the most affordable electric cars in India. There are four variants (XE, XT, XZ+, and XZ+ Tech Lux) to choose from, each offering a progressive increase in features and comfort. Higher variants boast features like a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and automatic climate control.
Surprisingly Spacious for a Hatchback
Despite being a hatchback, the Tiago EV offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior that can seat four adults comfortably. Headroom and legroom are ample for most passengers. The boot space is a decent 242 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Tech-Savvy on a Budget
The Tiago EV’s infotainment system varies depending on the variant. Lower variants get a basic touchscreen system with essential features like Bluetooth connectivity and audio playback. Higher variants boast a more feature-rich infotainment system with smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is designed for user-friendliness with intuitive controls.
Nimble City Dweller with Highway Prowess
The Tiago EV excels in city environments with its peppy electric motor offering instant torque. The zippy acceleration makes navigating city traffic a breeze. Highway cruising is comfortable, and the car handles well at moderate speeds. However, due to its ground clearance, off-roading is strictly not recommended.
New Entrant, Reliability Yet to Be Established
As a new entrant in the Indian EV market, long-term reliability data for the Tiago EV is yet to be established. However, Tata is a well-established car manufacturer, and electric cars generally require less maintenance than gasoline-powered ones. Maintenance costs are expected to be on the lower side.
Peace of Mind with Warranty
Tata offers a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km on the Tiago EV, along with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery pack. Extended warranty options are likely to be available from Tata dealerships. Tata’s service network is expanding to accommodate electric vehicles, so finding service and parts shouldn’t be a major hurdle.
Standing Out from the Pack (and Price Point)
The Tiago EV faces competition from the Hyundai Kona Electric and the MG ZS EV. While the Kona and ZS offer slightly larger cabins and potentially more range, the Tiago EV comes in at a significantly lower price point, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Punchy Acceleration and Practical Top Speed
The Tiago EV offers a thrilling 0-100 km/h time of around 4.1 seconds (XZ+ Tech Lux variant) to 5.7 seconds (XE variant), making it one of the quickest cars in its segment. The top speed is electronically limited to 135 km/h, which is more than enough for most Indian roads.
Pros
- Affordable price point for an electric car in India
- Excellent range for city commutes with fast-charging capabilities
- Spacious and comfortable interior for a hatchback
- Good safety rating with standard safety features
- User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration (higher variants)
Cons
- Limited service network compared to established gasoline cars (but expanding)
- New model, so long-term reliability yet to be established
- Lower boot space compared to some competitors
Conclusion
The Tata Tiago EV emerges as a strong choice for eco-conscious city dwellers in India. It boasts affordability, practicality, and a surprising punch. With a spacious interior, good range for daily commutes, and a user-friendly infotainment system (higher variants), it offers a comfortable and enjoyable electric driving experience. Competitive pricing makes it a compelling option even against rivals with slightly more features. While long-term reliability remains to be seen, Tata’s reputation and lower EV maintenance costs inspire confidence. If you seek an affordable, practical, and fun electric car for city use, the Tiago EV is a must-consider.