2022 Tata Tiago EV Review: Real-World Range Test

For now, Tiago EV is the most affordable electric car but its appeal goes beyond its pricing too.

Tata Motors has proven that it owns the EV segment for now with a monopoly of sorts. ( Image Source :Somnath Chatterjee )

When it comes to EVs, there is only one question which is asked and that is the range. Other factors come in a distant second with range deciding the buy for many potential EV buyers and it also for a good reason since a few kilometres can mean a world of difference. In terms of affordable EVs, no one has managed to do it until Tata Motors. While we have new entrants these days, in the real-world Tata Motors has proven that it owns the EV segment for now with a monopoly of sorts.

While we wait for new competition to come and there is plenty coming soon, for now, the Tiago EV is the most affordable electric car but its appeal goes beyond its pricing too.

The Real-World Range

We drove the Tiago EV with the long-range battery pack and that is what you should get if you are looking for a meaningful amount of range before charging. Between the 24kWh battery pack and a 19.2kWh battery pack, the 24kWh is the one to go for with its 315km range estimate. We started the drive with a range showing north of 230kms while driving around Goa for our shoot, we calculated our range to be roughly around 200km.

The figure will vary according to various driving conditions and styles of driving but expect roughly between 190-200km. Good thing is that the Tiago EV comes with drive modes and Sport is honestly the one to go for where acceleration is smooth while the standard mode dulls responsiveness. The Tiago EV though is not as sharp in terms of acceleration as you would expect from an EV but in Sport mode especially it is smooth and feels peppy enough.

There is regenerative braking like on much more expensive EVs and that helps with level 3 being similar to using the brakes without stepping on them with rapid deceleration even though it is not quite one-pedal driving.

Other Bits?

The gear selector like on the Nexon EV is a bit slow to respond and that is seen when taking U-Turns. We did like the suspension and how effortless it is to drive with its compact size plus light steering.

Tata offers various charging options- a 15A plug point, a standard 3.3kW AC charger and a 7.2kW AC home fast charger which can add 35kms range with just 30min of charging. With its EV-specific styling, the Tiago EV to our eyes also looks better and the same goes for the interior which is quite premium and does not feel basic. You get a Harman audio system, connected car tech, climate control and a digital cluster.

Should You Buy It?

Prices start at Rs 9.99 lakh for the 24 kWh battery version while the top-end fully loaded one is Rs 11.7 lakh. At the moment, you cannot get an EV at this price with the best part being it also does not feel basic at all with its features and overall appeal. It drives decently and is for urban commutes while not quite as enjoyable to drive as the Nexon EV nor having quite the same range but it is understandable since the Tiago EV is at a much lower price point too. As a city car, the Tiago EV makes a lot of sense.