The Tata Nexon EV has rapidly emerged itself into one of the most popular electric vehicles in India. Increasing fuel prices and awareness of environmental issues make electric mobility a viable option for many. One of the biggest factor in the buying decision is running cost per km. In this detailed piece, we will look at the Tata Nexon EV running cost per km, compare it with petrol/diesel variants and examine all the other factors including electricity rates, battery life, maintenance cost etc.

Introduction to Tata Nexon EV

The Tata Nexon EV is an electric SUV that offers two variants mentioned below:

• Nexon EV Prime: Range of 312 km (ARAI-certified)
• Nexon EV Max: Range of 453 km (ARAI-certified)

Both models feature a powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, offering a silent and efficient driving experience. As an EV, the Nexon has dramatically lower running costs than its ICE (internal combustion engine) counterparts.

What Does “Running Cost Per Km” Mean?

Running cost per km refers to how much does it costs to drive 1 km. In case of EVs, running cost per km is only the electricity cost while the electricity is charged, but without considering insurance or fixed costs such as EMI or Road Tax.  Some broader methods would also include maintenance cost, but the purpose of this article to evaluate the cost of energy use per km.

Tata Nexon EV Power Consumption

Let’s understand the energy consumption numbers that help determine the Tata Nexon EV’s running cost per km:

Variant	Battery Capacity	Range (ARAI)	Real-World Range
Nexon EV Prime	30.2 kWh	312 km	200–250 km
Nexon EV Max	40.5 kWh	453 km	300–350 km

Note: Real-world range depends on factors like terrain, traffic, use of AC, and driving style.

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Electricity Cost for Charging

The cost of charging the Nexon EV depends on:

• Electricity tariff (per kWh)
• Battery efficiency
• Charging location (home, office, public)

Home Charging Costs (Average)

Let’s calculate the home charging cost using average electricity rates in India (₹7 per kWh):

Nexon EV Prime

• • Full battery charge = 30.2 kWh
  • Electricity cost = 30.2 kWh × ₹7 = ₹211.4
  • Real-world range = 250 km

• Running cost per km = ₹211.4 / 250 = ₹0.85/km

Nexon EV Max

• Full battery charge = 40.5 kWh
• Electricity cost = 40.5 kWh × ₹7 = ₹283.5
• Real-world range = 350 km
• Running cost per km = ₹283.5 / 350 = ₹0.81/km.

Commercial Charging Station

Commercial stations may charge ₹15–₹25 per kWh depending on location and operator.

Nexon EV Max (Fast Charging at ₹20/kWh):

• • Charging cost = 40.5 × ₹20 = ₹810
  • Real-world range = 350 km

• Running cost per km = ₹810 / 350 = ₹2.31/km

So, the Tata Nexon EV running cost per km can range from ₹0.80/km to ₹2.50/km, depending on how and where you charge.

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Maintenance Costs vs ICE Vehicles

Significantly fewer moving parts are had by EVs like the Nexon compared to petrol or diesel cars. This leads to:

• No engine oil or filters
• No clutch or gearbox
• Lower brake wear due to regenerative braking

Annual maintenance cost for Nexon EV is roughly ₹4,000–₹6,000, while petrol/diesel Nexon may cost ₹10,000–₹15,000 per year.

Comparison with Petrol and Diesel Nexon

Let’s compare the running costs per km between the EV, petrol, and diesel variants.

Variant	Fuel Economy	Fuel Cost/km
Nexon Petrol	~17 km/litre	₹106/17 = ₹6.24/km
Nexon Diesel	~22 km/litre	₹92/22 = ₹4.18/km
Nexon EV (Home Charging)	~250–350 km per charge	₹0.80–₹0.90/km
Nexon EV (Public Charging)	~250–350 km per charge	₹2.0–₹2.5/km

Key Insight: Even with public charging, the Tata Nexon EV’s running cost per km is 50% or more cheaper than ICE vehicles.

Battery Life and Replacement Costs

Battery Warranty

• An 8-year / 1,60,000 km warranty on the battery is provided by Tata Motors. Battery degradation is minimal within the first 5–6 years if charged properly.

Replacement Cost (Estimate)

• Battery replacement can cost between ₹5–₹7 lakhs, but with the long warranty and improving battery tech, this may not be necessary for most users.

Charging Time and Efficiency

• AC Home Charger (3.3 kW): 8–9 hours
• DC Fast Charger (25–50 kW): 0–80% in 60 minutes (approx.)

Efficiency matters too. Charging losses (10–15%) mean your actual electricity use may be slightly higher.

So if a full charge needs 30.2 kWh, you may actually consume 33–35 kWh from the grid.

• Adjusted Tata Nexon EV’s running cost per km at home (with 10% charging loss) = ₹231 / 250 = ₹0.92/km

Still way lower than any petrol or diesel vehicle.

Toll and Tax Benefits

The Nexon EV also benefits from:

• No road tax in many states (like Delhi, Maharashtra)
• Income tax benefits under Section 80EEB (up to ₹1.5 lakhs on loan interest) are provided.
• Lower toll charges on some highways

These indirectly improve the total cost of ownership, reinforcing the value of its low running cost per km.

Case Study: 5-Year Ownership Cost

Let’s assume 12,000 km driven per year:

• Tata Nexon Petrol:

• Fuel: ₹6/km × 12,000 = ₹72,000/year = ₹3.6 lakh
• Maintenance: ₹12,000/year = ₹60,000
• Total: ₹4.2 lakh over 5 years

• Tata Nexon EV (Home Charging):

• Electricity: ₹0.85/km × 12,000 = ₹10,200/year = ₹51,000
• Maintenance: ₹6,000/year = ₹30,000
• Total: ₹81,000 over 5 years

Savings: ₹3.4 lakh in 5 years!

How to Reduce Tata Nexon EV Running Cost Per Km Even Further

• 1. Take advantage of off-peak charging hours: A lower rate will be offered overnight by several DISCOMs.
• 2. Get solar panels: Charging from solar can get your cost near zero.
• 3. Use regenerative braking: This will increase your range.
• 4. Check tire pressure: This can help you get better efficiency.
• 5. Do not fast charge unless needed: slower AC charging will save you a bit on kWh, and even more in taxes.

Environmental Benefits

Besides money savings, the Tata Nexon EV helps reduce:

• Carbon emissions
• Air pollution
• Noise pollution

Operating an EV at ₹0.85/km is not only cost effective, it is also eco-logical.

Conclusion: Is the Tata Nexon EV Running Cost Per Km Worth It?

Absolutely. With home charging, the Tata Nexon EV’s running cost per km can be as low as ₹0.80–₹0.90, far cheaper than petrol or diesel cars. Even with public charging, it remains cost-effective.

Here’s a quick summary:

Charging Type	Cost per km
Home Charging	₹0.80–₹0.90
Commercial Charging	₹2.00–₹2.50
Petrol Nexon	₹6.00+
Diesel Nexon	₹4.00+

If you drive regularly and have a charging point at home or office, the Tata Nexon EV is not just an environmentally friendly choice—it’s a smart financial decision too.

FAQs About Tata Nexon EV Running Cost Per Km

Q1. What is the Tata Nexon’s EV running cost per km in city conditions?

Answer: In city traffic, expect around ₹1.0/km due to stop-go conditions reducing range slightly.

Q2. Is the running cost per km affected by using AC?

Answer: Yes, AC usage can reduce the range by 5–10%, slightly increasing the running cost.

Q3. How often do I need to service the Nexon EV?

Answer: Once every 6 months or 7,500–10,000 km. Much simpler and cheaper than ICE cars.

Q4. Will electricity price hikes affect EV running costs?

Answer: Yes, but even with a 10–20% hike, petrol/diesel vehicles will still be remained cheaper than EVs.

Final Thoughts

In many cases, the running cost per km of the Tata Nexon EV is less than ₹1/km which is a huge benefit for Indian car owners. When you combine this with less maintenance, zero tailpipe emmissions, and government incentives, Tata is creating one of the best overall EV ownership experiences in India.