Tata Tiago EV Review: The Perfect City Car?
The Tata Tiago EV is the car that democratized electric mobility in India. Before this, EVs were expensive toys for the rich. The Tiago EV brought the silent revolution to the middle class.
It isn’t a ground-up EV; it’s an ICE chassis converted to electric. But does that matter when it saves you so much money?
📊 Specs
| Feature | Medium Range (MR) | Long Range (LR) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 19.2 kWh | 24 kWh |
| Power | 61 PS | 75 PS |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Range (MIDC) | 250 km | 315 km |
| Real World Range | ~150-160 km | ~200-220 km |
| 0-60 kmph | 6.2 sec | 5.7 sec |
🏎️ Performance & Drive
- City Mode: This is where the Tiago EV shines. Ideally suited for stop-go traffic. The instant torque closes gaps in traffic effortlessly. It feels faster than its petrol sibling because there are no gears to shift.
- Sport Mode: It becomes surprisingly zippy. You can beat much bigger cars at traffic lights from 0-40 kmph.
- Regen: It comes with 3 levels of regenerative braking. Level 3 is strong enough for “one-pedal driving” in heavy traffic, which is a boon.
⛽ Range & Charging
- Real World Truth: In city conditions with AC on, expect 190-210 km from the Long Range variant.
- Charging:
- Home (15A Socket): ~9 hours for 10-100%. Plug it in overnight like your phone.
- DC Fast Charge: 10-80% in 58 mins. Good for emergencies, but don’t rely on it daily.
🛋️ Comfort & Features
- Cabin: It is identical to the petrol Tiago, which means good build quality but dated design.
- Space: The battery placement raises the floor slightly, but comfort is still good or 4 adults.
- Tech: Touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Auto Climate Control, and ZConnect app connectivity.
✅ Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Lowest Running Cost: ₹1/km (Home charging) | ❌ Range Anxiety: Strictly a city car. Not for highways. |
| ✅ Perfect City Size: Easy to park and maneuver | ❌ Charging Speed: Slow 7.2kW AC charging option is pricey |
| ✅ Silent Drive: No engine noise or vibration | ❌ Spare Wheel: Replaced by puncture kit in some trims |
| ✅ 8-Year Warranty: On battery and motor | ❌ Glitchy App: ZConnect app can be temperamental |
🏁 Verdict
The Tata Tiago EV is hands down the Best Second Car for an Indian household.
If you have a primary petrol/diesel car for long trips, the Tiago EV makes perfect sense for daily office commutes, grocery runs, and school drops. It pays for itself in fuel savings within 3-4 years. It’s not just a car; it’s a savings account on wheels.