Tata’s Nexon EV has created a lot of buzz in the Nepalese market but can the brand make a strong case for itself in the growing EV space. Shawant Jung Sijapati, Head- Passenger Vehicle Business and Deputy General Manager – Tata Motors Nepal, speaks to Nepal Drives.

What are the company’s goals in the Nepalese EV space?

We are committed to developing a complete EV ecosystem (sales/service/charging) that will enable faster adoption of EVs in Nepal and intend to become a market leader in the Nepalese EV landscape from the very first year itself.

What are the biggest USPs of the Nexon EV as compared to its competitors?

As far as the USPs are concerned, the Nexon EV holds the following contemporary and enticing strengths as compared to its rivals:

• Best-in-class ground clearance of 205mm that is suited for our terrain, unlike our rivals.
• Best-in-class 8 Years/ 1.6 Lakhs km warranty in battery and motor.
• Best-in-class home charging time of 8.5 hrs (10% to 90%) via the normal 15A home plug point.
• Free of cost home AC charging port installation.
• Only 30.2 units of electricity will be consumed on one full charge. Likewise, the Nexon EV will also come with minimal repair and maintenance costs.
• We have already installed 8 Fast Chargers, and we will further install extra 7 chargers within a year. We also have plans to develop fast-charging networks at every 150 km across the national highway. Similarly, we are also developing a mobile app by which customers will be able to locate, pre-book, activate, and pay for the charging through their mobile phones.
• 100+ AC charging port installations across Nepal. Ports will be installed in convenient locations such as malls, restaurants, hotels & hospitals.
• Service backup through 15+ service centers across the country.
• Spare parts availability & affordability considering the Nexon EV is based on the Nexon. Hence, the majority of the parts can be directly shared.

Also Read: Tata Nexon EV Launched In Nepal

What are the challenges in a price-sensitive market like ours?

The main challenge in a price-sensitive market like ours is to offer more choices in terms of presence across various segments and variants.

How do you see Tata’s network of chargers expanding in the country?

We have already installed 8 Fast Chargers, and we will further install extra 7 chargers within a year. We also have plans to develop fast-charging networks at every 150 km across the national highway.

What end-to-end charging solutions is Tata Motors looking to provide?

All fast chargers will be interconnected via the cloud. We are also developing a mobile application by which customers will be able to locate, pre-book, activate, and pay for the charging through their mobile phones.

How do you expect the Nexon EV to perform in terms of its resale price and in the used-car market?

We are yet to see the resale value of electric vehicles in Nepal because the number is very low as compared to ICE vehicles. However, the savings in initial acquisition cost along with the costs saved in fuel and maintenance as well as the concessions in annual vehicle tax will amount to more than Rs 2 million in savings in 8 years as compared to ICE vehicles. Since EVs have fewer movable parts, this will prolong the life of the vehicle which would reflect positively in the resale value of the product.