NEW DELHI: Delhi government on Monday suspended Tata Nexon EV from the list of vehicles that were eligible for subsidies under its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy based on complaints from vehicle owners regarding its performance. Stating that the Nexon EV meets stringent EV norms, Tata Motors said the order was unfortunate.
“Delhi government has decided to suspend subsidy on EV car model, pending final report of a committee, due to complaints by multiple users of sub-standard range performance. We are committed to support EVs, but not at the cost of trust and confidence of citizens in claims by manufacturers,” state transport minister Kailash Gahlot tweeted on Monday.
The transport department had earlier issued a showcause notice to Tata Motors after complaints that, while the vehicle model was specified to provide 312km range in a single charge, it doesn’t provide more than 200km. The government had directed Tata Motors to depute a representative to appear before deputy commissioner of the department on February 15 for failure to provide the promised optimal range, but the order issued on Monday mentioned that the reply furnished by the company was found non-satisfactory. A committee has been formed comprising representatives from the department, Tata Motors, DIMTS, and any reputed organisation. Pending the report of the panel, the listing of Tata Nexon EV has been suspended.
“The range at single full charge (312km) for Nexon EV is on the basis of the certification received from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which is the official body that independently tests all mass-produced vehicles under standard/defined test conditions before they can be offered to customers,” said a spokesperson from Tata Motors.
“As with conventional vehicles (with IC engines), the actual range achieved in EVs is dependent on AC usage, individual driving style and the actual conditions in which it is driven. The range achievement is also a function of familiarity with the new technology, and customers report improvements upwards of 10% within 4-6 weeks of familiarity,” he said, adding that Nexon EV is India’s largest selling EV with several positive testimonials.