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EV & Future Mobility

Tata Motors Launches Nexon EV Max 2.0 with 500 km Range — India's Longest-Range Mass EV Yet

In a landmark launch at Auto Expo 2026, Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon EV Max 2.0, delivering 500 km on a single charge using its next-gen Ziptron X platform — undercutting rivals by ₹1.2 lakh.

Rajesh Kumar Feb 22, 2026 8 min read | ET Auto Bureau

In one of the most talked-about auto launches of the decade, Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon EV Max 2.0 at Auto Expo 2026 in Greater Noida — and the automotive industry took notice. Delivering a certified 500 km range on a single charge, the vehicle marks a new era for Indian EVs, challenging the long-held perception that affordable EVs compromise on practicality.

The 500 km Breakthrough

The Nexon EV Max 2.0 is powered by Tata's next-generation Ziptron X platform, featuring a 77 kWh battery pack with an advanced silicon-anode cathode design developed in partnership with Agratas Energy Storage Solutions, Tata's battery subsidiary. The architecture supports:

Price Point: Starting at ₹16.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Nexon EV Max 2.0 undercuts its closest competitor — the MG ZS EV — by ₹1.2 lakh, and the Hyundai Creta EV by ₹90,000.

Ziptron X: What's Changed?

The Ziptron X platform is a significant departure from the original Ziptron architecture. Tata's engineering team has restructured the battery management system (BMS) for predictive thermal management — a critical improvement for Indian summers. The new BMS uses cell-level temperature sensors and an AI-driven cooling algorithm derived from data across 3.5 lakh existing Tata EVs on Indian roads.

The platform also introduces a dual motor option (AWD) for the first time in the Nexon lineup, available in the ₹21.49 lakh 'Max 2.0 AWD' trim. The AWD variant produces 220 kW and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Market Implications

Industry analysts are already calling this a "segment-defining" product. According to Motilal Oswal Research, the Nexon EV Max 2.0 could capture 38% of the sub-₹20 lakh EV segment within 18 months of launch, potentially displacing both MG ZS EV and Hyundai Creta EV from their current leadership positions.

Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, stated: "Range anxiety has been the single biggest psychological barrier to EV adoption in India. At 500 km, we are not just crossing a threshold — we are eliminating the barrier entirely. You can now drive Delhi to Jaipur and back without charging."

Charging Infrastructure Push

Tata Motors has simultaneously announced a strategic tie-up with Tata Power EZ Charge to install 10,000 fast chargers across 40 cities by December 2026, specifically designed for the Nexon EV Max 2.0's 150 kW AC charging architecture. The company is targeting 3,000 chargers in highway corridors — addressing inter-city travel as the next frontier for EV adoption.

Deliveries & Waitlist

Bookings opened immediately after the launch at ₹21,000. Tata Motors reported 12,000 bookings within the first 6 hours. Delivery timelines have been set at:

This launch sets the stage for what could be India's most competitive EV year yet, with Mahindra BE 6e, Hyundai Creta EV, and now Nexon EV Max 2.0 all vying for the same customer segment.

Tata Motors Nexon EV Auto Expo 2026 Ziptron X Electric Vehicles 500 km range