Yash Khandelwal, Head of International Business at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, is in Nepal to launch the new Tata EV brand. He launched three different Tata EV brands including Curvv.ev in Nepal amidst a special function held in the capital on Sunday. During his whirlwind trip to Nepal, Republica spoke with him about Tata's vision and products, the growth of the EV market in Nepal, the company's strategies to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape, and the features and performance of the new Curvv.ev on Nepali highways. Excerpts:
How do you see the growth of the EV market in the private segment, and where do you see Tata EVs stand in this?
The rate of adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the personal segment has accelerated significantly over the last couple of years. EV penetration has surged from around 14% in 2021-22 to over 80% now.
This rapid growth is driven by several key factors, including favourable government taxation on EVs, increased environmental awareness, availability of green funding, better cost of operations, a growing EV ecosystem, and the introduction of multiple new nameplates, which have heightened competitive intensity in the market.
Among these, the growing EV ecosystem has played a particularly dominant role in driving this high penetration. Since the launch of our EVs in 2021, we have focused not only on delivering exceptional products but also on supporting them with a comprehensive ecosystem growth plan. As our volumes have increased, we have strategically expanded our EV ecosystem. Today, we proudly hold the largest EV ecosystem in Nepal, with over 185 charging stations, more than 16 dedicated EV service centers, and 21+ sales outlets across the country.
How is Tata.ev differentiating itself in this growing EV market?
Our journey into electric mobility began with a commitment to lead India towards a future of meaningful mobility. Since launching our first electric vehicle, we have championed EV adoption, reaching new heights with over 200,000 Tata EVs on Indian roads. This achievement has solidified our position as India's largest four-wheeler EV manufacturer and has given us a unique understanding of the EV industry.
With the introduction of Tata.ev, we have embraced the brand positioning of 'Move with Meaning,' emphasizing sustainability at its core. Building on our extensive experience, Tata.ev, along with its long-standing partner Sipradi, has consistently worked to offer customers in Nepal not just class-leading products but also a robust ecosystem that enables EVs to thrive.
Our approach to differentiation includes:
- A wide range of products across body styles and price points to cater to diverse customer needs:
- 2025 Tiago.ev: An entry-hatchback with a 24kWh battery, compact design, and practicality ideal for city commutes.
- Punch.ev: Available with 25 kWh and 35 kWh battery options, offering high-end features in a compact ride.
- Nexon K3.ev: Equipped with a 45kWh battery for extended highway commutes, and enhanced ground clearance to navigate Nepal's varied terrains.
- Curvv.ev: A recent addition to our SUV lineup, featuring a Coupe silhouette and a larger 55 kWh battery, perfect for off-roading and long-distance travel.
- 16+ EV-dedicated service centers.
- Battery Diagnostics and Restoration Facility (BDRF) for efficient battery maintenance.
- EV Learning Center to enhance local knowledge and skills.
- A vast charging infrastructure with 185+ fast-charging stations nationwide.
- Easy availability of spare parts to ensure a seamless ownership experience.
Tata.ev has recently launched Punch.ev, unveiled NexonK3.ev, introduced the 2025 Tiago.ev, and is soon launching Curvv.ev in Nepal. Can you shed light on these developments and the back-to-back model launches?
With our wide portfolio of products, we can address over 90% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV). When we launched the Nexon EV Prime in 2021, we strategically collaborated with our distributor partner, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., to ensure that the necessary EV enablers, such as a robust ecosystem, were in place for the easy and quick adoption of EVs.
We have continuously ensured that our ecosystem grows in proportion to our volume growth, enabling us to establish the largest EV ecosystem in Nepal. As we expand our product portfolio, we are committed to further strengthening our infrastructure, which will, in turn, accelerate EV adoption in Nepal.
How do you differentiate NexonK3.ev, Tiago.ev, and the upcoming Curvv.ev in the Nepalese market?
These three products cater to distinct customer segments due to their different body styles and unique features:
- 2025 Tiago.ev: An entry-level hatchback, perfect for first-time EV buyers who need a reliable vehicle for frequent city travel and occasional long trips.
- Nexon K3.ev: A powerful compact SUV with a 45 kWh battery and 190mm ground clearance. It is ideal for customers looking for more space, durability, and the capability to handle long drives and off-road adventures.
- Curvv.ev: A premium SUV Coupe that combines the power of an SUV with the luxury and elegance of a coupe. Its 55 kWh battery ensures high performance, comfort, and style, making it suitable for customers seeking a blend of power, luxury, and substance.
Curvv.ev is gaining significant traction in India. Do you anticipate a similar impact in the Nepalese market?
The Curvv.ev is a premium SUV Coupe that elegantly combines the luxury and style of a coupe with the ruggedness of an SUV. It has generated substantial interest in India due to its unique design, enhanced battery capacity, long driving range on a single charge, and premium features.
The Curvv.ev is BNCAP 5-star certified for both child and adult occupancy, establishing it as one of the safest SUVs in the Indian market. It also offers a spacious 500L boot and an 11.6L frunk. The vehicle is equipped with a 12.3-inch cinematic touchscreen from HARMAN and a JBL cinematic sound system featuring nine speakers, including a sub-woofer, delivering an exceptional in-car entertainment experience.
The Curvv.ev has redefined the SUV Coupe design, making it an aspirational vehicle for many. Given Nepal's diverse terrains and the growing shift in customer preference towards high-performance and luxury SUVs, we anticipate an even more enthusiastic reception in the Nepalese market.
How will Curvv.ev perform on Nepal's highways?
The Curvv.ev is poised to excel on Nepal's highways, thanks to its powerful 55 kWh battery capacity, 186mm ground clearance, robust and comfortable suspension, and advanced safety features, including ADAS Level 2 and ESP with i-VBAC. These capabilities ensure a luxurious, powerful, and safe driving experience, making the Curvv.ev an ideal choice for long-distance travel and varied road conditions in Nepal.
How is Tata.ev planning to ensure robust after-sales support for EV customers?
Tata.ev, in partnership with Sipradi Trading, is actively reinforcing its after-sales support system for EV customers in Nepal. Our approach includes:
- 16+ EV-dedicated service centers spread across Nepal, ensuring easy access to maintenance and support.
- Battery Diagnostics and Restoration Facility (BDRF), a first-of-its-kind service that allows battery packs to be serviced at individual module and cell levels, reducing both cost and downtime for customers.
- Local skill development through Nepal's first EV Learning Center, aimed at building expertise in EV technology and maintenance.
- Charging Infrastructure: We have established a robust network of 185+ fast-charging stations across the country, ensuring a convenient charging experience for our customers.
With these initiatives, Tata.ev is committed to delivering a seamless and reliable ownership experience, thereby contributing to the continued growth of EV adoption in Nepal.