2025 Tata Tiago EV Review After 500 Kilometres: Pocket Rocket! But..

When I first laid my eyes on the Tata Tiago EV at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, I was immediately impressed by its subtle design change and upgraded feature list. The subtle facelift, combined with the its new-age colour options, gave the Tiago EV a bold identity, one that promised to deliver both performance and value. 

I was eager to get my hands on the vehicle as soon as I could, and finally, I got the car two weeks ago. Since then, I have managed to clock well over 500 kilometres on the odometer of the car, which includes all sorts of terrains you can think of. I have thoroughly tested the real-world range and running cost of the car over and over to understand if this EV make any sense or not. 

You know what, I’ll give you a spoiler, “It is a pocket rocket”; however, this is not all, there are several compromises too, so let’s delve deeper into the interesting story of Tata’s most affordable electric car.

2025 Tata Tiago EV Review

Exterior Design: Familiar Yet Refreshing

The Tiago EV is based on the ICE (internal combustion engine) version of the Tiago, which means the overall design and footprint remain largely unchanged. However, Tata Motors has smartly introduced subtle yet effective design elements to set it apart. The redesigned front grille, featuring vertical lines reminiscent of Tata’s Nexon EV and Curvv EV, lends the Tiago EV a modern electric identity. It’s subtle but impactful, ensuring the car doesn’t stray too far from its family lineage while making its EV credentials unmistakable.

The LED headlamps are another welcome addition, providing good illumination during nighttime drives. Yet, the absence of fog lamps is hard to ignore; it feels like a missed opportunity, especially since fog lamps are indispensable for visibility during misty mornings or rainy evenings. This omission does slightly detract from the otherwise practical approach to the exterior design.

Compact dimensions, including a 165mm ground clearance, make the Tiago EV an excellent fit for urban environments. Manoeuvring through crowded city streets, fitting into tight parking spots, and tackling minor road undulations all feel effortless. The halogen indicators and tail lamps may not dazzle, but they are functional, completing the car’s exterior package. The car rolls on 14-inch steel wheels, hidden behind the aerodynamic plastic wheelcaps.

Interior: Thoughtful and Tech-Savvy

Step inside, and you’re greeted with a cabin that effortlessly blends practicality with modern technology. The 10.24-inch touchscreen display is the centrepiece of the dashboard, acting as a gateway to wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, navigation, and entertainment. The interface is smooth, intuitive.

The four-speaker sound system might not compete with high-end setups, but it’s more than adequate for daily commutes and weekend drives. Comfort is another area where the Tiago EV excels. The six-way adjustable driver seat allows you to find your perfect driving position, while features like the cooled glovebox add an extra layer of convenience. Cruise control is a welcome addition, especially during long highway journeys; however, would you be able to take this car on long highway journeys? Keep reading to find out.

Space and utility are well-balanced in the Tiago EV. With a boot capacity of 240 litres, it offers just enough room for daily errands or short road trips. However, the absence of a spare tyre could be a concern in situations like punctures, where having one would bring peace of mind. That being said, the overall cabin experience is pleasant, offering comfort and practicality in equal measure.

One feature I missed the most in this car has to be the absence of electrically foldable outside rear-view mirrors. The car has electric adjustment for the ORVMS but you have to manually fold and unfold them with your hands, which should not have been the case in car costing this much money.

Performance: A Pocket Rocket

The Tiago EV truly shines when it comes to performance. It is equipped with a single motor front wheel drive system, which churns out 74 hp and 114 Nm of peak torque. It also offers two drive modes, City and Sport, that cater to different driving needs. City mode provides a balanced and efficient driving experience, ideal for daily commutes and city traffic. Sport mode, on the other hand, transforms the Tiago EV into a sprightly performer. Accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, it feels playful and responsive, delivering an adrenaline rush without compromising stability.

The light steering complements the car’s nimbleness, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces or take sharp corners with confidence. Suspension, though tuned for comfort, handles bumps and uneven roads well, ensuring a smooth ride even on less-than-ideal surfaces. The car feels planted on triple digit speeds on the highways and it happily enters and exists corners too. The seats are comfortable and supportive, resulting in a pleasurable experience.

One of the standout features of the Tiago EV is its regenerative braking system, which offers three levels to adapt to different driving scenarios. At its maximum setting, you can feel the car harnessing energy with every deceleration; a feature that not only contributes to its eco-friendly credentials but also adds a layer of sophistication to the driving experience. However, I found the level two regenerative braking to be the best, it is somewhat similar to the engine braking of an ICE car and also generates some energy. 

Safety: Reliable and Reassuring

Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the Tiago EV doesn’t disappoint. It carries forward the heritage of its predecessor with a 4-star GNCAP rating, providing a sense of security to its occupants. Standard features like dual airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and indirect TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) make the car feel well-equipped to handle emergencies and ensure passenger safety.

Range and Charging: Cost-Effective and Convenient

The Tiago EV is powered by either a 19 kWh or 24 kWh battery in its Medium and Long Range disguises, respectively. We were testing the top-end variant of the car with the larger battery, with a MIDC claimed range of 293 kilometres and Tata.ev C75 range - which is a real-world range estimate of 205km. In our multiple tests, the car managed to run 1.4 to 1.8 kilometres for each per cent of battery. Important point to note here is that we were testing and shooting the car, meaning in normal day-to-day driving conditions, the range would definitely be somewhere between 180 to 200 kilometres on a full charge.

While this range is more than sufficient for daily commutes and short road trips, it may require some planning for longer journeys. Charging options are versatile, catering to both home and fast-charging setups. Charging the Tiago EV at home is incredibly cost-effective, with an approximate cost of Rs 1 per kilometre or even less in some cases. This affordability makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Fast charging using DC stations is undeniably quick, with the ability to charge the car to 80% in under an hour. However, it comes at a higher cost, which may not be ideal for frequent users. Nonetheless, the convenience of rapid charging is a significant advantage, especially for those who need to top up their battery during a busy day.

Price and Verdict: A Compelling Proposition

Priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 11.14 lakh, the Tata Tiago EV offers a compelling value proposition. It stands as one of the most affordable EVs in India, making electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. Compared to competitors like the Citroen eC3 and MG Comet EV, the Tiago EV strikes an excellent balance between price, features, performance and excellent ride quality.

While it’s not without flaws, the absence of fog lamps and spare tyre being notable examples, the Tiago EV is undeniably a delightful companion for those ready to embrace electric mobility without breaking the bank. It’s a car that delivers on its promise, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and value that’s hard to ignore.

As I handed back the keys after my two-week journey, I couldn’t help but smile. The Tata Tiago EV may not be perfect, but it’s a pocket rocket that delivers an electrifying experience.

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