The Tata Nexon EV has set a new benchmark in safety standards with its recent 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP. In a significant development for India’s electric vehicle market, this prestigious safety rating has now been extended to all variants of the Tata Nexon EV, including the new 45 kWh long-range models.
This comprehensive certification covers the entire lineup, from the base Creative trim to the premium Empowered+ and special Dark and Red Dark editions.
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Understanding Bharat NCAP Ratings for Electric Vehicles
Bharat NCAP implements a rigorous testing protocol for vehicles under 3,500 kg carrying up to eight passengers. The testing methodology follows a structured approach that begins with manufacturers voluntarily submitting base models, followed by random vehicle selection from the production line. Testing is conducted at a designated facility in Pune, with results reviewed and certified by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
The Tata Nexon EV crash test results demonstrate excellent protection for both adult and child occupants. The electric SUV scored an impressive 29.86 out of 32 points for adult occupant protection and 44.95 out of 49 points for child occupant protection. Breaking down these scores further:
| Test Category | Score | Maximum Possible |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Offset Test | 14.26 | 16 |
| Side Impact Test | 15.60 | 16 |
| Dynamic Test (Child) | 23.95 | 24 |
| CRS Installation | 12 | 12 |
These results place the Nexon EV among the safest electric vehicles in India, with particularly strong performance in side impact protection and child safety systems.
Tata Nexon EV Safety Features That Earned the 5-Star Rating
The impressive Tata Nexon safety rating is backed by a comprehensive suite of safety features engineered into its high-strength steel frame with enhanced crash protection. The vehicle comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Corner Stability Control as standard.
For families, the ISOFIX child seat mounts provide secure anchoring points, while the rear parking camera with sensors assists with everyday maneuverability. Advanced driver assistance systems include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and an Emergency Braking System.
Safety engineer Rajiv Sharma explains, “The combination of a rigid safety cage and strategic crumple zones makes the Nexon EV particularly effective at protecting occupants during collisions. The consistent performance across different battery configurations is especially noteworthy.”
Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh: Safety Without Compromise
With the 5-star safety rating now extended to the Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh models, consumers can enjoy both extended range and peace of mind. These long-range variants offer up to 489 km per charge while maintaining the same high safety standards as their shorter-range counterparts.
The 45 kWh variants deliver enhanced performance with 148 bhp compared to 127 bhp in the standard models, all while maintaining identical safety credentials. This achievement demonstrates Tata Motors’ commitment to ensuring that increased range and performance do not come at the expense of passenger protection.
How Bharat NCAP Ratings Impact Consumer Choices
The standardized Bharat NCAP ratings help consumers compare safety levels across different vehicle models and manufacturers. A 5-star rating, the highest possible, indicates that a vehicle offers excellent protection in all key areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Safety Assist Technologies, and Pedestrian Protection.
For safety-conscious consumers, understanding these ratings provides valuable guidance when making purchasing decisions. The Nexon EV’s achievement places it in an elite group of vehicles that have earned the highest safety credentials in India.
Automotive journalist Priya Menon notes, “As consumer awareness about vehicle safety grows, these ratings are becoming a crucial factor in purchase decisions. The Nexon EV’s 5-star rating gives it a significant competitive advantage in the rapidly expanding electric SUV segment.”
Comparing Safety Across India’s Electric Vehicle Market
When positioned against other electric vehicles in the Indian market, the Tata Nexon EV stands among the top performers in safety testing:
| Vehicle Model | AOP Score | COP Score | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra XEV 9e | 32/32 | 45/49 | 5 Stars |
| Mahindra BE 6 | 31.97/32 | 45/49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Punch EV | 31.46/32 | 45/49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Curvv EV | 30.81/32 | 44.83/49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Nexon EV | 29.86/32 | 44.95/49 | 5 Stars |
This comparative analysis shows that while the Nexon EV scores slightly lower than some premium competitors in adult protection, it maintains excellent child safety scores that are on par with more expensive models.
The Future of EV Safety in India
The extension of the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating to all Tata Nexon EV variants strengthens its position in the competitive electric SUV market. Industry analysts suggest this development could influence other manufacturers to prioritize safety in their electric vehicle offerings, potentially raising overall safety standards in the Indian EV market.
Consumer advocate Anita Desai explains, “The rigorous testing protocols of Bharat NCAP ensure that only the safest vehicles receive the coveted 5-star rating. For families considering an electric vehicle, knowing that the Nexon EV provides top-tier protection offers significant peace of mind.”
As the electric vehicle market in India continues to grow, safety ratings will likely play an increasingly important role in consumer decision-making. The Tata Nexon EV’s achievement sets a high benchmark for other manufacturers to follow, potentially driving improvements in safety standards across the industry.
For consumers looking to make the switch to electric mobility without compromising on safety, the Tata Nexon EV offers a compelling option that combines impressive range, performance, and top-tier safety credentials.
