Tata Tiago EV Long-Term Review: 2 Years & 22,000 KM Real User Experience

Introduction: Why This Review Matters

Electric vehicles are rapidly gaining momentum in India, but many potential buyers still wonder, “Is buying an EV really worth it?” After driving my Tata Tiago EV for over two years and covering 22,000 kilometers, I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered experience to help you make an informed decision.

The Purchase Journey: From Booking to Delivery

Pre-Launch Excitement and Reality Check

When Tata Motors announced the Tiago EV in September 2022, claiming it would be India’s most affordable electric car with running costs equivalent to a motorcycle, I was intrigued. The combination of attractive pricing, comfort features, and low running costs convinced me to take the plunge into the electric vehicle world.

Booking and Delivery Timeline

• Booking Date: October 19, 2022
• Expected Delivery: February 2023
• Actual Delivery: May 4, 2023
• On-Road Price: ₹9.5 lakhs
• Government Subsidy: ₹1 lakh (received December 2, 2023)
• Final Cost: ₹8.5 lakhs

Model Purchased: Tata Tiago EV XT MR with 19.2 kWh battery pack

The Learning Curve: First Impressions and Challenges

Initial Struggles

The first few weeks were challenging. Understanding an electric vehicle was completely different from my expectations. With no friends or family having EV experience, I couldn’t rely on peer advice. Every question required a trip to the showroom or service center, which wasn’t always practical.

However, gradually, I developed a comfortable relationship with my electric companion. Today, after two years and 22,000+ kilometers, I can confidently share insights that might help fellow EV enthusiasts.

Daily Usage Patterns and Practicality

Primary Use Cases

My Tiago EV serves as:

• Daily office commute vehicle
• Local Delhi-NCR transportation
• Weekend leisure trips
• Shopping and market visits
• Complete replacement for my motorcycle

City Driving Experience

For urban environments, especially metro cities like Delhi-NCR, the Tiago EV excels remarkably. The advantages include

Noise and Vibration: Significantly quieter than petrol/diesel vehicles, creating a peaceful driving experience.

Traffic Convenience: No clutch pedal or gear shifting eliminates the stress of stop-and-go traffic, making it incredibly comfortable for city driving.

Compact Size: Perfect for navigating tight city streets and parking spaces.

Real-World Range and Performance

Official vs. Actual Range

• Company Claimed Range: 200 km per charge
• Real-World Range: Approximately 150 km per charge
• Factors Affecting Range: Battery condition, AC usage, driving style, traffic conditions

Performance Insights

The range isn’t fixed and varies based on several factors. During Delhi-NCR city driving with AC usage in April, I consistently achieved around 150 km per charge. The golden rule I follow: charge immediately when the battery shows 30% or below.

Maintenance Experience: Surprisingly Simple

Mechanical Simplicity

One of the biggest advantages of the Tiago EV is its mechanical simplicity compared to ICE vehicles. With primarily two main components—the motor and battery pack—maintenance requirements are minimal.

Service History and Costs

Over two years, I’ve spent approximately ₹6,000 on maintenance, which includes:

• Software updates
• AC filter replacement
• Brake oil top-up
• Coolant refilling
• Wheel alignment during major services

Check My Latest Post

• 🚗 Breaking News: Maruti Alto EV 2025 Launches in India — ₹4.79 Lakh Starting Price, 270 Km Range on a Single Charge!
• Tata Tiago EV Long-Term Review: 2 Years & 22,000 KM Real User Experience
• Tesla’s New Autonomous Electric Car, It Is Ready From The Factory And Reaches The Customer’s Home By Self-Driving
• Royal Enfield’s Electric Bike Spotted For The First Time, Launch Is Not Far Away
• Tesla Is Only Interested In Selling EVs In India, No Plans For Manufacturing!

Service Experience

The vehicle has visited the workshop dozens of times, with bills ranging from ₹0 to ₹3,000. Service duration varied from 40 minutes to several hours. Tata Motors has established dedicated EV departments in workshops with specialized experts, ensuring quality service.

Important Note: EV servicing requires authorized workshops due to:

• Specialized technicians availability
• Software update requirements
• Limited external mechanic expertise

---

---

Charging Infrastructure and Costs

Home Charging Setup

I primarily use home charging with a slow charger, which has proven most economical.

Monthly Usage: 1,000 km Monthly Electricity Cost: Under ₹1,000 Cost per Kilometer: Less than ₹1

Three Charging Methods Available

1. Slow Charger (Home Use)

• Power Requirement: 16-ampere socket
• Charging Time: 7-8 hours (10% to 100%)
• Cost: Most economical option

2. Fast Charger (Home Use)

• Power Requirement: 3-phase heavy power line
• Charging Time: ~5 hours (10% to 100%)
• Cost: Slightly higher than slow charging

3. DC Fast Charger (Public Stations)

• Charging Time: ~1 hour (10% to 100%)
• Cost: ₹18.49 per kWh + 18% GST
• Full Charge Cost: ~₹350

Public Charging Reality Check

Charging Duration	Power Consumed	Cost
32 minutes	7.5 kWh	₹164
40 minutes	10.12 kWh	₹226
59 minutes	14.79 kWh	₹310

Infrastructure Challenges

Parking and Power Connection Requirements

For high-rise building residents without reserved parking or power connections, EV ownership becomes challenging. Ideal conditions include:

• Ground floor residence with easy charging access
• Reserved parking with charging facility
• Supportive society management

Public Charging Station Limitations

Despite claims of expanding infrastructure, ground reality reveals:

• Apps showing non-functional charging points
• Incompatible charging connectors
• Private stations not accessible to public
• Limited availability during peak hours

Who Should Consider the Tiago EV?

Ideal Candidates

The Tiago EV works best for:

• Urban commuters with predictable daily routes
• Families with existing ICE vehicles for long-distance travel
• Cost-conscious buyers prioritizing low running costs
• Environmental enthusiasts supporting sustainable transportation

Not Ideal For

Consider alternatives if you:

• Frequently travel long distances without charging infrastructure
• Live in areas with poor charging network
• Require a single vehicle for all transportation needs
• Cannot install home charging setup

Pros and Cons Summary

Advantages

• Ultra-low running costs (under ₹1 per km)
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Quiet and comfortable city driving
• No clutch or gear shifting stress
• Government subsidies available
• Environmental benefits

Disadvantages

• Limited real-world range (150 km vs. 200 km claimed)
• Charging infrastructure limitations
• Calculated distance driving required
• Service dependency on authorized centers
• Higher initial purchase price

Future Outlook and Recommendations

Government Support and Infrastructure

The government needs to establish charging points every 5-10 kilometers, especially on highways, to improve the EV ownership experience. Current infrastructure development is slower than EV adoption rates.

Market Trends

Electric vehicle sales in India reached 19.49 lakh units in 2024, representing a 27% increase from 2023’s 15.32 lakh units. However, passenger car EVs still represent a small portion of total sales.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Tata Tiago EV?

After 22,000 kilometers and two years of ownership, the Tata Tiago EV has proven to be an excellent city car with remarkable running cost benefits. However, success depends heavily on your specific use case and infrastructure availability.

Buy if you have:

• Consistent daily commute under 100 km
• Home charging facility
• Another vehicle for long-distance travel
• Urban driving requirements

Avoid if you need:

• Single vehicle for all purposes
• Frequent long-distance travel
• Unpredictable daily routes
• Immediate charging without planning

The Tiago EV represents a significant step toward sustainable transportation, but like any emerging technology, it requires careful consideration of your specific needs and circumstances. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, electric vehicles will undoubtedly become more practical for a broader range of users.

For now, the Tiago EV serves as an excellent second car or dedicated city vehicle, offering substantial savings on running costs while contributing to a cleaner environment. The key is understanding its limitations and planning accordingly.

---

This comprehensive review is based on real user experience with the Tata Tiago EV XT MR variant with 19.2 kWh battery pack. Individual experiences may vary based on driving conditions, usage patterns, and local infrastructure availability.