Tata Motors has introduced the latest refresh of its flagship Nexon.ev, complete with some notable technological upgrades. While this crossover SUV might not blow every consumer away with its specs, its price tag starting below $18,000 beckons a second look. Additionally, the fact that this ultra-affordable EV offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities makes us wonder: Why isn’t every single automaker offering this technology yet?
Tata Motors is a global automaker based out of Mumbai, India, approaching 80 years in developing and assembling automobiles, trucks, vans, and buses. In addition to several joint ventures around the globe, Tata Group wholly-owns Jaguar Land Rover.
While Tata has been around for decades, it, like many, just started delving into electrification the past few years. That journey began with the Nexon.ev, which first debuted in 2020 and has become a staple of Tata’s EV lineup.
The Nexon has since been joined by Tigor.ev designed with capabilities specifically for taxi drivers, as well as the Tiago.ev – advertised as Tata’s $10,000 electric car – which also ended up used in a huge contract between Tata and Uber. While other competitors may be able to beat Tata Motors in performance, its much more difficult to match its prices.
Today, the company shared details of a refresh to the aforementioned Nexon.ev – which now features new advanced technologies like V2L and V2V capabilities.
Earlier today, Tata Passenger Cars launched the latest version of its Nexon.ev – a single-motor compact SUV capable of up to 465km (289 mi) of range (MIDC cycle). The higher range trim of the EV can travel 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.9 seconds, and takes 56 minutes to charge 10-80% on a 50 kW DC fast charger.
No, these specs aren’t necessarily awe inspiring at first glance compared to other EVs, but there’s more to the story here to consider. First, consider the asking price for this new vehicle – INR 14.74 lakhs. That translates to about $17,445 in the US. Here we are frothing at the mouth at GM’s vow to deliver the Chevy Equinox EV for about $30,000.
Better yet, the Nexon.ev comes equipped with vehicle-to-load capabilities, meaning it can power your devices, appliances, or even charge other EVs (vehicle-to-vehicle or V2V). Tata’s managing director of passenger vehicles Mr. Shailesh Chandra spoke to the EV’s arrival and next-gen capabilities:
EV customers constitute a unique community that is fast growing and distinguished by their evolved choices, hunger for next-gen technology, expectations of personalized experiences, and commitment to a greener tomorrow. The Nexon.ev aptly fulfills their evolving, astute preferences with a technologically advanced, on-the-move solution that seamlessly blends with their contemporary way of life. This groundbreaking vehicle isn’t just pushing boundaries; it is rewriting the rulebook by addressing several unstated expectations of customers as well. The sleek, futuristic, and digital design; an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability; and smart lifestyle features that are best-in-class and only seen in vehicles several segments above, makes Nexon.ev a truly aspirational electric SUV.
In terms of platform technology, perhaps the Nexon.ev is something other automakers should aspire to. To date, we’ve only seen a handful of EV models sold in the US offer V2L capabilities, like anything on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform for instance, including the IONIQ 6.
Starting in the $40,000s, HMG’s EVs are relatively affordable for the advanced tech you get, but are still more than double the price of the Nexon.ev. That being said, we can’t help but wonder why more automakers aren’t offer V2L capabilities in their EVs.
Tata Motors is offering on a 400V platform with a mere 40.5 kWh battery pack. There are factors that that go into pricing an EV, and as previously stated, most other compact SUVs offer better specs than the Nexon.ev. However, If Tata is able to deliver V2L capabilities for such a low price, it’s easy to argue such technology wouldn’t cost automakers that much to offer on their own EV architecture.
We are already sure to see the tech become more common moving forward, but it’s a safe argument that if Tata Motors can offer it in an $18,000 EV, pretty much any EV can also support the capabilities. That’s the future we want someday.
Oh, and more EVs under $20k would be nice too. Thanks.
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Lectric Ebikes appears to be preparing for a major new product launch, teasing what looks like the next evolution of its wildly popular folding fat tire electric bike. Based on the clues, it looks like a new Lectric XP 4 could be inbound.
In a social media post released over the weekend, the company shared a minimalist graphic reading “XP4” along with the message “Tune in 5.6.2025 9:30AM PT.” That date – this Tuesday – suggests we’re just hours away from the big reveal of the Lectric XP 4.
If true, this would mark the next generation of the most successful electric bike in the U.S. market. The current model, the Lectric XP 3.0, has become an icon of accessible, budget-friendly electric mobility. Starting at just $999, the XP 3.0 offers a foldable frame, fat tires, a 500W motor, a rear rack, lights, and hydraulic brakes – all packed into a highly shippable design that arrives fully assembled. It’s the kind of package that has helped Lectric claim the title of best-selling e-bike brand in the U.S. for several years in a row.
With the XP 3.0 still going strong, the teaser raises plenty of questions. Will the XP 4.0 be a modest update or a major leap forward? Could we see new features like torque-sensing pedal assist, a location tracking option, or upgraded performance? Or is Lectric preparing a more comfort-oriented variant, maybe even with upgraded suspension or even more accessories included standard?
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The teaser image, which features stylized stripes in grey, blue, and black, may hold some clues. One theory is that the colors represent new trim options or component upgrades. Another possibility is that Lectric is preparing multiple variants of the XP 4.0 – perhaps targeting commuters, adventurers, and off-road riders with purpose-built versions. We took the liberty of a bit of rampant speculation late last year, so perhaps that’s now worth a revisit.
At the same time though, Lectric’s penchant for launching new models at unbelievably affordable prices has never run up against such strong pricing headwinds as those posed by uncertainty in the current US-global trade war fueled by rapidly changing tariffs for imported goods.
Previous versions of the Lectric XP e-bike line have seen sky-high sales
Whatever the case, Lectric’s knack for surprising the industry with high-value, customer-focused e-bikes means expectations will be high. The brand has built a loyal following by delivering reliable performance at a price point that few can match, and any major update to the XP lineup is likely to ripple across the market.
As a young and energetic e-bike company, Lectric is also known for throwing impressive parties around the launch of new models. It looks like I may need to hop on a red-eye to Phoenix so I can see for myself – and so I can bring you all along, of course.
Be sure to tune in Tuesday at 9:30AM PT to see what Lectric has in store – and you can bet we’ll have all the details and first impressions as soon as they drop.
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Logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
Andrey Rudakov | Bloomberg | Getty Images
U.S. crude oil futures fell more than 4% on Sunday, after OPEC+ agreed to surge production for a second month.
U.S. crude was down $2.49, or 4.27%, to $55.80 a barrel shortly after trading opened. Global benchmark Brent fell $2.39, or 3.9%, to $58.90 per barrel. Oil prices have fallen more than 20% this year.
The eight producers in the group, led by Saudi Arabia, agreed on Saturday to increase output by another 411,000 barrels per day in June. The decision comes a month after OPEC+ surprised the market by agreeing to surge production in May by the same amount.
The June production hike is nearly triple the 140,000 bpd that Goldman Sachs had originally forecast. OPEC+ is bringing more than 800,000 bpd of additional supply to the market over the course of two months.
Oil prices in April posted the biggest monthly loss since 2021, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have raised fears of a recession that will slow demand at the same time that OPEC+ is quickly increasing supply.
Oilfield service firms such as Baker Hughes and SLB are expecting investment in exploration and production to decline this year due to the weak price environment.
“The prospects of an oversupplied oil market, rising tariffs, uncertainty in Mexico and activity weakness in Saudi Arabia are collectively constraining international upstream spending levels,” Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call on April 25.
Oil majors Chevron and Exxon reported first-quarter earnings last week that fell compared to the same period in 2024 due to lower oil prices.
Goldman is forecasting that U.S. crude and Brent prices will average $59 and $63 per barrel, respectively, this year.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
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Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
ComEd press conference at Chicago Drives Electric, 2024; by the author.