Tata Motors has launched the Nexon iCNG today, which features a turbocharged engine running on compressed natural gas (CNG). With the launch of this new variant, the Nexon lineup now includes four powertrains - petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric.
“With more than seven lakh vehicles sold in just seven years, Nexon’s popularity has steadily increased, driven by well-timed and innovative technological upgrades. These additions take forward Tata Motor’s successful multi-powertrain strategy,” says Vivek Srivatsa, chief commercial officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.
The Nexon iCNG price starts at ₹8.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹14.59 lakh.
The Nexon iCNG replaces a single large cylinder with two 30-litre cylinders, a design similar to the company’s previously launched Altroz and Punch CNG models. The Nexon iCNG also comes with a direct start in CNG mode feature, and a single ECU feature that facilitates automatic switching between petrol and CNG.
The Tata Nexon is a compact crossover SUV which was launched in 2017. The new CNG variant will compete with rivals like the Maruti Brezza CNG.
Tata Motors expects CNG vehicle sales to grow faster than electric vehicles. CNG-powered vehicles accounted for 16% of Tata Motors' sales in FY24.
"I would expect CNG to increase faster than EVs given the number of product launches that we are having,” PB Balaji, Group CFO of Tata Motors had said in May.
CNG car sales are expected to further receive a boost when city gas distribution companies begin setting up fuel stations and start building infrastructure in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
“There are nearly 7,000 CNG pumps in India as of August 1, 2024. 34 city gas distribution companies are operating in the country. They have a robust expansion plan for Tier-2 and Tier 3 cities,” Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer of marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki had said in September. “As the expansion happens in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, we are going to see a huge upside from here,” he added.
The top 10 CNG car markets currently contribute to 90% of total CNG sales. These include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi cumulatively accounting for nearly 70% of CNG car sales followed by Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
In addition to the Nexon iCNG, Tata Motors has unveiled updates to the Nexon.EV range, including a new 45 kWh battery pack that expands the vehicle's real-world range to approximately 350-370 km. Another Red Dark edition was launched for the Nexon.EV model today.
