Tata Motors continues to lead India’s EV transition, and the Tata Curvv EV is their latest and boldest step yet. After 5,320 kilometers of real-world use—including intercity drives, daily commuting, and high-speed expressway runs—the Curvv EV proves to be a strong contender in the premium electric SUV space. While it carries forward Tata’s reliability and sharp design language, its practicality, real-world range, and comfort-oriented features make it a daily driver worth considering.
First Big Drive to Tata Motors’ Plant
Our first major road trip in the Curvv EV was appropriately to Tata Motors’ Pimpri plant to celebrate their landmark 2,00,000 EVs sold—an industry first in India. What better way to test the Curvv’s long-distance capabilities than the Mumbai-Pune round trip, a journey that puts battery capacity, regenerative braking, and comfort to the test.
The trip began with a full charge and a projected range of 338km. Despite spirited driving, high-speed cruising, and a steep climb through Lonavala, the Curvv made it to the destination with 46% charge left. Confidence was high for a one-charge round trip.
Charging Experience: Room for Improvement
One of the few hiccups in our long-term experience was the initial issue with the charging port. Although the nose-mounted position is extremely convenient—especially in cramped EV charging bays—the haptic-operated flap malfunctioned early on. It refused to open as designed, forcing a manual intervention. Thankfully, Tata Motors resolved this quickly during a service visit.
Charging-wise, the Curvv EV supports 7.2kW AC charging and higher-speed DC fast charging. Most top-ups during the test period were done using a 22kW AC charger at our workplace, which sufficed for daily usage.
Real-World Performance on the Highway
High-speed stability is where the Curvv shines. The ride is mature and composed, making highway cruising comfortable. However, its range management on hilly terrains like the Lonavala Ghat is still a concern. The 10km uphill climb drained the battery rapidly. Yet, thanks to conservative driving on the return leg, the car managed the round trip on a single charge—barely.
During the downhill portion, regeneration in the strongest L3 mode only recouped 2-3km of range. This minimal gain indicates that the Curvv’s regen system is intentionally tuned conservatively—likely due to its front-wheel-drive setup, which may cause nosedive during heavy regen braking.
City Mode vs Sport Mode: Throttle Response Observations
A notable driving observation during our city runs was the throttle calibration. In Eco and City modes, the accelerator pedal features a noticeable dead zone, which diminishes the EV’s trademark instant response. While this helps reduce range anxiety and suits relaxed commuting, it takes away from the connected feel that many EV drivers expect.
Switching to Sport mode unlocks more engaging performance, with quicker pedal response and improved drivability. However, it’s best used judiciously, especially with less than half a battery charge, as it can rapidly drain energy reserves.
Battery Reserve Anxiety Is Real
Despite a strong start on the return journey, the state of charge dropped below 10% just before re-entering Mumbai. This automatically triggered power-saving mode, limiting speed to 50kph. Being overtaken by small hatchbacks on the Atal Setu is a humbling experience. The car did complete the full Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai run, but with only 6% battery remaining upon return—enough to reach the office but not home, which was 7km farther.
This proves that while Tata’s claimed range of 502–585km (depending on the variant) may be achievable in ideal conditions, real-world highway performance varies significantly based on terrain and driving style.
Interior Comfort and Standout Features
In daily urban usage, the Curvv EV remains one of the best-equipped electric vehicles in its price bracket. The cabin is spacious, modern, and well-appointed. The large 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive, and the six-airbag safety suite provides solid peace of mind.
One feature that stood out over the testing period was the air conditioning system. The fixed-scroll compressor is whisper-quiet and extremely effective. During an unseasonably hot March, the cabin cooled quickly and consistently, with the express cool feature especially handy during midday drives.
Price and Variant Breakdown
The Tata Curvv EV is currently available in three variants:
- 45kWh Creative
- 45kWh Accomplished
- 55kWh Accomplished
Prices range from ₹20.21 lakh to ₹25.37 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in direct competition with premium electric crossovers and high-spec variants of Tata’s own Nexon EV.
The Verdict After 5,320km
After more than 5,000 kilometers behind the wheel, the Tata Curvv EV emerges as a solid, stylish, and intelligent electric SUV for urban and occasional highway usage. Its unique design sets it apart, while the balanced ride quality and quiet cabin make it pleasant for daily commutes.
However, there are areas that could use refinement—namely throttle calibration in Eco and City modes, stronger regenerative braking, and more efficient battery use on hilly terrain.
That said, the Curvv EV succeeds in its mission: to be a bold, practical electric SUV designed for modern Indian conditions. With the added trust of Tata Motors’ after-sales support and growing EV infrastructure, the Curvv EV is ready to take on the next leg of India’s electric mobility journey.