Benchmarking

Benchmarking in the automobile industry

Benchmarking involves a structured comparison between similar products, services or processes on some dimensions of performance. For example it can be used to compare the availability and delivery of features in a product and in this form often provides the basis of consumer tests and reviews. These look at products and services and provide recommendations based on which is best or some form of ranking amongst competitors.

It is particularly useful when comparing not only performance but also practice – in other words what do the different organizations do to enable that performance to be delivered? And applied in this way it is a powerful tool in process innovation sin e studying how the ‘best’ achieve their performance can provide powerful clues for changing the way processes operate. Process benchmarking of this kind can operate at several levels:

• Between similar processes in the same factory or service branch
• Between different factories or service branches
• Between different competing organizations
• Between different sectors using the same process

Shock Verdict

It was the Hyundai Kona Electric that introduced Indian buyers to a truly sophisticated electric vehicle not too long ago and it still appeals for the right reasons. It’s zippy, has ample range and it’s also quite well equipped. Where the Kona Electric loses out is in rear seat space and cabin quality, which is not quite in keeping with the car’s price. It looks the least SUV-like too. At Rs 23.94 lakh, it’s the most expensive of the lot and hard to justify.

The MG ZS EV isn’t a hardcore SUV either, but it has the upright stance most buyers like, and the relatively large size also makes you feel your money’s been well spent. It betters its EV rivals on space and is also deeply impressive when judged as an electric car. It’s fast and quiet and the ability to go long on a single charge makes the MG the most versatile of the three EVs. The thing is, as good as the ZS EV is on range, it still doesn’t grant the freedom of movement that you get with a combustion engine car. Short jaunts out of town are easy but you can’t go exploring the countryside without exploring the relatively short list of fast-charging stations on the way beforehand. Fact is, long road trips in the best of EVs require advance planning, and an adventurous streak always helps.

POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
	Tata Nexon EV Lux	MG ZS EV Exclusive	Hyundai Kona Electric Premium
Motor	Permanent magnet synchronous	Permanent magnet synchronous	Permanent magnet synchronous
Power	129hp	143hp	136hp
Torque	245Nm	353Nm	395Nm
Battery	30.2kWh lithium-ion	44.5kWh lithium-ion	39.2kWh lithium-ion
PERFORMANCE	Acceleration (from rest)	Acceleration (from rest)	Acceleration (from rest)
20kph	1.51s	1.18s	1.21
40kph	2.87s	2.39s	2.44
60kph	4.36s	3.79s	4.00
80kph	6.47s	5.82s	6.16
100kph	9.30s	8.53s	9.09
120kph	16.12s	12.38s	12.92
RANGE
ARAI	312km	340km	452km
As tested	208km	317km	250km
CHARGING TIME
Portable charger (0-100%)	10 hr (3.3kW)	20 hr	19 hr (2.8kW)
AC wall box	-	6-8 hr (7kW; 0-80%)	6 hr 10 min (7.2kW; 0-100%)
DC fast charger (0-80%)	1 hr (25kW)	50 min (50kW)	1 hr (50kW)

Moving on to the premium end of the market, Mercedes-Benz India’s first all-electric model, the EQC, is meant to lure traditional luxury SUV buyers. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is refined, has a fun-to-drive aspect and can go about 350km on a single charge; buyers who opt to drive should not have any complaints. It’s luxurious too albeit not as feature-rich as you would expect from a car costing as much as the larger GLS at Rs 1.06 core. The low ground clearance is also an issue, which is something we found out in our EQC India review.

MERCEDES-BENZ EQC FACT FILE
Battery capacity	80kWh
Power	408hp
Torque	760Nm
Range (WLTP)	370-414 km
Charging time (AC 0-100%/DC fast charging 10-80%)	21 hours/About 40min (claimed)
Price (ex-showroom, India)	Rs 1.06 crore
Autocar India rating	8/10

The Nexon EV’s motor might make the least power, with 129hp and 245Nm on call, but the Tata is no slowcoach. Like all EVs, the Nexon feels light on its feet and the build of speed is appreciably linear in standard ‘D’ drive mode. On tap throttle responses are instant and overtakings don’t require prior planning. ‘S’ mode, which unlocks full power, adds even more energy to the proceedings and it’s almost disorienting to be in such a brisk (and quiet) Nexon. In Sport mode, the Nexon EV will do the 0-100kph dash in 9.3sec, though the build of speed eases thereafter, before the car runs into its 120kph top-speed limiter. Yes, 120kph is all the Nexon will do.

MG ZS EV in terms of performance, however. It’s the quickest to 100kph, with a time of 8.53sec, and delivers the strongest push back on to your seat under hard acceleration.

The Hyundai is zippy enough in Eco mode while Sport mode dials up the urgency to max; 0-100kph comes up in 9.09sec, though the Kona opens up a large gap to the Nexon by 120kph.

The reality of the situation, electric cars are best thought of and bought as urban vehicles. And seen in this light, it’s the Tata Nexon EV that makes a great deal of sense. Yes, it’s got the least range but the ability to go 200-odd kilometres on a full charge is more than sufficient for typical use case scenarios. And restrictive as the 120kph speed limiter might seem, it’s a non-issue in town. What’s more, the Nexon EV doesn’t feel like a compromise in other areas. Sure, the Nexon is down on gizmos and a slicker infotainment system would be nice but the basics are solid. The powertrain runs quiet, performance is pleasant and overall comfort and practicality are really good too. In a manner of speaking, the Nexon EV addresses the standard Nexon’s chinks (loud engine, clunky gearbox and imperfect clutch) while retaining the very best of the compact SUV. Spend time with a Nexon EV and you’ll question the need to pay so much more for the alternatives. The Nexon EV, then, might not be all the car you need but, given the current limitations of infrastructure which keeps EVs city bound, it could be all the EV you need