Tata Altroz EV will have an estimated range of 250-300 km on a single charge and will likely be priced on the premium side
Tata Motors has certainly made its presence felt at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show by debuting a slew of new products. While the Altroz premium hatchback will go on sale in the second half of this year, the seven-seater Harrier, dubbed Buzzard for international markets, will also go on sale later this year.
Among the four vehicles showcased, the Altroz EV and H2X concept carry futuristic importance, as the latter will spawn a micro SUV. The production avatar of the H2X will make its premiere at the 2020 Auto Expo before entering the market the same year. The Altroz EV, on the other hand, is a testament to the brand’s electrification push.
Tata has been actively supplying electrified Tigors to state run EESL and it is priced at Rs. 11.2 lakh inclusive of all GST taxes. The major issue automobile manufacturers are facing is the price point in which the EVs will be marketed to bring them into the mainstream and in the same context, the Altroz EV won’t come as a cheaper alternative to its IC-engined sibling.
The gradual transition towards electric mobility will be on the cards eventually but do not expect the initial lineup of products to be priced affordably as the battery and relatable parts sourcing won’t come cheap. Interesting, we did see some reports claiming that the Wagon R EV, Maruti Suzuki’s first e-vehicle, will cost under Rs. 7 lakh.
However, the same cannot be said for the Altroz’s electric version that is expected to be launched towards the end of 2020 or in 2021. Shailesh Chandra, President of Electric Mobility Business and Corporate Strategy at Tata Motors, has said that it would be priced above Rs. 10 lakh mark (ex-showroom) due to a number of reasons.
He elaborated that since the segment above Rs. 10 lakh would grow in the coming years, Tata focusses on offering “strong performance, a different in-cabin experience with a flat floor structure and a floating console” in the Altroz EV.
Tata claims that the electric hatch will have estimated range of 250 to 300 km and the battery pack can be charged to 80 per cent in just 60 minutes using a fast charger. It measures 3,988 mm long, 1,754 mm wide and stands 1,505 mm tall with wheelbase of 2,501 mm.