Tata Motors is trying to setup a micro market with 20-25 select cities to develop a unique EV ecosystem with public charging infrastructure
Automobile manufacturers are making strategy shifts as part of the gradual transition towards electric mobility. Maruti Suzuki will be introducing its first all-electric model based on the Wagon R next year while Mahindra is looking to launch the electrified XUV300 in two battery configurations by the second half of 2020.
Another notorious brand trying to have a first-mover advantage is none other than Tata Motors. The homegrown automaker beat Mahindra to supply eco-friendly Tigors to state run EESL organisation and has showcased EV concepts over the years announcing its intention to commercialise battery-powered cars.
A recent report emerged on the internet points the finger at Tata unleashing its first zero-emission vehicle for personal customers as early as next year. More specifically, the report states that it could be the Tigor EV and we expect it to have improved range over the version supplied to EESL.
Tata Motors is widely speculated to unveil the electric version of the 45X and its road-going model will see the light in the next years. It is said to have a driving range of 220 to 250 km on a single charge. The 45X EV will be based on the same Alpha architecture, which is flexible enough to adopt hybrid and electric powertrains.
The conceptual version will debut at the 89th annual Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland and it opens for the press on March 5. It will be accompanied by the production-spec regular 45X that will go on sale in the second half of 2019 in India.
Shailesh Chandra, President of Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy at Tata Motors, has admitted that selling EVs to personal buyers is as important as targetting fleet operators. Tata delivered 250 Tigor EVs in the first phase while the next face will see 4,800 Tigors being supplied to EESL.
About six EVs (passenger and commercial) are ready in Tata’s portfolio with three already in production. Tata is aiming to select cities as the handpicked 20-25 provinces based on several criteria is under micro market approach to developing a unique EV ecosystem with public charging infrastructure and leasing options.