More stories

  • in

    Tata Electric Car Production Target At 80k This Year – Nexon, Tigor

    Following phenomenal EV sales growth in FY22, Tata Motors has even more ambitious goals for EV production in FY23Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptA Reuters report sheds light on Tata Motors’ ambitious EV plans for the current fiscal. Sources say the auto manufacturer has a production target of 80k units for the current fiscal. This is vastly magnified from the 19k units sold in the fiscal just concluded.This would help meet demand. The volume estimate for FY23 is larger than life but provides an insight into the enquiries and interest Tata Motors EVs are receiving. As it stands, Tata leads from the front where EVs being sold in India are concerned. This scene however would get a lot more interesting and competitive once a larger number of manufacturers sell EVs here. More importantly, they need to be affordable.Electric cars, fleet and busesTata Motors currently accounts for over 90 percent of all EVs sold here. Earlier in the month, Tata Curvv concept was showcased. This week itself, Tata further strengthened its EV journey by announcing a sizable order for EV fleet cars. The same market penetration is being seen where electric buses are concerned. This will see Tata fulfill an order worth 5 crores for 5,450 electric buses.In its EV journey forward, Tata is leaving no stone unturned. And having seen results being an early mover, it’s only expected that Tata will continue to strike while the iron’s hot. While electric car sales only make up a very small percentage of total car sales here, these numbers are expected to have a bigger impact by the turn of the decade. Late in 2021, Tata announced its future EV plans. This includes 10 new EVs by 2026.Tata Nexon Electric Production. Image – National GeagraphicCurrently its electric passenger car lineup consists of Nexon EV and Tigor EV. Soon, they will launch long range version of both Nexon as well as Tigor. Apart from that, Tata is also likely to launch electric versions of Altroz and Punch this year. EV versions of Nexon, Tigor, Altroz and Punch are likely to help Tata achieve their aim of 80,000 electric car sales in FY 2023.The company has a new electric car concept unveiling scheduled for today. This will be their first car built on the ground up EV platform. These new gen all-electric Tata cars will be built on PURE EV architecture. It will be a modular platform, which will deliver cars in various shapes and sizes, as well as battery capacities.Pure EV architectureUntil now, Tata’s EVs haven’t been built from the ground up. Nexon and Tigor, and its EV fleet offering are a derivation of existing ICE platform cars. The recently shown Curvv is built on a Gen 2 platform that’s capable of supporting a range of electric powertrains. This would support ICE and electric powertrain options. Which would mean, Curvv when in production would be available first as an electric vehicle, and then in ICE variants. But that is going to change soon.Tata is ready to build on its first EV only platform called Pure EV architecture. Last year, a billion dollar investment was made by TPG. While today’s global unveiling will further strengthen Tata’s EV goals, the manufacturer is already on the leading track as of now. Currently, India targets 30 percent electric car penetration of total cars sold by 2030.Source More

  • in

    2022 Tata Nexon Electric Testing Continues – Launch Nears

    Tata Nexon EV has been a runaway success and now a more powerful version is about to be unveiled2022 Tata Nexon ElectricKnown unofficially as extended-range Nexon EV, the vehicle is likely to launch on April 29. It features a 40kWh battery, which will increase the SUV’s range to over 400 km in ideal test conditions. The present Nexon Electric has a 30.2kWH battery which is 30 percent less powerful than the new Nexon’s battery pack.The new Nexon EV’s floor pan will be enlarged to accommodate the larger battery and this will result in boot space getting smaller but that is a small sacrifice to make given that range will substantially improve. The existing Nexon Electric has an ARAI-tested range of 312 km. However, in real world conditions, Nexon EV manages to cover around 180 to 220 km on a single charge while extended-range version is expected to have real-world range of over 300 km.Tata Motors will not discontinue the present Nexon Electric once the new one is launched but will continue selling it giving customers choice in terms of price and range. Test mules of the upcoming Nexon Electric have been spotted going through the paces since the start of the year. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast murthyksk, who spotted the EV when it was testing near Cubbon Park in Bangalore.2022 Tata Nexon Electric ChangesSpy pics of test vehicles have revealed not many exterior or interior changes but it is under the skin where most of the changes have happened. The new Nexon EV will get different regeneration modes, which would allow drivers to dial-up/down intensity of regenerative braking, which charges the battery. The existing Nexon Electric has a milder, non-adjustable variable regeneration system.2022 Tata Nexon ElectricThe new version will also get cruise control, ventilated seats and electronic stability control among other features. With these updates and a larger battery, expect the new Nexon to be around Rs 3-4 lakh more expensive than the current one.Value For MoneyNexon Electric is well liked by buyers and as a result it has become one of the most successful electric cars on sale in India at the moment. In this price sensitive segment, what has wowed buyers is the impressive range they get out of the vehicle for not that much money. As an intra-city runabout, Nexon EV is ideal making it more value for money than higher priced rivals.As charging infrastructure is slowly but surely improving along highways, more and more people have started venturing out of cities in their electric vehicles and this is generating demand for longer-ranged EVs. This is the segment Tata Motors will target with the 2022 Nexon Electric.The new Nexon Electric will go up against MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona EV, but will be cheaper than both. However, rivals are upping the game with MG recently launching spruced up 2022 ZS EV with a larger 50.3kWh battery along with refreshed exteriors and interiors and a comprehensive equipment list. Hyundai is also planning to launch the facelifted Kona EV this year. More

  • in

    5,000 Tata Tigor Electric Xpress T EVs For Employee Transportation

    Tata Motors signs a MoU with Lithium Urban Technologies to deploy 5,000 XPRES T EVs for employee transportationTata Tigor Electric for fleet – Xpress T EVWith sustainable mobility being a keynote, with each passing day, a large number of corporates are getting onboard. This transition however will take time depending on supporting infra, government policies that are in alignment, and affordable budget.Tata Motors has announced a partnership with Lithium Urban Technologies. The latter is an EV based urban transportation service provider. Through the arrangement, 5,000 Tata Tigor Electric Xpress T EVs will be deployed nationwide. Tata electric car fleet will be specifically used for employee transportation. Tata Motors will deliver the scheduled lot in phases, and the target number of cars will be delivered by 2023.Tata Electric – Leading From The FrontThis has been an essential move by Tata Motors as the manufacturer was for long keen on not letting its passenger vehicles become part of taxi fleet services. When it comes to electric cars, Tata Motors has been leading from the front in an industry that’s pretty much dominated by it.With other manufacturers still awaiting an opportune moment, Tata Motors is one of the first movers in the industry. It helps that the brand obviously sells the most number of electric cars in the country currently. It enjoys a market share of 87 percent in FY’22. Over 24,000 Tata EVs are on road till date in personal and fleet segment.Tata XPRES T EVFast charging solutionShailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “Targeted at mobility services, corporate and government fleet customers, the XPRES-T EV offers an optimal battery size, captive fast charging solution, which will ensure outstandingly low cost of ownership in addition to safety and passenger comfort, making it a comprehensive and attractive proposition for fleet owners and operators.”Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Krishnan, Founder & CEO of Lithium Urban Technologies said, “Our relationship with Tata Motors dates back to 2019 when we placed the first order for 500 vehicles. We are delighted that Tata Motors has brought to market a portfolio of vehicles that cater to the entire application spectrum of Corporate and Business travel needs.”Tata XPRES-T electric sedan variantsTata Motors launched the ‘XPRES’ brand in July 2021. It caters to only fleet customers. XPRES-T EV being the first vehicle under this brand. Tata XPRES-T electric sedan is available in 2 range options. They are available with a drive range of 213 km and 165 km (ARAI certified range under test conditions). Depending on variant, battery pack of 21.5 kWh or 16.5 kWh is used. Tata XPRES-T electric sedan can be charged from 0-80 percent in 90 mins and 110 mins, respectively.Apart from fast charging, normal charge is possible through a 15 A plug point. The latter is easily available and convenient. With a commitment to zero tail-pipe emission, the single speed automatic transmission sedans are fitted with dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across variants. A black theme interior is matched with electric blue accents. The accents are visible on the exterior too. The electric sedan features standard automatic climate control. The specific blue exteriors will help differentiate the fleet car from other Tata passenger cars. More

  • in

    New Tata Electric Car Global Debut On 29th April – Is It Altroz EV?

    Tata Motors will be unveiling an electric car later this month and it could be either Altroz EV or an updated Nexon EVTata Altroz Electric Render by Pratyush RoutTata Motors is going big on its electric mobility ambitions with multiple new products on the anvil. The company recently took the wraps off the Curvv Concept which will take the form of a Coupe-style electric SUV in 2024. Now, they have teased a new electric car debut for 29th April.Although Tata Motors hasn’t shared any specific details regarding the launch of this upcoming EV, we can hazard a guess that this model could be the upcoming Altroz EV or the larger battery version of Nexon EV.Tata Altroz EV- Expected Specs & FeaturesOriginally unveiled as a pre-production concept back at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Altroz EV was then showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, where it was one of the most eye-grabbing models. It flaunted the same exterior design as the regular IC engine-powered Altroz but sported blue highlights on its exterior and interior along with different alloy wheels. The production version expected to be revealed on April 29 will not look too different either.Specifications for Altroz EV are still a mystery as Tata Motors has remained tight-lipped about its battery and powertrain details. We expect the upcoming battery-powered version of the premium hatch to feature the Ziptron powertrain technology which performs duties on Nexon EV and Tigor EV. Tata Motors would be aiming for a driving range of at least 300 kms.Tata Motors teases global debut of new electric carAltroz EV could be offered with fast charging capability as well which will allow it to be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just 60 minutes. In terms of features, the fully electric hatch will be laced with all the niceties offered in the standard Altroz like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and connected car tech.Nexon EV – More Range, Power on offerThe other possibility is the updated iteration of Nexon EV which will feature a larger battery pack. This will result in a higher estimated range of around 400-450 km which should translate to a real-world range of around 300km on a single charge. Test mules of the updated Nexon EV have been spied on multiple occasions in recent times.While exterior design of the 2022 Nexon EV is expected to remain unaltered for large parts, spy shots have revealed that it will boast disc brakes on rear wheels. This suggests that Nexon EV could witness a boost in its power output from its powertrain which can be a result of a stronger motor in place. However, specific details can be confirmed only when the EV is officially unveiled.Tata Motors is the leader in electric car salesCurrently, the electric crossover is powered by the brand’s Ziptron EV powertrain technology which draws energy from a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain returns an output of 127 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. The battery gets an 8-year standard warranty. In its current avatar, Nexon EV is priced between Rs 14.54 lakh and Rs 17.15 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • in

    Tata Motors To Manufacture 2 L Electric Cars, EVs At Ford India Plant

    Tata Motors will be investing Rs 2,000 crore in the Sanand-based manufacturing facility in Gujarat previously owned by Ford IndiaImage – National GeographicTimes of India claims that Tata Motors has taken over the Ford India plant in Sanand. Tata Motors has not yet officially announced the take over. As per the report, Tata Motors has acquired Ford India’s manufacturing facility based out of Sanand in Gujarat for an undisclosed amount.There have been talks of the Indian automaker taking over the American auto giant’s plants in India. The latter quit retail and manufacturing operations in the country in September last year. Tata Motors is planning to invest an additional Rs 2,000 crore in the newly acquired facility. The homegrown carmaker intends to manufacture two lakh electric vehicles (EVs) by 2026 at the Sanand factory. Ford also owns a vehicle and engine manufacturing plant in Maraimalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu.Tata Motors Acquiring Ford India’s plantAs a part of this takeover, Tata Motors will not be laying off any of the existing employees of Ford in this facility. The facility has given employment to as many as 23,000 personnel either directly or indirectly. The company already owns a manufacturing facility in Sanand, built to manufacture Tata Nano. Ford India plant is just opposite the Tata Motors plant in Sanand.This plant currently serves as a manufacturing hub for the brand’s EVs and other models like Tiago and Tigor. As of now, Tata Motors produces 10,000 EVs per year, at its existing Sanand-based factory. This facility has an overall production capacity of 1.5 lakh units per annum. Tata Motors was one of the first major automakers to enter Sanand with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore to build India’s most affordable car in the form of Nano.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptConcessions sought by Tata MotorsTata Motors has also sought concessions in land transfer rate where it has proposed to pay 20% of jantri rate of the land which translates to Rs 66 crores. It has also asked for balance eligible incentives which were promised to Ford till 2030. Report further reveals that the state government has given its nod to these concessions sought by Tata Motors.Earlier this year, both Tata Motors and Ford India submitted a consent proposal for transfer of ownership of the latter’s manufacturing plant to the former. The high-powered committee met recently and gave a nod to this proposal including concessions sought by Tata Motors as part of this deal. The proposed takeover is expected to become a major landmark in EV production in the country.Tata Motors as an EV manufacturerTata Motors is currently the largest EV manufacturer in the country with two mass-market products in the form of Tigor EV and Nexon. In February this year, the brand sold a total of 2,264 units of battery-powered vehicles. The company recently previewed an upcoming Coupe Electric SUV in the form of Curvv Concept which is expected to go on sale by 2024.Source More

  • in

    Tata CURVV Electric SUV Concept Debuts – Bigger Than Nexon

    When launched, Tata CURVV Coupe EV could lock horns against MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona ElectricTata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptA few days back Tata Motors teased an upcoming electric SUV on its social media handles. At first, it was believed that the company could be launching the upcoming updated Nexon EV with a larger battery pack.However, when Tata released another teaser, it was revealed that it will be an all new Electric SUV concept. Today, Tata Motors has taken wraps off their all new electric SUV Coupe – CURVV.Tata CURVV Electric SUV ConceptRumours about Tata Motors working on a stretched version of the Nexon with a Coupe body style – have been doing rounds for quite some time now. With the debut of CURVV concept today, the rumours have finally been laid to rest. It is planned for launch within the next two years. Range is to be about 500 kms.The company’s original plan was to unveil this concept at the 2022 Auto Expo in February. However, with the biennial auto event being postponed due to obvious reasons to January 2023, Tata Motors decided to present the Concept vehicle in April 2022. That said, market launch of the production-spec vehicle is still some time away, which is expected to take place in 2024.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptTata Curvv is a mid size SUV coupe, which will sit above the Nexon in the company line-up. Tata Motors has said that this is not a new gen Nexon, but an all new car, based on a new platform. Take a look at the Tata CURVV concept walkaround in the video below.[embedded content][embedded content]While the concept showcases a battery-powered version, Tata Motors is also likely to develop new IC engine powertrains. Petrol or diesel engine options could be on offer in the future. Hybrid will not be on offer. Tata CURVV production spec petrol or diesel SUV will take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, etc. It will sit between the Nexon and Harrier in company lineup.Tata CURVV – Exterior DesignTata Motors has built the CURVV on design philosophy – Less is More. In the front, Tata CURVV electric features an LED DRL running across the width of the bonnet crease. Triangular LED elements are seen on the front bumper which might serve as the main headlamp cluster.Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptOther notable highlights include grey alloys with a machine-cut design and a sloping Coupe-like roofline. It gets an EV badging to notify its powertrain. Given how many production cars from Tata resemble their pre-production concept counterparts, we expect the final electric Coupe SUV to be more or less similar to its concept shown.Mr. Shailesh Chandra – Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. ecstatically said – “With a fantastic year gone by, it gives me immense pleasure to announce a flying start to the new year, with a brand new ‘promise’, a brand new ‘thought’ and a brand new ‘design’ – all put together in this magnificent Electric SUV Concept – CURVV. Our focus here has been to enable customers with a product option that is the perfect amalgamation of modern functionality and design. With a robust SUV DNA at its core, and a plethora of new age materials, features and interfaces, we are confident that this Coupe Concept will redefine mainstream SUV design. Furthermore, with the concept CURVV, we now enter the Generation 2 EV architecture which will further enhance the adoption of EVs in India by overcoming the current barriers. With this new architecture, we will strengthen the key pillars of Range, Performance and Technology, while retaining Safety and Reliability as hygiene offerings.”Tata CURVV Electric SUV Coupe ConceptTechnical HighlightsNew Tata CURVV Coupe SUV will likely have a 50mm longer wheelbase. Overall length will likely stand at around the 4.3 metre mark, putting it into the category of mid-size SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and others. Coming to powertrain, CURVV electric SUV coupe is expected to feature next generation of EV powertrain from Tata Motors. It will deliver more power, more range. New gen tech features will also be on offer. Tata CURVV electric is aimed to offer a range of 500 kms on full charge.Tata Motors say, “Generation 2 EV architecture will be advanced, flexible and capable of offering multi-powertrain options. Products on this architecture will be crafted to deliver a higher range while retaining the credibility and reliability standards set by the Generation 1 products powered by Ziptron.” As far as its IC derivative is concerned, Curvv Coupe could be powered by a larger 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill. The 1.5-litre diesel engine from the regular Nexon could also be carried forward by upgrading it to make it compatible with the upcoming BS6 Stage 2 norms. More

  • in

    All New Tata Electric SUV Concept Teased – It Is Not Nexon EV

    Tata Motors will unveil an all new electric SUV concept on 6th April 2022 – Could it be the next update of Sierra EV concept?New Tata Electric SUV TeaserTalk about updated Tata Nexon EV with longer range, bigger battery and revised design – have been doing rounds for quite some time. When Tata Motors first announced that they are planning to unveil something new on 6th April 2022, most of us thought it was the new Nexon EV 2022 version. But that is not the case.The latest teaser shared by Tata Motors confirms that it is not the new Nexon EV. It is an SUV and an EV, but not the Nexon EV. Tata Motors says that this is an all new electric SUV concept, which will make global debut on 6th April 2022.New Tata Motors Electric SUV ConceptTeaser of the new Tata electric SUV concept barely reveals much. We do get a glimpse of the front. It features LED DRL that runs across the width, above the Tata logo, on the bonnet crease through the side and ending into the ORVMs. Headlights are placed on the lower bumper, in triangle shaped housing.We also get a view of the alloys in the teaser below. New Tata Electric SUV Concept is seen with grey alloys with machine cut design elements. There is EV badging too, as well as the Tata logo at the rear. Tata Motors says – Embrace what lies beyond the unknown and Discover Different.Embrace what lies beyond the unknown and #DiscoverDifferentWatch Our Brand-New Electric SUV Concept on 06.04.2022 at 12PM ISTKnow more: https://t.co/9509vNm7Q9#EvolveToElectric pic.twitter.com/vTVWpXUM9E— Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (@Tatamotorsev) April 2, 2022Tata Sierra Electric SUVBack at the 2020 Auto Expo, Tata Sierra EV concept was showcased. Tata has already resurrected the Safari name badge as the larger Harrier. So one was hopeful that at some point Sierra moves from concept to production.Sierra carries forward the design of Sierra from years ago. It did get a good response from fans, visitors as well as the media. Thanks to this, and the growing demand for electric vehicles in India, Tata Motors plans to launch Sierra as an Electric-only vehicle in the coming years.It will be built on an all new platform, and will not use current ALFA or OMEGA platforms – that are used for current gen Tata cars.This new platform is specially built to accommodate EVs and their needs – like optimising space for battery packs, etc. Tata has plans to launch 10 new electric vehicles in the coming 5 years.Tata Sierra EV Concept at 2022 Auto ExpoTata’s electric cars segment is already a subsidiary of its own, and investments are positively forward looking. Having already begun a journey where it leads from the front, Tata Motors is certainly keen on further sustainable growth. And this as we all know will be seamless when there are more EVs, and customers have a wider scope of choice. More

  • in

    Tata Tigor Electric Spied – More range, Larger Battery Like Nexon EV?

    Nexon EV is set to get an upgrade – New range is estimated to be around 375 km to 400 km on a single chargeTata Tigor Electric SpiedIt is not a secret anymore that Tata Motors is working on an enhanced battery pack for its EV segment leader Nexon EV. Updated version of the compact crossover is expected to be launched on 6th April.In related news, a fully camouflaged Tigo EV test vehicle has been spotted on Pune-Mumbai Expressway recently, indicating that the compact sedan too could be in for a battery update real soon. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Gaurang Chakrabarti for sharing exclusive spy shots.2022 Tata Tigor EV – What to expect?The fact that Tata Tigor Electric prototype is fully camouflaged point towards some visual changes, however its sheet metal design is not likely to undergo any modifications. Just like Nexon, major change will come in the form of a battery with enhanced capacity which means addition of more modules to existing battery pack.Other range enhancing approaches include improvement in energy density of cells and increasing depth of discharge. The soon-to-be-launched Nexon EV is reported to receive a capacity expansion to the tune of 10 kWh to reach around 40 kWh. This should be good for a range of at least 400 km.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedThe extent to which Tigor EV’s battery capacity will be enhanced depends on various factors, not the least of which is availability of space to accommodate those extra cell modules. We expect overall capacity to be extended at least by 6 to 10 kWh from existing 26 kWh. Updated Nexon will get a 40 kWh battery pack, compared to the existing Nexon EV’s 30 kWh battery.Range BoostObviously, this will translate into an improved autonomy. Currently, Tigor EV has a certified range of 306 km and we think Tata Motors will be aiming to achieve somewhere between 375 km to 400 km with battery update.Other mechanical changes would come in the form of new springs and dampers to account for added weight which could result in a mild variation in ground clearance. We expect the automaker to use this opportunity to also revise its variant-wise features list which may see some additions and deletions driven by customer feedback.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedThe existing PMSM e-motor producing 74 hp and 170 Nm of torque is not likely to witness any significant changes. The performance figures may vary slightly owing to a higher kerb weight but real world driving experience should be more or less the same.Launch TimelineTata Motors has a huge backlog of orders for their electric cars Nexon and Tigor. With demand on rise, the company is working on adding new variants to the line-up. These will come with larger battery pack, and will be more expensive. Tata will continue offering existing variants along with the new ones with higher range.Tata Tigor Electric SpiedWe expect new Tata Tigor EV with improved range to be launched a few months after Nexon EV. Despite being significantly cheaper than its SUV sibling, he Tigor EV finds fewer takers in comparison. A battery update could go a long way in enhancing its appeal as a potential choice for private buyers. The steadily rising fuel prices will only help the case of pure electric vehicles in general. More