Tata Motors recently disclosed at its 74th Annual
General Meeting that it is readying a Nexon EV and that it will launch it in
the next 18 months. Speaking of the launches, Tata's Chairman N Chandrasekaran revealed
that Tata Motors is readying four EVs for India which include all-electric
versions of the Nexon compact SUV, upcoming Altroz EV, an updated long-range
iteration of Tigor EV, while the fourth model remains undisclosed.
Details about the Nexon EV are scarce at the moment.
The pure electric SUV may share its battery tech and motor with the Altroz EV
which was showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. A DC fast-charging option
would be offered.
Tata Motors has thrown a tentative target range of
around 250-300 km on a full charge which is almost double than that of the
current 140 km range (ARAI tested) of the Tigor EV. The company has also hinted
60 min charging time for 80% charge using DC fast chargers. What's not
confirmed is the price that Tata is eyeing on both the models. Reports suggest
that the Altroz EV could cost over INR 10 lakh, and the same is expected for
the Nexon EV.
Also, the third on the list, Tigor EV is up for
improvement in the coming time. It will be updated with a larger battery pack
for an extended range. The current setup on the Tigor EV includes a 16.2 kWh
battery pack which delivers 140 km of full range. With the revised battery
setup, the Tigor EV is expected to deliver around 180 km range on a full
charge. Tata Motors will be carrying out the updates as per the feedback
received by the government employees the current Tigor EV has been allotted to.
With the extended range, the company may finally commence sales to private
buyers.
Tata Group is also planning to setup an INR 4,000Cr
Lithium-ion battery plant in Gujarat. The Tata Nexon's rival Mahindra XUV300
will also get a pure electric variant, by mid-2020.
