Tata Nano EV (Electra)

Recently one car that has come into my interest is the Tata Nano electric vehicle (EV). As an auto enthusiast I find it fascinating that there is a small low-cost electric vehicle for the Indian market as well. As such, it is my belief that the Nano EV can catalyse the use of electric cars in India based on the following reasons, privacy.The Nano EV is relatively cheap and small to manoeuvre through the congested cities while being backed by Tata motors.

So far, no detailed features of the Nano EV are set but what has been provided is that it will indeed have up to 200 km on a single charge. For many urban commuters that would be enough to reach all their daily destinations without touching the steering till evening. The EV version will have similar design to the standard Nano though the Nano was a hatchback car with very small external dimensions yet the internal space was quite large. 

As far as charging, reports indicate there will be two options: a 15 amp plug that could be connected to a normal power outlet for slow charging overnight and a charge point that charges the battery to 80% within 90 minutes. I personally also have done multiple road trips and literally waited for hours just to charge my electric car; so at least they are building the fast-charging capability in.

They have more of an incentive in the Asian market to get the Nano EV out the door than Chery does. Getting a deeply affordable, small, functional EEV should probably help a substantial extent in terms of popularisation of the technology in cost-conscious markets like India. The Nano shape is already ingrained into the psyche of the Indian buyer and its small design is ideal for use in the densely populated cities. So long as Tata can come through with expected range and provide at least some fast charging capability, I think they’ve got a winner in their hands!

That being the case, the Nano EV will not be devoid of competition, even in the context of affordable EVs. One of its rivals is Mahindra, which is also be developing an EV version of its e2o hatchback automobile. But as the company which introduced electric vehicles in India with the Tigor EV, Tata possesses EV expertise. When you add the goodwill of the brand to the cost and shape advantage of the Nano form, I’m placing my bet on the Nano EV becoming the number one selling electric car in India within say, three years of its launch.

Now I won’t find many other electric cars on the global market starting at less than 100,000 INR that the Nano EV is proposing to customers in India. Traditionally, higher egemonic forms of mobility have been aimed more directly at luxury and performance subsegments in Europe, East Asia and North America. However, the exigencies of the market in India challenged Tata to do something different for the Nano when it was first produced over a decade ago. I’m more willing for the Nano EV to take up the mantle and become the EV for the people.

However, the Nano EV will have certain inevitable issues as well. Current fluctuation problems persist in the Indian electrical grid in many areas, and the public charging network is still under development. However, the slow overnight charging option should make it easier not to cause problems for owners who have readily available power in their homes. And if Tata finally comes up with a good network for dealers to maintain the cars then they can surely create confidence among the drivers for EV technology.

The EV revolution globally is still in its infancy. However, the Nano EV shows how a new way of considering the design goals can also allow EVs to appeal to drivers in the developing world. Looking forward to having the Tata Nano today zipping the Indian cities running Clean & Quiet – a thumbs up for this auto Enthusiast!