Tata Motors, one of the world’s largest automobile companies, is making big plans for the Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) market. The company already has a major share in this market with the Nexon EV. Tata Motors will add 10 new models to its EV portfolio by 2026. The company currently has electric variants of Nexon and hatchback Tiago in the compact SUV segment. These will include EV variants of petrol/diesel cars like the Safari and Harrier.
The Safari and Harrier are popular models in Tata Motors’ current portfolio of petrol and diesel cars. The launch of their electric variants is expected to get a good response from the customers. Apart from these, electric variants of Altroz and Punch can also be launched, according to a report by Gizmochina. The electric variant of the Altroz was showcased at last year’s Auto Expo. Its engine could be similar to the current engine of the Nexon EV. It is expected to get a range of 250-300 kms on a single charge.
Altroz can be charged up to 80 percent in just 60 minutes with fast charging. Investment firm TPG Rise Climate will invest about Rs 7,500 crore to take 11-15 percent stake in Tata Motors’ new EV company. This company of Tata Motors is currently being called EVCo. It may soon be given a new name.
Shailesh Chandra, President, Passenger Vehicles Division, Tata Motors said, “The company has a phased plan to move towards electric vehicles. Electric variants of some existing models may be launched.”
The market for electric vehicles in India is at an early stage. The central government has set a target to increase the number of electric vehicles in the coming years. For this, subsidy will also be given on the purchase of these vehicles. Tesla, the world’s largest electric car maker, also wants to do business in the Indian market. However, Tesla says that higher duties on the import of electric vehicles are hindering this. Tesla has requested the central government to reduce the import duty. However, Indian automobile companies are against the reduction in import duty. These companies say that this will affect the manufacturing of these vehicles in the country.