Just the other day, we all saw Ratan Tata in his favourite Nano once again, but this time, it was not the fuel-based variant but rather the electric vehicle (EV) version of once India’s cheapest car that has long gone into oblivion.
The electric version of the Tata Nano is a four-seater car that was gifted by Tata Motors to its former chairman.
The Nano can possibly go up to a distance of 160 km in a single charge, and if launched, it could be suitable for city driving. This is a good range if the pricing is set right.
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| Ratan Tata with the Nano EV |
Ratan Tata has added this EV — which is a custom-built Nano — to his fleet of cars, almost all of them being top luxury brands. So, could this be the biggest indication that an EV variant of the Tata Nano is coming soon?
The Tata Nano EV has been made by Electrodrive Powertrain Solutions, also known as Electra EV. Electra is based out of Pune and provides EV powertrain solutions to businesses, especially automakers.
Tata Motors is right now the leading producer of EVs in the country. The company currently has two offerings — Nexon EV and Tigor EV.
The Nano’s petrol and diesel cars project lost a lot of money. This was confirmed by Tata Sons former chairman Cyrus Mistry. And in 2017, the Tata Motors management followed suit by confirming what Mistry had said.
In 2017, Tata Motors had continued the production of Nano because of emotional reasons. After all, it was Ratan Tata’s pet project.
Despite this, the Nano’s sales numbers dwindled to even single digits and ultimately production was halted in May 2018.
In 2019, Tata Nano ended the year with zero production and sale of only one car throughout India!
But the Tata Group could revive this car by playing the pricing game. The price of EVs in India is too steep currently. But if the Nano EV could become the common man’s car again, it may sell well this time.
Or who knows. Tata Motors may be planning to sell the Nano EV in the export market only. If it does so, at competitive pricing, it could be on its way to becoming a profitable project. It may look at the Europe market, which is the hub for small cars, mainly the countryside.
The auto giant is also eagerly awaiting Ratan Tata’s feedback on the Nano EV.
Team Electra EV, on its LinkedIn post, said that it was a moment of truth when “our founder” took a ride on the Nano EV, powered by the Electra EV powertrain. Electra said it is excited to deliver Ratan Tata the Nano EV and is seeking his feedback.
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If Ratan Tata gives a thumbs up, will Tata Motors restart manufacturing the Nano in its EV form?
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