When will Tata Nano EV launch, would it be affordable?

There is buzz that Tata Motors may be planning to launch a Nano electric vehicle (EV), and the first questions that come to mind are when will it launch and would it be affordable, or simply the cheapest e-car?

Considering the failure of the Nano petrol variant, Tata Motors has to not only go for a redesign but will have to price it judiciously for it to gain acceptance among the people.

Tata Nano EV concept -- Source:
Gaadiwaadi.com.

If Tata prices the Nano intelligently, half the work will be done because EVs that have launched in India are steeply priced, prompting prospective buyers to stay away, despite their operational cost being much lower than petrol or diesel cars.

Only a redesign and the “right price” can disrupt the EV market, even forcing prospective two-wheeler buyers to flock for the Nano e-car.

This is especially true after the EV two-wheeler fires, some of which proved to be fatal. Last time also, Tata Motor’s target was to wean away the two-wheeler buyers but there were very few takers for the petrol Nano.

Recently, Ratan Tata was seen in the new Nano EV, giving rise to speculation that the Nano is on a revival road.

So, what would the range of the Nano EV, if rolled out, be? Market insiders say it could be a decent 160 km on a single charge.

This may be suitable for city driving where a user — who travels 80 km in a day — will need to charge it every alternative day. This, however, could be somewhat irritating, especially for those who use their car frequently.

Speculation is rife that when launched, the Nano EV could rev up from 0 to 60 km in around 10 seconds. The top speed of the Nano EV may be 110 km. Lithium-ion batteries could be used to propel the Nano EV.

Additionally, the Nano EV could come with power steering, AC, front power windows, central locking with remote, 12V power socket, Bluetooth and multi-information display, among others.

On the question as to when the Tata Nano EV could launch, it is speculated that the roll out date could be 2025.

However, Tata Motors must note that such a delay could see the EV market in India moderate. So, some affordable EVs could enter the market by then. The ideal launch date for the Nano EV would have been by the end of 2023.

As far as the pricing goes, the Nano EV is likely to carry a price tag of between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 6 lakh (Rs 400,000-600,000), even though the company is keeping mum on any details. We think Rs 3-5 lakh (Rs 300,000-500,000) would have been the smartest pricing. 

The Tata Nano EV could be India’s cheapest e-car but Tata Motors must make concerted efforts to make it affordable, along with working on the design as well as bringing forward the launch date.