Geneva Motor Show: Tata Nano EV Concept

Tata expanded its foray into alternative fuels at the Geneva Motor Show. The company showed off the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle as part of a long term plan that will include a 2012 market release of the EV.


Yup, Tata was working on the Nano EV and here it is. Looks like Tata wants a new tag – maker of the world’s cheapest Electric vehicle.


The Tata Nano EV Concept car will come with a driving range of 99 miles and would take off to 60 km/h in just 10m seconds. It is quite a good deal for an electric car and it would be less than what you pay as fuel for an entire year for your SUV. The car looks quite typical to the Asian cars which have the box like structure, without cuts or shapes.


The EV will first hit markets in Scandinavia and the UK while India might have to wait for few more years to get the same. Lack of proper infrastructure and no help from the government in the form of reduced taxes for electric vehicles seem to be the reason for the delay. The EV might also cost upto two times the cost of a standard Nano, which is still a great price for an EV.


Tata told reporters in Geneva that the Euro-spec Tata Nano will come to market in 2011. Changes for the European customer base includes a body that is 20 centimeters longer, better suspension, and antilock brakes. The electric model will be released in 2012.


"Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles," said Tata Motors executive Ravi Kant. "The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets."




Press Release


Tata Motors displays Tata Nano EV at the 80th Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 80th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV), based on the award winning Tata Nano platform. When launched, it will expand the company's electric vehicles portfolio, which already comprises the Tata Indica Vista EV.
Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, said, "Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets."
The Tata Nano EV offers the practicality of a real car, compromising nothing in the pursuit of providing environment-friendly personal transportation for the modern consumer.
It will seat four individuals comfortably in its spacious interiors, which the Tata Nano is known for. It will have a predicted range of up to 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.
Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Tata Nano EV, using super polymer lithium ion batteries, as in the Tata Indica Vista EV, which provide superior energy density to conventional batteries.
The company has already displayed the Tata Nano Europa at last year's Geneva Motor Show, and expects to launch it in select European countries in a couple of years. Meanwhile, in India, the Tata Nano, now being delivered to the first 100,000 chosen customers, has received rave reviews. It has won the 2010 ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) Award, an award instituted jointly by six auto publications. It has also been individually declared as the Car of the Year by three other auto publications/television channels.
The Tata Indica Vista EV, based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista, is also a more practicable option for the consumer capable of carrying four individuals and adequate luggage space. Its super polymer lithium ion batteries provide a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.
Also on display are the Tata Aria, a mid-range Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV, premiered in January in India and first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show, and the Tata Indigo Manza, the recently launched new generation sedan.
The Tata Aria blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all-terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built-in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control.
The Tata Indigo Manza is an altogether new car with a feline aggressive appearance. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5.
Tata Motors is also displaying at Geneva this year the Tata Xenon Double Cab pick-up vehicle and the Tata Indica Vista. The Xenon Double Cab is available in Italy, Spain, Poland, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several countries in Africa. The Tata Indica Vista has already been launched in South Africa, and will be introduced in the company's European markets. The other new generation cars of the company on display will also be launched in international markets in a phased manner.
via:wheelosphere

If you've ever wondered what a Tata Nano looks like in Gulf livery, well... wonder no more

The Indian car shopping site CarWale.com is driving a Tata Nano in a loop across the length and breadth of India to make a point about the car and the country. Their journey started on February 4 and ends February 19, covering 6,909 kilometers (4,284 miles) of terrain best described as... Indian... and along the way, the crew will explore every aspect of the Nano, including how it came about and what it means for the people who can benefit the most from it.


Naturally, the trip has seen its share of heat, goats, nearly impossible roads, wild motorbikers, jury-rigged repairs, Jeep Wrangler taxis with roof-mounted loudspeakers and miserable GPS instructions. It's a colorful tale all the way, and as if a Nano in iconic Gulf drag weren't enough (love the auxiliary Hella lamps, guys), the pictures alone are worth a visit. And to the two gents at the helm, best of luck to you the rest of the way.




More Photos

2010 Tata Magic Iris

The Tata Magic Iris is a four-wheel small passenger carrier in the public transportation space. In keeping with the company's objective to offer safe and comfortable mobility, the Tata Magic Iris aims at upgrading the quality of travel for those who depend on three-wheelers.

Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers - three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. The four wheels - either in options of 12-inch radials or 10-inch cross-ply - controlled by a steering provide car-like on-road stability, while the hard roof, made of sheet metal, provides car-like safety. In addition, car-like clear lens headlamps and tail lights also enhance safety.

The steering and the cable shift transmission offer car-like driving ease. The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With a power of 11.3 PS (higher than small three-wheelers), the engine provides higher pulling power, gradeability and faster trips, resulting in higher earnings for the operator. The aggregates ensure lower maintenance cost. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

The Tata Magic Iris will be commercially launched during 2010.

Tata prepares for global roll-out of Nano

successfully launching world’s cheapest small car Nano on Indian roads, Tata Motors has now turned its attention to prepare for the global roll-out of the $2000 compact car. It is not only looking at markets like the U.S. and Europe, including Russia, but also banking on Latin America and South Asian nations to sell this fuel-efficient car.

Tata Motors, which has a tie-up with Fiat, is well-placed to leverage the marketing and sales network of the Italian car manufacturer across nations, particularly Europe and Latin America. Tata Motors believes that apart from India, developing South American economies like Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela could be a good market for Nano. For Fiat, Brazil is one of its biggest markets where it has strong dealership network and this may go in Tata Motors’ favour.

Tata Motors had already unveiled its Europe-specific model, Europa, in Geneva Motor Show, which it plans to introduce in 2011. Tata Group head Ratan Tata had said that though the European version of Nano would have different specifications vis-À-vis its Indian version, it will still remain a “people’s car” (in terms of pricing). Unlike the Indian model, the Europa model would be equipped with a sturdy bumper, a much rigid body, an air-conditioner, two airbags and power windows. Tata Motors already sells its models in Italy, Spain and Poland, and hence is comfortably placed to market its much-awaited model. It is also banking on Russia as a good market.

For Tata Motors, the good news came recently when Nano passed the crash test held in the U.K. recently. Interestingly, it was Nano’s Indian model and not Europa (the model designed specially for Europe markets) which passed the 40 per cent offset crash test at 56 kmph and the side-impact tests at a high-tech test facility at Birmingham. It is mandatory to clear these basic tests before a car is allowed to be sold in Europe. Similarly, Nano is headed for the U.S. market in the next couple of years. Tata Motors would have to get safety and emissions certifications before selling Nano in the U.S., where it can take advantage of the Fiat-Chrysler distribution network. Its superb mileage and emissions conforming to European standards would help it become a big draw in the Western markets, particularly Europe and the U.S. that have so far remained glued to fuel-guzzling SUVs and sedans.

Tata Motors is also looking at South Asia and African markets. While countries like Thailand and Malaysia offer good prospects for Nano in Southeast Asia, in Africa, where Tata Motors is fast progressing, Nano might run on the streets of Nigeria, South Africa, Congo, Senegal and Namibia by 2011.