Many folks have fond recollections of the Nano, however can Tata carry it again as an electrical automotive with fashionable updates? Let’s discover out
Tata is the main model for reasonably priced EVs in India due to fashions just like the Tata Tiago EV hatchback and Tata Nexon EV sub-4m SUV. However, the value for Tata’s entry-level EV continues to be considerably steep, starting from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This results in a requirement for an much more reasonably priced EV which might be smaller than the Tata Tiago EV, and the primary potential answer that involves thoughts is an all-electric Tata Nano.
But Does A Tata Nano EV Make Sense?
The Tata Nano grabbed headlines worldwide because the Rs 1 lakh automotive. However, the dream struggled to turn into actuality as a consequence of varied elements and was ultimately discontinued after being on sale between 2008 and 2018. During that interval itself, Tata had hinted at plans for an all-electric Nano with an idea all the best way again in 2010 however nothing got here of it. The challenge potential got here to mild once more in 2015 when a retrofitted Nano EV was created due to a collaboration between Tata and Jayem, however acquired a distinct title – the Neo EV. A couple of hundred models had been delivered for fleet functions however the product by no means made it to market both.
More lately, in 2022, one other firm known as Electra EV retrofitted a Tata Nano to be an all-electric model and it was delivered to Ratan Tata himself. Clearly, there’s nonetheless curiosity for a Nano EV, however is there a possible to make it a extra reasonably priced EV?
Just earlier in 2024, Tata and MG Motor slashed costs of their EVs due to a drop within the enter prices for the battery supplies. Presently, the most affordable EV in India is the MG Comet EV which begins at Rs 7 lakh, whereas the Tiago EV is priced from Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). So, as these EV-specific costs drop, it’s potential for a Tata Nano EV to exist with a beginning worth of round Rs 6 lakh ex-showroom. But will it occur?
Ideal Expected Range and Features
As a city-centric EV, a real-world vary of 200-220 km could be adequate. By utilizing a small body for a light-weight construct, even a sub-20 kWh battery pack with a small electrical motor might supply a superb stability of vary and efficiency.
While the Tata Nano was not precisely identified for its function record, Tata vehicles right this moment are more and more in style for his or her in depth record of apparatus on supply. If the nameplate had been to return as an all-electric mannequin, it might want to supply fashionable comforts like a touchscreen infotainment unit, a semi-digital instrument cluster, rear parking digital camera, a correct AC and powered home windows.
Market Positioning and Rivals
The Tata Nano EV would sit beneath the Tata Tiago EV within the carmaker’s personal electrical automotive lineup. The unique Nano had 4 doorways and was just below 3.1 metres in size, which is barely longer than the 2-door MG Comet EV (2.97 metres). It additionally had a shorter radius than the MG EV. The Comet comes with many options, claims a spread of 230 km, and is priced between Rs 6.99 lakh and Rs 9.14 lakh (ex-showroom).
Will The Tata Nano EV Launch?
As a lot as there’s pleasure concerning the concept of bringing again the enduring Tata Nano in a modernised and all-electric type, its true market potential is somewhat restricted. The Tata Tiago EV is already a gorgeous package deal with its bigger and extra spacious proportions at aggressive costs. While many individuals might want an reasonably priced EV priced at round Rs 5 lakh, they’re unlikely to purchase a low-range EV that’s not wealthy in options for the sake of affordability.
Plus, there could be a big price concerned within the improvement of the Tata Nano EV from scratch. To make it reasonably priced, it might have to be offered in important numbers to justify that funding. However, EV gross sales in India are nonetheless comparatively low with solely round 92,000 electrical vehicles offered in 2023. While the Tiago EV was the best-selling EV in India final yr, the Nano EV would wish to promote in even bigger numbers to justify its manufacturing prices.
Therefore, this can be very unlikely for the Tata Nano EV to turn into a actuality, at the least not as a recognisable descendant of the unique Tata Nano. However, it’s potential that Tata may revive the nameplate sooner or later for a distinct form of electrical automobile.
Would you wish to see a Tata Nano EV sooner or later? What options and vary would you anticipate from such a micro EV? Let us know your ideas within the remark part.