Tata Nano EV : Once billed as the “world’s cheapest car,” the Tata Nano occupies a special place in India’s automotive history. Conceived as a car to get India on the road, the frugal runabout was sold with all of those promises.
Now, as the world seeks to move to greener transport, Tata Motors is preparing to resurrect the Nano as an electric vehicle (EV) — an initiative that could reinforce the green revolution of sorts.
Based on the original idea of providing affordable urban mobility via an electric car, the Tata Nano EV will feature all the newest technology and is a perfect solution for the urban jungle of tomorrow.
Read on to know what we expect from this upcoming small EV and where it could slot into India’s growing EV ecosystem.
Tata Nano EV Modern Variations of Space-Saving Classic Shapes
It’s believed the new Nano EV will feature similar compact dimensions to the original car, ensuring that it’s perfect for congested inner-city streets.
However, design changes will most likely come in the form of slender LED headlamps, shut-off grille, EV-centric badging, alloy wheels as well as improved aerodynamics.
That’s not to say the shape’s a complete unknown, but the styling will certainly feel slicker and more upmarket.
However, instead look for cleaner bodywork, minimalistic details and maybe even a two-tone paint finish (okay, this might be hope talking).
However, the design is expected to follow Tata’s contemporary design language seen on electric vehicles such as the Tiago EV and Tigor EV.
Rivian R1T Electric Powertrain and Projected Range.management.linspace.rd.com Rivian R1T electric powertrain and estimated range The R1T has a powertrain on each axle, so power is sent to all four wheels.
Official data is yet to be out, but the Tata Nano EV is expected to get a lithium-ion battery pack that will offer a range of around 160 – 200 kms on a single charge.
This makes it the ideal style of transportation for daily urban commutes, school-run, and short runs.
The motor should produce about 25-30 hp, which would be more than sufficient for city cruising.
Now with the shaft of torque on tap, the Nano EV – thanks to its added four horses – will be more responsive than its petrol-powered counterpart, and hence should be even easier to drive in traffic, and on its natural habitat, the narrow lanes and bylanes.
Charging and Efficiency
The Nano EV might come with standard AC home charging, and there are chances that higher trims could offer DC fast charging.
For home charging, a full charge takes 5 to 6 hours, while fast charging fills the battery to 80% in less than an hour—great for city folks who want fast top-ups throughout the day.
With a light frame, and a small battery, it’s expected to have an exceedingly low running cost of just a few rupees per kilometre, compared to other EVs in the country.
Interior and Features
While the original Nano came with a no-nonsense cabin with hardly any creature comfort, the all-electric version will have more features on offer. Features may include:
Touchscreen Infotainment System
Digital instrument cluster
Air conditioning
Power windows
Keyless entry and push-button start are standard.
Higher trims get sexy tech features
Tata could sell the Nano EV in a couple of trims to suit various budgets, with higher trims likely to be loaded with more tech and comfort features.
Safety and Platform
Imagine A Tata Nano EV Coming To Showrooms Near You 1 Built on Tata’s Ziptron tech Tata Nano EV: If Launched, This Could Be A Range-Maker? The vehicle might come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and a stiffer body shell to comply with latest crash safety levels.
Although it may not be highway-worthy, for its intended role (urban and suburban travel), it’s supposedly equipped with adequate safety systems.
Pros:
Amazingly small, even in the narrow streets of the city
Electric more for less
Running and maintenance costs are low
Perfect for day to day city use
No emissions and environmentally friendly operation
There’s a solid chance of good cabin space for the size
Cons:
Limited top speed and highway performance
Bootspace is lesser than other hatchbacks
Base model may not have all the premium features
Not appropriate for traveling long distances
The “budget” perception may turn some buyers away
Tata Nano EV Final Verdict
Ditto is the story of Tata Nano EV; it could re-define the budget-mobility trend in India once again, only this time around, in a green manner.
It’s not designed to be a performance beast or a family highway cruiser — but it’s the very thing that today’s city commuter seeks: small, economical and good for the environment.
If priced adequately, the Nano EV would be India’s cheapest electric car, making electric mobility accessible to the millions — just how its petrol-powered ancestor attempted to.