Tata Nano EV Launch: Fact Vs Fiction

Many people have fond memories of the Nano, but can Tata bring it back as an electric car with modern updates? Let’s find out

Tata is the leading brand for affordable EVs in India thanks to models like the Tata Tiago EV hatchback and Tata Nexon EV sub-4m SUV. However, the price for Tata’s entry-level EV is still somewhat steep, ranging from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This leads to a demand for an even more affordable EV which would be smaller than the Tata Tiago EV, and the first possible solution that comes to mind is an all-electric Tata Nano.

But Does A Tata Nano EV Make Sense?

The Tata Nano grabbed headlines worldwide as the Rs 1 lakh car. However, the dream struggled to become reality due to various factors and was eventually discontinued after being on sale between 2008 and 2018. During that period itself, Tata had hinted at plans for an all-electric Nano with a concept all the way back in 2010 but nothing came of it. The project potential came to light again in 2015 when a retrofitted Nano EV was created thanks to a collaboration between Tata and Jayem, but got a different name — the Neo EV. A few hundred units were delivered for fleet purposes but the product never made it to market either.

More recently, in 2022, another company called Electra EV retrofitted a Tata Nano to be an all-electric model and it was delivered to Ratan Tata himself. Clearly, there is still interest for a Nano EV, but is there a potential to make it a more affordable EV?

Just earlier in 2024, Tata and MG Motor slashed prices of their EVs thanks to a drop in the input costs for the battery materials. Presently, the cheapest EV in India is the MG Comet EV which starts at Rs 7 lakh, while the Tiago EV is priced from Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). So, as these EV-specific prices drop, it is possible for a Tata Nano EV to exist with a starting price of around Rs 6 lakh ex-showroom. But will it happen?

Ideal Expected Range and Features

As a city-centric EV, a real-world range of 200-220 km would be sufficient. By using a small frame for a lightweight build, even a sub-20 kWh battery pack with a small electric motor could offer a good balance of range and performance.