Tata Motors to recharge EV fleet with 3 new cars

NEW DELHI: With an over 70% share of India’s nascent electric car market, Tata Motors is set to charge its zero-emission fleet with the launch of three green vehicles as it beefs up its portfolio to take on new challengers who plan to enter the market. Joining the green brigade will be the Curvv coupe, and electric versions of Harrier premium off-roader and Punch mini SUV.
Speaking about green launches, Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicles and electric mobility divisions, however, raised concerns over demands made by a section of hybrid carmakers for duty concessions. Chandra said only “zero emission vehicles” should get benefits and not those that offer only “fuel efficiency improvement technologies”.
“So, if it’s not plugged into electricity, I don’t think it qualifies for being an EV or should be compared with an EV technology. Energy for a hybrid comes from two sources – regenerative braking to a small fraction, and the rest from a gasoline engine. So… the source of energy for hybrids is a gasoline engine. Comparing a hybrid with an EV is very motivated as people feel that such a comparison can make hybrids qualify for policies which are supportive of electrification,” Chandra told TOI.

Companies such as Toyota, Maruti, and Honda have been seeking tax concessions on hybrids, arguing that these vehicles pollute less than conventional petrol and diesel cars. For electrics, the government has given a special GST tax rate of 5% when manufactured locally, against over 28% (and an additional cess on larger vehicles) for those on ICE (internal combustion engines) and hybrids.
Chandra said Tata Motors has a clear focus on electrics, which is helping it to expand aggressively. “We are growing rapidly in electrics, and against around 42,000 in 2022, retail sales of greens this year are expected to touch 65,000-70,000 units, registering a growth between 60% and 70%.”
Tata Motors currently has electric versions of Nexon SUV, Tigor mini sedan, and Tiago hatch. Chandra said that backed by billions of rupees of investments, the company has an aggressive plan for green vehicles.. “The mega trends are all moving towards electrics, and eventually these will have to grow in scale. The value proposition with an EV is very strong, especially as it provides good running efficiency. While charging infrastructure is a concern now, it will likely get better in the next two-three years.”
Tata Motors is not only widening its portfolio to have products across price points running from sub-Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, but also plans to introduce vehicles with higher range of 600km on a single charge. “We are talking about a wide portfolio, possibly an electric line-up of nine to 10 cars.”