India’s largest vehicle manufacturer, Tata, will begin its electric assault on Europe later this year when it releases the new Vista small car.
With a range of 200km, the right-hand drive Vista – which replaces the Indica hatch – will be available in the UK in late-2010 and in other selected European markets in 2012.
Hot on its heels will be the electric version of the Tata Nano, which will hit showroom floors throughout the UK and Scandinavia within three years. Using similar lithium-ion technology to the Vista, the Nano EV is said to have a range of 160km.
A petrol version of the Nano – widely known as the world’s cheapest car – is due for European release in the second half of 2011. The “Nano Europa” will be 20cm longer than the Indian version and gain ABS and revised suspension, among other features.
Although Tata is remaining tight-lipped on pricing for its impending European entrants, it has suggested the new models will be no exception to its current low-price strategy.
I think the technology is very good. SO far i dont think any of the Japs besides Nissan and Mitsubishi have a dedicated EV that can achieve anywhere near those figures. Good on TATA for showing so much innovation. Maybe this is a sign that Jag/LR will be getting EV in the not to distant future.