Tata Nano EV: (Monkey Business) The Tata Nano — once billed as the world’s cheapest car — is back, and this time it’s electric.
The first Nano was a failure, but here’s a new chance for budget urbanites. Small, easy to handle and possibly low-priced, the Tata Nano EV would fit in the market space between scooters and luxury electric cars.
With the electric mobility picking pace in India, the proposition of an electric Nano syncs neatly with Tata’s bigger play in the avenues of electric mobility already represented by the likes of the Nexon EV and the Tiago EV.
But does a small city car do a good job of catering to the increasingly complex wants of modern day urban people?
Design and Size: Small but Intelligent
The Tata Nano EV preserves the small proportions of the original Nano, therefore lining up to constricted city by-lanes and tight spaces.
But it’s redesigned with contemporary features such as LED lights, closed front grille (common to EVs), and bigger wheels for a more imposing stance and road holding.
Despite being a compact model, the Nano EV is also likely to have decent space for four occupants as it follows the tall-boy design philosophy.
It’s not as flashy as some of the others with its design, which is in fact traditional, but updated elements can make it feel friendly and practical.
Interior and Features
On the inside, the cabin of the Nano EV has been designed keeping in mind simplicity and usability. Tata Motors is likely to power it with:
A digital instrument cluster
Touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity (top variant)
Manual air conditioning
Electric windows and centralised door locking
Regenerative braking and drive mode select (on models with EV mode)
The seating is expected to be basic and upright, though ergonomically proper for everyday use.
Interior plastics will be no one’s idea of premium, but the value proposition will be functional rather than aesthetic, again in line for the price range.
Battery, Range, and Charging
It will reportedly be further paired with 17–20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with real-world range of 180–200 km on a single charge.
That makes it great for a short urban commute, office travel or daily errands.
It will accept normal home charging (taking around 6–8 hours to reach full) and perhaps rapid charging, where 0–80% could be completed in less than an hour.
It’s not as though the machine is intended for long stretches of time on the highway, so in-city action should be just fine.
The ultra-light weight construction is great for ultimate energy performance.
Performance and Ride Quality
Running on a small electric motor, the Tata Nano EV is expected to be light on the dynamics, with the emphasis on efficient running rather than outright performance.
It should have a default cruising speed of a comfortable 60–70 km/h suitable for urban use.
It is also very agile in dense traffic due to the low turning radius, small size and instant torque.
Ride quality and suspension will (presumably) be tuned for city conditions – one can hope shock-absorbant on minor potholes, three-fours on speed bumps.
Pros
It’s incredibly small so it can be parked anywhere
Pocket-friendly (anticipated below ₹6 lakh)
Zero tailpipe emissions
Running and maintenance cost is not too high
Great for the city and short commutes
Brings back a legendary name with the ovigial addition of modern sweet imagery
Cons
Limited highway usability
Small boot space
Basic interior quality
Top speed may feel restricted
Too short for extended cruising
Tata Nano EV: Conclusion
The Tata Nano EV has the potential to be a game changer in India’s electric mobility sector.
It aims at a slippery, fairly narrow market segment: city residents who will pay for a safer, more practical alternative to a two-wheeler or a small petrol car and want something environmentally friendly to boot.
If Tata can nail its pricing and offer the features that matter without sacrificing reliability, the Nano EV might finally be the mass-market hit the original was always intended to be.
With the market progressively becoming more receptive to budget electric vehicles. The Nano electric arrived to bring the past and future together.