India's affordable EV, Tata Tiago EV, launches tomorrow

Tata Motors is all set to add India’s affordable EV to its portfolio with the launch of the Tata Tiago EV hatchback, tomorrow. The electric powertrain in the full-size hatchback segment is a unique proposition and Tata Motors could have the cheapest mainstream electric vehicle in India with this launch.
Tata Motors has also confirmed some goodies that the Tiago EV is slated to get.
The new electric hatchback is likely to be introduced at a price point that makes it accessible to a larger chunk of buyers.

Things to look at in Tata Tiago EV

The upcoming Tata Tiago EV hatchback will get selectable multi-level regenerative braking modes. This feature lets the user control the level of regenerative braking which results in different decelerations. This could help users extract more range, especially in city driving conditions and will also enable the added convenience of one-pedal driving, claims the company.

However, this feature was recently introduced with the Tata Nexon EV MAX and has already trickled down to the Tata Nexon EV Prime. Tata could also introduce the feature to its Tata Tigor EV sedan soon.

Tata Motors is also expected to introduce a dedicated Sports Mode for the city hatchback. The electronically selectable Sports Mode could allow users access to peak power and torque of the electric motor for short bursts.

The Tata Tiago EV will feature 7-inch touchscreen infotainment that will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car will also feature connected car features and smartwatch compatibility via a companion app. Tata Motors could allow real-time control of vehicle functions such as air conditioning, lighting, etc and also offer drive analytics data.

The Tata Tiago EV is certain to get some cosmetic changes to differentiate it from its ICE-powered sibling. Tata Motors has also confirmed the inclusion of leatherette seats finished in a shade of white. Tata could also incorporate some feel-good features and finishes possibly to justify the higher price tag on the electric Tata Tiago. Other essential comfort features such as power windows, rear wash wipes, fog lamps, climate control, digital MID, internally adjustable IRVMs, etc.

In terms of safety, the Tiago and Tigor ICE-powered models are highly rated at the GNCAP and will also get ABS and multiple airbags.

The Tata Tiago is expected to utilise the Ziptron tech-based powertrain that does duty on the Tata Tigor EV. This means the Tata Tiago EV will use an electric motor that can generate a maximum power output of 74bhp and 170Nm of peak torque. According to reports, the motor will be paired to a 26kWh battery pack, which is the same as its elder sibling, the Tigor EV. This powertrain delivers a claimed range of 306km on the Tigor EV.

Tata is also likely to enable some form of fast charging on the Tiago EV making it slightly future-proof. The Tigor EV for example takes about 8 hours and 45 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 per cent via a household-style 15A socket. The same can be achieved with a faster CCS 2 type fast charger in just 65 minutes.

Tata Tiago EV price in India (expected)

Tata Motors is expected to price the Tata Tiago EV hatchback aggressively and the hatchback could become the most affordable full-size mainstream EV in the country. The ICE-powered versions of the Tiago hatchback are priced from Rs 5.40 lakh to Rs 7.82 (ex-showroom). The electric powertrain-equipped version could hence charge a premium of around Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh and the Tiago EV could be priced at around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom).