Tata Motors' EV department is on a roll, with the brand planning to add four more EVs to its portfolio by 2025. Tata had showcased the Altroz EV at the 2019 Geneva motor show, which was expected to be among its first EV launch, and later at the 2020 Auto Expo in close-to-production form. We've now learnt that the Altroz EV will launch in India about five years after the concept was first displayed.

1. Tata faced development challenges with the Altroz EV
2. Tata Altroz EV to now be based on Acti.EV architecture
3. Expect Altroz EV range and battery to be similar to Punch EV

Tata Altroz EV launch: why was it delayed

Our June 2021 issue reported that Tata had been facing some serious challenges in the development of the Altroz EV, which was expected to launch after the Nexon EV. The stumbling block was the packaging of the battery pack under the floor, which reduced ground clearance by around 20mm to 145mm. Raising the Altroz to compensate for the loss of clearance was not an option as that would completely spoil the stance of the hatch and make it look like a crossover.

Tata Altroz EV coming in 2025

For a long while after, there was no news of the Altroz EV, and Tata brought out the Tiago EV and Punch EV instead. However, speaking on the sidelines of the Tata Punch EV launch, Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Business, confirmed that the Altroz EV is in the pipeline and will arrive next year. When asked about the five upcoming models based on the Acti.EV architecture, he said, “Punch is the first one, Curvv will come next. Harrier will also come by the end of this calendar year. Then we would have Sierra and Altroz coming in 2025.” It seems like Tata has successfully sorted out the battery packaging issue.

Tata Altroz EV battery, range

Considering the Altroz EV would be based on the same platform and architecture as the Punch EV, we could see similar-sized battery packs on offer (25kWh-35kWh), with similar ARAI-rated ranges (315-421km). In addition, the outputs of the Altroz EV’s motor should also be similar to the Punch EV's 82-122hp. Like their ICE counterparts, there will be a certain overlap in terms of price between the Altroz and Punch EVs (Rs10.99 lakh-15.49 lakh, ex-showroom, India), but their respective target customers should be different enough to ensure minimal cannibalisation of sales.