Tata Nano-based Jayem Neo EV spotted

Cab aggregator Ola Cabs is set to incorporate the Tata Nano-based Jayem Neo EV in its fleet. The first batch of Jayem Neo EVs for Ola Cabs will comprise 400 units. 

Photos of the Jayem Neo EV with Ola Cabs stickers from Hyderabad suggest the model will be rolled-out first in the city. The Neo will be added to the Ola Cabs fleet in other cities, in time.

The Jayem Neo EV, as reported by us earlier, is based on the Tata Nano. As part of the agreement, Tata Motors supplies complete Nano body shells, apart from engine and gearbox, to Jayem Automotives, which then assembles the car and adds a 48-Volt electric system that puts out 17kW (23hp). This powertrain is supplied by Electra EV, a technology company that develops and produces electric drive systems. Electra EV also provides electric powertrains for the Tigor EV and the Tiago EV.

As seen from the pictures, the vehicle does not carry any Tata branding, but gets Jayem badging and Neo logos; there are no design-based changes when compared to the stock Tata Nano. 

Jayem Automotives has a long-standing association with Tata Motors and recently entered into a joint-venture (JT Special Vehicles) to develop sporty versions of select Tata models. The first models with JTP badging, the Tata Tigor JTP and Tata Tiago JTP, were shown at Auto Expo 2018 and more recently test mules have also been spotted near Coimbatore.

Interestingly, Tata Motors is also likely to have its own version of the Neo in the future. Tata is already supplying electric versions of the Tiago and Tigor to the government-owned EESL.  The Tigor EV and Tiago EV are not on sale to the public yet. However, Tata Motors is considering a phased launch for the models.

Would a Tata Nano EV appeal to you as a city car? Let us know in the comments section below.