Tata Altroz EV Price Expectations For India — To Be Offered With A Premium Price Tag

Tata Motors recently showcased the concept form of its latest EV, based on the Altroz at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. The new Tata Altroz EV price will be offered with a premium price tag; above the Rs 10 lakh range as previously expected.

The Tata Altroz EV will be based on the 'ALFA' platform, similar to the petrol-powered Altroz premium hatchback. The EV will also follow Tata's latest 'Impact 2.0' design language; first seen on the recently launched Harrier SUV.

Shailesh Chandra, President, Electric Mobility Business, Tata Motors, told Autocar India, "The segment above Rs 10 lakh is growing at a rapid pace and in the next 5-6 years, it will generate large volumes. With the Altroz EV, our focus is on offering strong performance, a different in-cabin experience with a flat floor structure and a floating console - all of which will be very different than what you would see typically in an IC engine vehicle."

Tata Motors also stated that the Altroz EV once launched in the Indian market is expected to return a range of 300km on a single charge. The Tata Altroz EV will also come with fast-charging, allowing 80 per cent charge in just under 60 minutes.

Currently, the prices for the batteries used on electric vehicles in India is very high. However, this is expected to come down in the next couple of years. The decrease in battery prices will further boost EV sales in the market; along with reducing the total cost of ownership of EVs.

Chandra also stated, "There's going to be a significant drop in the battery prices, which will result in lower operating and maintenance costs. This will offer a great incentive to customers," he said, adding that customers who buy cars above a certain price level appreciate technology and performance and are not that price-sensitive."

He further added, "We have been discussing with the government that it definitely makes sense to offer incentives for personal transport as well. I believe as the government is also going to review its policy every year, we will see if we are able to convince them."

The Indian government recently approved the FAME II subsidy scheme for the country. The new scheme which will offer subsidies for EVs in the market is expected to be implemented from the 1st April 2019. The FAME II scheme will see the government allocate Rs 10,000 crore towards boosting the use of EVs in India, over the next two years.

Tata Motors recently released a new TVC showcasing the Buzzard, Altroz and Altroz EV — watch the TV Commercial here.

Thoughts On The Tata Altroz EV In India

The Tata Altroz EV was showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, along with three other models — Buzzard, Altroz hatchback and the H2X Concept. Tata Motors will launch the conventional IC engine-powered Altroz model in India by July this year. The Altroz EV, on the other hand, is expected to launch sometime next year.