First batch of the Tata Tigor Electric has been delivered to the Government of India. This delivery is a part of the contract announced by the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), for which Tata Motors was the lowest bidder. The company is thus supposed to deliver a total of 250 units of the Tigor Electric Vehicle (EV) to EESL under the first phase of the contract.
At the moment, the Tigor electric is not for sale for private car buyers. It’s only being manufactured to fulfill the order of the EESL. While Tata has been very vocal about the entire tender and delivery process, the company hasn’t revealed any official specifications or other details regarding the said model till now.
But we do know some details of the Tata Tigor electric, thanks to an earlier leaked document. The document in question is essentially a homologation certificate from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Every new car that needs to be launched in the Indian market has to obtain such a certificate from ARAI, before it can go on sale in the country. Hence, this document reveals that Tata has already completed development of the vehicle and is thus will be introduced in the market pretty soon.
Tata Motors has been ambitiously working towards launching a portfolio of electric cars in India in the near future. The company’s UK-based Research & Development centre recently unveiled the Tata Tiago electric concept, which is claimed to be able to run for over 100 km on a single charge. And with the Tigor electric, Tata Motors is planning to expand its electric vehicle portfolio as well as showcase the new powertrain’s capabilities.
The company’s plans to develop a Tigor electric came to light after Tata Motors managed to get a massive order from the Government of India. Under this deal, Tata Motors has been made responsible for supplying 5,000 electric vehicles to Government officials. The company has received a tender for the said deal from Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL), which is a joint venture company formed by the participation of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation, and POWERGRID.
Must Read: Tata Tiago electric full details
Tata hasn’t revealed significant details about the Tigor electric till now. However, the compact sedan is expected to be equipped with a similar version of the 85 kW powertrain that was showcased with the Tiago electric recently. Having a contract of 10,000 units will help the carmaker to test the capabilities of the electric vehicle in Indian conditions and will also enhance economies of scale.
Tata Tigor electric price in India
Interestingly, various other companies had also filled for the aforementioned order, including Mahindra electric that already has an electric car lineup in the country. However, Tata managed to get the tender by quoting the lowest price of Rs. 10.16 lakh for each car, excluding GST. This price also includes service support for 5-year warranty. Post GST, the Tata Tigor Electric will be priced at Rs. 11.2 lakh.
Must Read: Tata Tigor – everything you need to know!
Tata Tigor electric launch date in India
Production of the Tata Tigor electric has already started in India. However, the car will initially be delivered only to the Indian government. It is expected to be unveiled for the regular buyers in India in the near future.
Tata has signed a contract with EESL to supply 10,000 electric cars to the Government of India. The first batch will be supplied in two phases. Deliveries of the first phase have already commenced, while the remaining 9,500 models will be delivered post-testing.
We also expect the Tata Tigor electric car to be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo in Greater Noida.
Tata Tigor electric specifications
The Tata Tigor electric will be powered by a 85 kW electrified powertrain that will put out 40 bhp of power. The electric Tigor car will be capable of running for around 120-150 km per charge. This powertrain will give a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of around 11 seconds and a top speed of 135 km/h.
The Tigor electric will be able to be completely charged in 6 hours, while a 90 minutes fast charge option will also be provided to give a 70-80% juice to the battery in a smaller time frame.
| Engine | 85 kW electric motor |
| Range | 120-150 km |
| Power | 40 BHP |
| Top Speed | 135 km/h |
Tata Tigor Electric – official statement by Tata Motors
Tata Motors has recently made an official statement related to the Tigor electric car. According to this statement, the company will make a profit on each unit of the electrified Tigor that it sells to the government. This announcement comes after Mahindra, who is currently the only Indian automaker to offer full electric cars, claimed that the prices quoted by Tata Motors to win the tender were unrealistic and the company will lose money on each sale.
Additionally, Tata Motors has also announced that the running cost of Tigor Electric will be just Rs 0.25 / km. Hence, the ex-showroom price of 11.2 lakh, which is including an annual maintenance contract, will prove to be profitable for the end customer. Moreover, Tata Motors is so confident of its electric car project that it has given its willingness to supply all 10,000 units to the Government of India, in case the other company – Mahindra, back off from the deal.