Tata Motors today rolled out the first batch of electric Tigor sedans from its plant in Sanand, Gujarat as a part of its order to supply electric vehicles to the government-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).
The roll-out of the Tigor EV was flagged off by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Group in presence of Tata Motors head, Guenter Butschek.
Electric powertrain specialist Electra EV has developed and supplied the electric drive systems for the Tigor EV. The firm is also the supplier of the 48-Volt electric system in the recently announced ‘Neo’, Tata's Nano-based EV produced by Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives.
The Tigor EV is currently supplied to EESL only. Whether Tata Motors will also sell the Tigor EV to the masses remains to be seen.
Tata Motors quoted the lowest price in a bid of Rs 11.2 lakh to bag the tender, which was later matched by Mahindra & Mahindra. Under the EV procurement tender for a total of 10,000 cars, 500 vehicles are to be delivered in first phase and the rest in the second phase.
Tata Motors is set to supply 250 Tigor EVs under the Phase I of the tender and is awaiting an LoA (Letter of Appointment) for an additional 100 cars. The remaining 150 vehicles will be supplied by Mahindra, which recently began the handover of e-Veritos to EESL.
Commenting on today's rollout, Guenter Butschek, CEO and MD, Tata Motors said, “It is indeed a momentous occasion for us as we have shown an exemplary teamwork spirit to overcome all challenges in delivering this project. I also recognize the invaluable contribution made by Electra EV, as part of this team. With the Tigor EV, we have begun our journey in boosting e-mobility and in offering a full range of electric vehicles to the Indian customers.”
Also see: Tata Tiago EV concept revealed