Tata Motors Launches First-Ever Electric Truck To Widen EV Focus

As part of Tata Motors’ theme for Auto Expo 2020, which is building a sustainable future through aspirational, innovative mobility solutions in India, the company unveiled Ultra T.7 Electric, India’s first intermediate commercial electric truck.

The Ultra T.7 Electric is the latest offering from Tata Motors in the ILCV segment under the vehicle range of Ultra Platform. “It is developed for Indian roads, redefining the transportation industry leveraging enhanced technologies, blending ideally both technology and economy of operations,” said the company.

The Ultra T.7 Electric can be fully charged in around two hours using a DC fast charger. It has been designed to address the specific needs of the evolving Hub & Spoke model of goods distribution.

The truck would deliver faster turnaround time, higher payload capacity, easier maneuverability delivered through a narrow aerodynamic cabin and sharp turning circle radius (6.95 mt). “Our EV portfolio is in line with India’s vision to promote clean and green vehicles,” said the company.

Additionally, the Tata Group is also looking at other innovative solutions in people and goods transport and it is planning to make electric cars and batteries, set up charging stations and build a battery recycling plant to solidify an EV ecosystem.

Tata Motors, Tata Chemicals, Tata Power and Tata Croma are reportedly pooling resources and expertise to build an electric vehicle ecosystem. The announcement of the plans came at the recent launch of Tata Motors’ Nexon EV.

Tata Power plans to set up 650 charging stations in more than 20 major Indian cities over the next year. The company has set up 100 charging stations to date. All stations will support fast charging and will be linked to a mobile application developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for payments and to check availability.

Other than Tata Group, many automotive players have lately been upping their EV game. South Korean automobile company Hyundai is working on bringing a new mass-market electric vehicle (EV) to the Indian market within the 2-3 years. Hyundai had earlier announced to invest $17 Bn over the next six years on new technologies to speed the switchover to electric and autonomous vehicles.

German luxury carmaker Audi has said that it will be bringing its e-Tron premium electric SUV later this year to India. Audi India is currently focussing on training manpower and ensuring readiness for the components and spare parts for EVs.

The Auto Expo 2020 also saw numerous new electric vehicles. MG Motor unveiled its all-new electric sports utility vehicle called the ‘Marvel X, Mahindra showcased its first compact electric SUV called eKUV100 and Maruti Suzuki announced its electric mobility plans for the future at the expo.

The event will also be witnessing the presence of over 18 startups, including Okinawa Autotech, Devit Motors, eVERVE Motors and ONB technologies and Evolet India among others.