Tata Motors is already the largest electric vehicle maker in India. In the year ended March 31, 2022, it sold 19,106 passenger EVs, compared with 4,216 passenger EVs sold in the previous year, a massive four-fold jump. Its current EV product portfolio includes the Nexon EV sports utility vehicle and the Tigor EV compact sedan.
Having taken an early lead in the passenger EV market in the country, Tata Motors now wants to step on the pedal. On Wednesday, it took the wraps off the new Curvv concept. This will be a electric SUV coupe, sitting above the Nexon EV and targeting the mid-size SUV customers.
While both the Nexon and Tigor are based on the Ziptron technology, the Curvv will be based on the second generation electric vehicle architecture, which promises a new design language, longer range and will be able to accommodate multiple body styles and power train options.
The existing platforms have been modified by Tata for the second generation, so that it can accommodate larger batteries and various powertrain options. With the Curvv concept electric SUV and the second generation architecture, one can expect a certified driving range of around 400-500 kilometers on a full charge, said Tata Motors officials. In comparison, the Nexon’s ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India’s) certified driving range is around 312 km.
“With the concept Curvv, we now enter the Generation 2 EV architecture, which will further enhance the adoption of EVs in India by overcoming the current barriers. With this new architecture, we will strengthen the key pillars of range, performance and technology, while retaining safety and reliability as hygiene offerings,” said Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passengers Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.
He further said that with the Curvv concept, the focus has been to enable customers with a product option that is an amalgamation of modern functionality and design.
“With a robust SUV DNA at its core, and a plethora of new age materials, features and interfaces, we are confident that this Coupe concept will redefine mainstream SUV design,” said Chandra.
The Curvv uses the new ‘digital’ design language. There are lot of new design elements outside and inside, like the full-length LED light bar up front, two separate digital screens on the dashboard, which will house the infotainment system and instrument cluster respectively and a two-spoke steering wheel among other things.
The Curvv is still in a concept form and should be launched in the market in two years. Meanwhile, a new long-range Nexon EV variant is expected to be launched much sooner, possibly later this month.