Tata Motors rolls out first batch of Tigor EVs from Sanand plant

Tata Motors today rolled out the first batch of the electric variant of its compact sedan Tigor from its Sanand facility in Gujarat.

The Tigor Electric Vehicles (EVs) flagged off by Tata group chairman N Chandrasekaran, form part of the 350 units to be delivered to Energy Efficiency Services (EESL), which had placed an order for 10,000 electric sedans that is being shared by Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra.

Present on the occasion were Ratan N Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors and members of the Tata Motors executive committee.

The Tigor EVs are being manufactured for the government under prestigious order from Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), an entity under the ministry of power.

Roll-out of the first batch of Tigor electric vehicle marks a significant milestone for Tata Motors and its Sanand facility in the march towards e-mobility.

"This occasion is a significant milestone for Tata Motors and a proud moment for the entire team. As we work together to build the future of e-mobility in India, I am confident that our customers will respond very favourably to this electric model. I congratulate the entire Tata Motors team for this commendable achievement and wish them the very best as they go forward on this journey," group chairman Chandrasekaran said while flagging off the batch of electric vehicles.

"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 recognise the invaluable contribution made by Electra EV as part of this team. With Tigor EV, we have begun our journey in boosting e-mobility and offering a full range of electric vehicles to the Indian customers. This tender has effectively paved way for connecting our aspirations in the e-mobility space with the vision of the government," Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said.

Tata Motors had qualified as L1 bidder in the midst of stiff competition and won the tender of 10,000 electric cars floated by EESL in September 2017. The contract was later divided between Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra after the latter matched the L1 bidder's price quote.

For phase 1, Tata Motors is required to deliver 250 Tigor EVs, for which it has received a LoA. For an additional 100 cars, the LoA is expected to be issued shortly by EESL.

Tata Motors said the electric drive systems for the Tigor EVs have been developed and supplied by Electra EV, a company that develops and supplies electric drive systems for the automotive sector.

The Indian government is planning a wholesale shift to electric cars by 2030 as part of its efforts to reduce both oil imports and carbon emissions.

Tata Motors won the bid for supply of 10,000 EVs in a tender floated by EESL by quoting a price that was Rs2.3 lakh lower than the price quoted by Mahindra. However, Mahindra, the only manufacturer of electric cars in India at present, was later given the option to match Tata Motors' price and accordingly chose to sell 150 e-Veritos to EESL.

Mahindra has already supplied some of them. The EESL order first mandated supply to be completed on/before 30 November but was later postponed to December-end.

For phase 1, Tata Motors is required to deliver 250 Tigor EVs, for which it has received a letter of agreement. For an additional 100 cars, the agreement is expected to be issued shortly by EESL, the company said. "