The electrified Tata Nano will go on sale on November 28 but will be called the Jayem Neo. Tata Motors is supplying the body shell of the car to Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives, which has taken responsibility to manufacture and sell the EV. Jayem Automotives, which has worked with Tata Motors in the past, recently entered into a joint-venture (JT Special Vehicles) with the automaker to develop sporty versions of some Tata cars. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Jayem Neo in Hyderabad.
The electric powertrain will be supplied by Electra EV, a specialist firm that works with design, development and supply of electric powertrains, battery packs as well as charging infrastructure. The engine is a 48-Volt electric unit that puts out 17kW (23hp), but will only be available in this spec for the taxi market. The first 400 Neos will be supplied to Ola cabs. Sources claim an ARAI cycle range of 200km on a full charge, which drops to around 140km with four persons and air-conditioning. A more powerful version for private buyers is in the works.
