Tata Nano hasn’t set any deadline for the retail launch to private buyers but announces the agreement to supply 1,000 Neos to Ola
The electric version of Nano which has been rebranded as Neo has secured Rs 1.24 lakh in government subsidy. Jayem Neo, the manufacturer of Neo, is likely to make its debut under a commercial agreement with the cab aggregator Ola.
The cars are still under development and there is no deadline yet for the retail launch for private buyers. As per the plans announced by the company, the agreement is to supply 1,000 Neos to Ola.
Neo is in the same bracket after Mahindra e20 and the Tata Tigor EV
Securing Rs 1.24 lakh in govt subsidy puts the fully electric car in the same bracket as the Mahindra e20 and the Tata Tigor EV. Tata Motors has confirmed its agreement with Jayem Auto to supply body shells of the Nano for further engineering. Jayem Auto will make a host of additions including an electric powertrain and interiors.
The Neo is shorter but is wider and taller than the Mahindra e20. The e20 is priced at Rs 7.46 lakh after the government subsidy of Rs 1.24 lakh. The Tigor also receives a subsidy of Rs 1.24 lakh and is bought at Rs 11.2 lakh by Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). Mahindra e20 is the only vehicle of the three that is sold to personal buyers. Tata Tigor is not retailed to private buyers as it is bought by government-owned EESL to ferry government officials in Delhi.
Neo expects to bring fresh lease to car
The sales in recent months have dipped and the electric version of Nano brings a fresh lease to the car. The model is produced mostly on confirmed orders from dealers. Tata Motors said the Nano in current form cannot meet the new emission regulations in 2020, signalling that the minicar will be phased out.
Moreover, Chennai-based TVS Motor Company has also registered an electric three-wheeler with the government for a subsidy of Rs 61,000. The King Electric Lix, a battery-powered autorickshaw, was first showcased by the company at the 2014 India Auto Expo.
The government is keen on pushing electric mobility in cities in order to reduce vehicular pollution. Due to which all the automotive companies are pushing them forward in the development process of electric vehicles.
