First Electric Car From India's Tata Motors Reportedly Nearing Launch - In Norway

First Electric Car From India's Tata Motors Reportedly Nearing Launch - In Norway

By John O'Dell September 8, 2009

India's Tata Motors reportedly is getting close to launching the battery-electric version of its Indica Vista four-seat hatchback (right) - an emissions-free car that's been in the works for several years.

But it won't be India's smog-choked cities that benefit from the Indica, which apparently is too expensive to be profitably marketed there. Instead, Tata (which also owns Land Rover and Jaguar) will roll out its first EV in Norway, with launches in other Scandinavian countries and, possibly, Britain, to follow.

According to a report in India's "Economic Times," Tata will build the Indica EV in Norway from component kits shipped from India.

Tata last year invested in a Norwegian EV component maker, Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon and has partnered with Norwegian battery maker Electrovaya to supply lithium-ion polymer batteries for the Indica EV.

Tata also is considering building the Indica EV in Britain for further European distribution if the government agrees to support development of the car there.

Tata doesn't have present plans to build the car in India but said in a filing with the Indian government that it could charge its mind if it perceives a market.

The Economic Times article said the present specs for the Indica EV call for a top speed of 93 mph from an electric drive system capable of producing just under 74 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. 

John O'Dell:  is an AutoObserver Senior Editor. Follow @AutoObserver on Twitter.