Tata Altroz EV development continues but packaging challenges delay market launch
Tata Motors continues to work on the long-anticipated Altroz EV, which remains a key project in the company’s growing electric vehicle portfolio. Codenamed “Ascot,” the all-electric version of the Altroz premium hatchback has been in development for several years but has faced multiple delays.
First showcased as a concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and later as a near-production model at Auto Expo 2020, the Altroz EV was initially expected to be Tata’s second electric offering following the Nexon EV. However, development was stalled due to technical hurdles, particularly involving the placement of the battery pack.
One of the primary challenges Tata faced was packaging the battery under the floor without significantly affecting the hatchback’s ground clearance. Early prototypes revealed a reduction in ground clearance by approximately 20 mm, bringing it down to 145 mm. Tata engineers concluded that raising the car’s ride height to compensate would compromise the hatchback’s proportions and design, effectively giving it a crossover-like stance, which wasn’t desirable for the Altroz’s positioning.
Despite these challenges, Tata Motors has maintained its commitment to bringing the Altroz EV to market. Earlier statements from Tata Motors’ Managing Director, Shailesh Chandra, had indicated that the Altroz EV would follow the Harrier EV and Sierra EV. However, fresh updates suggest that its launch is likely to be pushed further down the timeline.
The Altroz EV shares its underpinnings with the Punch EV, both based on Tata’s Acti.EV platform. The Punch EV is set to receive a facelift during the upcoming festive season, alongside updates for its electric variant. Notably, the updated Punch EV is expected to address packaging concerns and may even offer a larger battery pack to meet customer demand for increased range suitable for inter-city travel.
The Altroz EV is expected to mirror the Punch EV in terms of battery options and performance figures. The Punch EV currently offers two battery configurations, 25kWh and 35kWh, with an ARAI-certified range of 265 km and 365 km, respectively. It also features electric motors producing 82 HP and 122 HP.
Despite some overlap in pricing between the Altroz EV and Punch EV, Tata believes the two models will attract distinct buyer segments, minimising internal competition.
While an official launch date remains unconfirmed, the Altroz EV continues to be part of Tata’s broader electric mobility strategy, which includes a wide range of EV offerings tailored to various customer needs.
