Tata's Next Launch Is An Electric SUV!
Tata Motors on Thursday (May 28), launched the new Tiago hatchback in India, with prices starting from Rs 4.69 lakh, ex-showroom, for the petrol version. The facelifted hatchback continues to offer petrol, CNG and electric powertrains. The next launch from Tata Motors is going to be even more interesting. It is in fact, one of the most anticipated EV launches of the year- the Sierra.EV. It is likely to be out sometime between July and September this year, unlike previous reports that pointed to a mid-year launch window.
The Sierra.EV will be Tata’s answer to electric mid-size SUVs like Maruti Suzuki eVitara, Mahindra BE6, MG ZS EV, Toyota Urban Cruiser eBella, and the Hyundai Creta Electric. In the carmaker’s EV portfolio, it will be positioned between the Curvv.EV and Harrier.EV.
The Curvv.EV also belongs to the 4.3-metre segment, but has a coupe design. Tata currently lacks a proper 4.3-metre electric SUV. This is the position that the Sierra.EV aims to take.
With this launch, Tata Motors will be able to further strengthen its dominance in the EV space. The high recall of the Sierra brand will also help in this.
The Sierra EV will be made at Tata’s Sanand plant in Gujarat. The internal combustion version of the Sierra is also manufactured here. This plant also produces the Nexon, and is used to handling the production of high-volume, high-demand models effectively.
The internal combustion version of the new Sierra has already established a visual identity that many admire. Bold stance, SUV-like proportions, large rear glass area and several other recognizable cues. The EV is expected to stay close with its overall styling. The last-showcased version has significant design changes from the previous iterations.
From what we know, the final form will borrow heavily from the internal combustion version’s design. It will, however, have EV-specific styling elements like a closed-off grille section, aero-optimised wheels, new bumpers, and a slightly tweaked rear section. The front fascia is likely to have the most noticeable changes. Its name and the base design cues will make the Sierra.EV recognizable, potentially adding to its acceptance here.
The interior design will also evolve significantly on the EV. the cabin is expected to use a new, more muted colour palette. There will, however, be generous sharing of features with the internal combustion engine (ICE) version.
In that case, the Sierra.EV is likely to come with a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, head-up display (HUD), ventilated front seats, power tailgate, three-screen setup, ambient lighting, 12-speaker JBL audio with Dolby Atmos, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car features, ADAS and so on.
In addition to these, the electric version is also likely to offer exclusive features, the details of which remain unclear for now. A similar pattern can, however, be seen in the case of the Harrier.EV.
Thew Sierra.EV will be based on Tata’s Acti.EV+ architecture. This EV platform is already on use in the Harrier.EV and is known to form the base of the carmaker’s newer EV models. The carmaker hasn’t yet revealed the battery pack details of the Sierra.EV. It is likely to get 55kWh and 65kWh battery pack options.
If so, the EV could have a claimed range of somewhere around 500 km per charge. Range will likely prove to be decisive in its success, as the mid-size e-SUV segment now has a bunch of models that offer high range figures. Both Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and dual-motor-based All Wheel Drive (AWD) will be offered, with the latter kept limited to higher trims.
The Sierra.EV could also come with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) abilities though the same hasn’t yet been confirmed officially.