KATHMANDU: The Tata Nano could make a comeback in the future, this time as an electric car. While Tata Motors has not officially confirmed plans to revive the Nano, a recent comment from the company’s India design head has hinted at the possibility.
Speaking to ABP Auto Live, Tata Motors India Design Head Ajay Jain was asked whether the Nano could return. He replied, “We will try.”
Jain described the Nano as an innovative car that helped put India on the global automotive map. He also said it would be exciting to see the nameplate return in an electric form.
His comments do not confirm that Tata is currently developing a Nano EV. However, they suggest that the company has not ruled out bringing back the iconic nameplate.
From the world’s cheapest car to a city EV
The Tata Nano went on sale in 2009 and was discontinued in 2018. Tata originally marketed it as the world’s cheapest new car.
Instead of being marketed simply as the cheapest car, an electric Nano could be positioned as a compact, practical and affordable city EV.
However, there is still room below the Tiago EV for a smaller and more affordable electric model. A Nano EV could potentially fill that gap.
Tata Motors had previously explored an electric version of the Nano in partnership with Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotive. The project resulted in the Jayem Neo, an electric version based on the Nano.
The prototype featured a 17 kWh battery pack and a claimed range of around 130 km. The project showed that the Nano platform could be adapted for electric mobility.
For now, however, a new Nano EV remains only a possibility. Tata Motors has yet to announce any official development or launch plan.
