Tata Motors recently launched the electric version of its popular commercial vehicle, Ace. The new all-electric commercial vehicle is called the Ace EV. The Ace EV is part of the company’s ‘Future DeliEVered’ initiative. The Ace has been a success for the company since its launch, with over 2 million units sold in 2012 alone. The new electric ‘Chhota Haathi’ aims to continue the success story of the previous model. Tata says the new Ace EV will provide an enhanced and economical last-mile delivery solution. Furthermore, the Ace EV becomes the first electric four-wheeled commercial vehicle in the country.
Tata Motors has signed MoUs with several leading e-commerce companies and logistic service providers. These companies include BigBasket, Amazon, Flipkart, LetsTransport, MOEVing, Yelo EV, City Link and DOT. The total order for all the companies combined is for 39,000 units of the Ace EV.
The Tata Ace EV is the first to feature the company’s new EVOGEN platform. It uses an AC induction motor and has a peak output of 36 HP and 130 Nm. The motor allows it to have a class-leading gradeability of 22 degrees. According to Tata, the Ace EV gets to 30 kmph from a standstill in 7 seconds. The Ace EV also gets regenerative braking and an aero deflector. The aero deflector helps reduce drag resistance and thus helps to improve the range.
The commercial electric vehicle uses a 21.3 kWh battery pack with a Lithium-Ion Iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry. The battery chemistry allows the battery pack to be thermally stable. The high thermal stability makes it suitable for India’s operating conditions. Additionally, all the drive parts are also IP67-rated for dust and waterproofing. The certified range on a single charge is 154 km.
The Ace EV measures 3800mm in length, 1500mm in width and 2635mm in height. The wheelbase measures 2100mm. To tackle the Indian road conditions, it gets a ground clearance of 160mm. Furthermore, it gets a tight turning radius of 4.3 metres for increased manoeuvrability. The Ace EV’s gross vehicle weight is 1840 kg and has a maximum payload of 600 kg.