Tata has been planning to accelerate its electric vehicle department, for which the brand also recently introduced a dedicated vertical TPEML (Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited). Sources suggest that the brand has already plotted three electric vehicle platforms for the next decade. These also include the upcoming Sigma platform, which is dedicated to underpin electric vehicles of the future. The brand is also planning to introduce a skateboard platform in addition to the converted IC platform that currently underpins Tata electric vehicles.
While the Converted IC platform allows quick conversions of internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles such as the Nexon EV and Tigor EV. The Sigma platform will be a bespoke electric architecture that will underpin upcoming Tata EVs, including the Tata Sierra EV. The third skateboard platform will be introduced in the future and built from the grounds up. This will allow the brand to work on the future of electric vehicles in parallel and according to the segment and demand.
The ICE to EV platform strategy allows the brand to quickly adopt the internal combustion vehicle and convert it into an EV. The brand has already launched two examples of such vehicles, which include the Tata Nexon EV built on the X1 platform and the Tata Tigor EV, which is based on the X0 platform. The electric motors and battery on the two have been worked around to fit in the space left behind by the IC engine and fuel tank. The EV, therefore, still comes with a transmission tunnel, which may not be required in electric vehicles.
The electric-only ‘Sigma’ architecture will be heavily modified for electrification. The Sigma platform is likely to be based on the existing ALFA or X4 architecture. The ALFA and X4 currently underpin the Tata Altroz and Punch. Thanks to the modifications, the transmission tunnels are likely to be removed, and the fuel tank area is modified. The side members are also likely to be pushed away from the cabin to create more legroom and a flat floor. The brand will be re-engineering the platform around the battery pack for further optimisation. The Sierra EV is likely to be built on the Sigma platform and is likely to make its debut in the near future.
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