Tata recently revealed that the brand has acquired a CAPEX backing of INR 15,000 crores on product development. The brand also established its EV subsidiary TPEML (Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited), which will further strengthen the brand’s electric vehicle portfolio. Under the new subsidiary, the brand is likely to launch a number of electric vehicles in the coming years.
Now, sources reveal that the brand has green-lit the production of the Tata Sierra. However, this Sierra we talk about is not the one that was sold under the TELCO brand in the past. But, at the Auto Expo 2020, Tata Motors unveiled a new Sierra concept with a pure electric powertrain. If the new Sierra EV is put into production, it will become the brand’s first EV-only model.
Sigma Platform – ‘Born Electric’
Tata currently has two electric vehicles in its portfolio – The Tata Nexon EV and the Tigor EV. Both the vehicles are based on ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) counterparts. But for the Tata Sierra EV, the brand will use the Born Electric platform. The dedicated electric vehicle platform will be built grounds up and will only be able optimised and able to accommodate electric powertrains. This will ensure efficiency and space. Also known as the Sigma platform, Tata will heavily engineer the platform around the battery and motor.
It does take inspiration from the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture which made its debut on the Altroz. But, engineers will delete the transmission tunnel and make modifications to the fuel tank area. Thanks to the changes, the Sigma platform will be lighter, more energy-efficient and more spacious compared to ICE platform-based EVs.
Launch Timeline
Reports suggest that Tata is planning to launch 10 electric vehicles in the next five years. But the Sierra is not likely to make its debut before 2025. Sources say that at least 6 electric vehicles are planned to be introduced before the Tata Sierra EV. These are likely to come with ICE-based platforms.
Also Read: Tata Nexon Coupe mid-size SUV in development, is this the Blackbird?
