Tata Motors has just introduced a new and sleek coupe SUV, the Tata Curvv.ev, with a starting price of Rs 17.49 lakh in India. This electric vehicle (EV) boasts a range of over 400 kilometers on a single charge. It’s packed with advanced technology, including a dual-screen infotainment system, features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), wireless charging, and more.
In an exclusive chat with Tech Today’s Aayush Ailawadi, Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors, shared insights about how the auto industry in India is evolving with technology. He noted that modern cars are essentially like mobile devices on wheels, with their functions largely controlled by software. Chandra explained that the industry is shifting towards “software-defined vehicles,” meaning cars will soon receive updates and new features over the air, just like smartphones do. He anticipates that this trend will become more common in the next year or two, transforming how cars are designed and maintained.
Regarding the growth of EVs in India, Chandra acknowledged that while EV adoption is increasing, the pace can vary by region. For example, Germany and China have seen some slowdown due to changes in incentives and subsidies. Nonetheless, he is confident that electrification is the future of the auto industry. Tata Motors is focused on developing the right products and supporting the growth of EVs in India. They are working on localizing battery manufacturing and other components to advance EV technology.
Chandra also discussed the Tata Curvv’s availability in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric variants. He mentioned that although EVs are becoming more popular, ICE vehicles are still likely to outsell EVs in India due to their broader range of power options, including diesel and petrol. While the price and range of EVs have improved, they are still evolving, and ICE vehicles remain the more common choice for now.
He highlighted that Tata Motors aimed to overcome the challenge of range anxiety with the Curvv.ev. They wanted to ensure the vehicle could travel 400 to 450 kilometers on a single charge, as most intercity trips in India are shorter than this distance. Improving range helps address concerns about charging infrastructure and the initially high battery prices, which restricted EVs to lower ranges. However, with battery costs dropping by 50% over the past year or so, Tata Motors has been able to offer larger battery packs at competitive prices.
