The introduction of the 7-metre Ultra EV 7M is expected to broaden Tata’s footprint, particularly among smaller, cost-sensitive operators seeking entry-level EV solutions.
03 Sep 2024 | 3825 Views | By Shahkar Abidi
Tata Motors which unveiled its Ultra EV 7 metre electric bus at Prawaas 4.0, hopes it will attract smaller corporates looking to enter the clean mobility space, particularly for employee transportation, as well as targeting urban mass transit and last-mile passenger connectivity.
Prawaas 4.0 is a biennial event for ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Tata Motors which unveiled its Ultra EV 7 metre electric bus at Prawaas 4.0, hopes it will attract smaller corporates looking to enter the clean mobility space, particularly for employee transportation, as well as targeting urban mass transit and last-mile passenger connectivity.
Prawaas 4.0 is a biennial event for bus and car operators in Bengaluru.
“It is an entry point for many corporates to step into the EV space,” Anand S, Vice President and Head of the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business at Tata Motors said, highlighting the bus's potential to carve out a new niche in the market. “The bigger segment can be in urban mass first and last-mile connectivity, opening up a completely new segment for operators.”
The Ultra EV 7M is powered by a 213 kW electric motor paired with an IP67-rated 200 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a range of up to 160 kilometres on a single charge. It also boasts fast charging capabilities, with a full recharge, achievable in just 2.5 hours, making it a practical solution for daily corporate and urban transport needs.
Safety features are at the forefront of its design, with an electronic braking system, electronic stability control, and an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that includes Automatic Passenger Counting. The vehicle’s regenerative braking technology further enhances its efficiency and extends its operational range, the company pointed out.
Tata Motors has been a significant player in India’s electric bus market, having supplied approximately 2,900 buses under various government tenders in recent years, mainly in the 9-metre and 12-metre segments. The introduction of the 7-metre Ultra EV 7M is expected to expand Tata’s footprint, particularly among smaller, cost-sensitive operators seeking entry-level EV solutions.
A resurgent market for buses
The launch of the Ultra EV 7M comes at a time of renewed growth for India’s bus industry, one of the sectors most severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The commercial passenger vehicle segment, which contracted by a staggering 85% at the height of the pandemic, has since recovered, registering a 39% growth in the first quarter of FY25, as compared to the same period last year, driven by strong demand from state transport undertakings (STUs), corporate staff transport, and the tours and travel industry.
“This signals the kind of momentum that the industry has shown,” said Anand. “We expect this growth to continue in the months to come.” State transport corporations are increasingly issuing new tenders, while corporate fleets are being modernised with a clear shift towards sustainable employee transport solutions.
The Indian government’s push towards electrification is also playing a pivotal role in the sector’s recovery. Policy measures such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) initiative are providing much-needed incentives, spurring the adoption of electric buses across the country.
Demand for electric buses such as Tata’s Ultra EV 7M is expected to increase, as cities look at cleaner fuel options to tackle pollution and congestion. The vehicle’s appeal lies in its adaptability, catering to the needs of both corporate fleets and urban transport networks.
The road ahead for India’s bus industry may still have bumps, but with a strong policy framework and rising demand for cleaner, more efficient transport options, the sector is gearing up for a transformative journey. It is here that Tata Motors, with its Ultra EV 7M, is looking to fill the product whitespaces required for pushing the adoption of clean mobility in the country.