The Michelin Challenge Design presentation during the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) featured a four-seat EV study by Tata Technologies. The Indian automaker used expertise from engineering groups in India, the United States, Great Britain and Germany to highlight the potential for functional urban EVs. The electric MObility (eMO) EV study by Tata combines retail price, vehicle range and body design to appeal to drivers in the world’s biggest cities. Tata’s concept EV is not intended for the road but the eMO EV study seems closer to full realization than other concepts at the 2012 NAIAS.
Tata’s global team of engineers was concerned with creating an all-electric vehicle that would work in heavily congested cities. This “right size” approach to vehicle design led to a frame that is relatively short but features sufficient head room and leg room for four adult passengers. Tata removed unnecessary pillars between the front and rear doors to allow for improved sightlines. The design team also ensured that the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle for easier entry and exist. The eMO EV also reduces environment impact compared to other compact vehicles by using a less extensive painting and finishing process.
The eMO EV drive system includes an 18.4 kWh battery pack located under the front seats along with an electric motor. Tata eliminated trunk space to keep body length and width down but allow passengers to store luggage underneath their seats. Performance metrics for the eMO EV include a top speed of 65 miles per hour with an estimated range of 100 miles per charge. This concept vehicle can hit 20 MPH from a dead stop in 3.4 seconds. Tata’s Vehicle Programs & Development (VPD) Group estimates that production costs could be manipulated to ensure a suggested retail price around $20,000.
This innovative approach to urban EV development could yield significant developments for Tata in the next decade. Tata consulted with 300 vehicle engineers and designers during the yearlong development process for the eMO EV. These engineers pushed the envelope enough during this process to receive 15 patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The eMO EV is a glimpse into a future where urban drivers throughout the world opt for smaller vehicles that reduce parking, traffic and emissions problems.
