The Tata Nano Electric Car
December 9, 2009 by BC Upham
Filed under Transportation
Tata Nano Will Come in Hybrid Flavor
News from the Indian automotive world: the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest production car, will someday be available as a hybrid electric.
Rumors became reality during the LA Auto Show, according to Wired, which reported a South Korean business paper got the scoop when Tata Chairman Ratan Tata let slip plans for a hybrid of the minicar. But according to StockWatch India, Ratan made the announcement at Tata’s 63rd annual meeting, and that the hybrid model “may also include some modification in exterior design.”
People and Profits, but…
The Nano has been hailed as a way to bring the advantages of car ownership to India’s billion plus citizens, who have an average per capita income of $1070. The Nano sells for just 100,000 rupees ($2,150), and gets 50 miles to the gallon, in part because the basic model eschews air conditioning, power brakes and other amenities that Western car buyers have come to expect.
