Tata Motors tests export markets for EVs, to roll out EV-only dealerships in India
Tata Motors, India's biggest electric carmaker, is testing its electric vehicles in some global markets where it could look at a potential launch if the experiment succeeds, its managing director told Reuters.
The tests are in early stages and based on how the cars perform, Tata may need to make some changes to the product before it can finalise and develop a «go to market» strategy, Shailesh Chandra said in an interview.
«It is about which markets I should be in, with what products and with what kind of distribution strategy. We are assessing some markets, running our cars, discussing with business partners,» he said.
Chandra said it was too early to discuss details of the export markets and there would be more clarity next year.
Tata also plans to roll out new car dealerships over coming quarters in some Indian cities that will exclusively sell EVs as sales of its clean cars gain momentum and it lines up faster launches of new electric models, Chandra said.
Sales of EVs globally have been growing as tighter emission regulations push carmakers to increase the share of electric cars in their portfolio.
While Tesla still leads the EV race, Chinese rivals like BYD are catching up with new factories and aggressive exports.
Tata Motors, which already sells three EV models, launched its fourth electric car in New Delhi on Thursday — a new version of its Nexon electric SUV with a starting price of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000), which can be driven for 465 kilometres (289 miles) on a single charge.
The EV maker has a more than 80% share of India's electric car market, which is small but growing, and where it competes with China's MG Motor and home-grown Mahindra & Mahindra. Tesla is also eyeing an India factory and is in talks
