At a time when fuel conservation is becoming imperative across the world, Tata Motor is aiming to make a car, Tata Megapixel that can deliver up to 100 kilometres from a litre of fuel by using a unique combination of technology.
The company, which surprised the world with 'Rs one lakh car Nano, is the driver of this concept vehicle which is a four -seater global range extended electric vehicle (REEV) meant for city driving. The new innovation from the house of Tatas is likely to be commercially launched in around three years from now.
"Realistically such products take at least 3 years to develop. There are lots of electric technology to be developed, besides many other things," Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata said.
Principle features:
The vehicle combines a lithium ion phosphate battery and an on-board petrol engine generator for recharging on the move. According to the company, Tata Megapixel offers a range of up to 900 km (with a single tank of fuel) and fuel economy of 100 km/litre (under battery only power).
It also said the car will have CO2 emission of "just 22 gm/km". Last year at the 81st Geneva Motor Show Tata Motors had unveiled Tata Pixel, a city car concept for Europe. Pixel is yet to be commercially launched.
Among other features, the Megapixel's electric drive has four independent electric motors, one at each wheel. To make parking easier, the electric hub motors drive the wheels in opposite directions, while the front wheels are turned at an acute angle, enabling a 2.8 metre turning radius. It also has an easy charging feature with the at-home charging system with an induction system. The car has simply to be parked over the induction pad for charging to begin.
