Tata Ultra T7 EV electric truck is the first of its kind in India and has a claimed range of 100km on a full charge
Tata Motors had showcased the Ultra T7 (written as ‘T.7’) EV at the 2020 Auto Expo as one of its novel electric commercial products. The Tata Ultra T7 EV is the country’s first electric truck and has a D+2 seating arrangement. The cabin structure has been entirely out of steel to keep the weight down and, to an extent, improve performance.
The ‘Ultra Narrow Cab’ spans 1.9 meters in width and complies with the last crash test and vehicle safety norms. The narrow cab arrangement allows for easy manoeuvrability and a lower turning circle radius of 6.95 meters. Despite being relatively on the smaller side, the electric truck offers an appreciable payload capacity.
The cabin design is aesthetically pleasing for a vehicle in this category. The dashboard is ergonomically designed not only to offer good driving pleasure but to reduce fatigue, thereby increasing productivity and profitability.
The Tata Ultra T7 EV is powered by a 245kW motor coupled to a 62.5 kWh Octillion battery. The powertrain produces around 2,800Nm of torque while mated to a G1150 transmission (not to be confused with a regular gearbox). This allows for a top speed of 80kmph and a range of 100km on a full charge. The range figure may not be impressive on paper but is more than okay for a start. DC fast-charging is also available to load the battery to full in around two hours.
Suspension duties are carried by parabolic springs. There is an anti-roll bar at the front and semi-elliptical leaf springs with parabolic auxiliary at the rear. The tilt/telescopic steering is a hydraulic unit. Braking is carried out by conventional air drum brakes at the front and rear. The Tata Ultra T7 rides on 235/75 R17.5 tubeless radial tyres and is capable of a gradient climb ability of 26 per cent.
Even though it was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, the launch timeline of the Tata Ultra T7 has not been confirmed as the company is awaiting vendor reaction. At the 2020 Auto Expo, Tata Motors showcased 26 vehicles. The range also included the new Winger and Prima 5530.S facelift. Tata’s 4/12 Low Floor Entry Electric Bus was the company’s first electric offerings for urban transportation. On the other hand, the new Tata Ultra T7 EV is the first commercial truck with zero emissions.