Globally renowned commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturer, Tata Motors and its Ace range of mini trucks have established a strong presence in the CV market right from the ground up when it was designed, tried and tested and launched back in 2005. The Tata Ace, what is believed to be India’s first mini truck, after a staggering 17 years of production might have come to the phase wherein it might undergo a big transformation.
As per recent reports, the brand Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, might be planning to convert the Ace brand to run on a fully electric powertrain in the near future.
The Tata Ace, one of the largest-selling commercial vehicles, is currently sold with engines powered by petrol, diesel and CNG along with payload capacities of 640 kg and 750 kg. Among these models, Tata Ace Gold Diesel Plus is believed to be the previously best-sold model. Later on after the BS6 norms, petrol and CNG made most of the sales figures.
Also Read: Mahindra Supro Profit Truck Mini vs Tata Ace Gold Diesel Comparo
As for the Tata Ace Gold Diesel Plus, it comes equipped with a 2-cylinder, 700 cc DI engine which has the capacity to churn out 14.7kW of power at precisely 3,600 rpm and 45 Nm of peak torque at around 1,800 – 2,000 rpm. This engine is mated to a slick GBS 65 4/6.31 model gearbox for maximum fuel efficiency.
Speaking to FE, Girish Wagh, executive director, of Tata Motors, said: “Up to March 2020, Ace was predominantly diesel but after BS VI we had the petrol and an improved CNG variant. From more than 90% in BS IV, diesel is now down considerably and petrol + CNG make up 50% of the total segment. Going ahead, will electric become an important driver for growth there? I would say yes because that segment where Ace plays – the last-mile distribution is most amiable for electrification.”
Also Read: Mahindra Supro Profit Truck Mini vs Tata Intra V10 Spec Comparo
Further, the commercial vehicle segment is expected to witness the incoming of enhanced entry-level-based electric trucks in the coming years since EV adoption is having greater momentum. The reason is quite simple- the demand for electric vehicles from e-commerce companies and last-mile delivery services is significantly high.
“By the end of this decade we will have a healthy double-digit penetration of electrification of the Ace segment,” Wagh said. Furthermore, “Ace constitutes 55% of our volume, Intra is 30% and Yodha is 15%. Going ahead, while we will continue our leadership in the mini segment (Ace), we look at Intra and Yodha as our growth brands because the headroom to grow is more in pickups where these two brands will be playing.”
For more such articles and news, do join our 91Trucks WhatsApp Group. Also, please subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of trucks and buses. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about the automotive world!
