Indian auto giant Tata Motors announced on February 20 that it had inked a Memorandum of Understanding with ride-hailing company Uber. The MoU commits the automaker to supply a total of 25,000 XPRES–T EVs for Uber’s premium category service in a phased manner for the coming three years.
The move aligns with Uber’s goal of offering green, shared mobility to the country through electric vehicles or micro-mobility, such as rental bicycles and e-scooters, by 2040.
“It represents the largest EV partnership yet between an automaker and a ridesharing platform in India. It will supercharge the transition to zero emissions on the Uber platform as we work towards building a sustainable future. We are committed to doing our part to bring down the barriers to going electric by working with industry partners that are leading the change.”
Uber India and South Asia President, Prabhjeet Singh
Scope
Uber plans to deploy Tata’s XPRES–T EVs throughout the following areas: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.
As mentioned, Tata will employ a phased manner for the next three years in completing the 25,000 XPRES–T EV deliveries to Uber, which will commence this February 2023.
“In line with our commitment to grow sustainable mobility in the country, we are delighted to partner with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform. Offering customers our environmentally friendly EV ride experiences via Uber’s Premium Category service, will accelerate the adoption of green and clean personal ride sharing.”
Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Managing Director
Xpres-T EV
Tata claims it has already deployed more than 50,000 Tata EVs in the private and fleet segments to data. With the new partnership with Uber, the automaker is now set to deploy another 25,000 from its EV portfolio.
The Xpres-T EV is the company’s first model under the XPRES brand, which debuted in July 2021.
Below are the key specifications of the Xpres-T EV, per the official website:
| Xpres-T EV | Specs |
| Vehicle Type | M1 Category |
| Motor | 72 V 3-Phase AC Induction Motor |
| Emission | Zero Tailpipe Emission |
| Max. Power (kW @ r/min) | 30 kW @ 4500 r/min |
| Max. Torque (Nm @ r/min) | 105 Nm @ 2500 r/min |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 21.5 |
| Transmission | Single Speed, Automatic |
| Gradeability | 9.8 Deg |
| Regenerative Braking | Yes |
| AC Charging Standard | BEVC-AC001 |
| DC Fast Charging Standard | BEVC-DC001 |
| Normal Charging Time (0%-100%) | 11.5 hrs* |
| Fast Charging Time (0%-80% with 15 kW charger) | 110 min* |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 80 |
| Certified Full Charge Range (as per MIDC Cycle) (km) | 213 km |
| Front Brakes | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Semi-Independent; Twist Beam with Dual Path Strut |
| Size, Type | R14 175/65 Tubeless |
The Indian automaker claims that the range of the Xpres-T EV will be around 277 to 315 km. However, the Automotive Research Association of India argues that its small battery with a capacity of 21.5 kWh would reduce the estimated claim range if tested per WLTP.
Meanwhile, it boasts a maximum power of 30 kW at 4500 r/min and a peak torque of 105 Nm at 2500 r/min.
As for its charging capabilities, the EV can fast charge from 0% to 80% in just 110 minutes.
As for the dimensions, check the table below:
| Xpres-T EV | Dimensions |
| Overall Length (mm) | 3993 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1677 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1537 |
| Wheel Base (mm) | 2450 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) (Unladen) | 176 |
| Bootspace (Litres) | 255 |
| Turning Radius (m) | 5.1 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) | 15861590 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Steering | Electrically Power Assisted |
Tata Motors’ online configurator claims that the Xpres-T EV is 3993mm long and 1677mm wide. It offers a 5-seating capacity and a boot space of 255 liters.
“The XPRES-T EV is a very attractive option both for customers and operators. While enhanced safety, silent and premium in cabin experience provides the customers with a relaxed ride, the fast charging solution, driving comfort and the cost effectiveness of the EV makes it an attractive business proposition for our fleet partners. This partnership will further cement our market position in the fleet segment.”
Mr. Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Managing Director
