Tata SUVs CNG plan expands as Tata Motors considers CNG and strong hybrid options for its larger SUVs, including Curvv, Harrier, Safari and the all-new Sierra. Full details here.
Tata Considering CNG & Hybrid Options for Larger SUVs
In a move that could accomplish several goals, Tata Motors is considering the possibility of offering Tata SUVs CNG and strong hybrid powertrain to its larger SUVs. Tata Motors sold more than 1.2 lakh CNG cars in CY 2024 -This year, Tata CNG car sales are poised to touch above 1.5 lakh.
In a move that could serve multiple purposes, Tata Motors is considering introducing CNG and strong hybrid powertrain to its large SUVs. The list covers such Tata SUVs as the Curvv, Harrier, Safari as well as the all-new Sierra. CNG is already quite popular but strong hybrid powertrain is also gaining momentum. Now we shall have more information on these developments.
Growing Demand for CNG in 4m+ Tata SUVs
Hybrid Tata CNG Hybrid Hybrid options are available in the 4m+ SUVs Tata is now offering an option of Tata SUVs CNG with its smaller cars of less than 4 meters such as Nexon, Punch, Tiago, Tigor and Altroz. In the previous year, their CNG car sales were in excess of 1.2 lakh. It will probably go beyond 1.5 lakh this year. In such a demand and growth profile, it would only appear to make sense to expand their cars with CNG.
CNG Expansion Likely in Curvv & Future Sierra
There are no significant issues that should be encountered when introducing Tata SUVs CNG option with its bigger SUVs. Short-term CNG portfolio growth opportunities may be 4.3 meter SUVs of Tata such as Curvv and future all-new Sierra.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility however indicated that it will finally make a decision taking into consideration the changing demand in the market. The firm is keeping a keen eye on the 4.3 meters segment and it can make a decision to provide the CNG option should the demand be high.
It is currently in the 4.3 meter SUV sector, and Maruti and Toyota are the ones that provide CNG with their Grand Vitara, Victors and Hyryder respectively. Implementation of the plan once granted the green light should not be an issue because Tata has already vast experience in production of factory fitted CNG cars.
First 4.3m Tata CNG SUV Could Be Curvv
Curvv might be the first 4.3 meter (CNG) SUV of Tata. It has an option of borrowing the CNG set up of Nexon which employs the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol. Tata is currently the only OEM to provide CNG featuring a turbo petrol engine.
Speaking about strong hybrid powertrains, Tata does not have such a choice at this point with any of its vehicles. The move to the strong hybrid versions will be informed by the requirement to gain competitiveness in the market.
In case the market moves that way in a major way, then Tata can contemplate strong hybrids. Strong hybrids may be mostly focused at the bigger SUVs of Tata, including Harrier or Safari. Even the future Sierra can become one of the candidates.
Powerful hybrids not only emit less and have better mileage, they can also perform better. Accordingly, the internal projection of Tata in relation to their powertrain mix is 30% EVs, 27% Tata SUVs CNG and 6-10% diesel. The others will consist of petrol, which incorporates hybrids.
Tata’s CNG Innovations & Future Emission Norm Compliance
Before the strong hybrids gain more momentum, there is likelihood of Tata to stick with the Tata SUVs CNG portfolio.
This perception is backed by the market data with the highest growth of 35 recorded by the CNG powertrains.
Hybrid and electric powertrains recorded growths of 15.40 percent and 15 percent respectively.
Tata has also come up with various innovations in its CNG fleet with the aim of enhancing the CNG experience to its customers.
As an example, the first was a two-cylinder version which was presented on the Altroz. It is also available in other Tata cars.
Dual-cylinder is a system that takes less space hence more boot space.
Tata will also be keen on cleaner fuels like CNG, battery electric, and hybrids which will be useful in satisfying the CAFE 3 emission norms.
The CAFE 3 will be implemented in 2027-2032, and require a corporate average CO2 emissions of 91.7 g/km. The cap of CAFE 2 is 113 g/km, but CAFE 4 will be even higher (2032-2037) and equal to 70 g/km of CO2.
