Tata Motors wows Geneva Motor Show with snazzy, all-electric EVision concept

Tata Motors today commemorated its 20th consecutive year of participation at the Geneva Motor Show in style with the global unveiling of the sleek, all-electric 'EVision' sedan concept.

While the sedan concept had been teased in the run up to the motor show, contrary to expectations, it comes built on an EV derivative of Tata’s Omega platform (shared with Land Rover) rather than the Alfa platform (better known as AMP) that is to underpin future hatchback, sedan and small SUV models from Tata Motors. 

However, the EVision sedan concept is a design study at this point and the real emphasis is on the flexibility of the Omega platform to be modified to host electric powertrains, as well as the interior concept for Tata EVs of the future.    

Like the H5X SUV and 45X hatchback concept that premiered at Auto Expo 2018, the EVision is styled to Tata’s latest Impact Design 2.0 design language. That means the look is a huge departure from all that we’ve seen from the carmaker so far. There is a clear visual link to the 45X hatchback concept at the front, what with the slim LED headlamps that flow out from the grille at either end.

However, the grille is larger here and brushed aluminium has been used to good effect to embellish what Tata calls the ‘humanity line’ that underlines the grille and headlights. In general, the EVision’s front-end looks more ‘evolved’ vis-a-vis that of the 45X concept. The sedan’s smoothly surfaced front bumper, replete with its L-shaped elements and brushed aluminium chin, do suggest as much.

The EVision breaks the typical three-box sedan template with an almost fastback-like shape, but, like the Tigor, the boot has a conventional opening. Large 21-inch wheels, the broad C-pillar and a bold and pronounced shoulder line lend solidity to the design, yet there’s a certain visual delicacy with which the roof flows into the tail section. Other details of note at the sides include flush-fitting door handles, sculpted outside mirrors and the use of aluminium to line the top of the windows and base of the doors.

There’s a liberal dose of aluminium at the base of the rear bumper too but the defining design element has to be the recessed section for the high-set tail-lights. Surfacing is crisp and clean throughout and you wouldn’t be wrong to think the concept is from a premium European carmaker -- the execution is that good.

Premium interior
Tata Motors had disclosed a new focus on cabin ambience and the human-machine interface on cars built to Impact Design 2.0, and the EVision concept’s interior does show the result of that focus. There’s a decidedly premium look to the cabin with a generous use of high-quality wood and upmarket materials.

Light colours aid the feeling of space on the inside, further enhanced by the floating dashboard that does without a centre console that extends to the floor. Tata’s designers claim to have made full use of the packaging flexibility allowed by the EV platform to maximise cabin room, and the EVision demonstrates how electric vehicle cabins will differ from those of conventional internal combustion engine-powered cars.

The dashboard itself is minimalist in design and is home to dual instrument screens (a hidden screen atop the dash and a retractable screen at the base of the centre console) that remain concealed when not in use. Tata says the rear seats too are fully adjustable and promise to be big on headroom and knee room.    

As mentioned earlier, the EVision comes built on a dedicated EV derivative of Tata’s Omega architecture. Tata Motors' engineers say changes to the underbody were sufficient to convert the conventional architecture, designed for combustion engine applications, to one that could be used for electric vehicles. The Omega EV platform is modular, flexible and scalable and ‘will address the range of performance attributes for long range travel.’

Only a few technical details have been revealed as yet, but some of the highlights include a sub-7sec 0-100kph time and a max speed of 200kph. Again, while battery capacity or charging times are not known, Tata Motors has disclosed the EVision offers fast-charging capability.

Speaking at the 88^th Geneva International Motors Show,  Guenter Butschek, CEO and MD, Tata Motors, said, “It is a matter of great pride to be the only Indian OEM to participate at the Geneva International Motor Show, showcasing Indian automotive engineering capabilities through innovation in design and technology for the last two decades. As we celebrate 20 years of our participation at Geneva, we are proud to showcase three exciting concepts -- the EVision sedan, the H5X and the 45X -- that represent the changing face of Tata Motors in our journey towards shaping the future of mobility in the country.  The EVision Sedan Concept is one of the most definitive and aspirational products by an Indian OEM and will be a game-changer, reiterating our commitment to offer world-class design, technology and drive the EV revolution to build a sustainable future.”

Also read: Tata Motors preparing battery pack for long-range electric cars

Tata H5X premium SUV and 45X hatchback concepts get European premiere at Geneva