India's small e-car to hit the road soon
10 Oct 2008, 1534 Hrs

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Rajkot, Oct 10 Makers of electric scooters and bikes under the Oreva brand, Ajanta group of India is all set to roll out its first e-car.

First it was India's Tata motors putting on anvil the world's cheapest car called 'Nano' which has hogged headlines for all the reasons, including 100,000 Rupees price tag and the agitation forcing it out of Singur of West Bengal.

Now, it is Oreva, the 'green' car becoming talk of Rajkot,

The Tata Motors decision to put up 'Nano' car plant in Sanand village of the state coincides with Oreva manufacturing its cars from Morbi, home to its e-bikes. Both the cars have their plants in Gujarat.

Ajanta will be rolling out the car from the same unit as had produced e bikes.

Without divulging details about the price of the car, Rakesh Nathwani, National Marketing Head of Oreva Group said that the car would be able to run up to 200-250 kilometers in one time charge.

"We don't have any competition with 'Nano'. This is our future product as we have seen electric bikes as out future products. We see electric cars also as future products for India and we are working on it. The research and development is going on. This car will go on battery and it will be a completely Indian made battery operated car," said Nathwani.

But according to earlier news reports and industry sources, the company aims to price it at Rs 85,000, lesser than the 'Nano' car.

Residents who came to take a preview said that they were keenly waiting for its launch.

"I will definitely be the first customer," said Pooja, a resident.

With oil prices having hit the rooftop this year and the countries focusing on energy security, there is greater pressure on carmakers to develop engines powered by alternate fuels. (ANI)