Tata Nano micro-hybrid version planned

Tata Motors is in talks with Bosch, to provide the technology to power a micro-hybrid version of the Tata Nano, TOI has reported.
The company plans to use Bosch’s start-stop to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Tata Motors has said, “We are looking at the start/stop technology as part of different options and technologies that would help reduce emissions and boost fuel efficiency.”

Bosch’s start-stop technology, used by other auto companies  like Mahindra, helps reduce CO2 emissions by 8-9% and fuel consumption by 5%, in city driving.

Bosch’s start-stop technology reduces fuel consumption by cutting off the engine when the vehicle is idling. For example, at a red signal, a micro-hybrid Nano would be able to totally shut down, and instantly restart when the drives depresses the accelerator. That means a small fuel saving, but it adds up to a lot in cities.

The start-stop system is expected to add an approximate cost of Rs 3000-5000 to the Tata Nano’s price.

The Tata Nano, which will be commercially launched on March 23, 2009, will not come with a micro-hybrid version.  The micro-hybrid version is likely to be developed in the future.

Reports say that Tata Motors is also planning to launch a diesel version of the Tata Nano by 2010.

The Tata Nano’s diesel version will use Bosch’s fuel injection systems, and build a 684 cc diesel engine together with Diesel Engine specialist FEV.

When the Tata Nano was first launched on January 10, 2008 at the 9th annual Auto Expo, Tata Motors had said that the company would introduce electric and hybrid versions of the Tata Nano in the future.

With the Tata Nano launch approaching, Tata Motors has advanced the booking date of the Tata Nano to coincide with the launch. Earlier, bookings for the Tata Nano were to be accepted not before the second week of April 2009.

Tata Motors unveiled the European version of the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, held between March 5 – March 15, 2009.

Bosch, based in Gerlingen, Germany, provides its start-stop technology, to companies around the world.