Amid unprecedented excitement triggered by Tata Motors’ entry into Gujarat for its dream Nano car project, the Ajanta Group quietly launched the demo model of its small e-car, Oreva.

The group, which manufactures clocks and electronic gadgets under Orpat brand, was planning to make a small electric car after the popularity of the electric bike that it launched last year under Oreva brand.

But the Nano announcement made Ajanta Group bigwigs sit up and take action about manufacturing an affordable e-car.

Ajanta Group director Jaysukh Patel had said a few months ago, “We’re already into manufacturing e-bikes. With almost similar technology, it’s not difficult for us to produce an e-car. As we can produce 70 per cent of its parts in-house, we surely have an edge over other such vehicles as far as pricing is concerned.”

The hush-hush affair was brought to light only through sources who said that the company bought about half-a-dozen different e-cars from different manufacturers for a comprehensive study.

Within a few months, the first demo model of the Oreva e-car was ready at the company’s unit at Samakhiyali in Kutch. It was not put on display for the public. But the moment Nano landed in Gujarat, the company launched the Oreva e-car model first at Samakhiyali and the vehicle was driven to Rajkot on Wednesday.

“I can’t say when the Oreva e-car will actually enter the market. Nor can I talk about its pricing. But it’s going to be an affordable car,” said Rajesh Nathwani, national marketing head, Oreva e-bike. “With fuel prices rising by the day, there is no reason why the e-car shouldn’t be popular. And it’s pollution-free too.”

It is a fair guess that the e-car will be priced between Rs 90,000-100,000 It is now on display at the company’s showroom at Gondal Road in Rajkot.

“We’ve received a lot of enquiries. Many people want to even book their orders. It shows that when officially launched for sale, this dream e-car will be a smashing success,” said Yogesh Tank, owner of the Oreva Auto showroom, Rajkot.

The only electric car now available in India is the Reva.

The Oreva will be priced between Rs 90,000 and Rs 100,000


source: mumbaimirror.com