A recent media report confirmed that Tata Motors agreed to electrify its vehicle manufacturing in the state of Tamil Nadu. It has been disclosed by analysts that the automobile giant is in the process of starting a new factory in Ranipet that will mainly produce EV, states the report. This car plant will only make EVs for both Tata Motors and its puss.
Previously there was a mutual understanding (MOU) agreement between Tata Motors and the Tamil Nadu Government to invest almost Rs. Attributing Rs 9,000 crore to the state. The project provides the proposed Ranipet facility of 2,00,000 in initial units generated per year. It’s worth noting that the proportion of space allocated to Jaguar Land Rover models will exceed the rest by half while that allocated to Tata Motors electric cars will be the least by the remaining one-third. The JLR EVs that will be produced in this place! Though we are anticipating most of the production to be aimed at the export markets.
This decision is both course and timely coming at the back of efforts by the two countries to conclude a credible free trade treaty. That Tata Motors will be local body EV producer and take any preferential trade terms Tata Motors will be eligible for. With this, it will also come along the logistical advantages such as reduced transportation and expeditious shipment of import items to the important export destinations. The Ranipet plant will play the role of a super manufacturing site where we will produce EVs of the famous marque JLR and sales will increase worldwide.
In addition to EV manufacturing, Tata Motors may use the Tamil Nadu facility to produce certain internal combustion engine models of Jaguar and Land Rover as well. This is because European emission regulations are getting stricter, posing compliance challenges. Shifting partial ICE production to India could help address such issues while leveraging the country’s cost competitiveness. All options like existing plants in Pune and Sanand or the upcoming Ranipet facility are being evaluated.
The scale and scope of this EV project underlines Tata Group’s ambitious plans for Jaguar Land Rover’s electrification journey. It has committed Rs. 1.5 lakh crores towards transitioning JLR over the next decade, with the Jaguar brand going fully electric. Most Land Rover models will also be electrified by 2026. Localising key technologies like JLR’s new flexible EMA platform in India will be critical to maintain affordability while delivering on the brands’ premium character.
Once completed, the Ranipet factory is poised to become a major manufacturing hub, generating skilled jobs and promoting the growth of electric mobility in India. With strong government support and Tata Group’s expertise, it could emerge as an EV export powerhouse. The evolving EV ecosystem in Tamil Nadu will be strengthened further through such large investments.
