Just yesterday, we reported that Volkswagen may launch its range of electric and hybrid cars in India. And here is another piece of equally interesting information. Tata Motors may launch its Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) in India in 2011. Yes, you heard it correct. Rediff has reported that the electric version of the Tata Indica will finally be available to the Indian customers next year.

The Tata Indica Vista EV will also be exported to the European countries where the infrastructure for electric vehicles is great. However, things are different in India. India is yet to come up with a plan for the installation of proper facilities which are necessary for enhancing the popularity and feasibility of electric vehicles. In the past, we have heard many times that auto companies are working with the government to make it possible. But talk is cheap.

So far, India has not seen a proper four seater electric car. Though the Reva claims to be a four seater, it can accommodate only two children and two adults. And, if the adult happens to be a rather tall one, the car gets really cramped. When it comes to luggage space or features, Reva cannot match up to the standards of a petroleum powered automobile.

That’s the gap that Tata Motors is trying to fill up with its Indica Vista electric vehicle. General Motors is trying stay ahead of the competition that is expected to rise in the Indian electric vehicle market with its Chevrolet E Spark. These vehicles would offer the ease of having a proper four seater car which also bring the added advantage of low maintenance and running costs.

The Indica Vista EV has made its round at various auto expos including 2010 Delhi Auto expo and the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The Indica Vista EV will be available at all dealer showrooms in 2011. The EV is expected to be priced between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. The pricing seems to be good, considering that it is spacious and costs a fraction to run. The India Vista EV will be comparatively very silent and also have extra torque.

It is interesting to note how the electric vehicle market is heating up in India. With electric vehicles finally catching the fancy of the Indian customers, major global auto manufacturers are rushing to give the customers what they want.

Just a word of advice to Tata Motors. Tata could actually hand out a few Indica EV’s to its Indica Vista diesel/petrol customers on a trial basis. Their feedback could be used for making improvements in the car. This seems like a more efficient process than selling a car, getting a feedback and then bringing changes in the car.