Tata Motors is reportedly working on a new electric vehicle internally codenamed Kuno, which could expand the company's electric car portfolio in India. The upcoming model is expected to be positioned as a compact electric vehicle for urban buyers, with the MG Windsor EV emerging as one of the potential rivals in the broader electric car market.

Although Tata has not officially revealed the Kuno project, recent automotive reports suggest that the company is exploring another electric offering that could sit alongside the Nexon in its product range. The new model could help Tata attract buyers looking for a practical electric vehicle with modern features and a competitive price.

The Kuno project is particularly interesting because India's electric passenger vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive. MG, Mahindra, Hyundai and other manufacturers are expanding their EV portfolios, making it important for Tata to introduce products across different price and size segments.

Tata Kuno: What Do We Know So Far?

According to automotive reports, Kuno is an internal codename for a potential new Tata electric vehicle. The model is expected to be a sub-four-metre EV, designed primarily for everyday urban use.

The vehicle could be positioned alongside the Tata Nexon in the company's broader product lineup, although its final positioning has not been confirmed.

The project is still at an early information stage. No production-specification test vehicle or official design images have been revealed in the reports currently available. Consequently, details about its exterior styling, cabin layout, battery capacity and performance remain unknown.

Tata could use the Kuno project to introduce a more accessible electric vehicle while maintaining a practical SUV-inspired body style.

Could Tata Kuno Rival the MG Windsor EV?

The MG Windsor EV is one of the important models in India's electric passenger vehicle market. Its spacious cabin, modern design and feature-rich equipment have helped it attract buyers looking for an electric family car.

Tata Kuno is being discussed as a potential rival to the Windsor, but the two vehicles may not occupy exactly the same size category.

The MG Windsor measures 4,295mm in length and has a 2,700mm wheelbase. By comparison, Kuno is expected to be a sub-four-metre vehicle if current reports are accurate.

This means the two EVs could appeal to different types of customers. The Windsor focuses on a larger cabin and family-oriented practicality, while the Kuno could target buyers who prefer a smaller vehicle for city driving.

Their price positioning could bring them into consideration for some of the same customers, but the final comparison will depend on Tata's production specifications and pricing.

Expected Platform: Tata's Acti.ev Architecture

One of the major expectations surrounding Kuno is the possibility of using Tata's Acti.ev architecture.

Tata introduced the Acti.ev platform with the Punch EV in January 2024. The architecture was developed around electric mobility, with a focus on performance, technology, modularity and space efficiency.

If Kuno uses this architecture, it could benefit from an EV-specific engineering package rather than simply adapting an internal-combustion vehicle platform.

However, Tata has not confirmed the platform for Kuno. The final architecture and technical specifications will need to be verified when the company officially announces the vehicle.

Battery and Range: What Could Be Expected?

Battery capacity and driving range will be among the most important factors determining the Kuno's position in the Indian EV market.

Some reports have speculated that Tata could consider battery packs from its existing electric vehicle portfolio, potentially including capacities around 30kWh and 45kWh. These figures are possibilities discussed in media reports, not confirmed specifications.

If Tata offers multiple battery options, customers could potentially choose between a more affordable city-focused version and a higher-range version for longer journeys.

The final range will depend on the battery capacity, electric motor, vehicle weight, aerodynamics and efficiency of the production model.

Tata is also likely to focus on practical charging options and battery management technology, areas that are important for everyday EV ownership.

Expected Design and Features

The design of the Tata Kuno has not been revealed yet. However, if the model is developed as a compact electric SUV, it could feature a modern exterior with EV-specific styling elements.

Possible design highlights could include:

• A closed-off front grille or EV-specific front fascia

• LED daytime running lights

• Redesigned front and rear bumpers

• Aerodynamically designed alloy wheels

• Connected LED tail lamps

• SUV-inspired body cladding

• A compact footprint for easier city driving

Inside, Tata could focus on a practical cabin with modern infotainment and connectivity features.

Potential equipment may include a touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver display, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charging and multiple safety features.

These are expectations rather than confirmed equipment. The actual feature list will depend on the final variant lineup.

Tata Kuno Expected Price and Launch Timeline

The Kuno is expected to be positioned as a relatively accessible electric vehicle within Tata's growing EV range.

Some media reports have estimated an on-road Mumbai price range of approximately ₹12 lakh to ₹17 lakh. This is only an early estimate and should not be treated as an official expected showroom price.

The vehicle is reportedly being targeted for a launch towards the end of 2027 or early 2028. Tata Motors has not announced a confirmed launch date.

The absence of production-specification test vehicles also suggests that buyers may have to wait for further developments before the final product details become clear.

Tata Kuno vs MG Windsor EV: Expected Positioning
 

Why the Kuno Project Matters for Tata Motors

Tata Motors has established a significant presence in India's electric passenger vehicle market with models such as the Tiago EV, Punch EV, Nexon EV, Curvv EV and Harrier EV.

However, the market is evolving quickly. Customers now have more choices in terms of battery capacity, cabin space, technology and pricing.

A smaller electric vehicle could help Tata reach buyers who want something more spacious or SUV-like than a traditional entry-level hatchback but do not necessarily need a larger electric SUV.

It could also give the company another product to compete in the increasingly crowded affordable EV segment.

For Tata, the challenge will be to balance purchase price, battery range, cabin practicality and ownership costs. These factors will play an important role in determining whether Kuno can attract customers when it eventually reaches showrooms.

Final Verdict

The reported Tata Kuno project could become an interesting addition to the company's electric vehicle portfolio. A compact body style, competitive pricing and practical driving range could make it relevant for Indian urban buyers.

Although the MG Windsor EV is being mentioned as a potential rival, the expected sub-four-metre dimensions of Kuno suggest that the two models may target somewhat different customer requirements.

For now, the project remains under development according to media reports. Tata Motors is yet to confirm the Kuno name, platform, battery options, features, price or launch timeline. More information is expected as the project progresses.