Tata Motors' heavy duty EV option that it has launched into the Southern African market, the PrimaE28 K, a tipper designed to decarbonise mining and construction operations
Image: Edward West
Tata Motors, a global commercial vehicle manufacturer active in sub-Saharan Africa since 1964, showcased its biggest lineup ever of new models for sub-Saharan Africa, at an event in Cape Town - 11 models that included 4 electric vehicles (EVs).
Other vehicle manufacturers usually launch only one model at a time into the local market. Despite the rising diesel price, the sale of electric commercial vehicles in South Africa has been slower than other major markets due to price considerations and limited electricity charging infrastructure. For instance, in India, EVs comprise 7% of the commercial market, finding particular functionality in the fast-growing last mile delivery market, where urban travelling distances are short.
Tata’s model lineup, however, spans multiple segments and powertrain options, from next-generation electric vehicles to proven diesel engined platforms, and includes a heavy-duty EV option, the PrimaE28 K, a tipper designed to decarbonise mining and construction operations.
When asked why they launched so many new EV's in such a relatively small market, a spokesman said the EV market is growing, and they believe in the potential of these vehicles.
Tata Motors International Business Head Asif Shamim said their new range for the local market highlights their focus on creating vehicles that enhance productivity, improve uptime, and deliver lower total cost of ownership across varied use cases.
The spokesperson said that each model has been tested thoroughly, over more than a million kilometers and tested in conditions that vary from very cold; in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, to hot desert conditions.
The showcase also featured the all-new Ultra Prime RE—a rear-engine intracity bus designed for efficient urban operations—alongside the Azura range, Tata Motors’ next-generation intermediate and light-duty trucks developed for regional and intercity haulage.
Tata Motors operates across 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a strong distribution network and regional partners, such as Tata International, Panafrique Motors, KOMCO Motors, and Allied Motors. It has sold over 340,000 vehicles in the region, and the company already offers a range of over 60 models in various configurations, supported by a robust network of more than 320 distributor touchpoints.
The company has seven assembly operations in Africa, including South Africa in Rosslyn, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
The other models launched late last week includes the Tata Ace Pro EV, an EV mini-truck built for last mile deliveries, with compact size, easy drivability, and low total cost of ownership; the Tata Intra EV, a high payload electric pickup for urban cargo duty cycles; Tata Ultra E.9, a light electric truck designed for intracity logistics; and the Intra V30 and V70 pickup range; and the Azura 1918, a next-generation intermediate and light-duty truck for urban and regional operations.
The Ultra Prime RE is a midi bus powered by a 6.7L rear-mounted diesel engine, designed for high-duty urban and peri-urban applications. The LPO 1618 Magna is a 44-seater fully built AC bus for staff and intercity travel, while the LP 909 Bus is a compact midi bus for school and staff transport. The LPO 1623 Nova is a 49-seater bus designed for longer intercity routes.
Tata Motors sells vehicles in the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and its shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India.
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