Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in India, from the Lovebird, the country’s first electric car, launched in 1993, to the latest technological marvel Tata Curvv EV in 2024. This journey showcases a dramatic evolution in technology, performance, and public acceptance of EVs. Let’s dive into how these two vehicles compare across key features like technology, battery and range, safety, powertrain, and more.
Key Specifications Comparison
On a funny side, let’s do a comparison of the key specs of India’s first electric car Lovebird, and the latest Tata Curvv EV, both launched decades apart:
| Specs | Lovebird | Tata Curvv EV |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Lead-Acid | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 48V | 55 kWh |
| Range | 60 km | 400 km |
| Charging Time | 8 hours | 40 minutes |
| Motor | DC electric motor | Single Motor (165 bhp, 215 Nm) |
| Top Speed | 35 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 40 seconds | 8.67 seconds |
| Transmission | 4-speed Manual | Single-speed Automatic |
| Safety Features | None | ADAS Level 2, 360-degree camera |
| Price (at launch) | Not Available | ₹17.49 lakh – ₹22.9 lakh |
Technology: Then vs. Now
- Lovebird: When the first electric car Lovebird was introduced, it was a great innovation for its time. However, comparing it to today’s standards, it was quite basic. The car had a simple DC motor and didn’t feature any of the advanced technology we have now, like a Battery Management System (BMS) or smart connectivity.
- Tata Curvv EV: Fast forward to 2024, and the Tata Curvv EV is packed with modern technology. It features an advanced BMS, a large infotainment screen, and even Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for added safety. The tech in the latest Curvv EV isn’t just about making the car run—it’s about enhancing the entire driving experience for owners.
Battery and Range: From Limited to Long-Range
- Lovebird: Considering the times, India’s first electric car Lovebird used a heavy Lead-Acid battery, which offered a range of just 60 km on a full charge. It also took around 8 hours to recharge, which was acceptable back then but would be frustrating today for just 80 km, right?
- Tata Curvv EV: The Tata Curvv EV, on the other hand, uses a 55kWh lithium-ion battery, offering over 400 km of range on a single charge. Thanks to fast-charging technology developed by Tata Motors, you can add 150 km of range in just 15 minutes of charging using a DC charger. This huge leap in terms of battery technology and EV charging. It means that modern EVs like the Curvv EV are now practical for longer trips, not just short city commutes and trail runs.
Also read: India’s first Zinc Gel Battery launched
Safety Features: From Basic to High-Tech
- Lovebird: In terms of safety, the Lovebird didn’t offer much to its buyers. There were no airbags, no electronic stability control—just the basics to get you from point A to point B. It makes sense for those times were these new advanced safety features like ADAS and others were not even a thing.
- Tata Curvv EV: However today, safety is a top priority in electric cars, and the Tata Curvv EV reflects that beautifully. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and Level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to keep EV owners safe. Tata Motors has also designed the Curvv EV to meet high crash safety standards, making it far safer than the Lovebird could ever be. Millennials could understand it better if we compared the NCAP or BNCAp safety ratings of both, but there was no such thing when Lovebired was introduced.
Powertrain and Motor: Basic vs. Powerful
- Lovebird: The Lovebird’s electric DC motor was fine for its time, but it didn’t offer much power or thrill like today’s electric cars. It was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, which was unusual for an EV but made it more familiar to drivers used to traditional cars.
- Tata Curvv EV: The currently available Curvv EV is in a different league altogether. It features a single electric motor that produces 165bhp and 215Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds. the instant torque in modern electric cars is no less than in retro cars with custom-fitted engines. The car’s single-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient power delivery, making it much more enjoyable and thrilling to drive.
Government’s Role and Market Evolution:
One of the key factors driving this transformation has been the Indian government’s proactive stand on the development of the EV sector and R&D by Automotive Giants in India. Over the years, policies like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, tax incentives, and subsidies have spurred the growth of the EV market supporting both EV manufacturers and buyers.
Unlike the first electric car in Lovebird’s era, where government support was minimal and inconsistent, today the government and Ministry of Heavy Industries play a major role in the adoption of electric vehicles.
From the simple and limited Lovebird to the technologically advanced Curvv EV from Tata Motors, India’s electric vehicle journey highlights remarkable progress towards a sustainable future.
With the government’s active support, growing awareness among buyers, and a global shift towards EVs, the country is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global EV market. The evolution of electric cars in India shows just how much has changed and how much more is possible in the years to come.