Green cars

Tata eMO proves you don't need a hatch on a hatchback

Published 11.01.2012.

Let's dial back a bit on the blanket statement that the Tata eMO will never be built. Speaking with representatives of Tata Technologies at the Detroit Auto Show today, it's clear that should the stars align in just the right manner, we might see something somewhat like the eMO on the road. Someday.

Tata Technologies' Kevin Fisher, the president of vehicle programs and development, said that the eMO is basically a "giant business card" meant to show off the company's capabilities. There are 15 patent in process thanks to the eMO, for example, to say nothing of the clever use of interior space by eliminating a pillar between the doors as well as any sort of rear opening. The rear seats push up close against the rear window, a move that really does make the eMO capable of holding four adults in relative comfort. Three things to note: First, the minimalist interior saves space by doing things like including only one center armrest. Second, to open the rear doors from outside the car, you need to reach in and around to get at the handle on the inside. There is no outside handle. Three, the low, sloping roof line does present a head-bumping hazard when exiting the eMO. Trust us on this one. The unusual frame shape is strong, though, Fisher said, adding that the eMO passed North American crash standards in Tata's computerized tests.

Still, Fisher told AutoblogGreen, if an OEM or someone with Tata Motors comes to him and asks to build the eMO or to use some of the technology the engineers used to create an electric car that Tata says can get over 100 miles from its 18.4-kWh battery pack while keeping a $20,000 price tag, Tata would be more than willing to help put the car into production.

For more on the eMO, read our previous post on the car, check out the technical details and have a look at the photo gallery of this tiny and impressive bit of electric engineering.

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