Tata is an automotive company based in Mumbai, India. Established in 1945, it is founded by Ratan Tata, a man whose vision is that "every Indian has a car of their own". It is among the top ten corporations in India and the nation's biggest automotive company, with overall revenues reaching 20 billion dollars in 2009-2010. In 2008, Tata acquired Jaguar Land Rover from Ford in June 2, 2008 for 2.3 billion dollars, setting itself up to be a big name in the automotive industry.

The brands Tata have acquired in this deal include Jaguar, Land Rover, Daimler, and Lancaster.

As part of Ratan Tata's dream to equip each Indian with automobiles, Tata Motors released the Nano in 2008. A four-passenger city car, the car's target audience is primarily the Indian domestic market. Popularly known as the world's most inexpensive car, its prices start at one lakh (100,000) rupees, or the equivalent of approximately 2,500 dollars. There are many cost-cutting methods done to allow the company to reach its target price tag: the rear hatch doesn't open, there's only one windshield wiper, no power steering, 3 lug nuts for each wheel, no radio, no airbags, and a 2 cylinder engine is used. Among other awards, the Nano is the winner of the Indian Car of the Year award for 2010

However, there are reliability issues with the Nano that is threatening to undermine the company in the Indian auto market. Electrical fires are an issue with the Tata Nano, with faulty wiring and manufacturing defects as the primary causes. In addition, due to its engine, the Nano is also deemed to be too noisy. Due to these issues, Tata Motors is earning widespread criticism.

During the 80th Geneva Auto Show, Tata Motors made a splash by unveiling the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle. It is part of Tata Motors' initiative, according to their Vice Chairman Ravi Kant, to produce environmentally friendly automobiles. With the production of electric vehicles as an integral part of the company's movement, they aim to sell this model to all relevant markets. This Nano still possess the conventional Nano's strong points, such as being a practical car that can seat four people, while using an electric engine, which promises to have zero emissions to the environment. This car is co-produced by Miljøbil Grenland AS, a Norwegian company with specialization on electric vehicles.

The electric motor to be used in the Nano has an estimated range of 160 kilometers, with power coming from super polymer lithium ion batteries, which provide higher power density compared to other batteries. It is also relatively quick, with a zero to 100 kph acceleration time estimated to be less than 10 seconds.

With release targeted for 2012, the Tata Nano EV would join vehicles such as the Tata Indica Vista as part of its stable of electric cars. This vehicle is expected to be not just for sale in India, but also to be exported to other parts of the world, particularly in Europe. If it's released, this car is expected to be the world's cheapest electric vehicle.