Tata Megapixel

The Tata Megapixel REEV Hybrid Micro Car

Tata Motors looks to the future with the Megapixel, an upgraded version of the Tata Pixel. The Megapixel shows off advanced REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) design and engineering.

The plan is to maximize efficiency by using a lightweight platform powered by in-wheel motors. The kicker of the design is the one-cylinder 325cc ICE motor used to recharge the Li-Ion battery pack. The Chevy Volt uses a 3 cylinder, 1,400 cc gas motor to recharge its battery pack, though it is bigger than the Megapixel.

The performance of the Megapixel reflects the design: a 900 km / 560 mile range! Emissions from the small onboard motor are reduced to a mere 22 grams per kilometer. The Toyota Prius by comparison emits 89 gm/km. Megapixel mileage is listed as 282 mpg!

By the Specs

The car is small, technically a micro car at 11.3 feet long. The Volt comes in at 14.8 feet long. Power is provided by four in-wheel electric motors. The battery pack holds 13 kWh. Compare this to the 16 kWh pack in the Volt. The car is rated at a 54 mile range on the battery pack alone.

The 4 motors provide a whopping 369 ft-lb of torque with a top end of 68 mph. The Volt lists 273 ft-lbs of torque. Motor placement increases cabin space as well as efficiency. The 325cc motor is rated to provide an additional 500 miles of range.

Weight is unlisted at the time of writing, but the Tata Pixel tips the scales at 750 kg / 1,650 pounds. We expect the Megapixel to weigh at least as much as the Pixel....probably around 2,000 pounds with the battery pack. The Chevy Volt weighs in at 3780 pounds for comparison.

Performance Features

The Megapixel is designed to operate well in intercity situations. To this end, the car has a mere 2.8 meter, 9.2 foot turning radius. Additionally, the 4 electric motors are programmed to operate independently of each other. For tight parking situations the motors can turn the wheels in opposite directions.

The Megapixel is configured to accept battery charge from a drive over inductive charger. No more pesky cords here!

The car uses an open frame design, and two van type doors that open to provide full access to an open interior. Roominess and performance in one package....that is great design. Since the Megapixel is a concept car, production is a few years off.