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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Tata Harrier EV at Quad Day: Capability without drama and technology with real purpose
As SUVs across the board turn to flash and flare, Tata Motors has taken a different route with the Harrier EV: one of restraint, refinement, and relevance. From my hands-on time with the vehicle—particularly the off-road section—to the deep dive conversations with Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, it became evident that this isn't just a step forward for Tata Motors. It's a quiet leap. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV launched at ₹ 21.49 lakh, brings AWD capabilities. Check details The off-road experience: More composure than clatter Of all the four thematic zones at the Quad day—Performance, Precision, Tech, and Off-Road—it was the last one that offered the rarest commodity at events like this: an actual chance to drive. Not as a co-passenger, not in a closed loop—but a real, hands-on crawl through chaos. And chaos it was. The off-road course was no casual slush track—it was a tightly packed sequence of punishing terrain features that would challenge even seasoned ICE SUVs. It began with a rock bed crawl that tested low-speed control and wheel articulation, followed by an axle twister engineered to lift at least one tyre off the ground. From there, the trail threw up sharp 35-degree inclines and declines, pushing the vehicle's traction management and braking systems to the limit. The course continued with side slopes, camel humps, deep sand traps, water wading sections, and even a staircase climb to cap it all off—each obstacle demanding precision, poise, and a drivetrain capable of thinking on its feet. But what stood out wasn't just that the Harrier EV did all of it. It was how little it fussed while doing so. There was no jerky throttle response, no electronic overcorrection, no wheelspin theatre. It felt as if the SUV had pre-read the course. Every mode—Rock Crawl, Sand, Mud & Ruts—was calibrated to deliver just enough intervention. Not more. This composure stems from a very specific drivetrain setup: a rear-biased Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) system powered by two independent motors. The rear motor, a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor), does most of the work. The front, an induction motor, wakes up only when needed. As Kulkarni, the chief architect behind Tata's EVs, explained, this decision wasn't just about traction—it was about efficiency. 'PMSM motors are great, but they consume power even when not in use. Induction motors don't. So for a setup where the front axle is often disengaged, it made perfect sense." What this means practically is that during a slow rock crawl or a sudden steep climb, the rear motor delivers high torque, while the system dynamically checks whether the front needs to assist. And when it does, the transition is imperceptible. Even during the axle twister, where one wheel was in the air, the software sensed the slip and reallocated torque within milliseconds. Kulkarni emphasized, 'We didn't use mechanical aids like diff locks. It's all software. Torque vectoring, traction prediction, terrain mapping—all of it is done by the brain of the car." And it works. No drama. No mechanical clunks. Just progress. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV takes electric SUV game to next level. What makes it unique? Tech zone: A software-defined vehicle, with Indian priorities If the Off-Road Zone was about physical proof, the Tech Zone was about technological vision—only this time, grounded in day-to-day Indian reality rather than Silicon Valley showmanship. Here, the Harrier EV presented itself not just as an electric SUV, but as a Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)—built on Tata's new ' (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) platform. Running 500 million lines of code, it connects everything from motor control to ADAS, infotainment, telematics, and payment systems. But what makes ' stand out is not just what it does, but what it consciously chooses not to overdo. It focuses on real-world utility rather than ticking boxes. Take the Low-Speed Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), for instance—it's not just another radar-based system thrown in for formality. It's carefully calibrated for India's dense, erratic traffic, where most Western ADAS setups either overreact with sudden braking or disengage altogether. The Tata Harrier EV gets several convinience features such as the Summon Mode which allows the car to park in a pararell parking without driver inputs Then there's Dead-End Assist, a segment-first feature that allows the vehicle to automatically reverse along the last 50 meters of its path—a simple yet brilliant solution for tight lanes and tricky U-turn situations in crowded neighbourhoods. Summon Mode, activated via Tata's new circular key, lets the SUV inch in or out of tight parking spots autonomously, complete with full obstacle detection. And the 540° transparent view camera system doesn't just offer a top-down perspective; it delivers real-time stitched visuals, including side and underbody views, enhanced with rim protection alerts—making it genuinely useful for negotiating potholes, high kerbs, or narrow parking bays. What impressed me most wasn't that these features existed—but how calmly they worked. There was no jarring intervention. No frantic beeps. Just consistent, usable assistance. As Kulkarni put it: 'ADAS shouldn't be a backseat driver. It should feel like a co-driver—always watching, but never taking over unless it absolutely has to." Even the AI-powered Park Assist, developed with Continental, was a lesson in subtlety. The system scanned irregular parking spaces (not laser-marked slots), identified viable options, and parked itself with steering, braking, and acceleration control. And if someone walked by? It stopped. Gently. Collaboration by design, not compromise One of the more underrated aspects of the Harrier EV is how thoroughly it has been shaped through partnerships. Tata Motors has embraced a global collaboration model, but with Indian calibration and context firmly at its core. The result is a vehicle that reflects both international technological excellence and local relevance. Continental, for instance, provided the intelligence behind the ADAS suite and Auto Park Assist—custom-developed for India's unpredictable road realities. As Prashanth Doraswamy, CEO of Continental India, described it, the system is 'a human-like AI that understands Indian parking challenges—unclear lines, sudden obstacles, narrow bays." Harman and Samsung delivered the world's first 14.5-inch Neo QLED display in a production car, paired with JBL Black's Dolby Atmos 5.1 audio system—not for flamboyance, but to create a 'third space" that seamlessly blends work, entertainment and travel. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV: A showcase of Tata Motors' global tech ties and EV ecosystem vision On the drivetrain front, Tata AutoComp and Schaeffler engineered the front induction and rear PMSM motors, respectively, with TACO contributing India's first integrated induction EV drivetrain. The ADAS controller itself runs on Mobileye's globally benchmarked EyeQ chip, fine-tuned specifically for India's chaotic traffic environment. The plus architecture, underpinning the Tata Harrier EV is a collaborative effort between Tata Motors and various other leading global suppliers Qualcomm provides the SDV backbone, enabling over-the-air updates and modular software enhancements, while Bosch, ZF, LG Chem, and Magna form part of Tata's tier-one ecosystem, supporting everything from battery systems to structural components. Yet, none of these partnerships were plug-and-play. Each supplier was asked to co-develop, co-calibrate, and rigorously test their systems with Indian use cases in mind. As Kulkarni succinctly put it, 'These aren't just tech tie-ups. They're part of a new Tata philosophy—collaboration by design." What the Tata Harrier EV really represents The Tata Harrier EV doesn't overwhelm. It impresses with restraint, earns trust through refinement, and redefines what it means to be a true Indian electric SUV. It's capable where it matters, intelligent where it counts, and most importantly—it feels complete. With a real-world C75 range of 480–505 km, support for 120 kW fast charging, V2L (Vehicle to Load) and V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle), the Harrier EV isn't a flash-in-the-pan launch. It's Tata's opening move in a much bigger EV play. More importantly, it's a product that acknowledges its customer—a 30–40-year-old urban explorer who wants range, refinement, and ruggedness, without feeling like they're compromising on identity or practicality. This is an SUV built for weekday office commutes and weekend adventures, for chauffeured comfort and hands-on control, for those who want freedom without friction. In a market where most EVs still struggle to find balance, the Harrier EV finds its footing not in gimmicks, but in grounded, honest capability. And perhaps that's the boldest move of all. First Published Date: 17 Jun 2025, 08:51 AM IST
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Tata Harrier EV: A showcase of Tata Motors' global tech ties and EV ecosystem vision
The Tata Harrier EV is postiioned to be a capable off-roaded coming in with a buch of off-road assist features like Quad-Wheel Drive and transparent mode which shows an underbody feed of the car on the infotainment screen. It gets 504 Nm of torque on the QWD variant helping it overcome steep inclines. The SUV also hosts V2V and V2L tech for the outdoor camping enthusiasts. Check Offers The launch of the Tata Harrier EV, the homegrown carmaker's latest flagship electric vehicle, is a key facet of Tata Motors' EV push. It represents not only a new product launch, but the culmination of an ongoing strategy that has been based on partnerships. Since the beginning of its dedicated passenger electric mobility journey, Tata Motors has been busy developing partnerships in every facet of that journey, from basic infrastructure charging to complex in-car technologies. This integrated approach is increasingly pivotal in shaping its 'global products' and reinforcing its position in the competitive international EV landscape. Genesis of Collaboration: Early Passenger EV Forays and Foundational Partnerships Tata Motor's electric mobility journey began with a firm understanding that market acceptance is hinged on a robust support system and critical technology development. During its early days of passenger electric vehicle business, the carmaker forged a crucial partnership with Tata Power, a group company, in order to establish a wide EV charging station network across the country. This was instrumental as he primary concern of the EV market is range anxiety and charging accessibility. The partnership laid the groundwork for broader EV adoption. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV launched at ₹ 21.49 lakh, brings AWD capabilities. Check details Similarly, Tata AutoComp Systems, a Tata Group entity also played a crucial role in the carmaker's EV journey. Before the launch of models like the Nexon EV, the company had been actively investing in EV technologies, including battery pack systems. Since then, it has formed joint ventures with companies like Gotion Hi-Tech for battery cells and BMS solutions, and with Prestolite Electric for electric motors, controllers, and integrated drivetrain systems. This has enabled the component maker for localised manufacturing and technology transfer for Tata Motors' growing EV lineup. This early internal synergy and external engagement underscored a long-term commitment to building an indigenous yet globally informed EV ecosystem. Engineering the Harrier EV: Global component integration The recently launched Tata Harrier EV stands as a testament to this increased collaborative spirit, using a wide range of global suppliers. Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer Service, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., Tata Motors, said that the company has a "strong network of synergistic suppliers." These partnerships are essential for integrating advanced capabilities, enhancing performance, and ensuring the refinement and reliability of its products. This collaborative model is characterised by a mutual understanding of market requirements and shared development timelines. The plus architecture, underpinning the Tata Harrier EV is a collaborative effort between Tata Motors and various other leading global suppliers One prominent example of this partnership is evident in the vehicle's in-cabin experience. The Harrier EV includes an infotainment system with a 36.9 cm Harman screen, utilising Samsung Neo QLED technology. This display is integrated with Dolby 5.1 audio, a feature highlighted during the launch event for its audio-visual presentation. In addition to infotainment, partnerships include critical vehicle systems. Continental has also aided in significant progress of Harrier EV's autonomous capability. Prashant Doraswamy, President and CEO, Continental India, stated the seriousness of the partnership, how they are "furthering autonomous technology to change how drivers interact with the vehicle, for increased comfort and reduction of friction" with things like automated park assist technology. Also watch: Here's your quick look at the new Tata Harrier EV. Bookings open on July 2, 2025. Beyond Key Components: A broader network Tata Motor's collaborative method extends even further with an array of suppliers. These players form a part of the overall vehicle value chain. Kulkarni explained that companies like Schaeffler provide know-how related to powertrain components and systems. Meanwhile, Tata AutoComp Systems mentioned above remains a very important player in the different components, namely battery pack enclosures, thermal management systems, and its use of integrated capabilities in its interior systems too. A wider look at Tata Motors' supply chain for the Harrier EV and other next-gen EVs show other partnerships with more global automotive suppliers such as ZF for chassis and driveline tech, Bosch for electronics and control systems, LG Chem for battery cell tech, and Magna for body and chassis and other automotive systems. These partnerships demonstrate a near-total integration of specialized expertise. In addition to hardware, the partnerships with tech firms such as Dell Technologies, IBM, Microsoft, TCS, Capgemini, Dassault Systèmes, and Siemens highlight the growing role of software-defined vehicle architectures to support over-the-air updates and more sophisticated in-car capabilities. Mutual Gains: The 'Local for Global' Imperative Tata Motors expressed that the such partnership create a win-win situation for all the stakeholders. These partnerships not only provide the automaker with access to the world-class capabilities and technology of global suppliers, but they also provide insight to these suppliers into top emerging markets, like India. Also Read : Tata Motors bets on next-gen tech and design to drive global success These partnerships encourage suppliers to modify their products to accompany local existing conditions and requirements. This local for global approach is portrayed as a win-win scenario helping to drive down costs for Tata Motors and strengthen its position in the global EV space. Tata Motors' electric mobility journey is built on a broad and purposeful collaborative framework. From developing the underlying charging infrastructure with Tata Power and working on R&D with collaborators, to integrating advanced infotainment systems with Harman-Samsung, partnerships are key. These alliances enable Tata Motors to develop technologically advanced EV products that are designed to be globally competitive and help solidify Tata Motors' position as a key and nimble player in the fast-changing world of electric mobility. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 09 Jun 2025, 10:30 AM IST
India.com
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Exclusive Talk with Anand Kulkarni
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer – EVs, Tata Motors, to gain in-depth insights into the all-electric Harrier. From its cutting-edge design and advanced features to performance capabilities and Tata's broader EV strategy, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at what makes the Harrier EV a significant milestone in India's electric mobility journey.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Time of India
Pune civic body to step up action against people spitting in public spaces
Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is stepping up its efforts to combat public defacement and enforce sanitation norms, with a particular focus on deterring spitting in public places. Since the beginning of 2025, PMC has penalized 549 individuals, collecting a total of Rs5.5 lakh in fines. While there was a slight increase in April, the overall trend shows a decline in reported cases since Jan. In Jan, 223 cases were registered, dropping to 118 in Feb. Since March, the number of cases has remained in the double digits — 69 in March, 74 in April, and 65 in May. The fine for each offence is Rs1,000. PMC has added 10 new vehicles to its flying squads. These squads will now be better equipped to catch offenders violating solid waste management guidelines, including those spitting, using banned plastic, burning garbage, and littering. Previously, squad vehicles were shared across multiple ward offices, but with this addition, each of the 15 ward offices will now have a dedicated vehicle for robust enforcement. Anand Kulkarni, a medical practitioner from Hadapsar, said surveillance can effectively deter public nuisances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo "Civic authorities should monitor busy areas through the existing CCTV network. The civic body should alert citizens through digital displays and public announcement systems about maintaining cleanliness. Local police and civic officials can coordinate efforts using mobile applications to report violations swiftly," he said. Shantanu Gosavi, a resident of Kothrud, said, "Regular patrolling teams should be equipped with devices to record evidence of violations. Installing motion sensors and smart bins in sensitive areas can help track waste disposal patterns. The collected data can identify hotspots requiring increased vigilance." The fine ranges from Rs200 to Rs1,000 per offence. "The civic administration created a lot of awareness about public sanitation. Action was taken across civic areas, and the drive will continue in the days to come," head of PMC's solid waste department Sandip Kadam said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
With Harrier EV, Tata Motors pushes to sustain EV leadership
Mumbai/ New Delhi: Despite the low penetration of electric vehicles in India's passenger car segment at present, the segment is poised for growth this year. Capitalising on this opportunity, Tata Motors on Tuesday launched its third EV, the Harrier SUV, built on its dedicated pure EV architecture-- ETAuto has learnt that the automaker has set an internal annual sales target of 50,000 units for the Harrier EV. Tata Motors initially introduced the Nexon, Tiago, and Tigor EVs on its first-generation architecture, which was adapted from internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. However, the company has since shifted to a Gen-2 or pure EV architecture, which claims to offer greater flexibility in drive configurations, battery formats, and chemistries. The Punch EV was the first model launched on this dedicated EV platform, followed by the Curvv. Launched at an introductory price of ₹21.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Harrier EV features a Quick-Wheel Drive (QWD) dual-motor setup enabling all-wheel drive and delivering a peak torque of 504 Nm. The front motor produces 158 PS, while the rear generates 238 PS, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. It supports fast charging, offering 250 km of range in just 15 minutes. The motors are supplied by Tier-1 majors Schaeffler and Tata AutoComp. The vehicle comes equipped with six terrain modes and off-road assist, and introduces Tata Motors' advanced SDV architecture, which runs on 500 million lines of code. Safety is prioritised with over 20 Level 2 ADAS features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, alongside seven airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ESP with i-VBAC, hill descent control, and tyre pressure monitoring. In conversation with ETAuto, Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer Service, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said the Harrier EV based on evolving consumer trends like YOLO (You Only Live Once) and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), reflecting a desire to try new experiences. The vehicle is positioned as a 'third space' beyond home and work, where users can recharge and reconnect. With the launch of this model, Tata Motors is seeking to regain its lost market share, as it faces stiff competition in the EV space from its rivals, particularly JSW MG Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra. Although it still remains a market leader in the segment, the auto giant has seen its share decline from around 71 per cent in FY24 to 54 per cent in FY25. EV penetration in the segment currently stands at around 2.5 per cent. Innovations in battery tech The automaker remains cautious about exploring alternative battery chemistries like sodium-ion technology. Kulkarni noted that while sodium-ion batteries are promising due to safer, more abundant materials, initial interest was driven by high lithium costs. With lithium prices stabilising, the urgency around sodium-ion has lessened. From a global standpoint, he sees fully sodium-ion-powered vehicles unlikely to hit the market for at least a few more years. Cost remains a critical factor, and shifting economics often reshape the direction of such conversations. Nevertheless, he emphasised the importance of continued investment in technical innovation, particularly as energy density–one of sodium-ion's main limitations– continues to improve with ongoing R&D efforts. Addressing the concept of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), Kulkarni noted that while it remains a viable option if there is sufficient demand, the prevailing sentiment among Indian consumers leans toward battery ownership. 'Indian customers typically prefer to own the battery,' he said. Although a lower upfront price through BaaS might appeal to a niche segment, he emphasised that it is not the dominant expectation in the market. 'Price difference may attract some customers, but overall, ownership remains the preferred model.' EV trajectory Kulkarni noted that there has been a clear reduction in range anxiety and increasing acceptance of EVs among the customers in India. He highlighted that Tata Motors EVs have collectively covered 8 billion kilometers across over 200,000 vehicles. While daily drives once averaged 40–45 km in short trips, usage has evolved to 75–80 km per trip, with EVs now used more frequently than comparable ICE vehicles. He also revealed that the company is also working on the new Avinya platform. However, he did not share any specific details. Reflecting on the evolving competitiveness of the Indian EV industry, he noted that the landscape has changed significantly over the past five years. 'Back then, my answer would have been very different. But today, as a country, we've developed real expertise.' A key enabler has been the push for deep localisation, which has helped build critical competencies and a robust supply ecosystem. He also highlighted a defining characteristic of the Indian market– its high sensitivity to cost. 'This has driven local engineers to innovate and engineer world-class products that meet demanding cost targets, even at low volumes,' he said. As a result, India is now capable of producing highly credible, competitive EV solutions tailored to its unique needs. 'While the future remains uncertain, I am confident that we will not be left behind,' he said.
