Tata Motors is making a bold prediction about their new Harrier EV – they expect 20% of buyers will choose the 4WD version. That’s a huge jump from traditional petrol SUVs, where 4WD typically accounts for just low single-digit sales.
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The Return of 4WD to Tata Motors
The Harrier EV marks the return of four-wheel-drive technology to Tata Motors after more than five years, with the last being the discontinued Safari Storme. This time, they’re calling it Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) – a dual-motor system with one motor on each axle.
Why Electric 4WD is Different
According to Vivek Srivatsa, Tata’s chief commercial officer, “The Harrier QWD package unleashes far more than a traditional system unleashes, from things like the system torque to the response time of the motors.”
Electric 4WD systems have clear advantages over traditional mechanical systems:
- Instant torque delivery – no waiting for power to transfer
- Lightning-fast response times – motors react in milliseconds
- Precise control – each wheel can be managed independently
Built for Indian Roads and Beyond
Tata isn’t positioning QWD as just an off-road or on-road system. As Srivatsa explains, “With QWD, you [not only] unleash off-road capability but also on-road acceleration and handling. The Indian consumer wants everything, and this car does everything.”
This approach makes sense for Indian buyers who want versatility – from city driving to highway cruising to occasional off-road adventures.
The Bigger Picture
QWD will become Tata’s standard branding for all-wheel drive across their future SUV lineup, similar to how other brands like Suzuki use AllGrip across different models.
What We Don’t Know Yet
The big question remains pricing. Tata has only announced the price for the base 65kWh battery version starting at ₹21.49 lakh, while the QWD version will come with a larger 75kWh battery pack. The final price will determine whether that 20% sales prediction becomes reality.
The Bottom Line
The Harrier EV’s QWD system represents a significant step forward for Tata Motors and Indian electric vehicles. With instant torque, superior response times, and versatile capability, it’s easy to see why Tata expects much higher 4WD adoption rates compared to traditional SUVs.
Whether buyers will actually choose the 4WD version in the numbers Tata predicts will depend heavily on pricing and real-world performance. But one thing’s clear – electric 4WD technology is changing the game for SUVs in India.
