Tata Motors is preparing to take a significant step in expanding the appeal of its electric SUV lineup by offering all wheel drive technology on more affordable variants of the Tata Harrier EV. At present, the Quad Wheel Drive system, branded as QWD by Tata, is only available on the top spec Empowered trim. However, strong and unexpected customer demand has convinced the company to rethink this strategy.
The Harrier EV is a crucial product for Tata Motors in its electric vehicle journey, positioned as a premium electric SUV with strong performance credentials. The decision to expand QWD availability highlights how Indian buyers are becoming increasingly open to advanced drivetrain technology, especially when paired with electric powertrains.
Growing Demand For QWD Variants
The move to introduce AWD on lower trims is directly influenced by real world sales data. According to Tata Motors, QWD equipped Harrier EV variants currently account for nearly 30 percent of total Harrier EV sales. This is a much higher share than originally anticipated.
When the Harrier EV was launched, Tata Motors had estimated that around 20 percent of buyers would opt for the AWD configuration. While that figure was already considered optimistic for a feature traditionally associated with niche off road vehicles, actual demand has turned out to be even stronger.
Speaking about this response, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Motors, confirmed that the company will expand the availability of QWD. He stated that the higher than expected interest in the AWD setup has made it logical for Tata to offer this technology on lower and more accessible variants.
Short Summary Table
Key Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
Model |
Tata Harrier EV |
AWD Technology |
Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) |
AWD Availability |
Currently on Empowered trim only |
Upcoming Update |
QWD to be offered on lower variants |
Power Output (AWD) |
313 hp |
Torque |
540 Nm |
Battery Pack |
75 kWh |
Claimed Range |
622 km |
Current QWD Price |
Rs 28.99 lakh ex showroom |
Official Site |
What Is Tata Quad Wheel Drive Technology
Quad Wheel Drive, or QWD, is Tata Motors’ all wheel drive system designed specifically for electric vehicles. It is currently the company’s only AWD technology, developed to take advantage of the flexibility offered by electric motors.
Unlike traditional mechanical AWD systems used in internal combustion vehicles, QWD uses separate electric motors on the front and rear axles. This setup allows precise control over power delivery, improved traction and better stability without the complexity of mechanical linkages.
QWD not only enhances off road capability but also improves on road performance, particularly during quick acceleration, overtaking and driving on low grip surfaces such as wet roads or loose gravel.
Harrier EV AWD Powertrain And Performance
The Tata Harrier EV AWD configuration uses a dual motor layout. The main motor is a permanent magnet synchronous unit mounted on the rear axle, producing 238 hp. This motor handles the majority of propulsion duties during normal driving.
To support it, Tata has added a front mounted induction motor with an output of 158 hp. Together, the two motors deliver a combined output of 313 hp and a substantial 540 Nm of torque.
This high torque figure is instantly available, as is typical with electric powertrains, giving the Harrier EV strong acceleration and confident performance across different driving conditions. The AWD system ensures that power is distributed effectively to all four wheels when required, improving traction and control.
Battery Pack And Driving Range
The QWD system is currently offered only in combination with the larger 75 kWh battery pack. In this configuration, the Tata Harrier EV delivers a claimed driving range of 622 km. This figure positions it among the longest range electric SUVs in its class.
The combination of high power output and long range makes the Harrier EV AWD particularly attractive to buyers who want both performance and practicality. Whether used for long highway drives or challenging terrain, the QWD equipped Harrier EV promises confidence and versatility.
With the planned expansion of AWD to lower trims, there is speculation that Tata Motors may offer QWD with both the 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery packs. However, the company has not officially confirmed this detail yet.
Expected Variants To Get AWD
Currently, the Tata Harrier Empowered 75 QWD sits at the top of the lineup and is priced at Rs 28.99 lakh ex showroom. This pricing places it firmly in the premium segment.
Going forward, Tata is expected to introduce the QWD system on the mid spec Fearless trim. This move would significantly lower the entry point for customers seeking AWD capability in an electric SUV.
By offering QWD on more variants, Tata Motors can attract buyers who may have previously been priced out of the AWD option. This could also help expand the Harrier EV’s appeal beyond urban buyers to those living in regions with challenging road and weather conditions.
Impact On Tata Motors EV Strategy
The strong demand for the Harrier EV QWD has broader implications for Tata Motors’ future electric vehicle plans. Encouraged by the response, the company intends to offer the AWD system on more electric SUVs.
The next model expected to receive QWD technology is the Tata Sierra EV. Tata had already hinted at AWD capability during the unveiling of the internal combustion engine version of the Sierra. The electric Sierra, based on the ARGOS platform, is well suited to support an AWD layout.
Interestingly, the ARGOS platform can also support all wheel drive for ICE powered models. If Tata decides to implement this, it may extend the QWD branding beyond electric vehicles, using it as a unified AWD identity across multiple powertrains.
Why AWD Matters More In Electric SUVs
Electric vehicles are uniquely suited to all wheel drive setups. The use of individual motors for each axle allows faster response times, better torque distribution and improved efficiency compared to traditional AWD systems.
For customers, this translates to smoother driving, enhanced safety and better performance in varied conditions. The growing acceptance of QWD on the Harrier EV suggests that Indian buyers are beginning to value these benefits more than before.
As road infrastructure improves and more customers explore adventure oriented travel, AWD electric SUVs are likely to see increased demand. Tata Motors appears to be positioning itself to lead this trend in the domestic market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is QWD in the Tata Harrier EV
QWD stands for Quad Wheel Drive. It is Tata Motors’ all wheel drive system for electric vehicles, using separate electric motors on the front and rear axles to deliver improved traction and performance.
Q2. Which Harrier EV variant currently offers AWD
At present, AWD or QWD is available only on the top spec Empowered trim of the Tata Harrier EV. Tata Motors is planning to introduce it on lower trims as well.
Q3. How powerful is the Tata Harrier EV AWD
The Harrier EV AWD produces a combined output of 313 hp and 540 Nm of torque using a dual motor setup, making it one of the most powerful electric SUVs in its segment.
Q4. What is the range of the Harrier EV with QWD
With the 75 kWh battery pack and QWD configuration, the Tata Harrier EV has a claimed driving range of 622 km.
Q5. Will Tata offer QWD on other models in the future
Yes, Tata Motors plans to expand its QWD technology to more SUVs. The upcoming Tata Sierra EV is expected to be the next model to feature this all wheel drive system.
Conclusion
Tata Motors’ decision to offer Quad Wheel Drive on lower trims of the Harrier EV marks an important shift in the Indian electric SUV landscape. Strong customer response has proven that AWD is no longer a niche feature limited to top end variants.
With 30 percent of Harrier EV buyers opting for QWD, Tata Motors is responding swiftly by making the technology more accessible. The powerful dual motor setup, long range and improved traction make the Harrier EV AWD a compelling package for a wide range of buyers.
As Tata prepares to introduce QWD on future models such as the Sierra EV, the company is reinforcing its leadership in the electric SUV space. The expansion of AWD technology reflects both evolving customer expectations and Tata Motors’ confidence in its electric powertrain capabilities.
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