Tata Harrier EV: Off-road experience
We drove Tata’s flagship SUV, Harrier EV on a full-fledged off-road track. Here is what we felt.;
At the recent ‘Quad Day’, organised by Tata Motors at the Buddh International Circuit, we got to experience the Harrier EV on a custom made off-road course. Tata Motors wanted us to experience the dual motor setup of the car, which helps it drive all four wheels (Quad-wheel drive, in Tata’s nomenclature). The AWD coupled with 313bhp and 504Nm along with various drive modes for different terrains make for decent stats on paper. The Harrier EV starts at ₹21.5 lakh for the RWD, 65kWh battery pack variant and the prices for the AWD variants are yet to be announced. Though it is the only one among its competitors currently to have an AWD setup.
Tata Harrier EV: Taking on the off-road terrain
This marked a significant first for me – driving an electric SUV on a dedicated off-road course. I've long pondered: are EVs truly the future of off-roading? This was my chance to find out.
Once again, Tata Motors was keen to showcase, and their off-road instructors wasted no time in demonstrating the Harrier EV's impressive AWD capabilities. They effortlessly waded it through a 600mm deep water crossing, the electric powertrain completely unfazed by the deluge. This was followed by a few reverse donuts; the sheer silence of an EV spinning around in circles took a little getting used to.
Soon, it was my turn behind the wheel. The instructors had curated a series of obstacles, each meticulously designed to highlight the Harrier EV's different driving modes and its performance across varied terrains. It's crucial to remember that throughout this, the Harrier EV was still fitted with its standard highway tyres.
The 'Rock Crawl' mode helped the Harrier EV traverse the stone pit effortlessly. -Shot by Rohit G Mane for Evo India
As we started, it dawned on me that this is my first time behind the wheel of a Harrier EV, and I am heading straight into an articulation course. We engaged 'Rock Crawl' mode, which boosts torque delivery and optimises traction control for maximum grip on loose surfaces. With only the gentlest inputs, the electronics adeptly transferred power from wheels in the air to those maintaining contact with the ground. The delay was minimal, showcasing incredible responsiveness. It was then I noticed another invaluable feature: the 540-degree camera view. The front cameras record the path ahead, relaying it onto the screen as the car traverses, effectively showing the ground directly beneath the vehicle. It also overlays guidelines indicating where the tyres are pointing, making it much easier to precisely navigate the marked course.
Our next challenge was a side incline, designed to demonstrate the cabin's remarkable poise even when the car is heavily banked. While I can't provide the exact bank angle, from inside, it felt incredibly stable – the chassis and suspension doing their job with superb composure.
The Harrier EV remained steady and composed during this side-incline test. -Shot by Rohit G Mane for Evo India
Next up, a sand pit, so we switched to 'Sand' mode. In this setting, the ECU subtly feathers the torque, preventing excessive power from digging the wheels in. I had no trouble at all navigating this section, eventually reaching the foot of a steep incline. This is where the instant torque of the electric motors was immediately apparent, providing a smooth, controlled ascent with the wheels finding purchase remarkably easily, aided by the metal parkour. To descend, I engaged Hill Descent Control, which gently guided the car back to level ground without any drama whatsoever.
The instant torque of an EV is crucially helpful when making steep climbs. -Shot by Rohit G Mane for Evo India
Following this, we tackled a few more obstacles, highlighting the Harrier EV's approach, departure, and breakover angles (25.3, 26.4, and 16.6 degrees respectively). Each challenge further underscored the ease of driving and control the Harrier EV offers across diverse terrains.
In my opinion, the instant torque of an EV is an absolute game-changer for off-roading. The immediate power delivery, devoid of the lag associated with traditional internal combustion engines, provides unparalleled confidence, control, and precision, especially when navigating tricky obstacles. However, it's also crucial to acknowledge that this is a 2.3-tonne vehicle. The combination of the two mean that there are a few significant differences in how an EV needs to be driven in off-road conditions. That weight and instant power means you need to learn to combine your driving ability with the electronic aids to truly utilise its capabilities optimally. It's a learning process we'll all have to go through as we, collectively, potentially transition to electric off-roaders.
Throughout the off-road course, Tata Motors was also keen to showcase the chassis's structural integrity and robustness. We witnessed a bare chassis hanging effortlessly from a crane, further pulled down by another Harrier EV, a striking demonstration of its strength. Later, a 1.5-tonne container was placed on its roof, a clear testament to its formidable load-bearing capacity. These extreme displays further solidified the impression that the Harrier EV is engineered for more than just the urban jungle.