Tata Motors is preparing to widen access to its all wheel drive technology on the Harrier.ev by offering the feature on lower trims. The AWD system, known as Quad Wheel Drive (QWD), is currently available only on the top-spec Empowered trim. Market data shows that interest has far exceeded Tata’s early projections. QWD variants already account for about 30% of all Harrier.ev sales, which is higher than the initial estimate of roughly 20%. This response has encouraged Tata to revise its trim strategy so that buyers do not need to move to the top of the range to access dual motor capability. The move comes as the company expands this technology across more models, including the upcoming Sierra EV.
How Lower Trims Will Make AWD More Affordable
The Harrier.ev’s current AWD entry point sits at an ex showroom price of about ₹28.99 lakh. This places the dual motor setup at a considerable premium over rear wheel drive versions. Despite the higher price, buyers with an interest in performance and off road ability have opted for QWD versions. Tata now aims to introduce AWD on the Fearless trim, which sits below the Empowered. Prices for the Fearless+ variant start at ₹23.99 lakh and it is offered with both the 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery options. Tata has not confirmed which battery pack the affordable AWD version will use, though the company may choose the larger battery to maintain range similarity with the current AWD configuration. If implemented as planned, the change could lower the AWD entry price by ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh, depending on the final feature list and pack configuration.
Powertrain Details & Expected Performance
The Harrier.ev QWD uses a dual motor layout. The main motor at the rear produces 238 HP, while a secondary front motor adds up to 158 HP. Combined output stands at 313 HP along with 540 NM of peak torque. QWD is currently paired with the larger 75 kWh battery pack, which delivers a claimed range of 622 KM. The SUV also gets performance oriented settings such as Boost mode, off road assist functions and six terrain modes covering Normal, Snow or Grass, Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and a Custom configuration. Lower variants use a single rear mounted motor and come with 65 kWh or 75 kWh pack options. Certified range is 538 KM for the 65 kWh version and 627 KM for the 75 kWh version. Real world estimates are lower, but remain competitive for the segment.
Strategic Impact
Tata expects broader availability of AWD to strengthen the Harrier.ev’s positioning in the EV SUV space. More accessible pricing could increase demand and help distinguish the model from rivals that rely mainly on single motor layouts. It also aligns with Tata’s wider plan of using QWD across future EVs, including the Sierra EV. The company has indicated that the ARGOS platform, which underpins the Sierra, can support AWD even in internal combustion versions. If pricing is aggressive enough, the Harrier.ev AWD range could become one of Tata’s strongest differentiators in the growing electric SUV segment.
