Tata Motors, known for its strong presence in the electric vehicle (EV) space, is set to take its innovation further by introducing 4X4 technology in future electric SUVs. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, confirmed the company’s plans to explore 4X4 capabilities in SUVs positioned above the Nexon range. This would mark a significant shift in Tata’s approach to SUVs, particularly in its electric vehicle segment.
Expanding the EV Portfolio
Tata Motors has been aggressively expanding its EV portfolio, aiming to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience. The recent launch of the Tiago EV, Tata’s most affordable electric car, is part of the company’s larger plan to introduce 10 electric vehicles by 2026. Currently, four EVs are available in the market: Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Xpres-T EV, and the popular Nexon EV. Vivek Srivatsa, Tata Motors’ Head of Marketing, Sales, and Service Strategy, hinted that the company might launch two new EVs per year, potentially completing its 10 EV plan ahead of 2026.
The Introduction of 4X4 in Tata’s Electric SUVs
What makes Tata’s move towards 4X4 SUVs significant is the fact that none of its current SUVs—such as the Harrier, Safari, or Nexon—offer 4X4 capability. However, Tata’s history with capable SUVs, built on robust platforms like the Omega-Arc derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform, means that the introduction of 4X4 technology could attract more off-road enthusiasts to the electric segment.
Chandra mentioned that the 4X4 technology will likely be introduced in SUVs like the Harrier EV, Curvv EV, and Sierra EV, once these models hit the market. The brand will gauge the sales performance of the Harrier EV and Safari EV before fully committing to the 4X4 rollout. This is welcome news for those eagerly waiting for Tata to bring a 4X4 electric SUV to market.
How Close Is Tata to Achieving Its EV Goals?
As part of its larger strategy, Tata Motors plans to launch six more EVs to complete its 10 EV plan by 2026. With four models already on sale, the automaker is making significant progress toward this goal. Tata’s plan to introduce two new EVs per year could see it completing this target before the anticipated deadline of 2026, demonstrating the company’s commitment to being a leader in the electric mobility space.
Conclusion
Tata Motors’ plans to introduce 4X4 technology in future electric SUVs reflect the company’s ambition to offer more versatile and capable EVs in the market. With an expanding portfolio and strong customer interest, Tata is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles while bringing innovation to the SUV segment. The success of upcoming models like the Harrier EV and Sierra EV will be crucial in determining the future of 4X4 electric SUVs from Tata.
