Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle business head, says the company is actively exploring the possibility of introducing four-wheel drive technology in electric versions of its sports utility vehicles.
Four-wheel drive trims are not currently available in any of the company’s existing vehicles, including Nexon, Harrier, and Safar.
By 2025, the company plans to have ten electric vehicles, both existing nameplates and new models.
A possible candidate for the four-by-four (4X4) upgrade is Tata Motors’ Nexon range.
Our focus will be on electric vehicles. When asked if Tata Motors was considering four-wheel drive trim options in its SUV range, Tata Motors Managing Director – Passenger Vehicle and Electric Vehicles – Shailesh Chandra said the company would work on this for the electric version of its future SUVs.
In addition to its expected line up of ten electric models, the company will also offer products with four-by-four capability.
Four wheel drive enables a vehicle to tackle tough off-road conditions by distributing power to all four wheels.
In addition to the XUV 700, the Scorpio-N, the Thar, and the Alturas G4, Mahindra & Mahindra also offers multiple models that are equipped with such transmissions.
Recently launched mid-sized SUV — Grand Vitara — from Maruti Suzuki comes with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option.
A 4X4 upgrade for Harrier and Safari, which are currently available only with diesel engines, has been ruled out due to dismally low sales in the domestic market.
Continuing, he said: “Let’s first transition to the new world (electric) and then we’ll start offering these options there ..When Harrier and Safari sales start going electric… then we’ll be able to offer four-by-fours.”