In a move that's got gearheads and eco-warriors buzzing alike, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. (TMPVL) has inked a high-octane partnership with Red Bull India. Think cutting-edge electric mobility meets adrenaline-fueled stunts – it's the kind of collab that screams "push the limits" without ever saying it out loud. Kicking things off is the beastly Harrier EV, India's homegrown electric SUV powerhouse, tackling a jaw-dropping challenge alongside Red Bull's drift king, Abdo "Dado" Feghali.
The duo's first escapade? An electrifying video drop coming soon, where the Harrier EV scales what can only be described as a "fearsome" off-road gauntlet – think steep inclines that would make lesser vehicles whimper. Feghali, the Lebanese legend who's etched his name in the Guinness World Records for the longest drift and dominates rally circuits worldwide, puts the Harrier EV through its paces in a stunt that's as much about raw engineering as it is about pure thrill.
This isn't just a one-off gimmick; it's the launchpad for a series of boundary-busting adventures blending TMPVL's EV prowess with Red Bull's stable of extreme athletes. As Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., put it: "These are truly exciting times as we partner with a company like Red Bull – known for defying limits. This collaboration brings together two brands that share a passion for innovation, performance and pushing boundaries. We are excited to showcase how cutting-edge technology and stylish design can complement the thrill of adventure and extreme performance. This journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary."
Feghali, fresh off conquering the infamous Elephant Rock terrain, couldn't hold back his praise for the ride. "The Harrier EV truly delivers on its promise of go-anywhere capability," he shared. "After conquering steep terrains in the Elephant Rock challenge, it exceeded expectations by effortlessly completing the latest task we threw at it. Its segment-leading torque offers smooth, linear delivery, making every obstacle feel convenient. This experience is a testament to the Harrier EV’s engineering excellence – a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India."
So, what makes the Harrier EV the perfect co-star for this Red Bull saga? This isn't your average city slicker EV; it's built to conquer. At its core is a robust 75 kWh Lithium-Ion LFP battery pack with liquid cooling and IP67 water resistance, delivering an impressive ARAI-certified range of 622 km – translating to a solid 460-490 km in real-world hauls. Power-wise, it's a dual-motor setup with Quad Wheel Drive (QWD): 155.8 BHP up front and a punchy 234.7 BHP in the rear, churning out a combined 504 Nm of torque for that instant electric shove. Zero to 100 kmph? A blistering 6.3 seconds.
Off-roading fans, take note – six terrain modes (from Mud-Ruts to Rock Crawl) and an off-road boost keep it glued to the toughest tracks, while ultra-glide suspension with frequency-dependent damping smooths out the chaos. Charging is a breeze too: top up from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes via a 120 kW DC fast charger or go steady with AC over 10.7 hours. And for those peace-of-mind vibes, it's got a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety nod, seven airbags (yep, including a driver's knee bag) and Level 2 ADAS goodies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and a 540-degree camera view.
Inside, it's luxury on steroids: a massive 14.53-inch Samsung Neo QLED touchscreen powered by Harman with JBL's 10-speaker Dolby Atmos setup, a voice-activated panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats to keep you cool under pressure. At 4,607 mm long with a 2,741 mm wheelbase, it seats five comfortably and swallows 502 liters of boot space for all your adventure gear.
This tie-up feels like the spark India’s EV scene has been craving – a reminder that going green doesn't mean dialing down the excitement. With the first video hitting platforms in the next few days, Tata and Red Bull are setting the stage for more heart-pounding feats that could redefine how we see electric SUVs.
One burning question lingers, though: With Red Bull's F1 empire in the mix, could we spot three-time world champion Max Verstappen behind the wheel of a Harrier EV, tearing up the turns at Buddh International Circuit? Fingers crossed – that'd be the drift of the decade. Stay tuned, folks; this electric revolution is just revving up.
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.