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    2025 Kia Sonet Electric SUV Spied First Time – Nexon EV Rival

    2025 Kia Sonet Electric SUVWhile battery and motor specs are not known yet, 2025 Kia Sonet electric SUV might promise around 450 km of range from a single charge
    Developing electric versions of existing models has proven to be a successful strategy for automakers. Tata Motors has been leading the charge in this area for some time, and now other manufacturers are following suit. Kia India appears to be the latest to adopt this approach, as indicated by the first-ever spy shots of a Sonet EV test mule.
    2025 Kia Sonet Electric
    Sonet has been a very popular offering in the sub 4m SUV segment. It is currently powered by either Petrol or Diesel engines. For the first time, a Kia Sonet test mule has been spied on ahead of its official launch in 2025.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Front
    For starters, this particular test mule is fully camouflaged and was spied with additional structural camouflage at the rear too. We could not spot any visible tailpipe on this test mule, suggesting that it might be a fully electric vehicle that is based on ICE version of Sonet. Launch likely to happen in 2025.
    We did not see any major change in design, which is logical as it keeps costs down as there are more shared parts between EV and ICE versions. Even the alloy wheels looked like they were the same 16-inch units, offered with ICE Sonet.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Rear
    At the rear, this test mule suggested that it has the same connected LED tail light signature as ICE Sonet. There might be an EV-specific rear bumper to establish some design distinctions. The new spy shots showed upcoming Sonet EV’s right side and rear section. We couldn’t spot any charging ports, suggesting it may be present where ICE Sonet has its fuel filler.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Side
    At the front, Kia Sonet EV seems to be carrying over the lighting elements, which is understandable too. Attributes like front parking sensors and 360-degree cameras are expected to carry over too. Other than that, we can see roof rails along with other elements similar to ICE Sonet.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Side
    What to expect?
    On the inside, we can expect Sonet EV to carry over a lot of elements from Sonet ICE. Like the dual 10.2-inch displays supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose premium speakers, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a single-pane sunroof, auto climate control with rear AC vents, air purifier and Level-1 ADAS among others.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Side
    Feature add-ons might include an electric parking brake, adjustable regenerative braking and all-four disc brakes as standard, among others. Battery specs are not known as of now, but around 45 kWh pack with 450 km of claimed range sounds feasible. There will be a single motor driving front wheels and the possibility of a frunk (front trunk) is less.
    2025 Kia Sonet EV Bonnet
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    2025 Mahindra XUV Electric SUV (e9 and BE05) Spied Undisguised During TVC Shoot

    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUVMahindra is getting ready to launch a range of new Electric SUVs in India and for the global market
    Expanding the horizon of its electric vehicle portfolio, Mahindra Auto has been taking great strides. In 2022, the company showcased five of its upcoming born-electric electric cars. Of these, BE.05 and XUV.e9 seem to be closing production and a grand global debut might be away as suggested by the recent spy shots.
    Mahindra BE.05 And XUV.e9 Spied Undisguised
    These spy shots show Mahindra BE.05 and XUV.e9 during what seems like TVC shoots somewhere outside India. These units were fully undisguised and showed their exterior design elements in fully production-spec form. We should expect a TVC soon and before that, let’s take a look at what the spy shots show.
    2025 Mahindra XUV e9 Electric SUV
    With global aspirations, Mahindra Auto has carved out a range of stunning electric SUVs that should launch sometime next year. Based on their born-electric INGLO platform, Mahindra is eyeing to dominate the Indian electric SUV market and then expand their EV production expertise to include global markets as well.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
    Squared-off wheel arches with chunky wheel claddings along with side body claddings are both finished in a gloss black. Wheels look like they are around 19-inchers in size. Design is of a 5-spoke type, but there are aerodynamic patterns, looking very futuristic. The fixed glass roof ends in a split spoiler design and a similar effect is mimicked on the rear bumper too.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
    Front door gets flush pop-out door handles. LED tail lights are connected in design and have a massive signature. At the front, we can see a massive C-shaped LED DRL signature with an illuminated BE logo. Front also has an open grill that channels air through its bonnet, which is a neat touch.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
    Where XUV.e9 is concerned, we can see two shades of it in the spy shot. One in a Golden colour and the other in a ravishing Red. It boasts a massive fascia with a closed-off grill, vertically laid-out headlights, and connecting LED DRLs. Pop-out front door handles and large aerodynamic wheels are notable elements.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
    What do they get on the inside?
    On the inside, Mahindra is giving BE.05 cockpit-like feel with a pronounced split in the middle. Other notable elements include a floating centre console and dual 10.25-inch screens, a new steering wheel with an illuminated logo, a large HUD and more. XUV.e9, on the other hand, one-ups BE.05 with a triple screen layout, but lacks the cockpit-like feel.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
    Powertrain details are not known yet. However, speculations suggest BE.05 and XUV.e9 could get battery packs between 60 kWh and 80 kWh, mated to either a single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD setups. As of now, Mahindra is active in a few global markets selling vehicles like Pik-Up range, Scorpio N and XUV700. The upcoming XUV.e8 (XUV700 EV), XUV.e9 (XUV700 EV Coupe) and BE.05 are likely to join the list of exported cars from Mahindra.
    2025 Mahindra BE05 Electric SUV
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    Kawasaki KLX 230 S Launch Date 17th Oct – Unofficial Bookings Open

    Kawasaki KLX 230 S Launch Date AnnouncedWhen launched, Kawasaki KLX 230 S will primarily rival Hero Xpulse 200 4V and Yezdi Adventure along with upcoming Xpulse 210
    With the sense of adventure rising among Indians, lifestyle off-road vehicles have seen excellent reception. In motorcycles, ADVs are currently trending and are one of the hottest genres in India. Catering to this segment, Kawasaki is launching KLX 230 S in India soon and there is an official launch date revealed by the brand too.
    With a countdown of just 10 days, Kawasaki KLX 230 S launch date is set for October 17th. Unofficial bookings for the same seem to have commenced too. This off-road motorcycle will be locally assembled via the CKD route and is likely to be priced competitively as Hero Xpulse with similar ethos holds an excellent value-for-money proposition.
    Kawasaki KLX 230 S Launch Date
    With localisation, Kawasaki KLX 230 S is speculated to cost under Rs 2 lakh (Ex-sh). Owing to its simple powertrain and engine displacement, it will primarily compete with Hero Xpulse 200 4V and the upcoming Hero Xpulse 210 with Karizma XMR 210 engine, which has been spied testing on multiple occasions.
    Soon to launch KLX 230 S has been spied testing in India as well. Design-wise, it will be similar to the 2024 KLX 230 S sold globally. It has a typical ADV design, with a small headlight unit and a large beak below it that should protect crucial components while landing from a jump.
    Kawasaki KLX 230 S
    There’s a large 21-inch wire-spoke wheel at the front, lending a lot of attitude. A small fuel tank, minimal body panels, tall seat height, really long seat, up-swept exhaust with a beefy heat shield and a plastic tail section where bike’s rear registration plates are. Indian unit will come equipped with front registration plates and a saree guard.
    KLX 230 S is not a looker and it was not meant to be, either. This motorcycle is all about robust riding capabilities and off-roading prowess. Where componentry is concerned, the bike boasts 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, 240 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS along with dual-sport tyres.
    Performance
    Ground clearance is 239 mm, seat height is 843 mm and kerb weight could be around 140 kg for India-spec model. Kawasaki KLX 230 S is lighter than Xpulse 200 4V (159 kg Standard, 161 kg Pro). Thus boasting a higher power-to-weight ratio than Xpulse 200 4V and even the upcoming Xpulse 210 with more performance.
    Kawasaki KLX 230 S
    KLX 230 S is powered by a simple 233cc, 2V, air-cooled engine with around 20 bhp and 17 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and complying with BS6 P2 emission standards. When launched on 17th October, it will be the 3rd localized Kawasaki product in India after Ninja 300 and W175. More

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    2025 Triumph Tiger 400 ADV Render – Himalayan 450, 390 Adventure Rival

    2025 Triumph Tiger 400 ADV RenderIf launched, Triumph Tiger 400 ADV will take on reigning champion, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, along with KTM 390 Adventure
    The Bajaj-Triumph duo has been actively pursuing the premium 300cc to 500cc single cylinder motorcycle segment. ADV genre has emerged as an important one, with Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, captivating this market completely. What if the Bajaj-Triumph duo came up with a fitting rival based on the Speed 400 platform? We bring you a render of what it could look like.
    Triumph Tiger 400 ADV Rendered
    While Triumph has Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, there is no ADV-style motorcycle based on this platform. That is where this Triumph Tiger 400 ADV render created by Pratyush Rout comes into the light. Considering how popular the ADV and ADV-style motorcycle genre is becoming, launching one in India would prove to be a good bet for the Indian market.
    2025 Triumph Tiger 400 ADV Render
    Our render consists of a stylish ADV motorcycle. This is something that can’t be said about typical ADVs sold in the segment. The main design inspiration for this render came from Triumph’s approach towards the Tiger Sport 660 based on the Trident 660 naked motorcycle. Obvious rivals include Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure.
    We took the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 design DNA and fused it with Triumph’s 400 platform. Going by Triumph’s design choices with Tiger Sport 660, our Tiger 400 render also gets a unique headlight, and tank design along with a rear subframe, when compared to a Speed 400.
    2025 Triumph Tiger 400 ADV Render
    There is a semi-fairing on offer, that should significantly increase touring capabilities of Tiger Sport 400 render. The headlights and LED DRL signature are inspired by bigger Tiger motorcycles. Unlike the Tiger Sport 660, our Tiger 400 ADV render gets a front beak, which is a defining design trait of this segment.
    2025 Triumph Tiger 400 ADV Render
    Other notable attributes of this render include a tall functional windscreen, aggressive tank shrouds, a sportier lifted rear subframe that should allow comfortable ergonomics for pillion, round ORVMs and knuckle guards among others. There are interesting decals on side body panels and fuel tank, which should appeal to young buyers.
    Will it launch?
    We can’t say for sure that Triumph will launch an ADV-style motorcycle. Bajaj recently launched Speed T4, a more affordable version with missing features and less power. They are also testing new motorcycles based on the 400cc platform. While one is Thruxton 400, which is already spied testing, there is a good chance we could get the likes of Speedmaster 400 cruiser, Tiger 400 ADV, Daytona 400 fully-faired machine in the future..
    Our render is not only appealing, but it is feasible too. The componentry is retained from Scrambler 400X, with the same exhaust setup too. There are USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock setup, alloy wheels with block-pattern tyres, single disc brake setup at either ends and the likes. Powertrain is the same 398.15cc single-cylinder DOHC 4V liquid-cooled engine with 39.5 bhp of peak power and 37.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. There can be a more off-road version of this motorcycle with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheels and adjustable long travel suspension. More

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    Two Wheeler Sales Sep 2024 – Hero, Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Royal Enfield, Suzuki

    New Bajaj Pulsar 400Overall, the Indian two-wheeler industry experienced robust growth in September 2024, led by Hero, Honda, TVS and Bajaj
    Leading two wheeler brands recorded a total of 19,38,193 units, marking a 17.67% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to 16,47,192 units in September 2023. This surge was not only a positive indicator of market recovery but also showcased strong month-on-month (MoM) growth, with a 18.56% increase over August 2024, during which 16,34,738 units were sold.
    Two Wheeler Sales Sep 2024 – YoY vs MoM
    Hero MotoCorp continued its dominance in the domestic two-wheeler segment, selling 6,16,706 units in September 2024. This represented a remarkable 24.77% YoY growth, as the brand sold 4,94,270 units in the same period last year. On a MoM basis, Hero’s domestic sales saw a substantial 25.28% increase, compared to the 4,92,263 units sold in August 2024, demonstrating its continued appeal to Indian consumers. Honda followed closely behind with 5,36,391 units, showing a 9.07% YoY growth compared to 4,91,802 units in September 2023. The brand also saw a modest MoM growth of 9.09%, up from 4,91,678 units in August 2024.
    Two Wheeler Sales Sep 2024
    TVS Motor Company had an excellent month, selling 3,69,138 units in September 2024, up 22.84% YoY from 3,00,493 units in September 2023. This increase was complemented by an impressive 27.70% MoM growth over the 2,89,073 units sold in August 2024. Bajaj Auto also posted strong numbers, with 2,59,333 units sold domestically, reflecting a 28.06% YoY growth over September 2023’s 2,02,510 units. On a MoM basis, Bajaj registered a 24.31% increase from the 2,08,621 units sold in August 2024.
    Royal Enfield, known for its niche motorcycles, recorded 79,362 units in September 2024, a modest 6.87% increase over September 2023’s 74,261 units. MoM, the brand witnessed a solid 20.94% growth, up from 65,623 units sold in August 2024. Suzuki, on the other hand, was the only major two-wheeler brand to experience a decline, selling 77,263 units in September 2024, down 7.86% YoY from 83,856 units in September 2023. MoM, Suzuki also saw a decline of 11.68%, down from 87,480 units in August 2024.
    Two Wheeler Exports Sep 2024
    Exports Performance – YoY vs MoM
    Exports of Indian two-wheelers also showcased strong growth in September 2024. Total two-wheeler exports reached 3,40,970 units, reflecting a YoY growth of 19.47% compared to 2,85,414 units in September 2023. MoM, exports saw a 10.37% rise, with an additional 32,048 units exported over August 2024’s total of 3,08,922 units. Bajaj Auto led the export market with 1,41,156 units, representing a 12.74% YoY increase and an 11.54% MoM growth. TVS followed with 1,02,654 units, marking an 18.73% YoY increase and a 14.35% MoM increase.
    Honda’s exports also grew significantly, with 47,242 units shipped, reflecting a 34.23% YoY increase. Suzuki outperformed with 21,922 units, marking a staggering 55.06% YoY growth and 26.57% MoM growth. Hero MotoCorp saw 20,344 units exported in September 2024, with a marginal 1.23% YoY growth and a similar MoM increase.
    Total (Sales + Exports) – YoY vs MoM
    In September 2024, the combined domestic and export sales for two-wheelers in India reached 22,79,163 units, reflecting a strong 17.93% year-on-year (YoY) growth, as compared to 19,32,606 units in September 2023. Month-on-month (MoM), the total sales saw an increase of 17.26%, with 3,35,503 more units sold compared to August 2024.
    Two Wheeler Total (Sales + Exports) Sep 2024
    Hero MotoCorp led the market with 6,37,050 units, showing an impressive 23.85% YoY growth and 24.34% MoM rise. Honda followed with 5,83,633 units, registering a 10.75% YoY growth and an 8.31% MoM increase. TVS reported 4,71,792 units, marking a strong 21.92% YoY growth and a 24.54% MoM jump. Bajaj also posted solid gains, with 4,00,489 units, up 22.21% YoY and 19.49% MoM. Suzuki recorded 99,185 units, with a minimal YoY growth of 1.22% but a MoM decline of 5.36%. Royal Enfield saw 87,014 units, achieving a 10.73% YoY increase and a 18.18% MoM rise. More

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    Ather Energy festive promotions – Rs 25,000 in Benefits

    Ather 450XAther Energy festive promotions: Rs 25,000 in Perks for Scooters
    Special festive promotions have been announced for Ather’s popular scooters, 450X and 450 Apex. These incentives aim to enhance customer value while promoting electric mobility. Significant benefits accompany these offers, amounting to a total value of Rs 25,000 for both models.
    A key component of the festive offers includes extended battery warranty of eight years. This warranty makes a push for Ather Energy’s commitment to product reliability. Customers can rest assured about the longevity of their batteries. No additional costs.
    450X Apex’s New Vibrant Colourway
    Charging Made Easy: Ather Energy’s Complimentary Offer
    Ather also provides complimentary charging through its Ather Grid network for one year. This benefit adds substantial value, with charging worth Rs 5,000 included. The Ather Grid comprises 2,152 fast-charging points across India, ensuring convenient access for users.
    Additionally, a flat cash discount of Rs 5,000 applies to the purchase of either scooter. This straightforward offer appeals to potential buyers seeking immediate savings. Furthermore, cashback on select credit card EMI transactions can reach up to ?10,000.
    Festive Offers: A Win-Win for Consumers and Businesses
    Festive offers are beneficial for both consumers and businesses. For consumers, these promotions provide significant savings on products and services, making purchases more affordable during celebratory seasons. They encourage spending by creating a sense of urgency and excitement. For businesses, festive offers boost sales volumes and enhance customer engagement, fostering loyalty and brand recognition.
    Such promotions help clear inventory. Additionally, festive periods often see increased foot traffic and online activity, allowing businesses to reach a broader audience. Ultimately, festive offers create a win-win situation, stimulating the economy while enhancing customer satisfaction.
    Building for the Future: Ather’s Manufacturing Expansion Plans
    Regarding scooter performance, the 450X offers two battery options. The 2.9 kWh battery provides an IDC range of 111 kms. The 3.7 kWh battery offers a higher range of 150 kms. This flexibility caters to different customer needs and preferences. 450 Apex, which features a more powerful configuration, achieves an IDC range of 157 km. Top speed is listed as 100 km/h, providing enhanced performance for users. 450X has a top speed of 90 km/h.
    Manufacturing capabilities play a crucial role in Ather Energy’s operations. The company operates two facilities in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. These include a vehicle assembly plant and a battery manufacturing plant. A third facility is in development in Bidkin, located in AURIC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. This expansion aligns with Ather’s growth strategy in the electric two-wheeler market. More

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    Fight for Freedom – Bajaj CNG Bike Name Hits a Legal Roadblock with LML

    LML and Bajaj legal battle over Freedom nameFreedom being a generic term, it is unlikely that its availability or unavailability will have any significant impact on sales
    Earlier this year in July, Bajaj had launched the world’s first dual-fuel CNG + petrol bike named Freedom 125. Just as people were starting to realize its benefits and potential, the bike has run into a lawsuit issue. A trademark violation case has been filed in the Delhi High Court by LML. Bajaj Auto is one of the largest automotive brands in the country. Their share price is at Rs 11,770, at the end of NSE trading day on 4th Oct 2024.
    Bajaj Freedom vs. LML Freedom
    With its technical collaboration with Piaggio, LML came up with popular two-wheelers such as LML Select in the 90s. Various other models were launched and one of these was the Freedom 110cc motorcycle. While the bike is no longer in production, LML claims it still holds the trademark for the ‘Freedom’ name. LML has alleged that Bajaj Auto has used the Freedom name for its CNG bike in an unauthorized manner.
    Freedom trademarks filed by LML and Bajaj
    LML is part of the parent company, SG Corporate Mobility Pvt Ltd. In the case filed in the Delhi High Court, LML has stated that its Freedom motorcycle was a huge success when it was available for sale in India. LML claims that there’s immense goodwill and reputation associated with the Freedom name. It’s true that LML was once a popular brand. However, claims about the popularity of Freedom motorcycle will need to be supported with proper evidence.
    Bajaj Freedom name opposed on trademark portal
    On the trademark search portal run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the LML Freedom word mark is shown to be the property of SG Corporate Mobility Pvt. Ltd. The journal date mentions 5th August, 2024 and the status reads ‘Accepted & Advertised. In comparison, the Bajaj Freedom word mark status reads as ‘Opposed’. It is likely that LML has opposed the use of the Freedom word mark and followed it up with a trademark lawsuit against Bajaj Auto in the Delhi High Court.
    Bajaj files new trademarks
    In the court case, LML has mentioned that it is the rightful owner of the goodwill and reputation linked to the Freedom name. Furthermore, LML says that it is the company’s commitment to protect its trademarks and ensure integrity of the Freedom brand. LML has informed the court that it intends to launch a new range of scooters and motorcycles under the Freedom brand name. This will be done via the sister entity, LML Emotion Pvt. Ltd.
    In 2022, LML had announced plans to enter the EV space. Some of the electric two-wheelers were also unveiled such as LML Star electric scooter and Moonshot electric bike. However, LML is yet to launch any of the new electric two-wheelers.
    Options for Bajaj Auto
    While the name Freedom is associated with multiple benefits that the bike offers, it is not something that is an absolute necessity. Just the CNG tag is enough to ensure marketability of Bajaj Freedom 125. It remains to be seen how Bajaj will respond to the lawsuit filed by LML.
    One way they are likely to take is filing a new name which is not just ‘Freedom’. They seem to have already done that. As per latest data, Bajaj has filed the name – FREEDOM with device of FLYING ‘B’, where the B likely stands for Bajaj. Or, it can use any of the other registered trademark names such as Bajaj Fighter, Bajaj Technik, etc. More

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    2025 Tata Harrier EV Spied In Jabalpur – Exteriors, Interiors, New Details

    2025 Tata Harrier EV SpiedAs the electric segment gains momentum, new products like Harrier EV will help Tata Motors maintain its lead position
    2025 Tata Harrier EV has been spotted multiple times on road tests since the concept was unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo. This recent test vehicle was clicked in Jabalpur, MP, while stationed in a parking lot. Tata Harrier EV is expected to be launched by the end of this current financial year.
    2025 Tata Harrier EV – Exteriors, Interiors revealed
    In terms of its design and styling, Harrier EV closely mirrors its ICE sibling. Design features seen with the concept have been implemented in the production model in most parts. Some of the key highlights include Bi-LED projector headlamps, sequential LED DRLs and centre position lamp and front LED fog lamps. Changes for Harrier EV will include a closed-off grille and refreshed lower fascia.
    2025 Tata Harrier EV Spied
    Side profile is largely the same as the ICE model. But this test vehicle has a different design for the alloy wheels in comparison to that of test vehicles spotted earlier. The wheels have R17 235/66 Apollo tyres. 2025 Tata Harrier EV has conventional door handles, thick body cladding, blacked-out pillars and ORVMs with integrated turn indicators.
    The charging port is installed on the left, just above the rear wheel. Rear profile seems familiar to that of ICE Harrier. The connected LED tail lamp with welcome and goodbye animation will be the same. Most features on the inside are the same as the ICE Harrier. It includes the dashboard, steering wheel, AC vents, door trims and centre console. One of the key highlights is the 12.3-inch centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system.
    2025 Tata Harrier EV Spied
    Various other features will be common such as voice-assisted panoramic sunroof with mood lighting and personalized lighting on the dashboard. 2025 Tata Harrier EV has the multifunction steering wheel with illuminated logo in the centre. It will be getting the new-gen central control panel and persona themed interiors. Interestingly, there is a roof mounted fan in this test mule. Probably for cabin air circulation when it is getting tested for range without AC.
    2025 Tata Harrier EV Spied
    Improved safety
    Tata Motors will position the Harrier EV as a more premium product in comparison to the ICE Harrier. Accordingly, it will be getting some additional features. Safety will be enhanced with some new additions to the ADAS kit.
    Existing ICE Harrier offers ADAS features such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. There’s traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, lane departure warning and blind spot detection. Users also benefit from lane change alert, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
    2025 Tata Harrier EV Spied
    Performance boost with AWD
    2025 Tata Harrier EV will have AWD option, something that’s missing on the ICE Harrier. This will be another good reason why users may want to choose the EV version over the ICE model. Harrier EV will be based on Tata’s acti-ev pure EV architecture that also supports FWD and RWD. It is expected to get a 60-80 kWh battery pack. Certified range could be around 500 km and will support fast charging. Launch price could be around Rs 30 lakhs and will rival upcoming XUV700 EV.

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