Terming the fatal accident in Avinashi, Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu), involving the recently-launched Harrier.ev as "tragic", Tata Motors has said that it is currently gathering all relevant facts.
According to multiple media reports, which Moneycontrol could not verify independently, the accident occurred on August 14, claiming the life of a man. A CCTV footage of the accident is also available on multiple social media platforms.
There are unverified claims that the Summon Mode of the Harrier.ev got engaged. This feature allows the electric SUV to drive forward or backwards on its own for a short distance (12 metres). It is basically provided for ease of parking in tight spaces.
The CCTV footage of the accident shows that the Harrier.ev, parked on a slope, rolled backwards, with the driver-side door still open. It looks as if the now-deceased person tried to enter the vehicle. However, he was dragged backwards with the vehicle. He fell on the ground and allegedly sustained a fatal head injury.
Reacting to the accident, Tata Motors said: "We were informed of the tragic accident and are deeply saddened by the loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support are with the deceased's family. We are currently gathering all relevant facts."
"Preliminary observations from video shared online/on social media suggest that the vehicle may have rolled back from the top of a slope due to gravity and ricocheted after striking an unknown object, suggesting that the motor was not engaged. The vehicle remains with the family and has been driven since the incident, and we have not yet had the opportunity to inspect it," the company added in its official statement.
The Harrier.ev is priced between Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 30.23 lakh (ex-showroom). t is available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and quad-wheel-drive (QWD) configurations. There are two battery packs on offer -- 65 kWh and 75 kWh.
The RWD version has a single motor at the rear, delivering 238PS of maximum power and 315Nm of peak torque. The QWD version has a motor each at the front and rear, generating a combined 313PS of maximum power and 504Nm of peak torque.
Depending on the variant, the Harrier.ev has a claimed range from 538km to 627km on a single full charge.
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