Pravaig launches electric SUV Defy at Rs 39.5 lakh; deliveries to begin next year

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Pravaig Dynamics on November 25 rolled out a sports utility vehicle that runs on electricity. The electric SUV Defy is priced at Rs 39.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and has a range of 507 km with fast charging capability of 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

The car will be taking on the likes of Audi e-tron, Ola Electric's maiden e-car (available by 2024), and Mercedes Benz EQC in the Indian market.

The e-SUV by Pravaig is powered by a 90.2 kWh battery that delivers 402 bhp of power and 620 Nm of torque. The company claims that the e-car has a top speed of 210 km/h and can accelerate 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Commenting on the launch, Siddhartha Bagri, CEO, Pravaig, said: "We are looking at making investments north of $60 million just for Defy for the entire value chain." He added: "The value we bring to the market is exceptional features and extreme ruggedness."

Pravaig has decided to adopt the Direct To Consumer (D2C) business model and will not be setting up any retail outlets in the foreseeable future. It has already commenced the bookings of the Defy e-SUV and deliveries are expected to begin from the third quarter of next year.

Having already established a manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, it plans to commence production with 250 units per month in the first phase and ramp up as demand picks up.

Dhawal Khullar, Chief Technology Officer, Pravaig said, "Defy will be 85% localised in the first phase and only the motors, chipsets, and battery cells will be imported initially."

When queried about the company's future course of action he said, "We are also working on other electric cars, probably a hatchback and a sedan. Once all three products are launched in India, we will look at exporting to European and United States markets."

The company aims to produce 10 lakh units by 2028 and cater to both domestic and international markets. The company's Chief Strategy Officer Ram Divedi  said, "At the beginning, we will try to address the domestic market and will look at exports in 2024." He also said that the company is already producing 6,000 battery packs for cars per year at the facility.

According to Divedi, the company has raked in around 800 bookings for Defy already. Further, it has tied up with various partners across the country to take care of service and other requirements.

(With inputs from PTI)