Tata Harrier.ev owners are proving electric SUVs can tackle India's toughest terrains, but one recent Spiti Valley trip highlighted a quirky workaround. Amid freezing conditions and zero charging stations, a driver hooked up his EV to a petrol generator for a quick top-up, sparking debates on real-world EV readiness.
Spiti Adventure with EV
A bold Tata Harrier.ev owner took his electric SUV on a trip to the rough and cold terrains of Spiti. On high altitudes where diesel cars rule, the owner of the electric SUV took a petrol genset as a backup to charge the massive 75 kWh battery. This is because the place has no public chargers in sight, just rugged trails. However, the incident went viral on social media, turning heads online when photos surfaced.
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Genset Charge Hack
Plugged straight into the Harrier.ev's AC port, the generator hummed to life, slowly feeding juice back into the pack. It wasn't fast, think trickle charge in sub-zero temps, but enough to extend range and get him through without stranding. Social media clips show the setup in action, cables snaking from the humming unit to the SUV's side. EVs like the Harrier support this via their home AC chargers, a trick early adopters have used before.
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Why It Feels Self-Contradictory
The irony in the scenario is driving an EV to slash emissions and fuel costs, yet firing up a fossil-fuel guzzler to keep going. In EV purist eyes, it defeats the "green" purpose, petrol burned to charge batteries in one of India's most remote spots.
Lessons for EV Road Trips
The video gives a reality check for folks dreaming of EV adventures. Tata's Harrier.ev shines with over 500 km range and regen braking for hills, but remote India demands better planning. It is essential to map out the chargers and have an estimation of the distance to be covered without a charger.