By Auto Crat
Amid the big success of Tata Nexon, more and more Indian automobile manufacturers – end even new ones – are entering the EV market. One of them is Pravaig, which has designed an SUV – Pravaig Defy Electric SUV – which is supposed to have a range of 500 km.
It is true that EVs have numerous advantages, but they are expensive and need proper charging centres at reasonable intervals. These two factors are still crimping sales of EVs in the country, despite EVs being less expensive in the long run.
In the midst Bengaluru-based EV start-up Pravaig recently introduced its first electric car in the Indian market. While the product is still some time away from being production-ready, the company announced its prices. The all-new Pravaig Defy electric SUV will be launched in India at a starting price of Rs 39.50 lakh, ex-showroom. Bookings are now open and the company says that deliveries will begin in April 2023.
The Pravaig Defy looks radical and is unlike any other EV currently on sale in India. While it does resemble some Range Rover cars and the Pravaig Extinction Mk1 concept sedan, the overall design is quite sharp and it gets all-LED lighting, suicide doors, and more.
Pravaig will offer the Defy in nine colour shades: Anti Flash White, Bordeaux, Haldi Yellow, Siachen Blue, Lithium, Moon Grey, Absolute Zero, Green and Emperor Purple.
The new Pravaig Defy electric SUV features a 90 kWh battery pack and it gets a double electric motor set-up. This electric SUV develops 402 bhp and 620 Nm of peak torque. It is claimed to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds and offer a top speed of 210 kmph. According to the company, the Defy electric SUV can be fast-charged from 0 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
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 has been quoted as saying: “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. That may not be an accurate position, as India as yet imports most battery components either from China or Taiwan and assembles in India. So, technically, the company h\may have 6k ready-assembled units.
However, the promoted features of the SUV say that it will be a highly advanced SUV with a massive number of features built in.
Heavy bookings
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.
FEATURES
Lithium-ion battery with 500+ km range
Defy has a lithium-ion battery with up to 5 modules and 5000 hard case cells. The Pravaig Dynamics Defy electric SUV is powered by a 90.9 kWh battery that is good for 500 km of range on a single charge. The Bengaluru-based EV carmaker also provides both home charging and fast charging facilities. For the former, there’s the 7.2 kW charger that charges up to 300 km of range in eight hours. Whereas, the 150 kW DC charging setup can charge zero to eight percent of the battery in thirty minutes.
Infinitely variable AWD I all-wheel drive
In any season, on any road, AWD all-wheel drive adds to your confidence and control. In the Defy, the dual electric motors allow its AWD system to infinitely vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Continually monitoring for wheel slip and other parameters, the system can quickly reapportion the torque in response to changing driving conditions. And since the function is a built-in benefit of the dual motors, it adds virtually no weight to the vehicle. Three levels of energy regeneration are also selectable, from none (effectively coasting when you let off the driving pedal) to Normal to Increased, which can allow one-pedal driving.
Brutal sophistication design
The “brutal sophistication” of the Pravaig design is rooted in its all-electric architecture, but comes to life on every surface. 4 corner tracking and boxy proportions extend visibility and spatial awareness for an exceptionally large car to be manoeuvred in the tightest environments. With the Black lens front and full-width front and rear light bars evoke elegance with a retro future voice.
Advanced aerodynamics
In sync with Pravaig’s focus on the Defy’s performance, its shape is notably aerodynamic for a big SUV, with a drag coefficient of 0.33. The roofline is lower and sloped, both windshield and rear window slants are steeper, and side glass is shallower and more flush-fitting. Aerodynamic effects include front and rear-roof spoilers, and bulging side skirts. We aimed to make shut lines as flush as possible, and the Defy’s overall shape cuts through the air. The focus on aerodynamics aids in a quiet cabin, too.
Panoramic moon roof
Front or rear, rainy or sunny – the sky is always within your reach. With a curtain to block out harsh sunlight in the peak of summer, and gain Vitamin D daily and keep you toasty in the winters. Feel the rain splatter without getting wet, get engulfed in mists of clouds. The mountains, beaches, and dense cities are never the same with an added dimension.
Defy interior
Sustainable fabrics (RPET)- Fabrics made out of recycled materials, such as PET. Only Vegan leather used everywhere feels better than genuine leather in every way. Anodized aluminium everywhere, built to last a lifetime while being a lot more friendly for the environment.
Zero G seats
Defy seats are extremely comfortable and designed for the greatest posture support and safety. Inspired from the best aircraft seats, the cushioning and support provide the most enjoyable seating experience by lowering pressure peaks. With 6 way electronic adjustment and ventilation as standard, they adapt to the temperature of the cabin automatically.
MultiFace navigation
Determine the quickest and most convenient route for your journeys; or get lost in the lap of nature. Find charging stops with all our charging stations. Explore cities and new territory with the exploration options. Find anything, anywhere; lose yourself, anytime.
Implosive sound
Unleashing the physical impact of high-end, ultra-dense sound with more power, clarity, and precision than any other. Devialet has crafted an incredible listening experience for Defy with their signature implosive sound. Exclusive technology from Devialet, leaders in professional audio equipment made for the French Opera. With the Devialet ultra dense sound system, feel the music, like never before. Feel the sound with sub 20Hz bass and a 3d soundscape.
Acoustic control
The interior has an outstanding level of acoustic comfort with Active Noise Suppression, Cancellation, and Gain. Make crystal clear phone calls and enable digital privacy walls, Defy is the choice of the security minded.
Over-the-air software updates
Imagine waking up to a new and better car every few weeks. OTA updates add new features. With the OTA update, you will never be outdated. OTA updates allow Pravaig to remotely repair, maintain, and improve Defy software. Lots of updates are lined up in the Pravaig Roadmap for security, performance, interior, infotainment features, battery, and many more.
Pravaig advanced filtration
Spends your time in peace and health. Removes fine dust, microparticles, pollen and other substances, which are harmful to a human body. Get an absolutely refreshing experience with the advanced air filtration systems. Not just the particles, but also the Pravaig Advanced Filtration system rejuvenates the Oxygen levels in the Defy, now each journey is energizing.
Climate control
Automatic climate control system with temperature settings accessible from the front and rear. The in built sensors makes managing the quality of comfort seamless. An innovative directional venting device lets you fine tune the precise airflow across the cabin. With the electric compressor and resistance heater get precise control of the temperature with extreme performance in the hottest conditions.
Architectural lighting
Unlike any other, architectural lighting is reminiscent of architecture and large spaces. Defy utilizes passive ambience with large glows and diffusion across the massive interiors. It changes colours and intensity to suit your mode.
Charge all devices
High speed wireless chargers, and 2x ultra high power delivery USB C ports come standard for charging devices even to the size of laptops.
Dustbin
A receptacle that allows you to store packaging and temporary items to be recycled and/or discarded further. This advanced 3D cuboid makes use of extreme sealing to prevent olfactory exchange with passengers and the discards. Ensuring a cleaner environment for the Indian cities with no energy draw on the battery. Planet saving device.
High-performance braking system
Great power needs the best braking system to come to rest. Defy comes with Hydraulic Disc Brake with Vented Rotors to ensure the efficacy of the brakes through the lifetime of the vehicle. With ABS and ESP, the braking systems ensure the best of performance in the most demanding conditions. Short stopping distances, effective control, and maximum durability even under extreme stress.
Adaptive LED headlamps
The high power LED projector adjustable headlamps in Defy alleviates the strain of driving long distances at night. With industry leading light throw you can see the road surface and all hazards better. The high efficiency of the high power LED system allows for added range. With the unique open architecture with age the lights stay crystal clear and good as new throughout their long lifetime.
MultiVAC
MultiVAC is an extremely powerful computer that is the master brain of your Defy. It is so powerful that in 2024 it would’ve been the most powerful supercomputer in the world. Imagine that power in your Defy. It is constantly updated with software, and along with the hardware suite it runs advanced driver assistance applications from Pravaig. As an example, these applications help you with automated parking, avoiding objects and other vehicles automatically, automatic emergency braking, and making sure your Defy does not veer off course. The system runs the Pravaig ChaosEngine which is built with the chaotic road conditions of India, to increase safety, everyday.
360-degree cameras
Defy has a class leading 8 Camera sensor array. Now see more even in the most demanding conditions. These high resolution cameras provide exterior perspectives as well as a 360° overhead view of your Defy, allowing you to confidently navigate in tight parking spots.
Radar
A 77GHz solid state radar penetrates fox, mist, and rain to warn you of any imminent obstacle or object. With Future software updates Pravaig will enable Automatic Emergency Braking across all Defy vehicles utilizing this radar.
Ultrasonic sensors
12 ultrasonic sensors around the periphery of the Defy ensure a 360 coverage. With a high accuracy these sensors are able to detect objects, humans, and animals if any in the immediate vicinity of your Defy. At low speeds this augments your senses and ensures you have a full sense of the surroundings for any tight manoeuvres.
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Ensuring optimum range and comfort, Pravaig’s TPMS is a pair of sensors that provides real time monitoring and alerts whenever the tyre pressure is either high or low. The TPMS has high accuracy, is sturdy, and extremely long lasting. Maintaining the ideal tyre pressure on the Defy is a breeze.
6 airbags standard
All sides are protected with individual airbags in all captain seats. Front passenger side and driver airbags for safety come standard. The highest quality airbags from the most experienced suppliers in the world, built on many decades of ensuring safety for you and your family. Defy is one of the safest cars on global roads.
Wheels
Standard high strength 18 inch alloys with 255/65 size All Terrain tyres. Aero Covers are optional, these add up to 10kms+ range per charge, especially on highway and higher speed routes.
Connectivity Package
5G Connected Car Features and Services. Persistent 5G network for your vehicles everywhere in India. No need to fiddle with any networks/wifi, Defy is always connected and provides ultrafast 5G streaming and navigation. The First Year is included in the base price with options to extend the connectivity package for a seamless experience, even upto 5 years.
