The 407hp Pravaig Defy is a homegrown Indian EV SUV
The Defy claims to offer 500kms of range and a cabin made by sustainable materials
In the last three days, India has witnessed the launch of three new SUVs, each boasting a different powertrain. The biggest of the lot is a 657hp 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8-equipped Lamborghini Urus Performante. The smallest gets electrical assistance, comprising the Toyota Innova Hycross with a 2.0-litre strong hybrid unit producing 184hp. The latest one is a 407hp all-electric offering from a new Indian startup called Pravaig Defy EV.
Pravaig, a Bangalore-based startup founded in 2011, has built a name for itself in creating off-roading buggies. Though the firm’s latest commercialised product is an all-electric five-seater SUV called Defy, it launched for INR 39.5 lakh in India. While some may argue the Defy doesn’t look complete and that’s true. The Defy on display is a pre-production prototype, and Pravaig aims to launch the production-spec by Q3 2023. The firm already boasts of a nine-month waiting, and the specifications may be the reason behind it.
Pravaig will install a dual-motor setup that produces a whopping 407hp and 620Nm power output. A 0-100kph acceleration time of under 5 secs and a 210kph top speed are claimed performance figures. That kind of power puts this SUV from the new startup on par with the likes of the Jaguar IPace, Audi e-tron and Mercedes Benz EQC. The same can be said for battery capabilities, as a 90.9kWh Lithium-ion battery pack resides on the centre of the indigenous skateboard platform designed by the firm. Pravaig says up to 500kms of range can be procured in a single charge, and the battery supports DC fast charging up to 150kW. The brand is in the process of partnering with multiple charging infrastructure providers across India at the moment.
The design language seen on the prototype is called “brutal sophistication”, but the layman may recognise the silhouette from modern-day Range Rovers. The similarities start right from the front fascia, with the headlight accompanying a width-spanning light bar with butch-looking curves and a rising shoulder line. The edgy blacked-out upper half is another RR design trait, but the rear features a lip spoiler that may remind people of the Aston Martin DBX. Though the streamlined shape works to Defy’s benefit as it results in a drag coefficient of 0.33.
The interiors are reportedly made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastic bottles, with the upholstery churned out from vegan leather. Like all EVs, the Defy EV SUV gets a touchscreen at the centre, a large 15.6-inch unit. It will support Over the Air updates and online gaming besides carrying the usual infotainment, navigation and car setup controls. A 10-inch digital unit comprises the instrument cluster, and the list of creature comforts extends from powered and ventilated seats to multi-zone climate control and a 360-degree camera. Connected car technology gets integrated too.
While the Defy is essentially a five-seater, a four-seater model with captain seats can be commissioned. This specification can be further optioned with a 240V outlet, a wireless charger, and two 15.6-inch screens.
Currently, Pravaig remains tight-lipped on the dealership details but maintains its stance of being equipped to service the Defy at 34,000 Pincodes in India. Emergency roadside assistance is also offered, along with four years of complimentary service extension over the one year provided. Though a military spec derivative has also been ready, titled the Veer, to tease the capabilities of the skateboard platform to the armed forces.
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