The Indian Ministry of Defense is in talks with the domestic company Pravaig to procure an undisclosed number of VEER electric tactical all-terrain vehicles (E-TATVs), the first fully electric light utility vehicles specifically designed for military use.
VEER has already completed rigorous field trials, earning the prestigious Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) award from the Ministry of Defense. The negotiations between the ministry and Pravaig were reported by Janes.
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The manufacturer states that VEER is designed and produced entirely in India. It is intended for patrolling, surveillance, reconnaissance, and stealth operations, with electric motors that produce significantly less noise and heat than more common internal combustion engines.
The vehicle's specifications include:
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- Twin-engine layout delivering 620 Nm of torque at 295 kW (408 hp)
- Operational range exceeding 500 km
- All-wheel drive
- Weight: 1,870 kg
- Load capacity: 690 kg, with towing capability up to 2.5 tons
- Battery capacity: 90.9 kWh
- Fast charging: 80% charge in 30 minutes
- 360-degree camera system, according to earlier reports
However, VEER lacks full armor protection, as it has no doors, leaving its crew vulnerable despite potential hull armor. The manufacturer emphasizes its ease of field repair, but charging remains a challenge: unlike conventional vehicles that can be refueled anywhere, electric vehicles require infrastructure that is very difficult, sometimes impossible to find in combat environments.
In this aspect, it loses in flexibility compared to hybrid-powered vehicles such as the NGTV-H, currently undergoing testing with the U.S. Army. The NGTV-H features a diesel-electric powertrain, allowing it to be refueled anywhere while also providing the option to switch to battery power for the same advantages of reduced noise and heat emissions.
Additionally, hybrid vehicles' onboard power generation opens possibilities for integrating energy-intensive technologies like laser and electromagnetic weapons. It also enables the operation of critical systems, such as the remote weapon station and sensors, without running the main engine.
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