Why a Chinese EV SUV is testing for Tata's Avinya: Here's what we know

A camouflaged prototype that has been circulating online was widely believed to be Tata Motors' upcoming Avinya. However, a recent report by Autocar revealed that the test mule is actually the Exeed Sterra ET, an SUV from Chinese automaker Exeed. The Sterra ET rides on the same Chery-JLR E0X platform that is expected to underpin Tata's upcoming Avinya range.

Exeed Sterra ET

Measuring nearly 5 metres in length, the Exeed Sterra ET is offered in both all-electric and range-extender hybrid powertrain options. It is the second model in Exeed's Sterra lineup after the Sterra ES sedan.

The all-electric version is built on an 800V electrical architecture, supports battery packs of up to 100kWh, and is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It offers a claimed driving range of up to 760km on the CLTC cycle.

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The range-extender variant uses a 400V architecture and combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with either a 32kWh or 41.2kWh battery pack. It is also available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,518km on the CLTC cycle.

While Tata Motors is expected to use the same underlying platform for the Avinya lineup, the company has not confirmed which powertrain configuration it will adopt.

Tata Motors has already confirmed that its upcoming Avinya range will be based on the Freelander EV platform, developed by Chery-JLR in China. The platform, known as E0X, already underpins several models sold in China, including the Exeed Sterra ES and Exeed Sterra ET, the latter of which is also sold in some international markets as the Exeed Exlantix ET.

The camouflaged vehicle spotted testing in India is believed to be serving as a development mule for Tata's future Avinya EVs rather than previewing a specific production model, although its proportions closely resemble those of the Avinya X concept.

While the Avinya lineup is expected to retain the E0X platform's core mechanical architecture, Tata Motors is reportedly reworking key electronic systems, software and vehicle controls to better suit Indian market requirements.