Harrier EV Fiasco: A Cautionary Tale for Electric Vehicle Makers and Dealers

The Hyderabad district consumer commission’s recent order in favor of a disgruntled Tata Harrier EV buyer has sent shockwaves through the Indian automotive industry. The case highlights the need for electric vehicle (EV) makers and dealers to prioritize quality control, transparency, and customer service.

Tata Select Motors, an authorized dealership for Tata vehicles in Hyderabad, was directed to take back a faulty Tata Harrier EV and refund its price after deducting 10 percent depreciation. The buyer had purchased the vehicle on August 1, 2025, for Rs 27.98 lakh only to experience repeated problems with smart-key connectivity and central locking within days of delivery.

The commission’s order is a stark reminder that EV makers and dealers must take responsibility for ensuring their products are free from defects and meet customer expectations. The Harrier EV fiasco is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader pattern of quality control issues plaguing the Indian EV industry.

A Pattern of Quality Control Issues

The Indian automotive industry has been grappling with quality control issues for years, with many manufacturers facing criticism for defective products and inadequate customer service. The EV segment, in particular, is vulnerable due to its nascent stage and lack of established supply chains.

In 2022, a report by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency highlighted several quality control issues plaguing the Indian EV industry, including faulty batteries, inadequate charging infrastructure, and poor after-sales service. Many manufacturers struggle to meet customer expectations due to a lack of experience in producing complex products.

What This Means for Electric Vehicle Makers and Dealers

The Hyderabad consumer commission’s order sends a clear message: prioritize quality control and customer satisfaction or face the consequences. The decision to direct Tata Select Motors to refund the vehicle’s price after deducting 10 percent depreciation is a significant setback for the dealership, which will likely impact its reputation and bottom line.

The order highlights the importance of transparency in EV sales. The buyer had purchased the vehicle through a loan, and the dealership failed to provide adequate support during the warranty period. This lack of transparency has resulted in financial hardship for the buyer, who is entitled to reasonable compensation for mental agony and financial loss.

Addressing Quality Control Issues

The Harrier EV fiasco serves as a wake-up call for the Indian EV industry, which must prioritize quality control, customer satisfaction, and transparency. Manufacturers and dealers must take concrete steps to address these issues, including investing in robust supply chains, enhancing after-sales service, and providing transparent communication with customers.

As the Indian EV market continues to grow, it’s essential that manufacturers and dealers learn from this case study and implement measures to prevent similar quality control issues. The Hyderabad consumer commission’s order is a cautionary tale for all stakeholders involved in the Indian EV industry: prioritize quality control and customer satisfaction or face the consequences.

The Harrier EV fiasco highlights the need for EV makers and dealers to take responsibility for ensuring their products are free from defects and meet customer expectations. This case study serves as a reminder that quality control, transparency, and customer satisfaction must be top priorities in the Indian EV industry to avoid similar problems in the future.