The MG Hector Tomahawk EV has showcased that the sheer power on offer isn’t just limited to acceleration figures or range figures. It’s latest Media Drive adventure saw India’s first ‘Vehicle-to-Home’ technology take the centrestage as it demonstrated how the immense battery capacity can power a household even after the vehicle has been parked, a demonstration that highlighted the fact that an EV could offer a backup power supply in the places that are most required.
With a 69.2 kWh LFP battery pack delivering a certified MIDC range of 517 kilometers, and a 150 kW electric motor that produces 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque, The Hector Tomahawk EV is already a competent family hauler which can be had in both five and seven-seat variants. However, the emphasis during the recent Media Drive was not exactly on the on-road performance. With the help of a home interface, the stored energy in the battery could be used to power lights, major appliances and even keep the home comfortable in case of power failures in the area. It was an interesting prospect to witness the capabilities of bidirectional charging as it essentially turned the EV into a power generator which will not only consume electricity but have the ability to distribute it back to the grid.
This is certainly a feature that could be rather handy in the Indian conditions where the power supply has always been an issue. While it wouldn’t be able to power an entire house 24×7, the technology can selectively power essential equipment and AC circuits to keep them running while the battery is able to retain a healthy charge. Apart from the ‘Vehicle-to-Home’ function, the Tomahawk EV also supports ‘Vehicle-to-Load’, which can power exterior equipment and setups for camping purposes, and ‘Vehicle-to-Vehicle’ which can charge another EV. These are all additional benefits to having an electric vehicle that have the combined ability to turn a car into an energy hub.
This newest Hector EV model arrives on the company’s new ADAPT platform, which has been developed to accomodate multiple new-energy powertrains, and has undergone extensive battery validation to ensure maximum reliability. With the ability to quick charge at up to 90 kW, the Tomahawk EV can restore its battery to 80 percent in around 35 minutes while also featuring modern interiors with a massive touchscreen, connected cars tech and driver assistance features. Priced at ₹19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the company also offers a Battery-as-a-Service plan which reduces the entry level specifications of the vehicle.
While the Tomahawk EV’s Media Drive did highlight the power characteristics, range and comfort, it was the overall feeling of a vehicle that can offer more that was rather endearing. Afterall, the battery inside the vehicle is essentially a power bank, and while it is primarily used to keep the car running, its abilities can extend to being able to support the owner in far more ways than one.