Quick Reads
- Tata Safari EV was spied testing for the first time
- Expected to share batteries and powertrain with the Harrier EV
- Dual-motor AWD version likely on higher variants
- Expected to launch this festive season
An all-electric test mule of the Tata Safari EV was spotted on Indian roads for the first time. This sighting confirms that development of Tata Electric’s upcoming flagship electric SUV is on the right track, with an expected festive season launch. It is expected to be slightly more expensive than the Tata Harrier.ev and will directly tackle Mahindra’s XEV 9S.
Tata Safari EV Details
While the test mule was heavily camouflaged and didn’t have any unwrapped panels, we have figured out a few important details from the images. There’s no tailpipe, and the independent multi-link rear suspension setup, seen in the images, is similar to the Harrier EV. This strongly indicates that this is indeed the upcoming all-electric Safari.
The new Tata Safari EV will most likely be built on the brand’s Acti.ev+ architecture – the same platform which underpins the Harrier EV. Just like its smaller sibling, the Safari EV is expected to be an ICE-to-EV conversion rather than a completely new, ground-up electric vehicle.
Another interesting detail visible on the test mule is the side step, a feature that is currently not offered on the ICE-powered Safari. While its purpose remains unclear, it could be introduced to improve ingress and egress, particularly given the SUV’s expected positioning as a premium family-oriented EV.
Powertrain To Be Shared With Harrier EV
Although the brand is yet to reveal specifications officially, the Safari EV is expected to share its battery pack with the Harrier.ev, which gets 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery packs. Given the electric Tata Safari’s larger size and additional seating capacity, its claimed driving range is expected to be slightly lower than the Harrier EV’s 538 km-628 km.
The larger battery variant is also expected to get a dual-motor, AWD (all-wheel-drive) setup. In the Harrier EV, the rear-wheel-drive version produces 177 kW (238 hp) and 315 Nm, while the AWD version adds a front motor and boosts the combined output to 263 kW (354 hp) and 504 Nm. While the performance figures are similar to the electric Harrier, the Safari EV will lag behind due to its larger body and more weight.
Expected Features
Inside the cabin, the Safari EV might mimick the ICE model but with EV-specific trims and a different cabin theme. Tata’s latest TiDAL architecture is also expected to be part of the package, unlocking features such as OTA updates, summon mode, auto park assist, low-speed cruise control, UPI-based in-car payments and a 540-degree surround-view camera system, making the car that much more convenient and easy to use.
Expected Launch Timeline And Pricing
The expected launch date for the Safari EV is during the festive season this year. The expected price is between Rs 22.5 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, where it will compete with premium SUVs like the Mahindra XEV 9S, BYD eMax 7, and the VinFast MPV 7.
