Tata Motors is set to introduce the Safari EV in India by the festive season of 2026, expanding its electric portfolio with its first three-row SUV. The upcoming model will take over as the brand’s flagship EV from the Tata Harrier EV and is expected to play a key role in strengthening Tata’s presence in the premium electric segment.
Shared platform and powertrain
Internally codenamed ‘Tayrona’, the Safari EV will be underpinned by the same acti.ev+ architecture as the Harrier EV. While this is not a dedicated EV platform, it enables quicker development through an ICE-to-EV conversion. The SUV is expected to feature 65kWh and 75kWh battery pack options, paired with a standard rear-wheel-drive setup. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration is also likely to be offered, mirroring the Harrier EV’s top-spec variant. Given the Safari’s larger dimensions and added weight, its range figures are expected to be slightly lower than the Harrier EV’s claimed 600km-plus range. Fast charging support of up to 100kW DC is also anticipated.
Familiar design with EV touches
In terms of styling, the Safari EV will largely retain the design of its internal combustion counterpart, with subtle EV-specific updates. These are expected to include a closed-off grille, revised bumpers, aerodynamic alloy wheels and EV badging. Inside, the layout will remain similar to the standard Safari, but the electric version will benefit from Tata’s newer TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer), enabling improved connectivity, software features and a more advanced user experience.
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Features and capability upgrades
The Safari EV is likely to carry over several mechanical enhancements from the Harrier EV, including multiple terrain modes such as Snow, Sand, Mud-Ruts and Rock Crawl. A multi-link rear suspension setup with frequency-dependent dampers is also expected, improving ride comfort and stability across different driving conditions.
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Launch timeline and expected pricing
Production of the Safari EV is expected to begin around August 2026, ahead of its festive season launch. Once introduced, it will complete Tata’s strategy of offering EV options across its SUV lineup. In terms of pricing, the Safari EV is likely to be positioned between Rs 22.5 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, placing it in direct competition with models like the Mahindra XEV 9e. With its combination of space, technology and electric performance, the Safari EV is expected to be a strong contender in India’s rapidly evolving EV market.
