Tata Safari.EV To Challenge Mahindra XEV 9s: A New Electric Flagship SUV
Written by Neeraj Padmakumar on April 3, 2026
Tata Motors is gearing up to launch its first-ever three-row electric vehicle (EV) – the Safari.EV. Set to hit Indian roads around the festive season of this year, it will position as the company’s flagship EV with an expected price range between Rs 22.5 lakh and Rs 30 lakh.
Expected Design, Interior, and Features
The Safari.EV will maintain a similar design aesthetic as its gasoline counterpart, featuring familiar silhouette and body panels. However, it will incorporate EV-specific changes like a closed-off front grille, restyled bumpers, EV badging, and aerodynamic alloy wheels. Dimensionally, the EV is expected to remain unchanged, ensuring its imposing presence on the road.
Internally, the Safari.EV is anticipated to retain the ICE model’s layout and design, potentially with a refreshed color palette and enhanced trim options. Built upon the Harrier EV’s Acti.EV+ platform, the SUV will benefit from Tata’s TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) electrical and electronic architecture.
This technology suite includes advanced features like:
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
- 540-degree surround view camera
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Auto park assist
- Low-speed cruise control for improved off-roading capabilities
- In-car payment system based on UPI
- ‘Summon mode’ – a feature that gained significant attention upon its introduction.
Platform, Powertrain Specifications
The Safari.EV, internally codenamed ‘Tayrona’, will ride on the Acti.EV+ platform, which is a modular and scalable architecture derived from the Omega Arc platform used in gasoline models like the Harrier and Safari. Adopting an existing platform has accelerated development timelines and cost optimization.
While we await official confirmation, reports suggest that the Safari.EV could come equipped with an 80kWh battery pack, marking an upgrade from the 65kWh and 75kWh units found in the Harrier EV. This larger battery pack would better suit the SUV’s dimensions.
