In a landmark move that signals Tata Motors’ deepening commitment to electric mobility, the Indian automotive giant is launching the hotly anticipated Harrier EV—its most advanced and ambitious electric vehicle to date. Poised as a cornerstone of Tata’s electric revolution, the Harrier EV blends rugged off-road capabilities with premium design sensibilities, positioning itself as a formidable contender in India’s growing mid-to-premium EV SUV segment. They have set tongues wagging after Tata Motors released a video showing the upcoming EV scaling what looks like an impossible to surmount, near sheer rock face.
Built on the evolved acti.ev+ architecture, the Harrier EV benefits from a monocoque chassis derived from the Land Rover D8-based OMEGA platform, developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover. This robust foundation offers a mix of strength, structural rigidity, and refinement—an important trifecta for consumers who want performance without compromising on luxury.
What makes the Harrier EV especially significant is its dual-motor, quad-wheel-drive (QWD) configuration, delivering over 500 Nm of torque. It is not only Tata’s first all-wheel-drive EV, but also the first mainstream 4WD electric SUV in India. This makes it a unique proposition in a market where true electrified off-roaders are still rare. Bear in mind that Mahindra’s XEV 9E, which will likely be its closest competitor, does not have all-wheel drive available as an option as yet.
With an expected real-world range of around 500 km per charge, and dashboard readouts suggesting up to 560 km on 90% charge, the Harrier EV directly addresses one of the major hesitations around EV adoption: range anxiety. This could be a turning point in consumer perception, especially for buyers looking to transition from diesel SUVs to electric models without compromising on long-distance usability.
Stylistically, the Harrier EV retains the muscular silhouette of its ICE predecessor, but adds futuristic elements to distinguish itself. A revamped grille and bumper, continuous LED DRL strip, and turbine-inspired alloy wheels provide aerodynamic as well as aesthetic upgrades. Tata’s designers have retained familiar cues while crafting a more assertive and modern road presence.
Inside, the vehicle features a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, carried over from the ICE Harrier, giving a sense of continuity for existing Tata owners. However, what stands out are the new drive modes that optimize performance across terrains—Snow, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Eco and Boost—allowing the Harrier EV to adapt seamlessly to varied driving conditions. A 360-degree camera system with a transparent bonnet view further enhances off-road visibility, a feature typically reserved for luxury marques and often seen in Range Rovers.
While Tata is yet to reveal the full battery specifications and pricing structure, estimates suggest the Harrier EV will be priced between Rs 25–30 lakh (ex-showroom). The dual-motor setup is likely to be reserved for the top-end variants, while entry-level trims may feature a more economical single-motor setup.
Given concerns over range anxiety, Tata is working closely with charge point operators and oil marketing companies to install 400,000 public charging points by 2027. By simultaneously developing infrastructure and product pipelines, Tata is tackling the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma that often plagues EV adoption.
The Harrier EV’s unveiling comes at a time when Tata is jostling for dominance with Mahindra in the Indian EV market. The Harrier EV and the upcoming Sierra.ev will further expand Tata’s standing in the electric space, with a portfolio that now spans from compact hatchbacks to full-sized SUVs.
In a landscape defined by geopolitical energy uncertainties and a global push towards clean mobility, the Harrier EV offers a compelling blend of power, purpose, and premium features. But can Tata nail pricing, often seen as its Achilles heel? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for the reveal.
