Imagine this. You are the kind of Indian family that has been waiting — patiently, stubbornly — for the right electric SUV.
Not a compact. Not a 5-seater. Not something that makes your in-laws fold themselves into the third row like origami. You need space. You need range. You need something that commands the road the way only a proper 7-seater SUV can. And you need it to be electric, because you have done the math on charging costs and you are not going back to petrol.
Until recently, your only serious answer was the Mahindra XEV 9S. A well-designed, feature-loaded, genuinely capable 7-seat electric SUV that arrived at Rs 19.95 lakh and promptly made every competitor look like they had arrived underdressed.
But now something is changing. Tata Motors — the company that built India’s EV market almost single-handedly — has been spotted testing a vehicle that could rewrite that story entirely.
The Tata Safari EV has been spied on Indian roads, and what the latest test mules reveal is more significant than most people are realising. This is not just another new car. This is the first 7-seat, three-row electric SUV from Tata Motors — internally codenamed Tayrona — and it is built to go head-to-head with the XEV 9S in the most competitive segment of India’s rapidly electrifying SUV market.
If you are planning to buy a premium 7-seat electric SUV in the next 12 months, here is everything you must know.
Tata Safari EV: Quick Overview
The Tata Safari EV, codenamed Tayrona internally, is the electric derivative of the Safari SUV — a car that has been one of Tata’s most important vehicles since its relaunch in 2021. It is built on the acti.ev+ platform, the same second-generation EV architecture that underpins the Tata Harrier EV — and that is a crucial detail we will return to.
Production of the new Safari EV is expected to commence by August 2026, with a launch planned for the festive season before Diwali 2026. That gives the Indian automotive market an approximate 4-6 month window before India’s first mainstream 7-seat electric SUV goes on sale.
Codenamed ‘Tayrona’, the Safari EV will be underpinned by the same acti.ev+ platform as the Harrier EV — it is worth noting that this is an ICE-to-EV conversion, not a born-EV. That distinction matters to certain buyers, and we will address it honestly in this article.
This will be the first three-row electric SUV from Tata, and it will go head-to-head with the Mahindra XEV 9S in the premium family EV space.
Expected price? Prices starting at roughly Rs 23 lakh for the base variant and going up to Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top model.
This is the Safari EV in one paragraph: a large, 7-seat, Diwali-2026 electric SUV from Tata, priced from approximately Rs 23-30 lakh, built on proven EV underpinnings, and arriving with the full weight of India’s most trusted EV brand behind it.
Now let us go deeper.
What the Spy Shots Tell Us: Design Details Revealed
The spy images that have emerged over recent weeks are the closest look the Indian automotive press has had at the Safari EV in its near-production form — and they are revealing in what they show and equally revealing in what they are hiding.
The spied SUV’s silhouette is the same as that of the combustion-powered Safari, the lack of a tailpipe at the rear and a Harrier EV-like independent multi-link rear suspension setup confirm that it is the Safari’s electric version. The camouflage wrapping is heavy — Tata clearly does not want the full design language revealed before the official unveil — but enough detail is visible to form a clear picture.
From the front, the Safari EV is expected to follow the same treatment applied to the Harrier EV: a closed-off grille section that signals the absence of a combustion engine while maintaining the Safari’s characteristic bold, upright face. EV-specific elements will include a closed-off front grille and aero-optimized alloy wheels to enhance range.
Similar to its ICE counterpart, the electric Safari will feature split LED headlamps, LED DRLs, a stepped roof design, roof rails with silver inserts, a large rear-quarter glass, a large rear overhang, and LED taillamps.
One detail from the spy images that immediately caught the attention of sharp-eyed observers: a side step is also noticeable on the spied SUV — a utility feature not offered on the ICE model. This is a practical, thoughtful addition. A 7-seat SUV with a larger battery pack and its associated weight sits slightly higher than the ICE equivalent, and a running board step makes ingress and egress for children and older passengers considerably easier.
The rear profile, visible beneath the camouflage, shows connected LED tail lamp clusters consistent with the ICE Safari’s design language — with EV-specific revisions to the bumper section and revised reflector placement. The overall dimensional footprint appears consistent with the ICE Safari: dimensionally, the Safari EV will most likely be identical to its ICE counterpart.
Here is the honest bottom line on design: the Safari EV will not be a visual revolution. It will look like a Safari — because it is, fundamentally, a Safari. What it gains is the quiet, distinctive signifiers of Tata’s EV language: the closed grille, the EV-specific badging, the aero wheels, and that subtle but unmistakable sense that this is a vehicle from the future rather than the past.
Platform and Engineering: The Acti.ev+ Foundation Explained
Understanding the Tata Safari EV requires understanding the platform it is built on — because the acti.ev+ architecture is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.
The Tata Safari EV will feature Tata Motors’ second-generation EV architecture, dubbed ‘acti.ev+’. This is an ICE-to-EV conversion, not a ground-up EV design.
This is the same platform used by the Harrier EV — and that gives us exceptionally clear insight into what the Safari EV will offer technically. The Harrier EV has been in market for over a year, has been extensively tested by the Indian automotive press, and has delivered on its platform’s promises with real-world results that are difficult to fault.
The most important engineering difference between the ICE Safari and the EV derivative is the rear suspension. The ICE Safari uses a torsion beam rear axle — a simpler, cheaper setup appropriate for a conventional body-on-frame configuration. The Safari EV uses a Harrier EV-like independent multi-link rear suspension setup. This is a meaningful upgrade that directly improves ride quality, handling, and — critically for a 7-seat family SUV — rear passenger comfort.
The multi-link rear suspension also enables the flat floor that is architecturally essential for a three-row EV. In an ICE Safari, the floor tunnels and transmission tunnel eat into available interior space. The acti.ev+ platform’s flat floor — enabled by the absence of a conventional drivetrain — means the Safari EV can package three rows of seating more efficiently and comfortably than its ICE sibling.
The Safari EV will benefit from Tata’s TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) E&E architecture, first seen in the Harrier EV. This system enables features like over-the-air updates, a 540-degree surround view, improved Level 2 ADAS, auto park assist, low-speed cruise control, UPI-based in-car payments, and a summon mode for remote vehicle movement.
TiDAL is the hidden differentiator in Tata’s EV lineup that does not get enough attention. It is the software and electronics backbone that makes the Safari EV feel genuinely contemporary rather than an ICE car with an electric motor bolted in. OTA updates mean the car you buy in October 2026 can gain new features, improved range calibrations, and security patches over its lifetime — without a single dealership visit.
Expected Battery, Motor, and Range Specifications
This is the section every potential buyer comes to first. And based on the intelligence available from multiple credible sources, here is the most accurate picture of what the Safari EV is expected to offer.
Battery Options:
The Safari EV is expected to retain the Harrier EV’s battery and motor configurations, specifically 65kWh and 75kWh units with a single rear motor (RWD) as standard. A dual-motor AWD layout is anticipated to be offered for the Safari EV too, since it is available with the Harrier EV’s 75kWh battery option.
Motor Specifications (Expected):
Tata Motors will likely offer the Safari EV with a Schaeffler-made permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 175 kW (235 hp) and 304 Nm of torque on the rear axle in both RWD variants. In the dual-motor AWD variant, a Tata AutoComp-sourced motor that develops 116 kW (156 hp) and 164 Nm of torque will be added at the front axle. The rear motor will likely gain a boost function that can temporarily increase torque to 340 Nm. With 291 kW (390 hp) of total power and up to 504 Nm (468 Nm as standard), a 0-100 km/h sprint may take less than 7 seconds.
Range (Expected):
The Harrier EV delivers an ARAI-claimed 627km for its 75kWh RWD powertrain, 622km for the 75kWh AWD, and 538km for the 65kWh RWD. Since the Safari is larger and heavier, expect its EV derivative to sport slightly lower claimed range figures.
What that means practically: expect ARAI-claimed range of approximately 580-600 km for the 75kWh RWD Safari EV, 570-590 km for the AWD variant, and approximately 500-520 km for the 65kWh base. Real-world driving range of 450-500 km is a reasonable expectation for the larger battery variants in mixed conditions.
Fast Charging:
Support for up to 100kW DC fast charging is also likely for the Safari EV. Some reports suggest the larger battery could support fast charging speeds of up to 120 kW. At 100kW DC charging, the Safari EV could recover from 20 to 80 percent charge in approximately 35-40 minutes — putting it among the fastest-charging family SUVs in India.
V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) charging capabilities are also expected, consistent with the Harrier EV’s feature set.
Expected Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Platform | Tata acti.ev+ (2nd Gen) |
| Codename | Tayrona |
| Seating | 7 seats (3 rows) |
| Battery Options | 65 kWh / 75 kWh |
| Drivetrain Options | RWD (single motor) / AWD (dual motor) |
| Rear Motor Power | 175 kW (235 HP) / 304 Nm |
| Front Motor (AWD) | 116 kW (156 HP) / 164 Nm |
| Combined Power (AWD) | ~291 kW (390 HP) |
| Peak Torque (AWD) | Up to 504 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph (AWD, est.) | Under 7 seconds |
| ARAI Range (75kWh RWD) | ~580-600 km (expected) |
| ARAI Range (75kWh AWD) | ~570-590 km (expected) |
| ARAI Range (65kWh RWD) | ~500-520 km (expected) |
| Real-World Range (est.) | 450-500 km |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 100-120 kW |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-link |
| E&E Architecture | TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) |
| Expected Launch | Diwali 2026 (October-November 2026) |
| Expected Price | Rs 23-30 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Interior and Features: What the Safari EV Will Offer
The interior layout of the Safari EV is expected to remain unchanged from the ICE version. However, the Safari EV will reap the benefits of the TiDAL E&E architecture that was introduced with the Harrier EV.
The Safari EV will feature a similar cabin layout to the standard Safari with a four-spoke steering wheel, touch-sensitive climate control, and 12.3-inch infotainment system. Amenities like a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated seats, and ADAS will be carried forward onto the EV.
The TiDAL architecture enables a suite of features that go well beyond what the ICE Safari can offer. This includes over-the-air updates, a 540-degree surround view camera system, improved Level 2 ADAS with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping, auto park assist, low-speed cruise control, UPI-based in-car payments, and a summon mode that allows the car to manoeuvre out of a tight parking space remotely using a smartphone.
The 540-degree surround view system — a step above the conventional 360-degree camera — is a particularly meaningful addition for a large 7-seat SUV where parking in tight urban spaces is a genuine daily challenge. The summon mode, while still a novelty in India, reflects Tata’s intent to position the Safari EV as a technology-first product.
The three-row layout will benefit significantly from the acti.ev+ platform’s flat floor. The absence of the transmission tunnel means more comfortable seating for the middle-row centre passenger, and the flat-floor architecture enables better foot clearance for third-row passengers — historically the Achilles’ heel of seven-seat ICE SUVs. True 7-seat usability, especially for adult third-row passengers on medium-distance journeys, is what Tata needs to deliver to justify the Safari EV’s positioning above the Harrier EV.
Multiple terrain modes — Normal, Snow/Grass, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Custom — carry over from the Harrier EV and give the Safari EV genuine all-weather versatility that goes beyond the average urban EV’s capability set.
Tata Safari EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: The Head-to-Head That Matters
This is the comparison most buyers in this segment will make. And it deserves honest, detailed treatment.
The Mahindra XEV 9S is currently the most direct 7-seat electric SUV in the market at a comparable price point. The Mahindra XEV 9S is 4,737 mm in length and offers 500 litres of boot space with 7-seat capacity. It is available in 6 variants, starting at Rs 19.95 lakh ex-showroom.
The XEV 9S is built on Mahindra’s born-electric INGLO platform — a ground-up EV architecture that gives it structural and packaging advantages over a converted platform. It features a 14.5-inch Samsung OLED touchscreen, 10.25-inch driver’s display, front and rear seat ventilation, a 10-speaker JBL sound system, and a 500 km real-world range claim. Its design is bold, modern, and unmistakably electric — a proper head-turner on Indian roads.
| Parameter | Tata Safari EV (Expected) | Mahindra XEV 9S |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | acti.ev+ (ICE-converted) | INGLO (Born-EV) |
| Length | ~4,668 mm | 4,737 mm |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Battery Options | 65 kWh / 75 kWh | 59 kWh / 79 kWh |
| Peak Power (Top) | ~390 HP (AWD, est.) | ~285 HP (AWD, est.) |
| ARAI Range (top battery) | ~580-600 km (est.) | 521 km |
| DC Fast Charging | 100-120 kW (est.) | 140 kW |
| Boot Space | ~420 litres | 500 litres |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch | 14.5-inch OLED |
| Level 2 ADAS | Yes | Yes |
| OTA Updates | Yes (TiDAL) | Yes |
| V2L / V2V | Yes (expected) | Yes |
| Expected Starting Price | ~Rs 23 lakh | Rs 19.95 lakh |
| Born-EV Platform | No | Yes |
| Launch Status | Diwali 2026 | On sale (Jan 2026) |
The XEV 9S has three clear advantages: a born-electric platform that gives it superior packaging efficiency, a larger and more technologically spectacular 14.5-inch OLED infotainment screen, and a faster 140kW DC charging speed. It is also already on sale — available today, with a waiting period, while the Safari EV asks you to wait until Diwali.
The Safari EV, on the other hand, counters with what could be a decisive range advantage — 580-600 km ARAI claimed versus 521 km for the XEV 9S. Its expected AWD powertrain output of approximately 390 HP with up to 504 Nm torque makes it potentially the most powerful family EV in its segment. The Safari badge carries enormous trust among Indian buyers, particularly families who have lived with a Safari or Harrier for years and want to continue the relationship. And Tata’s EV service network — already the deepest and most experienced in India — gives Safari EV buyers the support infrastructure that matters enormously over 5-7 years of ownership.
Here is the catch that every sharp buyer must consider: the XEV 9S is a born-electric vehicle. The Safari EV is an ICE-to-EV conversion. That means the XEV 9S inherently has packaging advantages — the battery is optimally integrated into the floor, the structure is optimised for the EV drivetrain from the ground up, and there are no legacy ICE design constraints to work around. The Safari EV is working within a body designed for a combustion-powered car. Tata has done an excellent job with the Harrier EV on the same platform, but it is a distinction that matters on paper and in careful real-world ownership.
Price and Variants: What to Expect
The Safari EV is expected to launch around Diwali 2026, with prices starting at roughly Rs 23 lakh for the base variant and going up to Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top model.
Based on the Harrier EV’s variant structure and expected differentiation, the Safari EV is likely to be offered in three or four variants:
| Variant (Expected) | Battery | Drivetrain | Expected Price (Ex-Sh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart / Base | 65 kWh | RWD | ~Rs 23-24 lakh |
| Mid / Creative | 75 kWh | RWD | ~Rs 25-27 lakh |
| Top / Accomplished | 75 kWh | RWD | ~Rs 27-28 lakh |
| Fearless / QWD Top | 75 kWh | AWD (QWD) | ~Rs 29-30 lakh |
Note: These are estimates based on current intelligence and the Harrier EV’s pricing structure. Official prices will be announced at launch.
The base 65kWh RWD variant is likely to be the volume seller — it gives buyers the Safari EV experience at the most accessible price, with sufficient range for even the most demanding urban and semi-urban usage patterns. The AWD QWD variant at the top of the range is for buyers who want the full, uncompromised Safari EV experience — the performance, the AWD security in all weather conditions, and the flagship features.
Safety and ADAS: What to Expect
Tata Motors has made safety a genuine competitive priority across its lineup, and the Safari EV will be no exception.
The TiDAL architecture enables Level 2 ADAS — significantly improved over what the ICE Safari offers. Expected features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and the 540-degree camera system for low-speed manoeuvring assistance.
The structural integrity of the acti.ev+ platform — the same architecture validated through the Harrier EV — provides a strong passive safety foundation. Expect six airbags as standard across all variants, electronic stability control, hill hold, hill descent control, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts throughout the three-row cabin.
The summon mode and auto park assist — enabled by TiDAL — add an active safety dimension that goes beyond driver-assistance into genuine automation for the most anxiety-inducing low-speed manoeuvring scenarios.
Who Should Wait for the Tata Safari EV
If you are a family of 5-7 in India with children, parents, or in-laws to accommodate — and you want to go electric without compromising on space — the Safari EV is built for you. Three rows of usable seating, a flat floor, the trusted Safari badge, and Tata’s EV support network are a compelling combination.
If you already own a Harrier EV or an ICE Safari and love what the platform offers, the Safari EV is the natural next step — everything you know and trust, with three rows and a potentially even longer range.
If you are a high-mileage driver whose daily and weekly journeys regularly push 300-400 km, the Safari EV’s expected 450-500 km real-world range makes it one of the most anxiety-free EVs in India at any price.
If Tata’s service network matters to you — and it should, especially if you live in a tier-2 city where other EV brands have thinner support — the Safari EV gives you access to India’s deepest EV service infrastructure.
Who Should Not Wait and Just Buy the XEV 9S
If you need a 7-seat electric SUV today and cannot wait until Diwali 2026, the XEV 9S is ready, available, and genuinely excellent. Do not wait for a car that has not launched when there is a very good alternative on sale right now.
If the born-electric platform matters to you — and it should if you value the absolute best in EV packaging efficiency — the INGLO platform’s advantages are real and meaningful.
If you want the most spectacular infotainment experience in this segment, the XEV 9S’s 14.5-inch OLED screen and JBL 10-speaker audio are in a different league from what the Safari EV’s 12.3-inch system will offer.
If the Rs 3-5 lakh starting price difference is meaningful to your budget, the XEV 9S at Rs 19.95 lakh versus the Safari EV’s expected Rs 23 lakh base is a real and significant difference.
Pros and Cons of the Tata Safari EV (Based on Current Intelligence)
Pros:
- India’s first 7-seat three-row electric SUV from Tata — a milestone product filling a genuine gap
- Built on the proven acti.ev+ platform validated by the Harrier EV’s real-world performance
- Expected range of 580-600 km ARAI (75kWh RWD) — potentially best-in-class in this segment
- AWD variant with approximately 390 HP and 504 Nm — exceptional performance for a family SUV
- TiDAL architecture enables OTA updates, 540-degree camera, summon mode, and UPI payments
- Independent multi-link rear suspension — a significant upgrade from the ICE Safari’s torsion beam
- Multiple terrain modes including Rock Crawl and Sand — genuine all-weather and mild off-road capability
- Tata’s unmatched EV service network across India — critical for long-term ownership peace of mind
- Flat-floor architecture enables better three-row packaging than the ICE counterpart
- Expected V2L and V2V capability — practical for camping, power outages, and EV-to-EV charging
- Trusted Safari brand equity — for many Indian families, this is the ultimate family SUV name
- Diwali 2026 launch timing aligns perfectly with India’s peak vehicle purchase season
Cons:
- Not a born-electric vehicle — ICE-to-EV conversion limits platform efficiency compared to XEV 9S
- Expected Rs 23-30 lakh pricing is Rs 3-10 lakh more than the XEV 9S
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen smaller than XEV 9S’s 14.5-inch OLED display
- Expected DC fast charging of 100-120kW is slower than XEV 9S’s 140kW capability
- Boot space expected at ~420 litres versus XEV 9S’s 500 litres
- Not available yet — Diwali 2026 launch means a 4-6 month wait at minimum
- Third-row adult usability must be independently validated — spy images do not yet confirm legroom dimensions
Expert Verdict: Is the Tata Safari EV Worth Waiting For?
Here is my honest, considered opinion.
Yes. If the 7-seat electric SUV space is where you are shopping, the Tata Safari EV is absolutely worth waiting for — with one important caveat.
The Safari EV is not being built as a compromise. It is being built as Tata’s answer to a specific, important question: what does a proper Indian family electric SUV look like? Not a small one. Not a 5-seater with a token fold-flat third row. A real one — with three rows, real range, real power in the AWD trim, and the kind of software intelligence that makes living with a large electric vehicle genuinely easy.
The acti.ev+ platform, validated by the Harrier EV’s strong real-world performance, gives us high confidence in the Safari EV’s fundamental engineering integrity. The TiDAL architecture is a genuine differentiator — not marketing language, but real, tangible software capability that will keep the car relevant over its ownership lifetime. And the expected range figures, if they materialise as projected, will make the Safari EV the range king of India’s 7-seat EV segment.
The born-electric platform question is valid, but it is also somewhat theoretical for most buyers. What matters in daily life is whether the three rows are usable, whether the range covers your journeys, whether the car charges quickly enough, and whether the service network is there when you need it. The Safari EV is expected to deliver on all four.
The Mahindra XEV 9S is a worthy rival and an excellent car. It wins on platform purity, screen size, and charging speed. It loses on expected range, probable performance in AWD trim, and the depth of Tata’s EV support infrastructure. For some buyers, the XEV 9S is the better answer — especially those who want it now. For buyers who can wait until Diwali and want the full package from India’s most trusted EV maker, the Safari EV is the more complete proposition.
My recommendation: if you need a 7-seat electric SUV before August 2026, buy the XEV 9S. You will not regret it. If you can wait until Diwali 2026 and want to see what Tata’s answer looks like before committing, wait. The Safari EV could well be the most important electric vehicle Tata has ever made.
Overall Anticipation Rating: 9 out of 10.
The only reason it is not a 10 is the ICE-converted platform and the waiting time. Everything else about the Safari EV — based on current intelligence — points to a car that will redefine what a 7-seat electric family SUV should look like at this price in India.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tata Safari EV
What is the expected launch date of the Tata Safari EV?
The Tata Safari EV is expected to be launched in the festive season around Diwali 2026, approximately October-November 2026. Production is expected to begin by August 2026. The company has not yet officially announced the exact launch date.
What is the expected price of the Tata Safari EV?
Based on current intelligence, the Tata Safari EV is expected to start at approximately Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base 65kWh RWD variant and go up to approximately Rs 29-30 lakh for the top-spec 75kWh AWD variant. Official pricing will be announced at launch.
What is the expected range of the Tata Safari EV?
The Safari EV is expected to offer approximately 580-600 km ARAI-claimed range for the 75kWh RWD variant, and approximately 500-520 km for the 65kWh RWD variant. Real-world range in mixed driving conditions is estimated at 450-500 km for the larger battery. The Safari is larger and heavier than the Harrier EV, so its range will be marginally lower than the Harrier EV’s 627km ARAI figure.
How does the Tata Safari EV compare to the Mahindra XEV 9S?
The Mahindra XEV 9S is currently on sale, starts at Rs 19.95 lakh, is built on a born-electric platform, and features a 14.5-inch OLED screen and 140kW DC fast charging. The Safari EV is expected to counter with potentially better range, a more powerful AWD option, Tata’s TiDAL architecture with OTA updates and summon mode, and Tata’s wider EV service network — at an expected starting price approximately Rs 3 lakh higher. For buyers who value range, performance, and service network above everything else, the Safari EV is likely the stronger long-term proposition. For those who want the best infotainment experience and faster charging, the XEV 9S has an edge.
What is the codename of the Tata Safari EV?
The Tata Safari EV is internally codenamed Tayrona — not to be confused with the Volkswagen Tayron. This codename has been confirmed by multiple credible sources including Autocar India.
Will the Tata Safari EV have AWD?
Yes, the Tata Safari EV is expected to offer an AWD option, referred to as QWD (Quadra Wheel Drive) in Tata’s nomenclature, available with the 75kWh battery pack. The AWD system is expected to use a dual-motor setup — a rear-mounted Schaeffler motor producing 235 HP and a front-mounted Tata AutoComp motor producing 156 HP — for a combined output of approximately 390 HP and up to 504 Nm of torque.
Is the Tata Safari EV a born-electric vehicle?
No. The Tata Safari EV is an ICE-to-EV conversion, built on the acti.ev+ platform which is an electrified version of the D8 platform that underpins the ICE Safari and Harrier. This is different from a born-electric design like the Mahindra XEV 9S’s INGLO platform, which was designed from the ground up for electric vehicles. However, the acti.ev+ platform has been significantly upgraded for EV use — including a revised rear suspension and TiDAL electronics architecture — and the Harrier EV built on the same platform has received strong real-world performance validation.
Final Word
The Tata Safari EV is more than a new car. It is the completion of a vision.
When Tata Motors relaunched the Safari in 2021, it was reclaiming a nameplate that had once defined Indian SUV aspiration. When it launched the Nexon EV in 2020, it was building India’s EV market from scratch. When it launched the Harrier EV in 2025, it proved that a large, capable, genuinely premium electric SUV was possible from an Indian manufacturer at a price Indian families could actually consider.
The Safari EV is the convergence of all three of those stories.
This is India’s most loved family SUV nameplate meeting India’s most trusted EV technology — in a vehicle that finally gives the 7-seat family buyer a compelling, complete, Made-in-India electric answer.
It is not perfect. No car is. But if Tata delivers on the range, performance, technology, and pricing that the current intelligence points to, the Safari EV will not just rival the Mahindra XEV 9S. It will give it the hardest fight it has ever faced.
Diwali 2026 just got a lot more interesting.
