On which platform is Tata Safari EV being built and why is it special? What advanced features are expected to be available in Safari EV? Will the Tata Safari EV get a dual-motor AWD system like the Harrier EV? What could be the possible range and launch timeline of Tata Safari EV?
AWD Electric SUV: There is good news for those waiting for Tata Safari EV. This electric SUV of the company can come in the market soon. Tata Safari has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time. Spy shots show that it has been given independent multi-link rear suspension like the Harrier EV. This will be Tata’s most premium electric SUV. It will compete with three-row electric SUVs like Mahindra XEV 9S.
Based on Acti.ev Plus platform
The special thing is that Safari EV will also be based on Acti.ev+ platform like Harrier EV. The design of the vehicle seen during testing looks quite similar to the existing petrol-diesel Safari. However, the Harrier EV-like rear exhaust pipe and rear suspension setup confirm that this is the electric version of the SUV. Side steps are also provided in Safari EV, which are not found in the current ICE Safari. Due to the vehicle being covered with heavy camouflage, the rest of its design details are not clear. Still, it is expected to look similar to the current Safari, which may include new front and rear bumpers, redesigned alloy wheels and EV-badging. There is not likely to be much change in the shape and dimensions of the electric and ICE models.
The interior may be similar to the current Safari
Talking about the interior, the cabin of the Safari EV is also expected to be similar to the current Safari. However, like other Tata electric cars, it may have a different cabin theme. It will also include the company’s new TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) electrical and electronic architecture, which will provide many advanced features. These will include over-the-air (OTA) updates, auto park assist, summon mode, low-speed cruise control, UPI-based in-car payment service and a 540-degree surround-view camera system.
Powertrain and range
Tata Motors has not yet given any official information about the powertrain and battery pack. But it is expected that 65kWh and 75kWh battery packs of Harrier EV can also be found in Safari EV. Variants with larger battery packs may also get a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Harrier EV generates 238hp of power and 315Nm of torque. At the same time, the AWD variant has an extra 116hp motor at the front, taking the total power to 354hp and torque to 504Nm.
The Safari EV is likely to weigh more, so its driving range may be slightly less than the Harrier EV. Currently, the range of the Harrier EV variant with 65kWh battery pack is said to be 538 kilometers. At the same time, the RWD variant with 75kWh battery pack gives a range of up to 628 kilometers and the AWD variant gives a range of up to 622 kilometers. According to reports, Tata Safari EV may be launched in India during the festive season this year.