Tata Safari EV Spied Testing For First Time: The Flagship Electric SUV Is Coming!
The Indian electric vehicle market is about to get a whole lot hotter. While Tata Motors has been dominating the mainstream EV space with the Nexon EV, Punch EV, and Tiago EV, the brand is now preparing to push its flagship offerings into the premium electric territory. We already knew the Harrier EV was on its way, but now we have the first concrete evidence of its bigger sibling. Yes, the highly anticipated Tata Safari EV has been spied testing on Indian roads for the very first time.
This is a massive development for anyone looking for a premium, three-row electric SUV in India. The test mule was spotted wearing heavy camouflage, but the unmistakable silhouette of the Safari is impossible to hide. Let’s break down everything we can gather from these fresh spy shots and what you can expect from Tata’s upcoming electric flagship.
The Spy Shots Unpacked: What Do They Reveal?
The first-ever spy shots of the Safari EV reveal some crucial details about its engineering and design changes. Although the body is wrapped in dense camouflage, the overall proportions remain identical to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Safari. However, look closer, and the EV-specific elements start to emerge.
Here is where things get interesting. The spy shots clearly show a rear-mounted motor setup, confirming that Tata is indeed working on an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of this electric SUV. The rear suspension layout has been completely redesigned. Gone is the standard torsion beam setup found on the diesel-powered Safari. Instead, the test mule features an independent multi-link rear suspension to accommodate the electric motor on the rear axle. This is a crucial engineering change that will completely transform the ride, stability, and dynamics of the vehicle.
Beyond the mechanical changes, a unique functional upgrade was noticed on the prototype: an integrated side step. This utility feature is not offered on the standard internal combustion engine (ICE) Safari model, hinting that Tata is refining the ingress and egress specifically for the EV passenger space.
Mind you, this isn’t official yet, but the packaging suggests Tata is aiming for a dual-motor configuration for the top-end trims. This will give the Safari EV genuine off-road capability, something the current front-wheel-drive diesel Safari sorely lacks. If you have been waiting for a Safari with 4×4 or AWD capabilities, the electric version might just be the answer to your prayers.
Acti.ev Platform Architecture
Unlike the ICE Safari which is based on the Land Rover D8-derived OMEGA-Arc platform, the Safari EV will transition to the new Acti.ev+ dedicated born-electric architecture. This platform is highly scalable and supports multiple body styles, battery sizes, and drivetrain configurations. It already underpins the Punch EV and will be the backbone of the upcoming Harrier EV and Sierra EV.
By moving to a dedicated EV platform, Tata can package the battery pack much lower in the chassis, reducing the center of gravity and maximizing cabin space. You can expect a completely flat floor inside, which will make the third-row and second-row seating even more comfortable than the current diesel model. The structure has also been reinforced to offer top-tier crash protection, aiming squarely for a 5-star GNCAP and BNCAP safety rating.
Exterior Design & Aerodynamic Styling
When it comes to styling, Tata will make sure the Safari EV stands out from its diesel counterpart. The front fascia will borrow heavily from the Harrier EV concept shown at the Auto Expo. Expect a completely closed-off grille panel finished to match the body color to improve aerodynamics, a full-width connected LED light bar that runs across the bonnet, and redesigned split LED headlamps.
The front bumper will feature active shutters that open and close based on cooling requirements, helping to reduce drag on highway runs. On the sides, the Safari EV will ride on a fresh set of alloy wheels. These won’t just be for looks; they will feature aerodynamic inserts to minimize air turbulence around the wheel wells. At the rear, the connected LED taillamps will feature a unique light signature with welcome and goodbye animations. The rear bumper will also get a clean, exhaust-free design with a revised skid plate to give it a futuristic look.
Battery, Dual-Motor AWD & Real-World Range
To haul a vehicle of this size and weight, Tata will need a substantial battery pack. Industry insights indicate that the Safari EV will match the upcoming Harrier EV’s powertrain configurations, offering a choice between a 65 kWh battery pack and a larger 75 kWh unit for long-range variants.
The dual-motor AWD version is projected to use the rear axle as its primary drive source, outputting 238 hp and 315 Nm of torque from the rear motor alone. When paired with an additional 116 hp front motor, the configuration pushes out a combined output of 354 hp and a colossal torque rating of 504 Nm. Due to its heavy three-row footprint, the Safari EV will likely return a slightly lower range profile than its two-row stablemate. However, buyers can still safely expect a certified range scaling over 500 km, with a reliable real-world performance range spanning 400 km to 450 km on highway journeys.
Charging speeds will also see a massive upgrade. The Acti.ev architecture is optimized to support high-capacity DC fast charging up to 100kW, allowing the vehicle to replenish from 10 to 80 percent in under an hour. It will also support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging. Imagine using your Safari EV to power your camping gear or even charge up a stranded EV on the highway. That is a game-changing feature for road trippers.
Interior Comfort, Tech & Seating Layouts
Inside the cabin, the Safari EV will feel like a high-tech lounge. While the general layout mirrors the current luxury premium layout, Tata is expected to layer its latest TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) electronic architecture into the cockpit. This unlocks enhanced computing performance, including smoother integration for its expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone replication, and an upgraded 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
Key TiDAL Architecture Features:
Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates
Automated Park Assist & Summon Mode
Low-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (Off-Road Assist)
UPI-Enabled In-Car Payment Gateway (DrivePay)
Comfort will be top-tier. The Safari EV will continue to offer both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. The 6-seater version will get ventilated captain seats in the second row with individual armrests. The front seats will also be ventilated and electrically adjustable, with the driver’s seat getting memory functions.
Other premium features will include:
A massive panoramic sunroof with mood lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
A premium JBL audio system with tailored acoustics
Multi-color ambient lighting throughout the cabin
An integrated air purifier with toxic gas detection
Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
Advanced Safety Features & ADAS Level 2+
Safety is another area where Tata Motors is expected to lead the segment. The Safari EV will come loaded with safety gear, including seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill descent control, and an enhanced 540-degree surround-view camera system featuring a 3D chassis view via the TiDAL platform.
Additionally, it will feature an advanced Level 2+ ADAS suite. This will include features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection. With the born-electric platform, the integration of these ADAS features will be smoother and more precise than on the ICE version.
Expected Price & Launch Timeline
Let’s talk about pricing. The Safari EV will be positioned as Tata’s flagship electric offering. It will sit above the Harrier EV in the product lineup. We expect the Safari EV to start in the ballpark of Rs. 22.50 Lakh for the base variants, scaling up toward Rs. 30.00 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the high-end dual-motor AWD Accomplished or Empowered trim levels.
Tata Safari EV Variant Matrix & Pricing (Expected)
| Variant Tier | Battery Capacity | Drivetrain Layout | Expected Ex-Showroom Price |
| Base / Medium Range Trim | 65 kWh | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rs. 22.50 Lakh – Rs. 25.00 Lakh |
| Mid-Tier / Long Range Trim | 75 kWh | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rs. 26.00 Lakh – Rs. 28.50 Lakh |
| Flagship AWD Trim | 75 kWh | Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Rs. 29.00 Lakh – Rs. 30.00 Lakh |
This pricing will put it in direct competition with the upcoming Mahindra XEV 9S and the BYD eMAX 7, making it a very compelling package for buyers looking for a large, comfortable, and eco-friendly family SUV.
As for the launch timeline, road trials are currently in full swing across India. Tata Motors is on track to commence production by August 2026, ahead of the official unveil and market launch scheduled during the high-demand festive season later this year. The appearance of these functional, near-production test mules means that product engineering is in its final optimization stages.
Tata Safari EV Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Platform Architecture | Acti.ev+ Dedicated Born-Electric Platform |
| Battery Pack Options | 65 kWh (Medium Range) / 75 kWh (Long Range) |
| Drivetrain Layouts | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) / Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Maximum System Power | 238 hp (RWD) / ~354 hp (Combined AWD Output) |
| Peak System Torque | 315 Nm (RWD) / 504 Nm (AWD Variants) |
| Estimated Driving Range | Up to 500+ km (Claimed Range) | ~400-450 km (Real-world) |
| DC Fast Charging Time | 10% to 80% in under 60 minutes (via 100kW DC Charger) |
| Primary Market Competitor | Mahindra XEV 9S |
Stay tuned to Gaadionroad as we bring you more exclusive updates, spy shots, and technical details on the Tata Safari EV as they break!
