Tata Motors has made a giant step with the introduction of the Tata Harrier EV RWD into India’s electric vehicle space. This new electric SUV combines muscular looks, smart features and a highly impressive 627KM ARAI-certified range, making it one of the most exciting EVs in the country right now.
The Harrier EV RWD, based on a RWD trim level, sports a luxurious and feature-rich cabin that ensures to pamper occupants as it caters to the rising popularity of a stylish, yet powerful and environment-friendly SUV.
This launch also further demonstrates Tata’s dedication to explore the electrified space in the Indian passenger car market, moving beyond the regular compact EV market as the company looks towards a more Premium and Tough Electric SUV category.
Striking Bold Design for the Future
Design First thing that strikes you when you spot the Tata Harrier EV RWD is its aggressive and futuristic looking exteriors. Tata Motors is making sure that the EV model isn’t a mere replica of the ICE-based Harrier, rather, things have been taken to the next level in terms of design.
The SUV has an enclosed off front grille which is standard in an EV, all adding up to a clean and modern looking face. The LED DRLs linked by an illuminated light bar make it increasingly aggressive yet up market in appearance. The headlamp unit has been pushed down into the front bumper as seen on the updated Harrier facelift, albeit in a more futuristic manner.
The side profile looks chunky with fender flares, prominent shoulder lines and large dual-tone alloy wheels. Flush door handles and EV badging provide subtle clues to its electric nature. At the back, the full-width linked rear light and sculpted boot feature to give it a sleek look.
The Harrier EV RWD looks very striking and succeeds in arresting your attention with a Tata all-SUV-like stance laced with the modern looks of an electric tomorrow.
Smart and Premium Interiors
Slide behind the wheel and you’re met with a feature-rich and tech-laden interior that’s premium and futuristic at the same time. Tata has enhanced the interiors quite a lot over the regular Harrier. The dash is clean and layered, with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s been integrated almost seamlessly into the center of the dash.
Digital instrument cluster 10.25 inch provides information in real time on the EV such as the remaining battery and driving range, energy flow. The interface is fluid and user friendly which adds to the overall experience. Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard.
There is Tata’s new steering wheel design with a backlit logo and the cabin gets an even better feel to it with ambient lighting and premium upholstery. Ventilated fan seats, a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control are also on tap, contributing to the premium feel.
Soft touch materials can be found on the dashboard and door pads and overall the Harrier EV feels plush and is compliant for long drives.
Segment-Leading 627KM Range
One of the main attractions of the Tata Harrier EV RWD is its segment-leading 627KM ARAI-certified range on a single full charge. This puts it ahead of the pack of so-called electric SUVs available in the market in India. The Harrier EV will come with a large battery pack that’s likely to be in the region of 60–70 kWh.
This long range will allow for daily commuting as well as long haul driving making the Harrier EV highly useful. The efficiency is made possible thanks to Tata’s new-gen Gen 2 EV architecture that is fully optimized for better battery management and lower power loss. The SUV also features multi-mode regenerative braking to increase battery efficiency and charge while on the go in traffic.
Rear-Wheel Drive Dynamics
It’s not like the front-wheel drive EVs that we see in India already, but this time is employing a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) system, it equals to superior balance and a more engaging drive. The RWD setup means better handling and weight balance, the latter particularly so with a battery pack in the car’s floor.
The electric motor provides direct and instantaneous torque for punchy and linear acceleration. Tata hasn’t released the official power output figures for the car, however we are expecting it to produce close to 200 PS, so it would be a performance SUV too.
The Harrier EV offers different drive modes like Eco, City, and Sport to change its performance on rider desires and terrain. The suspension has been reworked to account for the additional battery weight, resulting in a smooth, planted ride.
Fast Charging and Convenience
Charging is a major issue that every EV buyer has to deal with and Tata has provided a couple of charging methods to address this. The Harrier EV is compatible with both AC and DC fast charging. While it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations for a regular highway run, it could replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in a little less than 50 minutes with the use of a DC fast charger.
For home use, Tata provides a 7.2kW wall box charger which will allow you to charge the car overnight. The SUV also comes with V2L (Vehicle to Load) and V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) functions, as you can use it to charge other devices or even charge another EV by drawing the power straight from your Harrier.
Tata’s connected car app offers real-time charging updates, remote climate control, vehicle status, geo-fencing and more to enhance the owning experience, keeping it hassle-free and high-tech.
Safety and ADAS Features
Keeping up with its upmarket positioning, the Tata Harrier EV RWD will be equipped with a handful of advanced safety features. It gets a 5-star GNCAP-rated body structure and six airbags, ABS with EBD and electronic stability control are part of the standard kit.
The EV also gets ADAS Level 2 features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot monitoring among others.
There’s also the added safety and convenience when parking in tight spots with parking sensors in both the front and rear, a 360-degree camera. These safety checks make the Harrier EV not only a clean and intelligent SUV but a very safe family car.
Price and Launch Details
Tata Motors has revealed the Harrier EV RWD apart from price range. But, judging by the way its being positioned, the ex-showroom price could be anywhere between ₹28 lakh and ₹32 lakh.
This would pit it up against the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3 and the yet-to-be-launched Mahindra XUV e8, offering customers a robust made-in-India alternative, with a design-quality leadership position and extended range.
The Harrier EV will hit the shop floor by the end of 2024 or early 2025, subject to final homologation and production-readiness. An expanding EV infrastructure and service network by Tata will certainly also be a factor here.
Conclusion
The Tata Harrier EV RWD is a brave new direction for India’s electric SUV world. With a range of 627KM, contemporary styling, intelligent functions and a luxurious interior, it becomes a new yardstick for locally produced electric cars.
It brings a new electric mobility option that is characteristic of Tata Motors solid SUV values with the electric advantage and, of course, delivery range, power and features that cut through the clutter for customers.
With the accelerated pace of EV acceptance, the Harrier EV is set to be a Torchbearer of Tata’s premium electric portfolio and a real disruptor of the Indian automotive landscape.
