Maruti Fronx: Tata Motors is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to new age electric vehicles and the Tata Harrier EV will be a big leap forward indeed.
The Harrier, renowned for its aggressive design, road presence and rugged stance, has established the brand strongly in the Indian mid-size SUV market.
With the Harrier EV, Tata hopes to replicate the same character in electric form — providing SUV enthusiasts a cleaner, but equally potent, alternative.
First showcased as a concept, the Harrier EV is likely to hit markets in the near future with various features, design changes and a powertrain that addresses current day driving requirements.
Here’s what you need to know about what could make it an interesting addition to the EV space.
Design and Exterior Styling
In total stance and proportion, the Harrier EV maintains its resemblance to its ICE cousin.
But with a few new design tweaks to make it seem decidedly futuristic.
A sealed-up front grille, reshaped bumpers, full-width LED light bars and a revised all-alloy wheel design all suggest its electric nature whilst retaining its tough SUV image.
Tata may also have special paint schemes and finishes specific only to the EV version.
The road presence that was always one of Harrier’s assets still stays—albeit now sporting some modern EV-inspired dressing.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Expect a plush and tech-filled cabin inside the Harrier EV.
Considering Tata’s newest design language, found on the likes of the Nexon EV and the Safari facelift, we hope to see on the Harrier EV:
A big touchscreen infotainment system
EV-specific digital cluster with all-digital gauge display
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay So far, the designs have been good, but they haven’t really been new.
360 camera and voice commands
High-quality materials, a soft-touch dashboard and ambient lighting
Look for a large cabin with space for five people, comfy seats and lots of boot space.
With Tata inching closer towards more connected vehicles, you can also expect the Harrier EV to offer OTA (over-the-air) updates and other advanced level connected car tech.
Battery, Range & Performance
The Harrier EV will be using Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture that was developed on the Omega Arc platform.
It is also tipped to be equipped with two motors, giving it an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which would be the first for Tata EVs.
Battery size is expected to be some 60–70 kWh and should provide a real-world 400–500 km of driving.
The EV’s battery should also support fast-charging, so it will take between 10-80% charge in an hour with a DC fast charger.
Performance wise, the Harrier EV should have brisk acceleration and lots of torque.
As an electric SUV, it will have instant torque at low speeds and a smooth delivery of power, so it will likely be efficient and easy to drive, unlike some of its competitors.
Safety and Technology
Tata has been making improvements since day one, and the Harrier EV should be no exception. Safety features that you would expect to see are:
6 airbags
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
With the ESP on board
Descent control HHC / hill hold assist
Tyre pressuremonitoring system (TPMS)
With Tata’s recent safety track record, a 5-star Global NCAP rating is likely.
Pros
Powerful electric motor and AWD performance
With the modern design element but with Harrier’s tough character.
Spacious, premium interior
Fast-charging support
Tata’s growing EV offering and charging infrastructure
Should be one of the safest EV SUVs in India, if launched here
Cons
How much will it cost?
Charging infrastructure continues to expand in rural regions
Weight could be a factor on a handle sporty
Late arrival after announcement anticipated
High cost of long-term battery replacement
Maruti Fronx: Conclusion
The Tata Harrier EV will be an electric version of one of India’s most loved SUV. It mashes up burly SUV DNA with electric innovation and appeals to urbanites who crave power, style and environmental friendliness.
With a premium promise or size, and legacy identity to consider, the Harrier EV would certainly be a contender for families and trades looking to make the jump into a premium EV SUV.
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