In mid-2025, Tata Motors officially launched the Harrier.ev, its flagship electric SUV, marking one of the boldest entries in the Indian EV space. With long-range credentials, all-wheel drive options, premium tech, and off-road capabilities, the Harrier EV aims not just to compete, but to raise the bar. Here’s a detailed look at what it offers, how it stacks up, and what buyers should know.
What Is It?
- The Harrier EV (also styled Harrier.ev) is a battery electric compact / mid-size SUV from Tata, introduced in India in June 2025.
- It rides on Tata’s new acti.ev+ platform (also known as “platform acti.ev Plus”)
- It is offered in multiple configurations: rear-wheel drive (RWD) single motor, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) dual motor setup
Design & Styling
- Externally, it retains much of the bold silhouette of the classic ICE Harrier, but with EV-specific changes: a closed-off grille, reworked bumpers, aerodynamic alloy wheels (with turbine blade look / aero covers in some versions), EV badging.
- The colour palette includes options like Pristine White, Nainital Nocturne, Empowered Oxide and Pure Grey
- On the inside, Tata has loaded in premium touches: large displays, premium sound, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, etc. More on that below.
Performance & Battery / Range
This is where Harrier EV starts showing its muscle:
Charging: It supports DC fast charging at up to 120 kW, which can charge from ~20-80% in about 25 minutes in favorable conditions. It also offers a feature of ~250 km gain in ~15 minutes of fast charging.- AC charging for home / slower sources is also supported.
Features & Tech
Tata has packed in a lot of premium and useful tech in Harrier EV. Some highlights:
- 540° Clear View Assist: Including a Transparent Mode that shows under-body terrain beneath the bonnet via camera feeds, useful for off-road or tricky terrains. I
- Terrain Modes & Off-road Assist: Six terrain modes (Normal, Grass/Snow, Mud/Gravel, Sand, Rock Crawl, Custom) plus an Off-road Assist for low-speed control.
- Infotainment & Cabin: A large ~14.5-inch Samsung Neo QLED display by Harman; premium JBL sound system (Dolby Atmos). Digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, ambient lighting etc.
- Comfort & Practicality: Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, large boot space, front trunk (“frunk”) in some variants, modular seats folding etc.
- Safety & Driving Aids: Level 2 ADAS features, multiple airbags, 360-degree camera, stability control, etc.
Price & Variants
- The introductory ex-showroom price in India starts at ₹ 21.49 lakh for base RWD (65 kWh)
- The AWD top variant is priced at ~ ₹ 28.99-30.23 lakh ex-showroom depending on trim and features (Stealth edition, etc.)
There are multiple trims / personas (“Adventure”, “Fearless”, “Empowered”) and special edition “Stealth” in some top trims.
What It Means for the Indian EV Market
- Choice & Segment-Upgradation
The Harrier EV doesn’t just target EV buyers; it competes with ICE premium SUVs by offering strong performance, AWD, and off-road capability. For many, this could be a reason to shift from petrol/diesel instead of compromise. - Range Anxiety Addressed
With claimed MIDC ranges up to 627 km (especially in ideal conditions), and real-world expectations of ~480-505 km in many variants, it brings longer trips within reach. Fast charging helps further. - Making AWD More Accessible
AWD (dual motor) EV SUVs are rare in India; most EVs are front- or rear-wheel drive. Harrier EV offering AWD (for the first time among many Tata models) is significant. - Push for Infrastructure & Ecosystem
Long-range EVs need supporting fast chargers, service networks, etc. Harrier EV’s launch puts pressure on both private and public stakeholders to expand charging infrastructure, reliability, and after-sales readiness.
Strengths & What Looks Great
- Strong performance: AWD version’s acceleration (~6.3 s) and torque (≈500 Nm) is impressive for this class.
- Feature-rich: Premium tech, multiple drive and terrain modes, good safety suite.
- Good value: Starting price in low 20s (lakhs) ex-showroom for the base RWD, which undercuts many premium SUVs.
- Versatility: Options for both RWD and AWD give buyers flexibility according to their needs and budget.
Caveats & What To Keep In Mind
- Real-world range vs magazine claims: MIDC method tends to be optimistic. In mixed driving (traffic, AC, hilly terrain), expect lower than claimed range (~480-505 km for many).
- Charging availability: Though DC fast charging is supported, the availability of reliable fast-charging stations across highways and remote areas in India is still uneven. Battery health and charging habits will affect long-term user experience.
- Cost of ownership: EVs are cheaper to run in terms of fuel, but insurance, maintenance costs (especially for tech and battery), resale, etc., will matter. Also, higher trims and AWD will cost substantially more up front.
- Waiting times and service network load: Given demand, Tata has received large numbers of bookings. Delivery timelines might be long, and service/parts availability will be key.
- Weather, terrain extremes: Extreme cold or extreme heat, steep terrains, heavy traffic can affect battery performance and range.
Who Is It For?
If you are considering the Harrier EV, here are likely buyer profiles:
- Someone who wants SUV style + prestige + tech, and is serious about electrification (i.e. willing to adapt to charging behaviour).
- Buyers living in or regularly travelling between major routes with DC charging infrastructure (so fast charges are feasible).
- Those who value performance, driving dynamics, off-road traction (in AWD versions).
- Buyers who plan to keep the car longer term (to amortize higher initial cost).
It may be less ideal for someone whose use case is very short urban trips and who cannot access good charging, or who wants the cheapest entry-level vehicle.
Competition
Harrier EV will compete with (or be compared against):
- Mahindra BE.6 / other Mahindra EVs in the similar SUV segment.
- Upcoming EVs from global brands entering India.
- Higher variants of existing EVs (like Tata’s own Nexon/other models) where people may choose less luxury but lower cost.
Its differentiation will lie in AWD, long range, premium features, and Tata’s after sales and network strength.
Final Thoughts
The Tata Harrier EV is a big deal. It marks a shift: not just incremental EVs, but one that pushes for performance, features, and versatility. For India, this could help accelerate acceptance of EVs beyond just “city / low speed / short range” use-cases.
If Tata can deliver consistent vehicle quality, charging network support, and manage cost of ownership, the Harrier EV could very well become a benchmark in its class.
