Tata Safari EV To Be Launched: Tata Motors is set to electrify its flagship SUV experience as it prepares for the highly anticipated launch of the Safari EV in the fourth quarter of 2026. Following the scheduled release of the Sierra EV this summer, the Safari EV will complete the brand’s transition, ensuring every SUV in its portfolio offers a green powertrain option.
Codenamed ‘Tata Tayrona’, this three-row electric SUV is not just a battery-swapped version of its diesel counterpart but a significant engineering leap, utilizing the advanced acti.ev+ (second-generation) architecture.
Performance: AWD and the Power of Dual Motors
The most striking highlight of the Tata Safari EV launch is the shift from a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) layout to a more dynamic Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration.
- Standard RWD Variant: Expected to feature a Schaeffler-made permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle, producing 175 kW (235 hp) and 304 Nm of torque.
- AWD Variant: This dual-motor powerhouse adds a Tata AutoComp-sourced motor to the front, bringing the total output to a staggering 291 kW (390 hp) and up to 504 Nm of torque (with boost).
- Speed: Preliminary data suggests the Safari EV AWD could sprint from 0-100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, making it one of the quickest seven-seaters in the country.
Battery, Range, and Charging Tech
Tata Motors is likely to offer two Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery options to cater to different range requirements:
- 65 kWh Battery: Aimed at the RWD variant, offering a practical range of approximately 500 km.
- 75 kWh Battery: Expected to be the mainstay for the AWD model, pushing the range to an impressive 600 km on a single charge.
The SUV will support high-speed DC charging (up to 120 kW for the larger pack) and will come standard with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) bi-directional charging, allowing the car to act as a mobile power bank.
Luxury Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
The Safari EV will be available in both six-seat (captain seats) and seven-seat configurations. Beyond the cabin layout, the mechanical upgrades are substantial. The traditional torsion beam suspension is expected to be replaced by a multi-link rear suspension with Frequency Dependent Dampers (FDD), promising a ride quality that mirrors global luxury standards.
On the tech front, the Safari EV is rumored to debut several “segment-first” features:
- Transparent Chassis View: For easier navigation through tight spots.
- Summon Mode & Auto Park Assist (APA): Allowing the vehicle to park itself autonomously.
- DrivePay: An integrated UPI-based system for seamless charging and FasTag payments directly from the infotainment screen.
Market Competition
Set to rival the Mahindra XEV 9S, which entered the market in January, the Safari EV represents Tata’s second model adapted from the prestigious JLR D8 platform. With its sophisticated acti.ev+ bones and a suite of high-tech features, the Safari EV is positioned to be a formidable player in the premium electric SUV space when it hits showrooms in late 2026.