After the high-profile return of the Sierra EV this summer, the spotlight shifts to the final piece of Tata’s electric puzzle: the Safari EV. Codenamed ‘Tata Tayrona,’ this three-row flagship is set to debut in Q4 2026, officially electrifying Tata’s entire SUV portfolio and marking a massive mechanical shift for the brand.
Positioned to challenge the Mahindra XEV 9e (which launched in January 2026), the Safari EV is built on the JLR-derived D8 platform using the new acti.ev+ architecture. This isn’t just a battery swap; it’s a total overhaul featuring a move to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and high-performance All-Wheel Drive (AWD) layouts. We’ve analyzed the Schaeffler motors, the 600km range, and the new multi-link suspension to bring you the ultimate breakdown.

Design & Build Quality

The Safari EV will be the second Tata model to utilize a heavily modified version of the JLR D8 platform, following the Harrier EV. This heritage allows the Safari EV to maintain its world-class structural rigidity while housing a much larger battery floor.
  • Platform: acti.ev+ (Second-generation architecture).
  • Aesthetic: Expect EV-specific closed-off grilles, unique aero-optimized 19-inch alloys, and “.ev” badging.
  • Stance: Retains the tall, commanding presence of the Safari but with a lower center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery.
  • Durability: Targeted 5-star BNCAP rating, maintaining Tata’s reputation for building “tanks.”

Expected Features

Future-Ready Features:
  • Transparent Chassis View: A segment-first feature that allows drivers to “see through” the car floor on the infotainment screen—essential for navigating rocks or tight parking.
  • DrivePay & Summon Mode: Integrated UPI-based payments for charging and FasTag, plus a Summon Mode to move the car out of tight parking spots via a smartphone.
  • Auto Park Assist (APA): Fully autonomous parking capability in designated spots.

Performance

The Safari EV will feature a high-performance Schaeffler-made rear motor producing 235 hp. On the AWD variant, combined output jumps to a staggering 390 hp, which could propel this massive SUV from 0-100 km/h in under 7 seconds.
  • RWD Variant: 175 kW (235 hp) and 304 Nm (Rear Axle).
  • AWD Variant: Adds a 116 kW (156 hp) front motor.
  • Boost Function: The rear motor can temporarily spike to 340 Nm, pushing total torque to 504 Nm.
  • Drivetrain Shift: A radical move from the standard Safari’s Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) to a more dynamic RWD/AWD setup.

Battery Spec

To handle the extra weight of the 75 kWh battery, Tata is ditching the standard Safari’s torsion beam for a sophisticated Multi-link Rear Suspension with Frequency Dependent Dampers (FDD). This setup allows the car to be soft over potholes but stiffen up instantly for high-speed stability.
  • Ride Quality: The FDD system mimics luxury vehicles, providing a “magic carpet” ride across broken Indian roads.
  • Handling: The rear-biased motor setup significantly reduces understeer compared to the diesel Safari.

Range

The Safari EV is expected to debut a massive 75 kWh LFP battery pack, the largest ever in a Tata passenger vehicle. This battery utilizes advanced cell-to-pack technology to maximize energy density while maintaining safety.
  • Battery Options: 65 kWh (RWD only) and 75 kWh (RWD & AWD).
  • Claimed Range: Up to 600 km on a full charge (75 kWh pack).
  • Charging: 100 kW DC fast charging for the 65 kWh pack; up to 120 kW for the 75 kWh pack.
  • Bi-directional Charging: V2L (powering appliances) and V2V (charging other cars) will be standard across the range.

Pricing & Variants (India)

Expected Launch: Q4 2026 (October–December).
  • Estimated Base Price: ₹26.50 Lakh (65 kWh RWD).
  • Estimated Top Price: ₹32.00 Lakh (75 kWh AWD).
  • Primary Competitor: Mahindra XEV 9e (priced between ₹25L–₹33L).

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros
Cons
AWD Performance: 390 hp makes it a rocket in its segment.
Weight: Likely to be the heaviest EV in Tata’s fleet (~2.2+ tons).
Superior Comfort: Multi-link suspension and FDD dampers.
Price: Significant premium over the diesel Safari.
600 km Range: Makes long-distance interstate travel viable.
Charging Infrastructure: Requires high-speed 100kW+ chargers for optimal stops.
Bi-directional Tech: V2L and V2V provide massive utility.
Size: Navigating tight city streets remains a challenge.

Who Should Buy the Safari EV?

  • Buy the Tata Safari EV if you have a large family, prefer being chauffeur-driven in absolute silence, and want a “no-compromise” electric vehicle that can handle both luxury office commutes and 500km+ weekend road trips.
  • Do NOT buy if you primarily drive in congested city centers. The upcoming Sierra EV or Harrier EV will likely offer similar tech in more manageable footprints.

Technical Specifications (Quick Reference)

Specification
Details
Platform
 acti.ev+ (JLR D8 derivative)
Max Power (AWD)
 291 kW (390 hp)
Max Torque (AWD)
 504 Nm (with Boost)
0-100 km/h
 < 7 Seconds
Battery Pack
 65 kWh / 75 kWh (LFP)
Max Range
 ~600 km

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