The Tata Harrier.ev Is A Stylishly Cool EV Off-Roader From India

Pictured here is the new Tata Harrier.ev all-electric off-road SUV from India that debuted this week.

Think the Chinese are the only ones with a knack for making cool EV SUVs? Well, think again. The off-roader pictured above soaring over a crest comes from India, folks. Called the Harrier.ev, it’s one of the latest from Tata Motors – one of the sub-continent’s largest automakers.

Those familiar with Tata will know that it presently stands as the parent owner to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). And if you’ve been keeping an eye open of late, the Indian auto industry has been charting its own path with EVs very well over the last few years too.

 

The Harrier.ev underpins the Tata acti-ev Plus base that offers two battery capacity choices plus single- and dual-motor options too.

The new Tata Harrier.ev is arguably the latest examples - others include this, these and this -  to prove that last sentiment. Despite boasting an identically styled traditional combustion (ICE) twin, the Harrier.ev actually rides on a total different and new acti-ev Plus platform base developed by Tata.

This base differs greatly form the Omega Arc platform that the ICE-powered Harrier underpins, which is effectively a budget-friendly redux of the Land Rover D8 platform. In the Harrier.ev, it has been tweaked to house an electric powertrain and battery.

Though MIDC tests states single-motor variants being able to chart up to 627 KM, Tata also touts 'realistic' internal test figures ranging between 480 KM and 505 KM.

Speaking of, housed within which is either a 65 kWh or 75 kWh battery pack. ‘Realistic’ internal tests by Tata yields between 480 KM and 505 KM of range. Additionally, up to 627 KM is possible in single-motor form based on India’s MIDC testing cycle.

As for charging, the automaker notes the ability to draw in up to 120 kW DC fast-charging inputs. In turn, this sees 20-80% re-charges done in just about 25 minutes, though the automaker didn’t reportedly specify which pack specifically boasts gets this.

Tata also touts the Harrier.ev being capable of drawing in up to 120 kW of DC fast-charging inputs.

Single- and dual-motor setups are available, and the chassis also rides on multi-link suspension with frequency-dependent dampers.

Nevertheless, having two battery capacity options grants buyers with greater flexibility, as does the choice between single- and dual-motor setups. The latter boasts 156 HP available up front and 235 HP at the rear, plus a combined torque figure of 504 NM.

Altogether, said dual-motor unit, which also brings ‘Quad Wheel Drive (QWD)’ – Tata's own way of dubbing all-wheel-drive (AWD) – to enable 0-100 KM/H sprints in a rather respectable and zippy 6.3 secs.

Clearly 'borrowed' from JLR here are the six selectable terrain modes available - Normal, Snow/Grass, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Custom.

Clearly ‘borrowed’ from JLR is the offer of six terrain modes – Normal, Snow/Grass, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Custom. Adding to which is an Off-Road Assist function (off-road cruise control) plus a novel ‘Drift mode’.

Other notable bits here include the adoption of multi-link suspension with frequency-dependent dampers, not forgetting an electrical and electronic architecture to support Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Not ones to be left out, Tata also brimmed the Harrier.ev with a slew of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features too. In turn, this keep the Harrier.ev on par with many Chinese equivalents.

Adding to the latter too the adoption of Tata’s new TiDAL platform (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer). In turn, this suite enables more connected features plus support for over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

In terms of tech features, the Tata Harrier.ev boasts a massive 14.5-inch QLED infotainment display unit, 10-speaker JBL audio suite, 540-degree surround camera suite, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, as well as a digital rear-view mirror.

We'll also admit that the level of tech, luxury and convenience brimmed in the Tata Harrier.ev all make for one very desirable EV SUV.

Did we mention that the Tata Harrier.ev boasts a rather spacious and somewhat practical cabin that rocks a very posh, up-market design and looks?

Currently opened for orders in India, the Tata Harrier.ev sees three main trimlines available – Adventure, Fearless and Empowered. There also a special Stealth edition on offer that aptly brings darker-themed aesthetics in to the mix.

Opened for orders in India now, the Tata Harrier.ev is priced from an equivalent of RM106,455 in its native Indian home market.

Prices start from ₹21.49 lakh (approx. RM106,455), which is competitive for mid-sized EV SUVs with this much tech and performance anywhere globally.

However, typical of any EV, said figure does mark a significant jump from the ICE-powered Harrier model’s lower  ₹14.99 lakh (approx. RM74,222) starting price.

Nevertheless, what do you folks reckon? Could an EV like this, and many others, from India thrive in   like ours? Share your take in the comments below…