Tata Motors is finally set to plug in its most iconic nameplate. The Tata Safari EV will become Tata’s first fully electric 7-seater SUV, and early signs suggest it won’t just be an electric badge slapped onto an existing body , this is shaping up to be a genuinely ambitious flagship launch. With test mules already spotted on Indian roads, excitement around this SUV is building fast.
Here’s a complete breakdown of everything confirmed and expected about the Tata Safari EV — price, range, battery, seating and launch timeline.
Tata Safari EV Launch Timeline
Tata Motors has confirmed the Safari EV will arrive during the Diwali 2026 festive season. Production is expected to commence around August 2026, with test mules of the SUV, internally codenamed “Tayrona,” already spotted undergoing road trials -a strong sign the launch is inching closer to reality.
NOTE: Tata Motors has not announced an exact launch date. All timelines mentioned here are based on industry reports and dealer-level expectations, not an official company statement.
Expected Price
| Segment | Expected Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base Variant | ₹22.5 – 23 lakh |
| Top Variant (AWD) | ₹29 – 30 lakh |
This pricing would place the Safari EV in direct competition with the Mahindra XEV 9S, which currently starts at ₹19.95 lakh and tops out at ₹29.45 lakh.
NOTE: These are estimated figures reported by multiple auto publications, not official Tata Motors pricing. Final prices will only be confirmed closer to launch.
Platform and Technology
The Safari EV will be built on Tata’s Acti.EV+ platform ,the same architecture underpinning the Harrier EV ,paired with the brand’s TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer) electrical and electronic architecture. This enables a suite of modern features expected on the SUV:
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- 540-degree camera system
- Advanced connected car features
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functionality
Verdict: On paper, the underlying tech stack looks genuinely modern and puts the Safari EV in line with segment-leading rivals.
Battery and Range
| Spec | Expected Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Battery | 65 kWh |
| Higher Trim Battery | 75 kWh |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard, Dual-Motor AWD on top trim |
| Claimed Range (MIDC) | Up to ~600 km |
| Realistic Range | 450–500 km |
These figures are expected to mirror the Harrier EV, which currently offers an ARAI-certified range of up to 627km on its 75kWh RWD variant and 622km on the dual-motor AWD version. Given the Safari’s larger dimensions and higher weight, the Safari EV’s actual claimed range could come in slightly lower.
Verdict: Even at a conservative real-world estimate, 450-500km puts the Safari EV comfortably in long-distance-capable territory.
Seating Layout and Interior
One of the most practical highlights: buyers will reportedly get a choice between 7-seat and 6-seat layouts, with the 6-seat configuration offering captain seats in the second row for a more premium, lounge-like feel. Higher trims may also come with ventilated second-row seats , a genuinely thoughtful touch for Indian summers.
Interior features are expected to largely carry over from the ICE Safari, including:
- 10-speaker JBL audio system
- In-car connectivity suite
- 6-way powered front seats
Verdict: A flexible seating strategy could be a real differentiator against rivals that only offer a fixed configuration.
Design Changes vs ICE Safari
Don’t expect a dramatically different silhouette. The Safari EV’s overall design and styling will remain largely similar to its ICE counterpart, with these EV-specific touches setting it apart:
- Closed-off front grille (no need for engine cooling)
- Redesigned headlamps and bumpers
- Aero-optimised alloy wheels
- Dedicated EV badging
Verdict: A familiar, recognisable Safari silhouette with just enough visual cues to signal “this one’s electric.”
How It Compares to Rivals
| Aspect | Tata Safari EV (Expected) | Mahindra XEV 9S |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹22.5 – 30 lakh | ₹19.95 – 29.45 lakh |
| Max Claimed Range | ~600 km (MIDC) | Up to 679 km |
| Seating Options | 6-seat / 7-seat | 6-seat / 7-seat |
| AWD Availability | Yes (top trim) | Yes (top trim) |
| Platform | Acti.EV+ | INGLO |
Verdict: On paper, the Mahindra XEV 9S currently holds a range and pricing edge, but the Safari EV’s brand strength and flexible seating could make this a genuinely close fight once official numbers are out.
FAQs
Q1. When will the Tata Safari EV launch in India? Tata Motors has confirmed a Diwali 2026 launch window, though an exact date hasn’t been officially announced yet.
Q2. What will the Tata Safari EV cost? Industry estimates suggest a price range of roughly ₹22.5 lakh to ₹30 lakh, though this is not yet confirmed by Tata Motors.
Q3. What is the expected range of the Tata Safari EV? Based on the Harrier EV’s specs, the Safari EV could offer a claimed range of up to 600km, with a realistic range of 450-500km.
Q4. Will the Tata Safari EV get all-wheel drive? Yes, a dual-motor AWD setup is expected on the higher-spec variant, with rear-wheel drive as standard on lower trims.
Q5. How many seats will the Tata Safari EV have? Buyers will reportedly get a choice between a 6-seat layout (with captain seats) and a traditional 7-seat layout.