Namaste and welcome back, car enthusiasts! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're weighing budget, safety for your family, those nagging monthly maintenance costs, the latest tech features, and of course, reliable company service. Well, what if I told you there's a new contender on the horizon that promises to tick all these boxes and more? We are talking about the much-anticipated new Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 65 ACFC, a game-changer in the Indian electric SUV market. Let's dive deep and see if this electric beast is your next garage mate.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Harrier EV is designed for performance and efficiency. While exact figures for the Fearless Plus 65 ACFC are being finetuned, expect a powerful Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels. The '65' in its name hints at a substantial 65 kWh battery pack, poised to deliver an impressive ARAI-certified range. This setup promises instant torque, making city commutes smooth and highway overtakes effortless, all with zero tailpipe emissions. Imagine driving without worrying about petrol pumps!

Design Overview

Exterior

The Harrier EV maintains its bold, muscular stance, but with futuristic EV touches. The front fascia gets a distinctive closed-off grille with a full-width LED light bar, giving it a modern and unique signature. Aerodynamic wheels and subtle EV badges differentiate it from its ICE sibling. It looks imposing, stylish, and unmistakably premium.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with cutting-edge technology. High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a driver-centric layout define the space. The dual-tone theme, ambient lighting, and panoramic sunroof create an airy and inviting atmosphere. It is truly a premium experience.

Key Features

Tata has loaded the Harrier EV Fearless Plus with features to spoil you:

• Large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Connected Car Technology (iRA)
• Massive Panoramic Sunroof
• 360-degree Surround View Camera System
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
• JBL Audio System
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Powered Driver and Passenger Seats
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite

What is the Ground Clearance of

Approximately 205 mm

What is the Boot Space of

Around 445 Liters

What is the Dimensions of

• Length: Around 4605 mm
• Width: Around 1913 mm
• Height: Around 1718 mm
• Wheelbase: Around 2741 mm

Powertrain Options

For the Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 65 ACFC, the primary powertrain focuses on a powerful electric motor coupled with the 65 kWh battery pack. This setup delivers strong performance and a competitive range suitable for both city and highway driving. While this variant focuses on a single motor, front-wheel-drive configuration, Tata has also hinted at potential dual-motor, all-wheel-drive options in the future for even more versatility and grip. The 'ACFC' denotes its AC Fast Charging capability, ensuring quicker charging times.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Tata, and the Harrier EV takes it to the next level. You get:

• 7 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain, Driver Knee Airbag)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control System
• Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and more.

NCAP Rating Table

While the specific Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP ratings for the Harrier EV are awaited, it is built on the same architecture as the highly acclaimed ICE Harrier, which has achieved stellar safety scores. This gives us immense confidence in the EV variant's expected crash-worthiness.

Tata Harrier (ICE) NCAP Rating:

• Bharat NCAP: 5 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection)
• Bharat NCAP: 5 Stars (Child Occupant Protection)
• Global NCAP: 5 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection)
• Global NCAP: 5 Stars (Child Occupant Protection)

Note: These ratings are for the ICE Harrier. The EV is expected to maintain or improve upon this standard due to the inherent structural rigidity of the battery pack.

Rivals of Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 65 ACFC

In the rapidly expanding Indian EV SUV segment, the Tata Harrier EV will lock horns with some formidable competitors:

• Mahindra XUV.e8 (upcoming electric XUV700)
• MG ZS EV
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Potential upcoming electric SUVs from other manufacturers in this price segment.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Stunning design and road presence
• Feature-packed, premium interior
• Strong safety features with 5-star NCAP expected safety
• Lower running costs compared to petrol/diesel SUVs
• Smooth, quiet, and powerful electric powertrain
• Environmentally friendly with zero emissions
• Reliable Tata service network

Cons

• Higher upfront cost compared to ICE counterparts
• Range anxiety for very long trips if charging infrastructure is sparse
• Charging time, although ACFC helps, still longer than refueling
• Limited public charging infrastructure in some remote areas
• Potential for longer waiting periods due to high demand

Conclusion

The new Tata Harrier EV Fearless Plus 65 ACFC is shaping up to be a truly compelling package for the Indian market. It combines the much-loved Harrier's rugged appeal and spaciousness with the benefits of electric mobility. If you are looking for a futuristic, safe, feature-rich, and economical-to-run SUV, and are ready to embrace the EV revolution, the Harrier EV could very well be the perfect choice for your family. It is not just a car; it is a statement towards a sustainable and smarter future of driving. Stay tuned for our full driving review once it hits the roads!