Full expert breakdown
Hello car enthusiasts and future EV owners! When you are looking to buy a new car, especially in India, a few things always come to mind: How much will it cost to buy? Is it safe for my family? What will be the monthly running and maintenance expenses? Does it have all the latest features? And, importantly, can I rely on the company's service network?
These are crucial questions, and today, we are going to dive deep into a vehicle that is set to redefine the electric SUV segment in India: the new Tata Safari EV. Tata Motors has a strong reputation for making robust, feature-rich, and safe vehicles, and their electric lineup is no exception. Let us find out if the Safari EV ticks all the right boxes for you!
EV Powertrain Specifications
The Tata Safari EV is expected to come with a powerful electric motor and a substantial battery pack, building on Tata's successful Ziptron technology. While exact figures might vary closer to launch, here is what we anticipate:
- Motor Type: Likely a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) for excellent efficiency and power delivery.
- Power Output: Expected to be around 160-190 kW (215-255 PS), offering strong performance.
- Torque: Over 300 Nm, ensuring quick acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
- Battery Capacity: A large battery pack, possibly ranging from 60 kWh to 80 kWh, to provide a commendable driving range.
- Claimed Range: Anticipated to deliver an ARAI certified range of 450 km to 550 km on a single charge.
- Charging: Supports both AC home charging (7.2 kW or 11 kW) and DC fast charging (50 kW to 150 kW), allowing for quick top-ups on the go.
Design Overview
The Safari EV is poised to retain its iconic muscular stance while embracing modern EV aesthetics.
Exterior
- Commanding Presence: Expect the signature Safari silhouette with bold lines and a dominant road presence.
- EV Specific Styling: A closed-off grille, aerodynamic alloy wheels, blue accents, and unique EV badging will distinguish it from its ICE counterpart.
- Lighting: Sharp LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and connected LED tail lamps for a premium look.
Interior
- Premium & Spacious: A well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and ample space for all occupants, likely offering 6-seater (captain seats) and 7-seater configurations.
- Modern Dashboard: A redesigned dashboard with digital displays and touch-sensitive controls.
- Comfort: Plush seating, with ventilated seats expected for front and possibly second-row passengers.
Key Features
Tata vehicles are known for their feature-rich cabins, and the Safari EV will be no different. Look forward to:
- Infotainment System: A large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Connectivity: Advanced iRA connected car technology with over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- Sunroof: A panoramic sunroof to enhance the cabin ambience.
- Camera System: A 360-degree surround view camera system for easy parking and navigation.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless smartphone charging pad.
- Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort.
- ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital instrument cluster providing all necessary driving information.
What is the Ground Clearance of Tata Safari EV?
The Tata Safari EV is expected to offer a good ground clearance, likely around 200 mm, ensuring it can handle varied Indian road conditions and minor off-road excursions with ease, similar to its ICE sibling.
What is the Boot Space of Tata Safari EV?
The boot space will be substantial, especially with the third row folded. We expect it to offer around 420 litres with the third row up and significantly more, possibly over 800 litres, with the third row folded down, making it highly practical for long trips and luggage.
What are the Dimensions of Tata Safari EV?
The Safari EV will maintain its robust dimensions, ensuring a commanding road presence and spacious interior.
- Length: Approximately 4668 mm
- Width: Approximately 1950 mm (without mirrors)
- Height: Approximately 1786 mm
- Wheelbase: Approximately 2741 mm
Powertrain Options
Currently, the Tata Safari EV is expected to launch with one primary powertrain configuration. However, Tata might introduce variants with different battery pack sizes or motor tunes in the future, catering to various range and performance needs, similar to how they offer options in other EV models.
Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone for Tata, and the Safari EV will come packed with advanced safety features.
- Airbags: Expected to feature 6 or even 7 airbags as standard.
- Braking Systems: ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and Hill Descent Control.
- Parking Aids: Front and rear parking sensors, along with the 360-degree camera.
- Advanced Safety: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat mounts.
- ADAS Suite: Including features like Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Door Open Alert.
NCAP Rating Table
The Tata Safari ICE model has already proven its mettle in safety tests. The Safari EV, built on the same robust platform with added EV-specific reinforcements, is expected to maintain or even exceed these high safety standards.
| Safety Body | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Bharat NCAP (Expected) | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Global NCAP (Based on ICE model) | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
This commitment to a 5-star safety rating will make the Safari EV one of the safest electric SUVs on Indian roads.
Rivals of Tata Safari EV
The Tata Safari EV will carve its niche in the growing Indian EV market, competing with a few key players and upcoming models:
- MG ZS EV: A popular choice in the compact-to-midsize electric SUV segment.
- Mahindra XUV400: Another homegrown competitor, though slightly smaller.
- Hyundai Creta EV (Upcoming): Expected to be a strong rival when launched.
- Kia Seltos EV (Upcoming): Another contender from the Korean auto giant.
- Future models from other manufacturers aiming for the larger electric SUV space.
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Here is a balanced look at what the Tata Safari EV brings to the table:
Pros
- Robust Build & Safety: Inherits the strong build quality and expected 5-star safety rating of the ICE Safari.
- Spacious & Comfortable: Ample room for seven occupants, making it ideal for large families.
- Feature-Rich: Packed with modern tech and convenience features like a large infotainment screen, ADAS, and panoramic sunroof.
- Strong Performance: Electric powertrain offers instant torque and smooth, powerful acceleration.
- Lower Running Costs: Significantly cheaper to run per kilometre compared to petrol/diesel SUVs.
- Eco-Friendly: Zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to a greener environment.
- Tata's EV Ecosystem: Benefits from Tata Power's widespread charging infrastructure and Tata Motors' growing EV service network.
Cons
- Higher Initial Cost: EVs generally have a higher upfront purchase price compared to their ICE counterparts.
- Range Anxiety: While improving, long-distance travel still requires planning for charging stops.
- Charging Infrastructure: Still developing in some remote areas, though rapidly expanding.
- Battery Replacement Cost: A potential long-term concern, though battery warranties are usually extensive.
- Weight: EVs are heavier due to the battery pack, which can impact handling dynamics slightly (though often mitigated by low centre of gravity).
Conclusion
The Tata Safari EV is shaping up to be a truly compelling package for Indian car buyers. It blends the legendary comfort, space, and ruggedness of the Safari nameplate with the efficiency, performance, and eco-friendliness of an electric powertrain. If you are a large family or someone who desires a commanding, feature-loaded, and incredibly safe SUV that is also future-proof, the Safari EV deserves serious consideration.
While the initial cost might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, coupled with government incentives for EVs, make it an economically sound choice. With Tata Motors' commitment to expanding its charging network and excellent service, the Safari EV is poised to be more than just a car; it is a statement of modern, responsible, and enjoyable motoring. Keep an eye out for its official launch and take a test drive to experience the future of family SUVs yourself!
