The Indian electric vehicle market is about to witness the arrival of its most anticipated family hauler. On April 3, 2026, new production timelines confirmed that Tata Motors is fast-tracking the Safari EV for a grand debut during the Diwali 2026 festive season.
As the electric counterpart to India’s most iconic SUV nameplate, the Safari EV isn’t just another launch; it is the crowning jewel of the acti.ev+ (Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle) platform. Positioned as the brand’s first-ever three-row electric SUV, it aims to combine the legendary “Safari” road presence with a silent, high-performance heart.
Performance: The “QWD” All-Wheel Drive Leap
One of the most significant upgrades for the Safari EV is the introduction of a dual-motor setup.
- Dual-Motor AWD: While the base variants will feature a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, the flagship trims will debut Tata’s Electronic All-Wheel Drive (QWD) system. This setup is expected to deliver a combined torque of 504 Nm, allowing the 7-seater to sprint from 0–100 km/h in under 7 seconds.
- Terrain Capability: To ensure it lives up to the Safari name, the EV version will come equipped with multiple terrain modes—including Sand, Mud, and Rock—supported by a new multi-link rear suspension with frequency-dependent dampers for a “magic carpet” ride quality.
Battery and Range: 600+ km on a Single Charge
Tata is leaving no stone unturned to eliminate range anxiety for long-distance travelers.
- 75 kWh Battery Pack: The top-spec Safari EV will house a massive 75 kWh battery, offering an ARAI-certified range of up to 627 km. For those with more urban needs, a smaller 65 kWh pack with a range of approximately 530 km will also be available.
- Ultra-Fast Charging: Supporting up to 100 kW DC fast charging, the Safari EV can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes, making highway stops as brief as a coffee break.
Tech and Interior: The “TiDAL” Cockpit
The interior of the Safari EV will be a massive step up from the ICE version, featuring the new TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer).
- 540-Degree Camera: Moving beyond the standard 360-degree view, the Safari EV features a “clear hood” function for off-roading.
- Summon & Auto Park: The flagship will include a Summon Mode, allowing the car to pull out of tight parking spots via a smartphone app, alongside an Auto-Park Assist feature.
- Level 2++ ADAS: An upgraded sensor suite will enable advanced features like lane-change assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Market Battle: Rivaling the XEV 9S
With production set to commence in August 2026, the Safari EV is being prepared to go head-to-head with the Mahindra XEV 9S and the VinFast VF MPV 7. By offering a 7-seater configuration in a market currently dominated by 5-seater electric SUVs, Tata is betting on the “Big Indian Family” as its core audience.
Expected Pricing
The Tata Safari EV is expected to be priced between ₹22.5 lakh and ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom). While it carries a premium over the diesel variant, the significantly lower running costs and the inclusion of AWD tech make it a compelling proposition for those looking to future-proof their garage.
