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The Tata Harrier EV has recently been launched, marking a significant stride for Tata Motors into the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The Harrier EV is presented as the most powerful, advanced, and feature-rich electric car that the carmaker has produced to date. At first glance, the Harrier EV bears a striking resemblance to its diesel-powered sibling, the standard Harrier. However, beneath the surface and within the cabin, the two vehicles diverge significantly in terms of their engineering, technology, and available features. This analysis will delve into the nuanced differences between the Harrier EV and the Harrier diesel, examining exterior design, interior features, safety technologies, powertrain options, and pricing. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Tata’s latest electric SUV differentiates itself from its conventionally powered counterpart. The external styling of the Harrier EV is where the differences are most subtle but noticeable for the discerning eye. While the overall silhouette and design language are largely consistent with the Harrier diesel, the EV variant incorporates several unique styling flourishes that set it apart. Most prominently, the Harrier EV features a closed-off grille, a design element common in electric vehicles to improve aerodynamic efficiency since there is no need for a traditional engine cooling system. The front bumper has been revised to further enhance aerodynamic performance and contribute to the vehicle’s sleek appearance. The Harrier EV also incorporates silver bash plates, adding a touch of ruggedness and visual distinction. EV badging is strategically placed to identify the vehicle as an electric variant. Aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels are another distinguishing feature, designed to reduce drag and improve the overall efficiency of the EV. Despite these unique elements, the Harrier EV retains many of the design cues that have made the Harrier diesel a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts. The butch, upright stance of the Harrier diesel is carried over to the EV, maintaining its commanding presence on the road. Blade-like connected LED daytime running lights, vertically-oriented headlight units, a sharp rear light bar, and a roof spoiler with an integrated stop lamp are also retained, ensuring that the Harrier EV remains instantly recognizable as part of the Harrier family. Where a more significant difference emerges is in the range of colour options available for each model. The Harrier diesel is offered with a significantly wider palette, providing customers with greater personalization choices. Across its variant portfolio, the Harrier diesel is available in eight colours: Ash Grey, Coral Red, Lunar White, Matte Stealth Black, Oberon Black, Pebble Grey, Seaweed Green, and Sunlit Yellow. In contrast, the Harrier EV nearly halves this list, offering only five colour options. However, many of these colours are unique finishes specifically developed for the EV variant. These include Empowered Oxide, Nainital Nocturne, Matte Stealth Black, Pristine White, and Pure Grey. While the reduction in colour options may seem limiting, the unique finishes available for the EV reflect its advanced and environmentally conscious nature. In terms of physical dimensions, the Harrier EV exhibits minor differences compared to the Harrier diesel. The Harrier EV stretches the tape at 2mm longer and 22mm taller than the Harrier diesel. However, it is important to note that the wheelbases of the two SUVs are exactly the same at 2,741mm. This suggests that while the overall length and height may differ slightly, the fundamental structure and proportions of the vehicles remain consistent. These minor dimensional differences are unlikely to be noticeable to the average observer but may have subtle implications for interior space or handling characteristics.
Stepping inside the Harrier EV reveals a cabin that shares many similarities with the Harrier diesel. The overall layout, design, and materials used are largely consistent between the two models, creating a familiar and comfortable environment for occupants. The general dashboard layout is largely shared between the two, including the four-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a floating infotainment touchscreen, and a touch-based HVAC control panel. However, there are key differences that set the Harrier EV’s interior apart and enhance the overall experience. One of the most notable upgrades is the larger infotainment touchscreen in the Harrier EV. While the Harrier diesel features a 12.3-inch unit, the Harrier EV boasts a larger 14.53-inch touchscreen with a Samsung Neo QLED display. Tata claims that this is a world-first feature in an automobile. The larger screen provides a more immersive and user-friendly experience, making it easier to navigate the infotainment system and access various vehicle functions. Another significant difference is the Harrier EV’s all-digital inside rearview mirror (IRVM). Unlike the conventional unit found in the Harrier diesel, the Harrier EV’s IRVM is essentially a screen that can show unobstructed views of both the front and rear of the vehicle. This digital IRVM enhances visibility and safety, particularly in situations where the view through the rear window may be obstructed by passengers or cargo. Additionally, the digital IRVM includes an in-built dashcam with continuous front and rear recording, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind for drivers. In terms of cargo space, the Harrier EV offers a slightly larger boot than the Harrier diesel. With the second row of seats up, the Harrier EV provides 502 litres of cargo space, including a frunk (front trunk) for additional storage. In comparison, the Harrier diesel has a 445-litre cargo area. However, it is worth noting that the Harrier diesel’s boot space is measured up to the parcel shelf, whereas the Harrier EV’s boot space is measured up to the roof. This difference in measurement methodology may account for some of the discrepancy in the figures. One of the key differentiators between the Harrier EV and the Harrier diesel lies in their technology offerings. The Harrier EV debuts a brand-new electrical architecture called TiDAL (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer). This advanced framework enables a wide range of advanced functionalities, including over-the-air (OTA) updates, seamless integration with the infotainment system, a premium 10-speaker JBL Black sound system, voice commands, a 540-degree surround view function, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The new TiDAL electrical architecture, in the Harrier EV enables a wide array of advanced features, contributing to both convenience and safety. The implementation of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates ensures that the vehicle’s software remains current, enhancing performance and providing access to the latest features without the need for a physical visit to a service center. The integration of a high-quality 10-speaker JBL Black sound system promises an immersive audio experience, while the voice command feature enhances the usability and reduces driver distraction. Safety is also a strong focus, with the inclusion of a 540-degree surround view function providing comprehensive visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings. Furthermore, the Harrier EV is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, which incorporates features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and driver assistance on the road. Tata claims that it has specifically calibrated the ADAS features to work more effectively in unpredictable Indian road conditions. These calibrations are vital because differing road conditions and driving styles in India often challenge the standard ADAS systems designed for more uniform environments. On the safety front, the Harrier EV adds features not available on the Harrier diesel. Off-road Assist, effectively a low-speed cruise control (down to 5kph), allows the driver to concentrate on steering the SUV in challenging off-road conditions. The Harrier EV also boasts limited autonomous driving capabilities, including auto park assist and summon mode, enabling the SUV to maneuver itself out of tight parking spaces. Summon mode is particularly useful in dense urban environments where space is at a premium. An innovative feature of the Harrier EV is DrivePay, a UPI-based in-car payment system. DrivePay eliminates the need for mobile devices to manage payments for FASTag, EV charging points, and drive-throughs. This integrated payment system streamlines transactions and enhances the overall user experience. Given that the Harrier EV is an electric car, it’s also equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) functionalities. V2L allows the car to power external devices, while V2V enables the Harrier EV to charge other electric vehicles. These features enhance the car’s utility and underscore its role in a future of interconnected and electric mobility. Both the Harrier EV and Harrier diesel share common creature comforts, including a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats (with driver’s seat memory function), dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, cabin air purifier, wireless charger, fast-charging USB Type-C ports, rear sunshades, and a sliding armrest with cooled storage. However, the Harrier EV elevates the second-row passenger experience with a powered Boss mode, which automatically folds and moves the front passenger seat forward to maximize legroom.
The most significant difference between the Harrier EV and the Harrier diesel is in their powertrain options. As its name indicates, the Harrier EV is an all-electric vehicle, built on a heavily modified version of the Harrier diesel’s Omega platform, which Tata has dubbed Acti.ev. The Harrier EV offers two LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack options: 65kWh and 75kWh. The 65kWh version is paired with a single rear-mounted motor producing 238hp, while the 75kWh variant adds a 158hp motor to the front axle, resulting in a combined output of 313hp and 504Nm channeled to all four wheels. The Harrier EV also includes four-level regenerative braking and a Drift mode, enhancing its driving dynamics and efficiency. The availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) on the 75kWh Harrier EV marks a significant return for Tata, having not offered AWD in over five years. The Harrier diesel is strictly front-wheel drive (FWD). The addition of AWD to the Harrier EV has allowed Tata to focus more on its off-road capabilities, and the SUV includes a new multi-link rear suspension with frequency-dependent dampers, as well as six terrain modes (compared to three in the Harrier diesel): Normal, Snow/Grass, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl, and Custom. The Harrier EV also features a Transparent mode, which projects a live feed of what’s under the SUV to aid off-road traversal. By contrast, the Harrier diesel is powered by a sole 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that develops 170hp and 350Nm. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Harrier diesel achieves 0-100kph in the 11-12 second range, while the Harrier EV’s AWD 75kWh variant can accelerate from 0-100kph in just 6.3 seconds, aided by Boost mode. The Harrier EV's AWD versions come with four drive modes (Eco, City, Sport, Boost), while the RWD variants mirror the Harrier diesel’s three drive modes (Eco, City, Sport). The Harrier EV’s MIDC-certified range is 622km in the AWD 75kWh guise and 627km in the RWD 75kWh configuration. Tata has yet to disclose range figures for the 65kWh version. Charging the Harrier EV from 10-100 percent takes 10.7 hours with a 7.2kW AC charger, while a 120kW DC fast charger can provide a 20-80 percent charge in 25 minutes. Tata claims that a 15-minute fast charge provides 250km of range. In terms of price and variants, the Harrier diesel has a wide range of trim levels, starting at Rs 15 lakh and topping off at Rs 26.50 lakh. The Harrier EV has a more distilled model portfolio, with three initial variants: Adventure, Fearless, and Empowered. Tata has only disclosed pricing for the entry-level Adventure trim, which costs Rs 21.49 lakh (introductory). The top-spec Empowered trim is expected to surpass the Harrier diesel in price, and Tata is offering a lifetime battery warranty for the electric SUV. All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Source: Tata Harrier EV vs Harrier diesel: differences explained