Is the Tata Harrier EV Ready to Electrify India's Roads? Real World Review

Have you ever wondered if an electric SUV can truly blend bold presence with practical daily use without compromising on the thrill of driving? In the bustling streets of India, where traffic and terrain test every vehicle, the Tata Harrier EV emerges as a contender aiming to redefine eco-friendly mobility. Yet, like any machine, it carries its own set of triumphs and trade-offs. Join me as I dissect it based on a hands-on drive, weighing its allure against its imperfections.

The Harrier EV commands attention on the road, whether parked or in motion, with a robust stance that exudes confidence. Its exterior design ensures a strong visual impact, making it stand out in a sea of conventional SUVs. Inside, comfort takes centre stage; the seats offer ample support, and the suspension handles bumps with ease, creating a serene cabin environment. Options like ventilated seats enhance the experience, while the electric powertrain and underfloor batteries cleverly preserve usable space. The frunk provides 35 to 65 litres depending on the variant, ideal for stashing small bags or charging cables, while the rear boot at around 500 litres suffices for weekend getaways or daily errands. This thoughtful storage setup positions the Harrier EV as a practical electric option.

However, not everything is seamless. In the second row, taller passengers might feel cramped due to the elevated floor from the battery placement. With my height of about 5'9", it felt adequate, but those around and over six feet could struggle with legroom, thigh support, or headroom, limiting the ability to stretch out comfortably. On the feature front, Tata has loaded it generously, no skimping here. All-wheel drive variants, a full digital instrument cluster, and summon mode add a high-tech flair. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included, ensuring a feature-rich package. Yet, software reliability raises concerns; occasional glitches in the instrument cluster or infotainment system, though minor, can disrupt the premium feel. Tata needs to refine this across their lineup, including the Harrier EV.

Another niggle lies in the interior layout. Accessing the wireless charging pad feels awkward; placing a phone requires precise positioning, and it lacks ergonomic ease, making it less intuitive during drives.

Diving into how it handles, the Harrier EV shines in overall performance, especially in all-wheel drive trims with six terrain modes: normal, snow, grass, mud/ruts, sand, rock crawl, and a custom individual setting. A sport mode and boost function unleash its full potential, allowing brisk acceleration even with its hefty weight. It grips highways well, building speed confidently.

That said, high-speed stability falters around 150 km/h. Pushing harder reveals a dip in confidence, where the vehicle doesn't feel as planted as one might hope. Handling at these velocities could be sharper to inspire more trust. Braking, while adequate for routine driving, exhibits a spongy feel at higher speeds, lacking that immediate bite for aggressive manoeuvres. A touch more calibration here would elevate the experience without it being a outright flaw.

In my real-world test spanning 139 km with a mix of level one and two regenerative braking, it delivered 112 km of actual range, roughly 80-81% of the displayed figure. For the top variant claiming around 627 km, this translates to a realistic expectation that's impressive for an SUV of this bulk. Smoother driving and consistent regen could push it further, making it suitable for city commutes and intercity jaunts with planned stops.

The Tata Harrier EV impresses with its competitive pricing, offering multiple battery choices and variants that undercut rivals, delivering a full-sized electric SUV with all-wheel drive, striking design, and abundant features. It's a smart value proposition in the segment. Nevertheless, areas like braking refinement, software polish, and second-row space for taller folks highlight room for improvement. Overall, Tata is steering in a promising direction, crafting an electric SUV that's functional for everyday Indian drives, though it demands a balanced view of its capabilities.