Tata Harrier Hybrid and Safari Hybrid Under Development : Tata Motors may soon bring hybrid versions of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari, as the company is now rethinking its strategy for the Indian market. Until recently, Tata focused mainly on electric vehicles, but with EV demand slowing down and hybrid popularity increasing, the brand is preparing to introduce hybrid technology in its bigger cars.
Why Tata Motors Is Considering Hybrids Now
The main reason behind this shift is the upcoming CAFE 3 fuel efficiency norms, which will come into effect in 2027. These norms will require carmakers to meet stricter fuel economy targets.
Tata Motors earlier believed it could jump directly from ICE (petrol/diesel) to EVs. But now, due to rising hybrid demand across India, the company is evaluating strong hybrid systems, especially for cars longer than 4 metres, where the higher price of a hybrid setup can be better justified.
Harrier and Safari to Lead Tata’s Hybrid Entry
The Tata Harrier and Tata Safari are expected to be the first Tata SUVs to get a hybrid powertrain. Both models will also receive a brand-new petrol engine on 9th December, which will pave the way for future hybrid versions.
This upcoming engine is the same 1.5-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that will debut on the all-new Tata Sierra on 25th November.
Engine Specifications
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine:
- Produces 168 hp at 5,000 rpm
- Generates 280 Nm of torque between 2,000–3,500 rpm
- Meets BS6 Phase-II norms
- Is E20 fuel compliant
For the hybrid models, Tata is expected to use a modified version of this engine.
How the Harrier Hybrid and Safari Hybrid Could Work
The hybrid setup will likely include:
- A pure electric motor assisting the petrol engine
- Front-wheel drive configuration
- Expected fuel efficiency of over 20 km/l (estimated)
It is unlikely that Tata will add a second electric motor for an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. Demand for AWD is very low in this segment, and Tata already offers it in the Harrier.ev with the dual-motor QWD system.
Expected Launch Timeline
If Tata Motors approves the project, the Tata Harrier Hybrid and Tata Safari Hybrid may launch in 2027, aligning with the new CAFE norms.
A Tata Sierra Hybrid could follow in 2028.
Competition Heating Up
Tata may not be alone in this segment for long. Renault is also planning hybrid SUVs, with:
- Duster Hybrid expected in 2027
- A new 3-row hybrid SUV to follow later
With several brands moving towards hybrids, this space is set to grow rapidly in the coming years.
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