‘Rewriting the rules of what’s possible’: Tata Motors’ Shailesh Chandra on how Harrier.ev can redefine India’s premium EV experience

In India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle landscape, Tata Motors is an industry leader. Now, with the launch of the Harrier.ev, the automobile major has unveiled not just a new SUV, but it has also introduced a strategic leap forward through the debut of its advanced acti.ev+ architecture.

Packed with innovations like Samsung’s Neo QLED infotainment system, Quad-Wheel Drive, and Level 2 ADAS powered by Mobileye, the Harrier.ev aims to redefine what Indian consumers expect from a premium electric SUV.

In this exclusive interview with Fortune India, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, unpacks how the Harrier EV reinforces Tata Motors’ technological edge, outlines the brand’s dual-pronged approach to tackling range and charging concerns, and explains the delicate balancing act between innovation and affordability. Edited excerpts.

Q. Beyond the Harrier EV's advanced features like the Samsung Neo QLED display and Autonomous Parking Assist- Level 2 ADAS, how will the acti.ev+ architecture strategically enable Tata Motors to maintain a technology edge against global and domestic competitors?

SC: Built on the foundational pillars of Performance, Technology, Modularity, and Space Efficiency, our acti.ev Pure EV architecture (introduced with the Punch.ev) comprises four distinct layers. With the Harrier.ev, we've elevated each of these layers through targeted advancements—ushering in the next evolution: acti.ev+.

Layer 1: Powertrain: The powertrain layer of the acti.ev+ architecture delivers enhanced performance, unmatched versatility, and superior user convenience—powering innovations like Quad-Wheel Drive, a 75kWh battery pack, faster charging, and more.

Layer 2: Chassis: This layer brings significant enhancements in comfort, safety, and intelligent control—enabling the Ultra Glide suspension system with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and delivering improved crash performance for superior occupant protection.

Layer 3: Electrical and Electronics: The electrical and electronics layers of acti.ev+ are driven by our SDV backbone—t.idal (Tata Intelligent Digital Architecture Layer). In the Harrier.ev, t.idal comes to life through industry-first innovations like the Samsung Neo QLED display, Dolby Atmos audio, multilingual voice recognition, and ADAS powered by Mobileye EyeQ. 

Layer 4: Cloud Architecture: The cloud architecture layer now delivers smarter, more connected experiences—featuring Digi Access for keyless smartphone entry, the Arcade.ev app, DrivePay, and more. Seamless OTA updates ensure the vehicle software remains current and future-ready

Overall, the acti.ev+ architecture has empowered the Harrier.ev to emerge as India’s most capable and technologically advanced SUV—setting new benchmarks in performance, innovation, and all-terrain capability.

Q. The Harrier EV offers 1.5C fast charging and substantial range. What is Tata Motors' concrete strategy to ensure this translates into a demonstrably superior and more reliable charging experience and real-world range, directly tackling critical EV adoption concerns?

SC: Since pioneering the EV revolution in India, we've remained committed to breaking down key adoption barriers—chief among them, range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Our dual-pronged strategy focuses on significantly extending real-world range while actively enabling a robust charging ecosystem.

The Harrier.ev sets a new benchmark. Powered by our largest 75kWh battery pack, it delivers a real-world range of over 500 km—validated by our proprietary range estimation model, built on 8+ billion kilometres of real-world driving data and trusted by customers for its 90%+ accuracy.

To further elevate convenience and allay anxiety, the Harrier.ev supports 1.5C fast charging, enabling a 250 km top-up in just 15 minutes. Whether for daily commutes or long-distance journeys, it redefines EV ownership—eliminating charging concerns and making the experience truly seamless.

Q. With numerous high-end features in the Harrier EV, how does Tata Motors define the optimal balance of "premium innovation" and "accessible pricing" to win over the Indian consumer? What’s the secret sauce to finishing in pole position in the EV race?

SC: Our EV and premium SUV customers are among the most discerning—they demand cutting-edge technology, standout design, premium comfort, and true value. Our role therefore is to meet these expectations without compromise, pushing the boundaries of innovation while ensuring accessibility.

With the Harrier.ev, we’ve redefined what a premium electric SUV can deliver—across performance, luxury, technology, safety, and design. This isn’t just about responding to demand; it’s about anticipating it. Our ability to stay ahead stems from a strong internal innovation engine, a clear long-term vision, and seamless cross-functional collaboration.

Being pioneers of India’s EV revolution, our early start has translated into developing deep customer understanding, rich product capabilities, optimized cost structures, and scalable platforms. It’s this blend of foresight, agility, and execution that keeps us in the lead in India’s EV race.

Q. Considering dedicated EV platforms from rivals like Mahindra's INGLO and the rapid GTM of international players, what are the 2-3 core strategic differentiators, exemplified by the Harrier EV, that Tata Motors will leverage to secure and expand its leadership in the EV space in India?

SC: It will not be prudent for us to talk or compare our offerings with that of competition. That said, we have proudly claimed that the Harrier.ev is India’s most powerful, most capable, and most intelligent SUV yet. With the launch of Harrier.ev, we have not just introduced a new electric SUV or challenging convention—we are rewriting the rules of what’s possible. In addition to the impressive capabilities of Acti.ev+ Pure EV architecture that we shared above in the first question, the following highlights will substantiate:

Supercar-like performance

• Dual motor power of 158 PS (116 kW) at the front, and 238 PS (175 kW).

Go-Anywhere off-road capability 

• Ultimate off-road experience with the Quad Wheel Drive system.

Indulgent Technology and Luxurious Comfort 

• Ultra Glide Suspension with Frequency Dependent Damping for exceptional handling & ride comfort.

Q. As Tata Motors heavily invests in EVs like the Harrier EV, how will the company maintain or build on its market position and ensure success in India?

SC: Our strategy is built on a strong presence across all key segments. In the entry-level EV market (under ₹12 lakh), where we hold around majority (~75%) market share, we will continue to grow by increasing EV adoption and encouraging ICE buyers to switch. In the mid-segment (₹12–20 lakh), we're making our products more competitive through constant feature upgrades. In the premium segment (₹20 lakh and above), the launch of the Harrier.ev and the upcoming Sierra will help us attract more customers.  Furthermore, we are also improving our fleet offerings with a better cost of ownership model and looking at CNG replacement options. 

Across all areas, we're focused on reducing costs, making EVs more mainstream, and building the right ecosystem to stay ahead and maintain our leadership position.