The Tata Harrier EV, which was recently unveiled as a part of Tata Motors’ electric vehicle expansion strategy, marks a significant departure from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Tata Harrier. While both models share a similar name and design inspiration, their physical appearances reflect the new era of electric mobility and the shift in automotive trends. The Tata Harrier EV and the Tata Harrier ICE may appear similar at first glance, but the changes made to the design language, detailing, and features in the EV version are substantial. In this comparison, we’ll break down the differences in their visual appeal, design elements, and how they fit into the broader shift toward electric vehicles.
1. Overall Design & Dimensions:
The overall design language of both the Tata Harrier EV and Tata Harrier ICE is inspired by Tata’s Impact 2.0 philosophy. However, the Harrier EV comes with updated styling to reflect the cleaner, more futuristic aesthetic typical of electric vehicles.
The Tata Harrier EV retains the muscular stance of the ICE version but with subtle tweaks that set it apart. While the dimensions of the two vehicles are relatively similar, the EV’s lower stance and streamlined profile suggest an emphasis on aerodynamics. The electric version’s stance is designed to minimize drag, helping improve its range and efficiency. Although both vehicles retain a solid road presence, the Harrier EV has a sleeker look, which is characteristic of most electric cars.
2. Front Facia:
One of the most noticeable changes between the Harrier EV and the Harrier ICE is the front fascia. The Tata Harrier ICE features a bold grille, inspired by Tata’s “humanity line,” flanked by sleek projector headlamps and a large air intake. This grille design, characteristic of traditional combustion vehicles, is designed to aid in airflow and engine cooling.
In comparison, the Tata Harrier EV adopts a more minimalist front end. The large grille is replaced by a more fluid, closed-off panel that serves an aerodynamic purpose. The grille area is smoother, contributing to the car’s efficient airflow for better range and performance. It also adds to the EV’s cleaner, more futuristic look. The front bumper is also more refined, with integrated LED lighting and a slightly reshaped air dam to reflect the modern electric styling.
Additionally, the Harrier EV is expected to come with a new set of LED headlights and a more modern, angular design. The signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille that dominates the Harrier ICE is absent, replaced by a sleeker design without the same emphasis on aggressive airflow.
3. Side Profile:
From the side, the design differences are more subtle but still significant. The Tata Harrier EV retains the same muscular proportions as the ICE model, including its prominent shoulder line and thick C-pillar. However, the EV version has a more sculpted look, with sharper creases along the body. The wheel arches are more pronounced, and the EV comes with new alloy wheels that sport a more futuristic, lightweight design—often a hallmark of EVs to reduce weight and improve efficiency.
The lower body molding is more refined on the EV version, giving it a smooth and continuous design that emphasizes the electric vehicle’s clean nature. While the ICE Harrier has more traditional side cladding, the Harrier EV adopts a more streamlined approach. There is a subtle shift toward smoother lines, which helps in reducing drag, and this is a consistent theme when comparing the two models.
4. Rear Profile:
At the rear, the differences between the Tata Harrier EV and the ICE model are evident in the tailgate and bumper designs. The Harrier ICE features a large, sculpted tailgate with a prominent logo and a bold, dual-tone rear bumper. The rear design in the Harrier ICE leans more toward a traditional SUV look with a solid design language, designed to reflect power and ruggedness.
On the other hand, the Tata Harrier EV has a more contemporary, tech-driven approach. The rear bumper is more refined and has a smoother profile. The tailgate design is sleeker and integrates seamlessly into the rest of the vehicle. Additionally, the Harrier EV adopts slimmer, more modern tail-lamps, which give it a more high-tech look. The rear reflector elements are redesigned and integrated into the bumper in a more fluid manner.
The rear windshield is likely to have a more aerodynamic shape on the Harrier EV, designed to help reduce air resistance and improve range.
5. Lighting & LED Elements:
Both vehicles make use of LED lighting technology, but the Harrier EV takes it further. The LED headlights on the EV are slimmer and more angular compared to the broader design on the ICE Harrier. The signature ‘eye-like’ DRLs (daytime running lights) that were initially seen on the Harrier ICE are now more integrated into the EV’s headlight assembly, making the front look more cohesive and futuristic.
Additionally, the tail-lamps on the Harrier EV are updated with a sharper design. The lighting elements on the EV not only contribute to the vehicle’s modern aesthetic but also help it stand out from the ICE variant. These lighting changes are a clear indication that the Tata Harrier EV is part of a new wave of electric vehicles that are more design-forward.
6. Wheels and Tires:
The Tata Harrier EV adopts new, more aerodynamic wheels designed to improve range. These wheels feature a unique spoke design that is often found in electric vehicles. Unlike the larger, bolder wheels on the ICE Harrier, the wheels on the EV are more compact and finely tuned for efficiency, as they help reduce drag and improve overall performance.
The tires on the Harrier EV are also likely to be low-rolling resistance tires, which help maximize the car’s range by reducing friction. The ICE Harrier, by contrast, uses more conventional tires that are designed for a balance of off-road and on-road performance.
7. Color Schemes & Materials:
Tata Motors has also given the Harrier EV a more futuristic color palette compared to the ICE Harrier. The EV variant is likely to come with new, unique shades that emphasize its eco-friendly nature. In addition, the materials used for the exterior might be lighter and more environmentally friendly, reflecting the shift toward sustainable mobility.
The Harrier ICE, while still offering premium finishes, does not emphasize eco-conscious design in the same way. The color schemes available for the ICE version tend to be more traditional, with bolder tones and contrasting finishes.
8. Interior Differences:
Though the exterior design is the most striking, the interior of the Harrier EV also offers notable differences. While the ICE version of the Tata Harrier boasts a luxurious and tech-savvy cabin with premium materials, the EV version incorporates a more advanced set of features. Expect a more digital interface with larger screens, a shift toward eco-friendly upholstery materials, and a quieter cabin with less vibration, thanks to the absence of an internal combustion engine.
The Harrier EV could also introduce new tech features such as an advanced infotainment system with better connectivity and an interface designed for ease of use in electric vehicles. The driving experience inside the EV is likely to be smoother and more intuitive, with more emphasis on tech-savvy touches and futuristic displays.
9. Aerodynamics & Efficiency:
Since the Tata Harrier EV is designed to be more efficient and maximize range, it has undergone several aerodynamic tweaks compared to the Harrier ICE. These include smoother body contours, a lower ride height, and a more aerodynamic shape that reduces drag and improves the car’s overall performance.
Conclusion:
While both the Tata Harrier EV and the Tata Harrier ICE share some design elements, the EV version stands apart with its more futuristic, streamlined design language. From the front-end modifications to the rear-end refinements, the Harrier EV is a more efficient and modern take on its ICE counterpart. The changes in the design, wheel choices, and aerodynamic enhancements highlight the fundamental differences between the two vehicles: one that caters to the demands of traditional gasoline-powered drivers, and another designed for the more environmentally conscious, tech-savvy consumer seeking the latest in electric vehicle technology.
