You're parked at a fast charger, waiting about 26 minutes for your Sierra EV to reach 80%. Tata's answer to the boredom: turn your phone into a controller and play games on the big triple-screen dash. AirConsole, owned by KPIT Technologies, just went live, and for now only the Tata Sierra EV gets it. So is it a genuine plus, or a nice gimmick while you decide between this and a Harrier?
What is AirConsole, and how does it work in the Sierra EV?
AirConsole is an in-car gaming platform that runs on the car's screen. You use your phone as the controller, so there's no separate console or hardware to buy. It offers around 15 games, including a version of Kaun Banega Crorepati, so it leans towards casual, family-friendly play. This is the platform's first appearance in India. Think of it as something to do when the car is parked and charging, not while driving.
Tata Sierra EV
SUVWhich Sierra EV trims get it, and does it cost extra?
AirConsole is tied to the Sierra EV's triple-screen cabin, which is standard across all trims from the Pure onwards. So every variant, from the ₹18.79 lakh Pure to the ₹26.49 lakh Empowered A, has the hardware to run it. The bigger point: it's exclusive to the Sierra EV for the first four months, meaning no rival can offer it in that window. Tata hasn't confirmed whether AirConsole will stay free or move to a subscription after that period. We'll update this once there's clarity.
Charging wait solved? The real-world use case
Here's where it actually earns its place. The 63 kWh battery supports 120 kW DC fast charging (a rapid public charger), taking 20–80% in about 26 minutes. That's roughly one KBC round or two. On a long drive, say Mumbai to Pune and beyond, that half-hour break becomes less of a dead wait for the family. Kids in the back can play on the screen while the battery fills up. It's a small thing, but it fits the way EV road trips actually go.
Tata Sierra EV price, variants and our value pick
The Sierra EV starts at ₹18.79 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Pure and climbs to ₹26.49 lakh for the dual-motor Empowered A. On-road prices will be higher after registration and insurance, though many states waive or cut road tax on EVs, so check your local RTO. The 63 kWh battery (the smaller pack) claims 535 km on the MIDC test cycle; expect roughly 370–400 km in real driving. The 75 kWh pack pushes the claim to 665 km. Our pick is the Pure S at ₹19.99 lakh: 235 bhp, a 535 km claim, and the sweet spot on value. The Sierra EV also gets a lifetime battery warranty for the first owner, which few rivals match.
VinFast VF 7
SUVSierra EV vs Harrier and Nexon EV: how it stacks up
Look at the money against a petrol/diesel Tata Harrier, which tops out at ₹26.01 lakh. The Sierra EV Empowered A sits just above at ₹26.49 lakh, only about ₹48,000 more. For that small gap, you get full electric running (roughly ₹1–1.5 per km at home charging versus ₹7–9 for diesel), all-wheel drive, up to 665 km claimed range, the triple screens, and now AirConsole. The Harrier offers none of that screen and gaming tech. Against Tata's own Nexon EV (₹12.49–17.69 lakh), the Sierra is a clear step up in size, range, and cabin tech and priced to match. If you want the cheapest EV, the Nexon still wins on rupees.
Should you buy it now, or is gaming just a gimmick?
Be honest about what matters. Most buyers pick an EV for range, charging speed, and running cost, and the Sierra EV is strong on all three. AirConsole is a bonus, not a reason to buy. But it does add something no rival has right now, and it makes charging stops less of a chore for families. If you value cabin tech and want the most aspirational Tata EV yet, the Sierra fits the bill. If you just want maximum range per rupee, stick to the Pure S at ₹19.99 lakh and treat the gaming as a fun extra.
References: Tata India — official website
