Tata Motors kickstarts 2024 with a brand new electric vehicle – the Punch EV. This sporty SUV marks the carmaker’s fourth all-electric model and joins the Nexon EV as their second electric SUV offering. Bookings for the Punch EV are now open, with eager customers able to reserve their spot at Tata’s dedicated EV outlets, select standard showrooms, or through the company’s online portal for a fee of Rs 21,000.
Design Inspired by its Big Sibling
The Punch EV borrows design cues from its elder sibling, the Nexon EV. The updated grille and bumper resemble the Nexon’s, giving the Punch EV a scaled-down yet familiar vibe. A striking full-width light bar graces the front bonnet, accompanied by a split headlamp setup mirroring the Nexon EV’s design. This electric SUV also makes history as Tata’s first EV to sport a charging socket at the front. The lower bumper gets a complete makeover, boasting new vertical slats on the plastic cladding and a stylish faux silver skid plate.
Y-Shaped Taillights and More Distinctive Features
Moving to the rear, the Punch EV stuns with its Y-shaped brake lights, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a dual-tone bumper design. It rolls on a fresh set of 16-inch alloy wheels, equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, unlike its ICE counterpart that uses drum brakes at the rear. Another first for Tata EVs is the inclusion of a frunk (front trunk) in the Punch EV.
Performance on the Punch: Range and Powertrain
While Tata has unveiled the brand-new acti.ev architecture underpinning the Punch EV, specific technical details remain under wraps. However, we know two variants will be available – Standard and Long Range. These are expected to pack 25kWh and 35kWh battery packs, respectively. The Standard variant makes do with a 3.3kW AC charger, while the Long Range adds a 7.2kW AC charger and DC fast charging capability.
This modular platform promises a range between 300km and 600km, depending on the model and battery. Considering the Punch EV’s size, a range between 300km and 400km seems likely. We eagerly await further details on power and torque figures, though multi-mode brake regeneration is confirmed.
Stepping Inside the Punch EV: A Tech-Filled Cabin
The Punch EV’s interior impresses with a layered dashboard design, dominated by the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A stunning 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and the illuminated two-spoke steering wheel borrowed from larger Tata SUVs further elevate the cabin ambiance. Lower variants, however, will get a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and digital cluster. The luxurious jewelled rotary drive selector from the Nexon EV graces only the Long Range variants.
Top-of-the-Line Features for Discerning Drivers
Top-spec Punch EV models boast additional features like a 360-degree camera, leatherette seats, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, connected car tech, a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, cruise control, and the new Arcade.ev app suite. A sunroof is also available as an optional add-on. These features, particularly the ventilated seats, are firsts for a vehicle of this size in India. Safety is well-addressed with six airbags, ABS and ESC as standard, along with a blind view monitor, three-point seat belts for all seats, ISOFIX mounts, and an SOS function.
Market Positioning and Rivalry
The Tata Punch EV squarely targets the Citroen eC3 in the Indian market. It slots in between the Nexon EV MR and Tiago EV MR, hinting at a price range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom).
With strong EV sales concluding 2023, it’s no surprise that Tata Motors kickstarts 2024 with another electric offering. The Punch EV, with its impressive features, competitive range, and stylish design, is poised to make a significant mark in the Indian electric vehicle landscape.
Trims and Variants: Catering to Diverse Needs
The standard Punch EV comes in five trims – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+ – while the Long Range gets three trims: Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+. Both variants offer five dual-tone paint options to cater to a range of preferences.
Tata Punch EV Variant Features
Smart
- LED headlights & DRLs
- Multi-mode regeneration
- Electronic stability control (ESP)
- 6 airbags
Smart+
- Features to be revealed
Adventure (adds to Smart):
- Cruise control
- Cornering fog lamps
- 7″ touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold (Long Range only)
- Jeweled drive selector (Long Range only)
- Sunroof (optional)
Empowered (adds to Adventure):
- 16″ diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Air purifier with AQI display
- Auto-folding ORVMs
- 7″ digital instrument cluster
- 10.25″ touchscreen infotainment
- Dual-tone body color
- Connected car tech
Empowered+ (adds to Empowered):
- Leatherette seats
- 360-degree camera
- Blind view monitor
- Ventilated front seats
- Arcade.ev app suite
- Wireless phone charging
- 10.25″ fully digital driver’s display
Note: Tata hasn’t officially revealed Smart+ details yet. This information is based on current reports and may change.
