The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a surge, with several manufacturers entering the fray with exciting offerings. One such contender is the Tata Punch EV, a compact SUV that aims to combine practicality, affordability, and sustainable mobility. Launched in 2023, the Punch EV has quickly captured attention with its bold design, impressive range, and competitive pricing. This article delves into the features, performance, driving experience, ownership aspects, and overall value proposition of the Tata Punch EV, helping you decide if it’s the right electric SUV for you.
Exterior Design: A Bold Stance
The Punch EV borrows heavily from its petrol-powered sibling, retaining its rugged SUV silhouette with a few EV-specific tweaks. The front grille is replaced with a blanked-off panel, housing the charging port. The signature LED DRLs, now integrated with charging indicators, add a futuristic touch. The lower bumper features skid plates and fog lamps, enhancing the SUV character. The side profile showcases pronounced wheel arches, muscular lines, and 16-inch alloy wheels with a dual-tone finish. The rear design is largely unchanged, except for the “EV” badge and a revised bumper. Overall, the Punch EV retains the appeal of the petrol model while incorporating subtle EV cues, resulting in a balanced and contemporary design.
Interior Comfort and Features:
Stepping inside, the Punch EV offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, despite its compact dimensions. The dashboard layout is familiar from other Tata cars, featuring a clean and uncluttered design. The quality of materials is decent, with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch accents. The seats are well-bolstered and offer good support. The infotainment system is a 26.03 cm touchscreen unit compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It comes with a variety of connected car features and voice assistant options (“Hey Tata,” Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant). Additionally, features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 90-degree door opening angle enhance the overall comfort and convenience.
Performance and Battery Range:
The Punch EV is available in two battery pack options: a 25 kWh unit producing 80 bhp and 114 Nm of torque and a 35 kWh unit churning out 120 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. Both variants offer a single electric motor powering the front wheels. The 25 kWh variant claims a range of 315 km, while the 35 kWh variant boasts a range of 421 km (ARAI certified). This makes the Punch EV a practical choice for both city commutes and occasional highway trips.
Driving Experience:
The Punch EV delivers a peppy and responsive driving experience. The electric motor provides instant torque, making for quick acceleration, especially in the higher-powered variant. The ride quality is comfortable, and the car handles well in city traffic. However, the steering could be a tad lighter, and the higher ground clearance might lead to some body roll at higher speeds. Overall, the Punch EV offers a fun and engaging driving experience, suitable for both urban and suburban environments.
Charging Options:
The Punch EV supports both AC and DC charging. The standard 3.3 kW AC charger takes around 9.4 hours to fully charge the battery. The optional 7.2 kW charger reduces this time to 5 hours (available only with the 35 kWh variant). A 50 kW DC fast charger can juice up the battery from 10% to 80% within 56 minutes, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
Ownership and Service:
Tata Motors offers a comprehensive warranty package for the Punch EV, covering the battery and motor for 8 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first. The service network is constantly expanding, and dedicated EV service stations are being set up across the country. Additionally, Tata Motors provides a mobile charging service, offering peace of mind for long journeys.
Value Proposition:
The Punch EV is priced competitively, starting from ₹10.99 lakh for the base variant. This makes it an attractive option compared to other electric SUVs in the market. Additionally, the government offers FAME-II subsidies that further reduce the on-road price. When considering the low running costs of EVs and the long-term savings on fuel, the Punch EV presents a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious buyers looking for a practical and stylish electric SUV.