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Tata Punch EV: The Affordable Electric SUV Revolution in India

India's electric vehicle (EV) market is buzzing with innovation, and Tata Motors is clearly steering the charge. After the success of its electric offerings like the Nexon EV and Tiago EV, Tata has taken a bold step forward with the launch of the Tata Punch EV. Priced aggressively at ₹9.99 lakh, the Punch EV is not just a car—it’s a statement that EVs can be fun, functional, and accessible for the everyday Indian.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the Tata Punch EV, exploring its design, performance, features, range, pricing, and why it stands out as one of the most promising sub-compact electric SUVs in the market.

1. Design & Build Quality

The Tata Punch EV retains the bold, youthful look of its ICE counterpart but with EV-specific enhancements. Built on Tata’s new Acti.EV platform, the Punch EV boasts a futuristic yet familiar silhouette that appeals to urban drivers and young families alike.

Exterior Highlights:

Front LED light bar that runs across the grille, giving it a distinctive EV identity.
Aero-optimized alloy wheels for better efficiency and modern aesthetics.
Closed-off grille to enhance aerodynamics.
Split headlamp design with sleek DRLs above and projector lamps below.

The EV version is slightly more refined, with body-colored accents, new EV badging, and a tweaked rear bumper. It remains compact and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for crowded Indian streets.

Dimensions:

Length: 3,857 mm
Width: 1,742 mm
Height: 1,633 mm
Ground Clearance: 190 mm

Despite its compact size, the Punch EV offers a commanding SUV-like stance and a tall seating position, which many Indian buyers prefer.

2. Interior and Features

The cabin of the Punch EV gets a modern makeover, offering a premium feel that exceeds expectations for this price bracket.

Interior Features:

10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (top variant) with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
7-inch digital instrument cluster with EV-specific information like range, regen level, and power consumption.
Leatherette upholstery and dual-tone dashboard (in top trims).
Air purifier, wireless charger, and auto climate control.

The overall build quality is solid, and the dashboard layout feels intuitive. Rear seats are adequately spacious for two adults and a child, with ample headroom and legroom.

Boot Space: With the battery pack cleverly placed under the floor, the Punch EV still offers a practical 366-litre boot space—great for weekend trips or shopping sprees.

3. Battery, Range & Charging

The Tata Punch EV is offered in two battery variants:

Standard Range (25 kWh battery)

Claimed Range: Up to 315 km (ARAI certified)
Ideal for city users and daily commuters

Long Range (35 kWh battery)

Claimed Range: Up to 421 km
Perfect for users looking for flexibility on highways and inter-city travel

Both versions support multi-mode regenerative braking with selectable levels, which helps recharge the battery while slowing down the car.

Charging Options:

Fast Charging: DC fast charger can charge from 10% to 80% in around 56 minutes
AC Home Charger: 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW options available
Regular home socket charging takes 9–10 hours (for full charge)

Tata's growing EV charging ecosystem (EZ Charge) and tie-ups with third-party providers make charging more convenient in urban and tier-2 cities.

4. Performance & Driveability

The Punch EV delivers a smooth, silent, and zippy driving experience, well-suited to Indian road conditions.

Motor Specs:

Standard variant: 60 kW (80 hp), 114 Nm torque
Long-range variant: 90 kW (120 hp), 190 Nm torque

The instant torque delivery of electric motors ensures a peppy city drive, with 0-60 km/h coming up in under 6 seconds for the long-range variant.

It also features:

Multi-drive modes (Eco, City, Sport)
Hill hold control
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for added safety

The Punch EV handles potholes and speed breakers with ease, thanks to its high ground clearance and reworked suspension. It feels stable even at higher speeds, making it suitable for both urban and semi-urban drives.

5. Safety Features

Tata has prioritized safety across its EV line-up, and the Punch EV is no exception.

Standard Safety Equipment:

6 airbags (in top trims)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Rear parking camera
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)

While the original ICE Punch received a 5-star Global NCAP rating, the Punch EV, built on the Acti.EV platform, is expected to uphold the brand's strong safety legacy.

6. Variants & Pricing

The Tata Punch EV is available in multiple variants to cater to different buyer needs. The pricing starts at an attractive ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base standard range version.

Variant-wise Price Range (approx):

Standard Range: ₹9.99 – ₹11.49 lakh
Long Range: ₹11.99 – ₹13.49 lakh

With such pricing, the Punch EV becomes India’s most affordable electric SUV, undercutting many premium hatchbacks and sedans.

7. Rivals & Market Positioning

The Punch EV doesn’t have many direct competitors in the sub-compact electric SUV space. However, it may compete with:

MG Comet EV – More compact and city-focused
Tata Tiago EV – Cheaper but less spacious
Citroën eC3 – Similar size, but less range and fewer features

With its blend of pricing, practicality, features, and driving range, the Punch EV comfortably places itself as the most value-packed EV offering under ₹15 lakh.

8. Verdict: Is the Tata Punch EV Worth It?

Absolutely—yes. The Tata Punch EV hits all the sweet spots for first-time EV buyers in India:

Affordable pricing
Strong range options
Feature-loaded cabin
Futuristic platform
Reliable brand with service support

Whether you're a city dweller looking for a silent and sustainable daily ride, or a young professional wanting an SUV with tech and performance, the Punch EV is a great fit.

Tata Motors has once again proven that EVs don’t need to be expensive or boring—and the Punch EV is leading the charge into a cleaner, smarter automotive future.