Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3 real world range comparison

The Tata Punch EV and the Citroen eC3 are two very similar entry-level, urban EVs with compact dimensions, jacked up ride heights and SUV-like stances and styling. However, under their skin, the packaging is completely different with hugely varying battery sizes, equipment, charging options and performance; the Punch EV is also available across a much wider price range than the eC3. But most importantly, which of these two have a better real-world range? Well, the competition is closer than you’d imagine.

Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3: powertrain, battery and specs

First, the specs. The Punch EV gets two liquid-cooled battery pack options – 25kWh (Standard Range) and 35kWh (Long Range). For our test, we drove the Long Range variant that powers an electric motor producing 122hp and 190Nm of torque. The Citroen eC3, meanwhile, gets a single air-cooled 29.2kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor producing 57hp and 143Nm – the power figure is less than half of that of the Punch EV, and torque is significantly down as well.

ARAI rates Punch EV Long Range at 421km, while the Citroen eC3 is rated at 320km. The Citroen eC3 gets regenerative braking with a fixed level of retardation while the Punch EV gets four levels of regenerative braking that can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel. For the test, the Punch EV was driven with regen set to the mid setting (level 2) that felt the most natural for both city and highway driving. Lastly, the eC3 has a kerb weight of 1,316kg, while the Punch EV weighs 1,360kg. On paper, the Punch EV has a clear advantage, but let’s find out how they fare in the real world.

Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3: real world range

Starting off with 100 percent charge, we drove both cars back-to-back in similar conditions with periodic driver swaps. In the test cycle combining both city and highway driving, the Punch EV returned an average real-world range of 229km, which translates to an efficiency of 6.54km/kWh. The eC3, on the other hand, went 228km on a single charge, indicating a much higher efficiency of 7.8km/kWh. Both cars were tested with high ambient temperatures of around 40 degrees, which made the climate control work hard to maintain a cool cabin temperature.

Curiously, despite having a much larger battery than the eC3, the Punch EV returned just 1km more in very similar conditions. Having said that, the Punch EV is tuned for more livelier performance (even in Eco mode) than the eC3, which is decidedly sedate in nature.

As for charging, the Punch EV gets either a 3.3kW AC wall box charger or a 7.2kW fast charger. Meanwhile, the eC3 only gets a 3.3kW AC charger. However, both cars are compatible with DC fast charging.

Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3: price 

The Citroen eC3 is priced between Rs 11.61 lakh-13.35 lakh while the Punch EV is priced between Rs 10.99 lakh-15.49 lakh. The Tata has a much wider price range, and thanks to its extensive features list and much more potent performance, it appeals to a wider audience. However, from a purely usage point of view in the city, there’s barely anything distinguishing the two.  

All prices, ex-showroom, India

Also see:

Tata Tiago EV vs Citroen eC3 real world range comparison