Tata Punch EV Review

Tata Motors further solidifies its dominance over the Indian EV space with the introduction of the Punch EV. Built on the same super hit formula as the ICE Punch, it is the most affordable electric SUV in the market, with no direct competition.

Tata Punch EV exterior and interior

The Tata Punch EV may resemble its ICE counterpart but undergoes extensive reengineering, featuring a new Acti.ev platform with a flat floor and enhanced structural stiffness. Despite the battery pack, it sits 190mm above the ground. Overall styling, both outside and inside, is quite similar to the Nexon EV’s, with its 10.2-inch touchscreen, two spoke steering and digital cluster being carried over. Tata has aced its cabin’s space management and ingress-egress is very convenient too. However, on account of its raised floor, headroom for tall occupants is affected. Practical touches include a 366L boot and a small frunk, but no spare wheel.

Tata Punch EV features and safety

The Punch EV’s range-topping Empowered +S LR variant packs nearly all the features of a top-spec Nexon EV, except V2V and V2L charging. It boasts a sunroof, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, lane-view monitor, electronic parking brake, auto LED headlamps and wipers, an air purifier, auto-dimming IRVM, and a wireless charger. The vibrant 10.3-inch touchscreen offers wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Alexa integration, and an 8-speaker audio system. However, it lacks rear AC vents and charging ports, which feel like noticeable omissions in an otherwise well-equipped package.

Tata Punch EV range and charging

In our range test, the Punch EV achieved 5.43km/kWh in the city with max regeneration but improved to 6.92km/kWh at mid regeneration, yielding a real-world range of 242km. On the highway, it managed 6.17km/kWh, translating to 216km. Using a 25kW DC fast charger, it took us 56 minutes to charge the battery from 10-80%. A test on a 60kW charger from 15-100% took 99 minutes, averaging 19.5kW. It also gets a 3.3kW portable charger and a 7.2kW AC fast charger for home/office installation.

Tata Punch EV driving impressions

The Punch EV offers a refined and smooth driving experience. It is available in standard (25kWh, 82hp) and Long Range (35kWh, 122hp) variants, the latter feels well-tuned, with progressive power delivery, across three drive modes. Sport mode unlocks full performance, achieving 0-100kph in 9.4 seconds. Three regenerative braking levels adjust the intensity of deceleration, but there’s no full one-pedal driving. The chassis is 30% stiffer than its ICE counterpart, aiding comfort and stability, while all-wheel disc brakes ensure strong stopping power. Despite slight body roll, its low center of gravity keeps it planted, and the suspension expertly handles rough roads with finesse.

Tata Punch EV price and verdict

The Punch EV excels as a city car with a smooth powertrain, compact size, a plush ride, and a tech-rich feature set. It delivers strong performance and a respectable real-world range of 230km. However, software glitches need fixing, Tata’s sales and service remain inconsistent, and top variants overlap in price with the larger, more powerful Nexon EV. Still, considering its strengths, the Punch EV stands out as an impressive urban EV package.

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