Tata Punch EV Launched

Tata has launched the Tata Punch EV at Rs 10.99 – 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the brand’s fourth all-electric car, second electric SUV, and the first car to be based on Tata’s Pure EV architecture called ‘Acti.EV’, which stands for ‘Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle’. Notably, this new platform will underpin Tata’s future EVs. As Tata has already been dominating the EV game, let us take a closer look at what the Tata Punch EV has to offer.

Tata Punch EV: Design

The design of the Tata Punch EV is heavily inspired by the Tata Nexon EV and from the front, it looks like the baby Nexon EV. As seen on most EVs, the grille portion is closed off and there is an elongated LED DRL bar at the front of the bonnet. Lower down there is the main headlamp cluster which is a split-lighting setup featuring triangular projector LED headlights and fog lamps. The all-new bumper gets a big air dam consisting of vertical slats on the plastic cladding and a faux silver skid plate. Moreover, the Punch EV is the first Tata EV to feature a charging socket at the front and a frunk (storage space under the bonnet).

At the rear, the Punch EV gets a dual-tone bumper and features Y-shaped brake lights and a roof-mounted spoiler. Unlike the ICE version of Tata Punch which sports drum brakes for rear wheels, the Tata Punch EV gets disc brakes on all four wheels with a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

Tata Punch EV: Interior and Features

On the inside, the Tata Punch EV gets Tata’s new illuminated two-spoke steering wheel like that of the larger Tata SUVs. It also gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster while the lower variants will reportedly feature a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster.

In terms of features, the Punch EV will be equipped with a 360-degree camera, leatherette seats, electronic parking brake with auto hold, connected car tech, a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, cruise control, sunroof, and the new Arcade.ev app suite which promises superior connectivity with over-the-air updates. On the safety front, the Punch EV gets six airbags, ABS and ESC, a blind view monitor, three-point seat belts for all seats, ISOFIX mounts and an SOS function.

Tata Punch EV: Range and Battery

Like all other Tata EVs, Tata is offering the Punch EV with two battery options. The medium range variants come with a 25kWh battery pack that produces 82 PS power and 114 Nm peak torque and enables the car to reach a top speed of 110 km/h. The long range variants come with a 35kWh battery that generates 122 PS power and 190 Nm peak torque, and enables the car to reach a top speed of 1400 km/h. The medium range variants have a claimed range of 315 km while the long range variants have a claimed range of 421 km. The Punch EV has a water wading capacity of 350 mm and a ground clearance of 190mm. Moreover, the Punch EV gets multi-level regenerative braking as standard.

For charging options, the Punch EV supports 50 kW DC fast charging which can juice up the battery from 10-80 percent in 56 minutes. For charging at home, the Punch EV offers two AC chargers, 7.2 kW and 3.3 kW, and their charging time as follows.

The Tata Punch EV is available in five trims – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+, while the Long Range versions are available in three trims: Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+. Both variants get five dual-tone paint options.

Acti.EV Architecture

Before unveiling the Tata Punch EV Tata unveiled the Acti.EV architecture it is based on. This all-new EV platform from Tata has performance, technology, modularity, and space efficiency as its four key pillars. As per Tata’s claim, this platform offers a 10 percent improvement in battery capacity which resultantly can offer a range of 300 – 600 km. This platform supports all-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and front-wheel-drive. For charging this platform supports 7.2 kW to 11 kW charger for AC fast charging, and DC fast charging up to 150 kW which can enable the battery for a 100 km range in just 10 minutes. Moreover, the Acti.EV architecture supports Vehicle to Load (V2L) & Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) charging and 5G connectivity.

Along with the scalability for Level 2 and Level 2+ ADAS, the Acti.EV architecture supports a variety of body styles that are crafted to comply with future Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP safety protocols. Its flat floor lowers the centre of gravity and maximises cabin space and storage, and this is the reason behind the segment-first frunk in the Tata Punch EV.

Tata Punch EV: Price & Rivals

With such prices the Tata Punch EV will direct rival the Citroen eC3, it will also be a premium alternative to the MG Comet EV and Tata Tiago EV.