Tata Motors is gearing up to launch Tata Punch EV on December 21. The vehicle is designed to comfortably seat up to five passengers and is expected to offer a variety of battery pack options for flexibility. It is anticipated to deliver an impressive range of up to 325 km on a single charge.
The price of the Tata Punch EV is projected to fall between Rs. 9.50 Lakh and Rs. 12.50 Lakh, depending on the chosen variant. The design of the electric Tata Punch mirrors that of its petrol counterpart, except the front electric grill. The vehicle is constructed on the Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) Architecture and boasts a host of industry-first features to enhance functionality and driving pleasure.
The Punch EV, Tata’s inaugural electric car based on the ALFA platform, is expected to be equipped with a 25 kWh battery pack and offer a driving range of approximately 250 to 300 km on a single charge. The electric motor is predicted to generate nearly 60 bhp. This compact electric SUV is also expected to support fast charging capabilities.
The Tata Punch EV is designed to support DC fast charging, allowing the 24kWh battery pack to be fully charged from 0-100 per cent in just under an hour. The vehicle’s top speed is expected to be around 85 km/h.
The production-spec crossover variant of the Tata Punch EV features a two-tone grey and ivory theme for the dashboard, a departure from the all-black design of the concept model. The top half of the dashboard retains the square air vents with a blue accent, contributing to its distinctive appearance. As the Punch and the Altroz share the same ALFA architecture, several interior elements from the hatchback have been incorporated, such as the steering wheel, climate control switches, and semi-digital instruments.
The Punch EV is fitted with a new 7.0-inch Harman infotainment touchscreen, which lacks physical controls. Notably, certain off-road components, like the compass and fake tie-down straps, appear to have been removed in the electric vehicle variant.
The revised electric powertrain for the Punch-based EV is anticipated to have a range of more than 300 kilometres. The torque and power output of the new EV is expected to be around 200NM and 100PS, respectively.
The Tata Punch EV is also expected to have a similar engine configuration to that of the company’s current electric vehicles, a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels. The company is reportedly going to provide various battery pack alternatives so that it can place the new model across different price points. The medium and long-range battery packs are the anticipated options for the new Tata Punch EV.
A 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack will power the 129bhp electric motor that will be mounted on the front axle of the small SUV. The electric motor is expected to be similar to the Nexon EV and is said to be able to drive 325 kilometres on a single charge. The Tata Punch EV model by Tata similar to Altroz, has a 1.2-liter petrol engine that can produce 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque. A 5-speed AMT is an alternative to the normal 5-speed manual gearbox.
It is equipped with cornering lights and a projector lighting package, both of which are typically found in more expensive vehicles. These are helpful when driving at night. Tata Punch EV is equipped with modern technologies such as smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The clear touchscreen display ensures easy readability under various conditions. Additional convenience features include keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera.
The Tata Punch EV is expected to measure 3827mm in length, 1742mm in width, and 1615mm in height. The SUV body type and spacious interior ensure comfortable seating and easy ingress and egress.
Safety is a key focus in the Punch models, with numerous features including ABS with EBD and Corner Stability Control, dual airbags, a front fog lamp with a cornering function, ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, a perimetric alarm system, driver and co-driver seat belt reminders, a reverse parking camera, and a standard puncture repair kit.
The design of the Tata Punch EV is expected to closely mirror its gas-powered counterpart, except for the front electric grill. The vehicle will feature rounded taillights, crisp creases on the tailboard, and squared-off wheel arches. The modern and spacious interior showcases a contemporary design. Notable technological features include an Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a 14-speaker Meridian surround sound system, and Tata Connect, all accessible through the vehicle’s touchscreen. The Punch EV promises a brisk and efficient driving experience, with strong acceleration and smooth handling.
Maintenance Cost of Tata Punch EV
The anticipated cost of maintaining the Tata Punch over five years is Rs. 23,561. The prices for the first, second, and third services are Rs 4347, Rs 4347, and Rs 5795, respectively. The vehicle must travel a minimum of 15000 kilometres for its first service. The EV is also expected to have similar maintenance costs based on its battery model.
Tata Punch EV has the potential to become the most affordable electric SUV in the country, which will create competition in the market. Competing models such as the Nexon EV and the XUV400 are expected to be strong rivals for the Punch EV upon its release.