Tata Punch EV Review: A Game-Changer or Just Another EV?

This is the full review of Tata Punch EV.

Tata Motors introduced the Tata Nexon EV to mark the beginning of EVs in the mainstream market. It revolutionized the EV segment, ensuring.

Fast forward a few years, and we have the all-new Tata Punch EV.

Based on the ICE version, it brings the all-new acti.ev platform to the table.

While the Punch ICE failed to significantly impact the compact SUV segment, Tata Punch EV hopes to make the same impact as its elder electric sibling did. 

It is a modern, futuristic, and feature-rich offering.

Available across three different variants, the Punch EV promises to be a punchy offering.

We are reviewing the top variant to see what Punch EV offers.

Can this Tata offering punch its way into the ever-growing EV offering? And, does it provide a true value for its asking price?

This is the review of the Tata Punch EV.

Tata Punch EV Review

Futuristic Styling

Tata Punch EV sports a compact SUV styling.

Although the Punch EV resembles the ICE version, there are enough differences to help it stand out.

It features an extended Digital LED DRL strip from one edge to another.

Interestingly, the middle section of DRLs serves as the charging indicator, whereas the edges serve as Sequential Side Indicators.

LED Projector Headlamps and Fog Lamps are positioned lower. Both automatic Headlamps and Cornering Lights are supported.

The grille design is minimal but adds a muscular stance to the vehicle.

Moreover, the charging port is situated at the front, hidden beneath the Tata emblem. And, it is revealed electronically, which adds a bit of a premium feel to the SUV.

Unfortunately, the Punch EV available in Nepal has no Frunk Storage. However, it will be available as an accessory for an additional cost.

Moving to the side, the Punch EV showcases a dynamic profile with strong character lines running across the doors.

It sports a Dual-Tone Finish, complete with 16-inch Multi-Spoke Alloy Wheels. Furthermore, the rear door handles are integrated into the window section which gives a cleaner profile.

Plus, all doors have a 90-degree opening capability.

Interestingly enough, there are significant stylistic choices done at the rear profile.

It comes with a horizontal Y-shaped pattern Taillights. Furthermore, the sturdy rear bumper further matches the overall theme of the SUV.

Plus, the rear silver skid plate adds to its robust character. Additionally, the stylish spoiler serves as an additional enhancement to style while improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Opening up the boot, we get a 366-liter boot space, extendable by fully folding the rear sets.

Unfortunately, it does not come with a Spare Tyre. Instead, Tata Punch EV includes a small space beneath for storing the charging cable and tyre repair kit.

Additionally, the Tata Punch EV comes in Oxide, Green, Red, Grey, and White colors.

Interior

Tata Punch EV continues its modern and futuristic styling on the inside as well.

It has a dual-tone interior with a good mix of black and white. While the majority of the dashboard is plastic, it feels higher in touch and quality.

The two-spoke leatherette steering wheel comes with physical controls. Moreover, the center gets a digital logo display.

While the digital logo does look appealing, it could have been more practical if it displayed more usable information.

Furthermore, it comes equipped with a 10.2-inch Infotainment Display, alongside a 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster

We will discuss the display details and more features in the feature section.

Interestingly enough, the seats do get a Letherette treatment. And, Tata goes a step further by including 3-Level Ventilation for the front seats.

The headroom and legroom are spacious enough in the front seat. It remains comfortable during long drives as well.

However, that is not true for the rear seats.

The rear seats feel limited due to their compact size. It is good enough for average-height passengers, but tall passengers will feel less comfortable.

Moreover, the lack of USB ports at the rear leaves a lack of love for the rear passengers.

EV Motor

Tata Punch EV comes in the Standard Range and Long Range options.

The Standard Range variant is powered by a 60 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(PMSM). It generates a max power of 81.5 PS and a max torque of 114 Nm.

It is supported by a 25 kWh Battery that offers a C75-claimed 190-210 Km driving range. Furthermore, the charging time from 0 to 100% is around 3.5 hours with a 7.2 kW AC Charger.

On the other hand, the Long Range variant is powered by a 90 kW PMSM Motor, generating a max power of 122 PS and a max torque of 190 Nm.

It is supported by a 35 kWh Battery that offers a C75-claimed 270-290 Km driving range. Furthermore, the charging time from 0 to 100% is around 5.5 hours with a 7.2 kW AC Charger.

Please note that all variants come with a 3.3kW AC Charger. However, you can upgrade to a 7.2 kW AC Charger for an additional Rs. 1.32 Lakhs. 

Tata Punch EV supports a max of 11kW AC Charging and 50kW DC Fast Charging.

Interestingly enough, Punch EV claims a 140 km/h top speed with 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds!

We are testing the Punch EV Long Range for this review.

Additional Details

The dimensions are 3857 mm in length, 1742 mm in width, and 1633 mm in height. Moreover, the wheelbase is 2445 mm.

Tata Punch EV has 190 mm of ground clearance and a kerb weight of 1217 – 1360 Kg.

Features

Like all EVs in the market, the Tata Punch EV is feature-packed! It includes both the expected and unexpected features of its price segment.

We will talk about all of these features down below!

Braking

Tata Punch EV features a 195/60 R16 tyre profile with all Disc Braking.

And, it includes 4-LEVEL (L0, L1, L2, and L3) of Regenerative Braking. Drivers can toggle between the Regen Levels thanks to the Paddle Shifters.

L0 disables the regen whereas the L3 has the highest regen intensity.

This ensures convenience for changing regen levels on the fly, prioritizing either performance or battery regeneration depending on the terrain.

Suspension

Tata Punch EV comes with a McPherson Strut with Coil Spring and Twist Beam with Dual-Path Strut suspension.

The suspension sports a dynamic performance.

It has a stiffer feel at lower speeds, helping the SUV maintain its overall stability while reducing body rolls. Interestingly enough, it has a sort of softness around the bumps.

Combining the dynamic nature of the suspension with the high-ground clearance helps reinstate confidence to take on any terrain in Nepal.

Infotainment System

Tata Punch EV boasts a 10.24-inch Infotainment System.

It is a large and fluid touch display, showcasing every little important information about the SUV. Plus, there is support for Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Unlike other rival EVs, the infotainment is very easy to navigate and use.

Other interesting quirks include a Voice-Assisted Sunroof and Multiple Voice Assistants. While these features may not be widely used, it is still nice to have.

It also features a 6-speaker Harman Sound System, which can be synchronized with the Mood Lights to deliver an entertaining experience.

Similarly, the 10.24-inch Driver Instrument Cluster is also packed with customizable information.

It displays all the necessary information like Trip Information, Ride Modes, Range, Battery, i-TPMS, Energy Analytics, and more. Additionally, there is extra support to display Map for easier navigation within the cluster.

Fortunately enough, there aren’t any over-the-top features in this. It is simple, effective, and usable.

Convenience

Below the infotainment system, Punch EV has an integrated Physical/Digital Control Panel.

Punch EV has given physical controls for AC Fan Speed and Temperature Control. While the rear passengers do not get any AC Vents, the AC performance is good enough to negate that.

Other convenience features include standard Type A and Type C Fast Charging. Moreover, the higher top-end version also sports a Wireless Fast Charging.

Tata Punch EV comes with a Digital Jeweled-like Knob.

It helps elevate a sense of premium feel whenever setting the SUV into drive.

Interestingly enough, it comes with a similar sense of premium

There are plenty of other practical storage spots, including the Cooled Glovee Box, Magazine Holder, Center Storage, and more.

Overall the Tata Punch EV feels like a comprehensive package offering all the convenient features for the price.

Tata Punch EV Features Highlights

• acti.ev Architecture Supported
• 60 kW / 90 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
• 25 kWh / 35 kWh Battery Pack
• 315 Km / 421 Km Driving Range (MIDC)
• 4-Levels of Regenerative Braking Operated with Paddle-Shifts
• LED Headlamps and Continuous Strip DRLs
• 16-inch Alloy Wheels
• Voice-Assisted Electric SunRoof
• Front Ventilated Seats
• 10.2-inch Infotainment Screen
• 10.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 6-Speaker Harman Sound System
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Cruise Control
• 6 Airbags
• ABS + EBD + ESC
• Electric Parking Brake with AutoHold
• 360 Degree Camera
• Blind View Monitor

On-Road Performance

The 90kW Motor is more than enough to handle every type of driving scenario.

The front raised bumper will help beginner-level drivers successfully get the feel of the front section. Adding to this, the higher 190mm ground clearance gives good confidence to tackle the rough roads.

Moreover, it gives off an SUV-type vibe despite its compact design.

However, the compact styling is a big plus point in instilling confidence in the congested city roads. There is enough confidence to fit the car into tight spots.

It is a true city SUV with hints of off-road capabilities.

Tata should have included Steering Modes, which is a common feature in the latest EVs.

That is because the steering feel is on the sportier side. Including a softer steering mode would have made a big difference.

Except for that, the steering wheel registers accurate turns, making the driver feel in complete command.

Tata Punch EV did not compromise on safety.

It features a 5-star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating, 6-Airbags, ESP, Hill-Assist Controls, ISOFIX, and Roll Over Mitigations.

Moreover, the top-end variant comes with a 360-degree Surround View Camera and Blind Spot Monitor to further enhance safety while driving.

During our tests, we did find two additional safety quirks.

If the driver does not wear a seatbelt, the Punch EV will not drive even if it is in Drive mode. Only after wearing the seatbelt, the driver can drive the electric SUV.

Similarly, if the driver turns off the vehicle in Drive Mode, it automatically switches into Parking Mode.

Switching to Parking Mode is a common quirk in EVs, but the Seatbelt driving function is a very nice touch, further improving the safety of the driver.

Range

Tata Motors unveiled the new C75 tests, replacing the MIDC figures.

With the set of new range figures, we decided to test out the real-world implications of the new C75 range.

We are testing a fully charged Tata Punch EV which displayed a 222KM range in the dashboard.

Additionally, we noted down displayed data for every 5km, including vital information like the Battery Consumption Rate, Distance Travelled, and Estimated Remaining Range.

We tested the electrified Punch within the Kathmandu Valley (strictly on city roads in variable city traffic) in Eco Mode with 20-40kmph Average Speed, Regen Level 1 and AC turned on.

After driving to almost 50%, we had traveled a distance of 120 km.

Therefore, the Tata Punch EV can travel 240-245 KM at 100% charge in the city. 

The calculated 245 range is significantly more than the displayed 222 KM range. Fortunately, the display range is slightly more pessimistic than the actual range.

In retrospect, if you mix the Punch EV driving scenarios in mixed conditions, especially on highways, higher regen levels, and EV-friendly roads, it will give the C75 range of around 270-290 KM… and perhaps even more.

Variant Differences

Tata Punch EV is available across three different variants: Empowered +S – MR, Empowered – LR, and Empowered +S – LR.

The Medium Range (MR) version packs in a 60kW Motor and 25kWh Battery. Whereas, the Long Range (LR) version packs in the 90kW Motor with a 35kWh Battery.

More importantly, the top Empowered +S LR includes all the necessary features, like a Camera System and Blind Spot View Monitor, to make a good yet practical offering.

If you are confused between the variants, I will recommend Empowered +S – MR if this is a second car for your household. Otherwise, get the LR variant for extended range and long-term security.

Regardless, all three Tata Punch EV variants come with an 8-year (or 160000 KM) Battery Motor Warranty and a 3-year (or 125000 KM) Vehicle Warranty.

Moreover, you will get access to 140+ AC Charging Stations and 25+ DC Fast Charging Stations across the country.

Conclusion

Tata Punch EV sets a strong standard for the next generation of Indian-made EVs.

It is modern and stylish, heavily emphasizing the importance of reliability. While there are few spots for future improvements, the Tata Punch EV does present itself as a punchy offering.

Tata Motors is a household name in Nepal. And, the Tata Punch will continue to carry on that legacy in the brave new world.

This is the Tata Punch EV that goes beyond every day.