Tata Punch.ev debuts with sub-$15K price

Max McDee, 17 January 2024

Tata Motors just launched its latest car - the Punch.ev. The aggressively-priced EV aims to capitalize on the growing electric car market in India.

The Punch.ev is the first model from Tata to be built on its new electric car architecture Acti.ev, which is expected to underpin several upcoming Tata EVs and SUVs, including the Curvv EV, the Sierra EV, and the Harrier EV.

Priced between $14,800 and $19,300 (Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 14.49 lakh), the Tata Punch.ev comes in five variants and offers two battery options, all aimed at providing versatility and choice to potential buyers.

The base battery has 25 kWh capacity, providing a range of approximately 196 miles according to MIDC standards. For those seeking a bit of extra range, there's a 35 kWh battery option, which offers an impressive 262 miles of range.

The Long Range Punch.ev is powered by an electric motor with 122 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, which can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in about 9.5 seconds. The standard variants come with a less powerful 82 horsepower motor with 84 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0 to 62 mph in 13.5 seconds.

Charging can be done with a 3.3 kW wall box charger in the basic version, but customers can also opt for a faster 7.2 kW fast charger. The Punch.ev supports DC fast charging, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in just 56 minutes using a 50 kW fast charger.

Visually, the Tata Punch.ev resembles its sibling, the Nexon EV. It boasts a distinctive LED light bar, a split headlamp setup, and a fresh alloy wheel design. Notably, it's the first Tata electric car to feature a frunk (front trunk), offering additional storage space.

Inside, the Punch EV offers a premium interior compared to its ICE-powered counterpart. There’s a new dashboard featuring twin 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and a digital instrument display. Paddles on the steering wheel allow drivers to control regenerative braking levels, further enhancing the driving experience. Even the lower variants of the EV are equipped with a decent 7-inch infotainment unit.

The Punch.ev features ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, wireless phone charger, sunroof and cabin air purifier. On the safety side it offers six airbags, ABS and ESC, three-point seat belts for all seats, and ISOFIX mounts.

In the highly competitive EV market in India, the Tata Punch EV faces rivals such as the MG Comet (priced between $10,600 and $13,300), the Citroen eC3 (priced between $15,000 and $16,400), and even Tata's own Tiago EV (priced between $11,800 and $16,200).