Tata Punch EV
Tata Motors, a renowned Indian automaker, has finally revealed its much-anticipated small electric SUV, the Punch EV. Scheduled for an imminent launch in India, the homegrown company has initiated bookings for the compact electric vehicle (EV) at a modest token amount of Rs. 21,000. This micro SUV is open for bookings at authorized dealerships or through the dedicated website.
Growing Electric Car Market in India
The introduction of the Punch EV comes at a time when the electric car market in India is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demands. According to a Tata Motors dealer, the price of the Punch EV is expected to range between 12 to 14 lakhs (ex-showroom), with availability in showrooms projected for mid-February. Tata Motors has previously achieved success with the Nexon EV, catering to both SUV enthusiasts and electric vehicle aficionados.
Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle (ACTI.EV) Architecture
The Punch EV is not just another electric car; it marks the debut of Tata Motors’ all-new dedicated EV architecture called Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle (ACTI.EV). This innovation aims to offer an affordable package similar to the Nexon EV, further solidifying Tata Motors’ position in the burgeoning Indian electric car segment, where the company currently holds an impressive 85% market share. The Punch EV will join Tata Motors’ lineup alongside existing electric models like Nexon EV, Tiago EV, and Tigor EV, presenting stiff competition to rivals like the Citroen eC3.
Variants and Exterior Options
The Tata Punch EV will be available in five different variants – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+. The compact electric SUV will offer customers a choice between four monotone and five dual-tone exterior colors. Monotone options include Seawood Green, Daytona Grey, Fearless Red, and Pristine White, while the dual-tone choices come with a black roof. Additionally, the Empowered and Empowered+ variants exclusively offer a new Oxide hue.
Tata Punch EV: Aesthetic Appeal
The Tata Punch EV showcases a design that draws significant inspiration from its electric sibling, the Tata Nexon EV. When viewed from the front, it exudes a resemblance to the compact Nexon EV, presenting a charming and compact appearance. Embracing a common trait among electric vehicles (EVs), the front grille section is seamlessly closed off, featuring an elongated LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) bar positioned at the forefront of the bonnet.
The lower section of the front fascia introduces the primary headlamp cluster, adopting a distinctive split-lighting configuration. This setup includes triangular projector LED headlights accompanied by fog lamps, contributing to a well-defined and contemporary look. The entirely redesigned bumper plays a pivotal role in enhancing the Punch EV’s visual appeal. It integrates a sizable air dam, characterized by vertical slats on the plastic cladding, and incorporates a faux silver skid plate, further emphasizing its robust and adventurous persona.
At the back, the Punch EV is equipped with a dual-tone bumper, showcasing Y-shaped brake lights and a rooftop spoiler. In contrast to the internal combustion engine (ICE) variant of the Tata Punch, which utilizes drum brakes for the rear wheels, the Tata Punch EV comes with disc brakes on all four wheels, complemented by a fresh set of 16-inch alloy wheels.
A notable feature that sets the Punch EV apart within the Tata EV lineup is its innovative front-end design. It proudly introduces a charging socket at the front, offering a convenient and accessible point for recharging. Additionally, the Punch EV marks a milestone for Tata as the first electric vehicle from the brand to feature a ‘frunk’ – a storage compartment situated beneath the bonnet. This clever utilization of space not only adds a practical dimension to the electric SUV but also sets it apart in terms of utility.
In essence, the Tata Punch EV’s design seamlessly combines elements of modern aesthetics with practical innovations, making it an exciting addition to the Tata electric vehicle family.
Tata Punch EV: Interior and Features
Although Tata has not officially unveiled the interior of the Punch EV, sneak peeks from spy shots of its test mules hint at a layered dashboard design reminiscent of Tata’s larger SUVs. Notably, it features Tata’s new illuminated two-spoke steering wheel. The cabin is expected to boast a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while lower-tier variants are anticipated to come with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster.
When it comes to features, the Punch EV is set to offer a comprehensive array of amenities. These include a 360-degree camera, leatherette seats, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, connected car technology, a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, cruise control, a sunroof, and the innovative Arcade.ev app suite. This app suite is designed to enhance connectivity and promises regular over-the-air updates.
In terms of safety features, the Punch EV prioritizes passenger protection with six airbags, ABS and ESC systems, a blind-view monitor, three-point seat belts for all occupants, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, and an SOS function for added security. This robust combination of interior design and features positions the Tata Punch EV as a compelling choice in the electric SUV market.
Tata Punch EV: Battery Specifications
The Tata Punch EV is anticipated to feature two distinct battery options, providing flexibility for prospective buyers. The available choices include a 25 kWh battery and a larger 35 kWh battery. Similar to the Tiago EV and Nexon EV, the Punch EV will be available in both Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR) variants, catering to diverse driving needs.
Impressive Range and Charging Capabilities
Promising a minimum range of 300 kilometers on a single charge, extendable up to an impressive 600 kilometers, the Tata Punch EV ensures a reliable and efficient driving experience. The electric SUV also boasts accelerated charging capability through 150 DC fast chargers.
Variant-wise Features Explained
1. Tata Punch EV: Smart
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- LED headlamps with smart digital LED daytime running lights (DRL)
- Multi-mode regenerative braking technology
- Safety features include six airbags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
2. Tata Punch EV: Adventure
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- Includes features from the Smart variant
- Front fog lamps with cornering functionality
- Optional sunroof, cruise control, and a 17.78 cm Harman touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
3. Tata Punch EV: Empowered
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- Builds on Adventure variant features
- Dual-tone exterior paint
- Runs on 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Air purifier with air quality index display
- 17.78 cm digital cockpit instrument cluster
- Larger 26.03 cm Harman touchscreen HD infotainment system
- Auto-fold ORVM, optional sunroof, and SOS functionality
4. Tata Punch EV: Empowered+
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- Additional features compared to Empowered variant
- Leatherette seats, wireless smartphone charger, and ventilated front seats
- 26.03 cm digital cockpit instrument cluster, Arcade.ev add suite
- Safety enhancements with Blind Spot View Monitor and 360-degree camera surround view system
Tata Punch EV Colors
1. Tata Punch EV – Seaweed Dual Tone
2. Tata Punch EV – Fearless Red Dual Tone
3. Tata Punch EV – Empowered Oxide Dual Tone
4. Tata Punch EV – Daytona Grey Dual Tone
Conclusion
The Tata Punch EV aims to provide a compelling option in the growing electric car market in India, combining affordability with advanced features. With its dedicated EV architecture and a range of variants catering to different preferences, the Punch EV is poised to contribute significantly to Tata Motors’ electric vehicle portfolio, further solidifying its dominance in the Indian electric car segment.