Tata Punch EV

Tata’s boardroom must have been buzzing with energy when someone said, What if we add more features and drop the price? That is exactly the kind of glow-up the new Punch EV facelift delivers. The brand has done commendable work in refreshing the Tata Punch EV.

When you hear the word facelift, you expect a significant exterior overhaul and a long list of new features. However, that is not entirely the case here. There are cosmetic tweaks, but what truly defines the Punch EV facelift are the changes beneath the surface – a new battery pack, improved range, faster charging, revised pricing, and the introduction of BaaS.

In terms of design, the refreshed Tata Punch EV receives a few noticeable updates. At the front, there is a redesigned fascia that gives it a sharper and more contemporary look. The SUV continues to retain its rugged stance, courtesy of the grey body cladding running all around.

At the rear, it gets new LED tail lamps along with a connected LED light bar, adding a modern touch to the styling. One major exterior change is the omission of rear disc brakes, which were previously offered. Tata claims it has recalibrated the rear drum brakes and optimised the regenerative braking algorithm, ensuring that drivers will not notice a significant difference. During our time with the car, the braking performance felt acceptable, with no complaints whatsoever.

Tata has also revised the colour palette. The available shades now include Fearless Yellow, Bengal Rouge, Caramel, Empowered Oxide, Pure Grey, Supernova Copper, and Pristine White.

The interior has largely been carried over from the previous Punch EV, and that is not necessarily a drawback. The cabin is well-equipped with features that matter, including a large infotainment screen with crisp graphics, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated front seats.

However, it misses out on a few features, especially considering the variant sampled was the top-spec version. There are no rear AC vents, which is a significant omission. Additionally, there is no charging port at the rear and no rear sunblinds. Electric adjustment for the driver’s seat would also have been a welcome addition.

Material quality does not feel particularly premium either. Apart from the armrest, there is minimal use of soft-touch materials across the cabin. The window switches and steering stalks are new and look decent. Overall, the fit and finish, along with the material quality, could have been more premium for the price.

The Punch EV facelift is offered with two battery pack options – 30kWh and 40kWh. Tata claims a C75 real-world range of 335km for one version and 355km for the other. The larger battery pack delivers an ARAI-certified range of up to 468km.

Charging capabilities have been significantly improved. The Punch EV now supports 65kW DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 20 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes. Tata claims that a 15-minute top-up can add up to 135km of range.

The battery pack uses prismatic LFP cells and comes with a lifetime, unlimited-kilometre warranty, offering added peace of mind. Tata has also refined the e-drive calibration with algorithm optimisation to enhance efficiency.

The front axle-mounted motor produces 127bhp and 145Nm of torque. The Punch EV facelift can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in under nine seconds. It continues to offer multiple drive modes and four levels of regenerative braking, adjustable via paddle shifters.

Performance remains a strong suit. The Punch EV feels lively from a standstill, with no noticeable lag in power delivery up to highway speeds. City mode is ideal for balanced performance and efficiency, while Sport mode unlocks the full potential of the motor without feeling abrupt or unnatural.

On the practicality front, the electric SUV offers 195mm of ground clearance and a water-wading capacity of up to 450mm, retaining its SUV credentials.

In our real-world test, which included a mix of city and highway conditions, the car consumed 120Wh per km and delivered a range of 333km. This equates to 71.5 per cent of the claimed figure and is not far off Tata’s C75 estimate.

Ride and handling have always been among the strongest aspects of the Tata Punch EV. For its price and positioning, the SUV offers a solid ride quality with good comfort levels. The suspension is well tuned, taking the additional battery weight into account. The dampers are set on the softer side, ensuring the car does not feel unsettled over rough patches or broken roads.

At higher speeds, the Punch EV feels confident and stable on the highway, supported by a well-calibrated steering setup and a chassis that feels rigid and well put together.

The introduction of the BaaS programme is a significant development. With this scheme, the entry-level Punch EV is priced at ₹6.49 lakh, with a battery rental cost of ₹2.6 per km.

This move could prove to be a game changer. At this price point, buyers can consider options like the Tiago EV and the Comet EV, but the Punch EV offers more space, better range, and a stronger feature list.

Overall, the Punch EV facelift stands out as one of the most comprehensive updates from Tata in recent times. The brand has addressed key concerns while introducing revised pricing and the BaaS model, lowering the initial acquisition cost. This approach is likely to attract first-time buyers as well as those transitioning from a small ICE car to an entry-level electric SUV.

Pictures by Kapil Angane