Tata Punch EV

The Tata Punch EV is the electric avatar of the petrol-powered Punch SUV. But at the same time, it is so much more than just a simple swap between petrol and electric power – as there’s an all-new platform, fresh styling elements inside-out and new features as well. It is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 14.44 lakh (ex-showroom) and takes on the Citroen eC3.

• Unlike its ICE counterpart, the Punch EV is more modern due to its updated design.

• What I liked the most was its connected lighting setup at the front, which instantly makes it recognizable.

• Tata has offered LED projector headlamps, sleek sequential LED DRLs, LED fog lamps with cornering function, and Y-shaped LED tail lamps.

• The face also features a neatly integrated charging flap and a sleek grille which completes its EV look.

• From the sides, you’ll get an idea of how compact this car is, and you’ll also notice the aerodynamically designed 16-inch alloy wheels. 

• Lower variants of the Punch EV feature 15-inch and 16-inch steel wheels with styled wheel covers.

• To make this small SUV look a little butch, Tata has added thick cladding under the doors, which go well with this design.

• At the back, the design is a lot similar to the ICE Punch, including the Y-shaped LED lighting elements.

• But here as well, Tata has added a massive bumper, to make it look slightly rugged.

• The 2025 Punch EV is available in 5 colour options: Pristine White, Fearless Red, Daytona Grey, Seaweed, and Empowered Oxide.

• All these colours can be had in a dual-tone shade depending on the variant you pick.

Design & Quality

• Much like other Tata models, the Punch EV’s dashboard layout is simple and without clutter.

• It gets Tata’s new steering wheel with the illuminated logo, and it features a dual-tone black and white cabin theme.

• What grabs the most attention is the touchscreen, and you’ll also keep glancing at the steering wheel due to its modern design.

• There are also no complaints when it comes to the cabin’s quality and fit and finish.

• While Tata has used mostly plastics in the cabin, they don’t feel cheap or scratchy.

• However, the white seats get dirty very quickly and are a hassle to keep clean.

• The design and the quality of the drive mode selector stands out with its knurled finish.

Driving Position

• While you do get a height adjustable driver seat from the base variant, the steering only comes with tilt adjustment, which can make finding your ideal driving position a little time consuming.

• The front seats are wide, offer good cushioning, and provide good side support. 

• As far as visibility is concerned, you get a good view from the windshield, and the cabin’s white theme doesn’t make you feel cramped.

• However, if you’re taller than 5’8”, your left knee can brush up against the centre console, which can be a little annoying and inconvenient.

Passenger Comfort

• Since it gets 90-degree opening doors, getting in and out becomes very easy.

• Punch EV’s rear seat also offers good cushioning, which means you can relax here even during long journeys.

• For average sized adults, there’s decent amount of legroom and kneeroom, and the underthigh support is good as well.

• For taller passengers, headroom might seem a little less, but for most people, it is enough, thanks to the scooped-out roof.

• However, the rear seats have good space only for two passengers, and the middle passenger will definitely feel cramped.

• The bulge on the middle seat will make the passenger sit upright, and the absence of a headrest will make long journeys uncomfortable.

• We’d recommend you use the Punch EV only as a 4-seater.

Storage Options

• The Punch EV gets almost all the basics right when it comes to storage options.

• All doors get 1-litre bottle holders, there are two small cupholders in the front, storage in the centre armrest, an average sized glovebox, and a wireless phone charger which doubles as a tray. I like that the glove box has cooling functionality as it helps maintain the temperature of cold drinks.

• Rear passengers get seat back pockets, but there are no cupholders in the central armrest, which is a miss.

Features

• In such a compact size, the Punch EV offers a lot of features, which will not leave you wanting for more.

• It gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has an easy to understand user interface and it supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• However, this screen is prone to occasional lags and glitches, which can be a little annoying.

• This infotainment system is paired with a 6-speaker JBL sound system for a crisp and clear audio quality.

• There is a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display as well, which relays all your drive information neatly, and can also be used to display maps while driving.

• Tata has also offered ventilated front seats which are very helpful on hot summer days.

• There is a wireless phone charger in the front, and if you’re a fan of a sunroof, you get that too (voice assisted single-pane unit).

• A 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor is also present which is useful while parking and while changing lanes.

• Other features include automatic climate control, auto headlamps, auto-dimming IRVM, ambient lighting, and cruise control.

• Tata Punch EV has a 5-star crash test safety rating from Bharat NCAP in both child and adult occupant protection.

• Its standard safety kit contains 6 airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

• Higher variants get rain sensing wipers, rear parking camera, and a 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor.

• Punch EV gets a boot space of 366-litres, which is suitable for smaller suitcases.

• Due to the shape of this boot, larger suitcases don’t fit easily, and if you place one large suitcase here, you won’t have much space left for smaller bags.

• If you need more space for larger items, you can fold the rear seats, but there is no 60:40 split.

• However, after folding the rear seat, the floor is not flat, which makes loading your luggage a little difficult.

• The top-spec variant also gets a frunk which you can use to keep a small bag or the car’s charger.

• Punch EV comes with two battery pack options: 25 kWh and 35 kWh, both are paired with a single electric motor.

35 kWh Battery Pack (Long Range)

• Being an EV, the drive experience is refined, smooth and noise free.

• You get quick acceleration but it does not take you by surprise.

• I felt that the acceleration was linear and it sped up in a progressive manner. 

• I could easily perform overtakes in the city, and the quick acceleration added some fun in my regular city drives.

• On the highways, getting to triple digits is easy and so are the overtakes.

• You can switch to Sports mode if you want better throttle response, but it will have a toll on your range.

• Based on your driving style, you can set your regen levels and you can change them on the go.

• You should keep the regen level at 1 or 2 for most of your drives. Level 3 is like single pedal drive but it does not stop the car completely.

• With the bigger battery pack, you can get a real world range of around 300-320 km.

25 kW Battery Pack (Medium Range)

• With the smaller battery pack, you get a less powerful powertrain, but the drive is still refined and smooth.

• This setup may not offer the fun which the bigger battery pack offers, but the drive experience will still not leave you wanting for more.

• Acceleration will be quick, and overtakes will be easy.

• Here, you’ll get a real world range of around 220-250 km, based on your driving style.

• The Punch EV manages to absorb most of the city bumps and potholes with ease.

• Its suspension setup works silently for the most part, and you’ll only hear a noise when you drive over sharper bumps at a higher speed.

• On poorly built roads, you will experience some side to side movement, but that too is well controlled.

• When driving on the highway, the Punch EV will make sure that you remain comfortable by handling all the undulations and cracks while remaining planted.

Summing up the Punch EV is pretty easy then – it is a complete, all-rounder version of the standard petrol-powered Punch. It looks modern, has a premium cabin with plethora of creature comforts, and the drive experience packs a punch, but is still refined at the same time.

It does command a significant premium for all those qualities tho – nearly 5 lakh over the standard Punch, which puts it on par with bigger SUVs like the Nexon and Sonet. But despite that overlap, the Punch EV holds its own. So if your usage is restricted to city runabouts, or travel between two existing locations where you have the provision of home charging, then the Punch EV will be a good choice for you.

Other Options To Consider

Citroen eC3

Reasons To Consider

• More affordable

• Provides a more comfortable ride quality

Reasons To Ignore

• Less usable range

• Not so feature-rich

Tata Tiago EV

Reasons To Consider

• Similar package at a lower price

Reasons To Ignore

• Smaller battery pack options

• Not so premium looking