Tata Punch.ev launched, prices start from Rs 10.99 lakh
After recently showcasing the Acti.ev platform a few days back, Tata has finally launched the Punch.ev which is the first electric car based on this all new platform that is being touted as the second-generation Tata EV platform. With design language based on the newly-launched Tata Nexon, Harrier and Safari, this new Punch.ev is the latest EV offering from Tata and prices for the same start from Rs 10.99 lakh and go up till Rs 14.49 lakh, ex-showroom for the top-end variant. Let's take a look at what this Tata Punch.ev packs.
Tata Punch.ev design
The new Punch.ev gets updated styling when compared to the ICE Punch. The design language is now In line with new Tata Motors cars like the Nexon and Nexon.ev, the Harrier and Safari. The front end features a wide DRL which is in line with all the new Tata Motors EVs in the range. When connected to the charger, the front DRL also doubles as a charging indicator status bar. The front end design is functional with air curtains on the bumper acting as cooling elements for the drivetrain. The overall tophat is similar to that of the ICE Punch but it gets updated styling elements, Ther rear end also features a connected light bar that make up the tail light. In terms of wheels, the Punch.ev runs on 16-inch wheels with a bespoke design for this EV. Interestingly, the ICE Punch will only get the EV’s new styling cues sometime in the second half of next year.
Because this Punch.ev is based on the Acti.ev platform which is a pure EV platform, the dimensions both inside and outside have been best utilised to ensure maximum usable space. This means that the Punch.ev gets a 366-litre boot and also gets a 14-litre frunk.
In the cabin, with the battery being packed under the floorboard, courtesy of the new architecture, you have a flat floorboard even in the second row of seats and that should make for comfortable seating in both rows. Tata says that there are as many as 32 cubby holes inside the cabin to maximise stowage space.
The interiors have been completely reworked as well. At the centre of which is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The instrument cluster is also a 10.25-inch digital screen which can be customised with different screens and can also be set up to show a full map view. The steering wheel is also all-new, similar to that seen in the new Nexon.ev. You also get paddle shifters that allow you to control the four different levels of regen that the drivetrain has. The HVAC and media controls are a mix of physical buttons and touch sensitive digital buttons. The Punch.ev also gets front ventilated seats.
Tata Punch.ev battery pack, motor and range
The Punch.ev is the first car based on the Acti.ev platform and that has allowed the engineers to pack in more cells in the battery and to that end, the Punch.ev is available in two primary variants. The standard variant uses a 25kWh battery and that is mated to a motor that outputs 80bhp and 114Nm of torque. In terms of range, this battery pack and motor setup is capable of giving the car a 315km MIDC claimed range. The second variant is the Punch.ev LR (long range). This used a bigger 35kWh battery pack that is mated to a more powerful 120bhp and 190Nm of torque producing motor. The 10 extra kWh that the battery pack holds, extends the claimed range to 421km on the MIDC cycle. In terms of performance, the Punch.ev LR is capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in under 9.5 seconds (claimed). Both the motor and the battery are IP67 certified and also come with an 8 year or 1.6 lakh kilometre warranty. In terms of charging, the car is capable of accepting fast charging and can charge from 10-80 per cent in 56 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger.
Tata Punch.ev chassis
The Tata Punch.ev unlike other ICE cars that have been converted to EV uses a bespoke chassis and suspension setup that has been tuned and strengthened in all the right places to ensure good handling and also safety features. Despite the battery pack being stored under the floorboard, the Punch.ev has a respectable 190mm of ground clearance. In terms of safety, six airbags, ESP, hill descent control, roll over mitigation, brake disc wiping and hydraulic fading compensation are available as standard across all variants.
Tata Punch.ev features
The Tata Punch.ev is quite feature packed and based on which variant you go for, you can get features like wireless charging, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming ORVM, electronic sunroof, voice assistant and all the features you would otherwise expect in a midsize premium SUV.
Tata Punch.ev price and availability
The Tata Punch.ev has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom. The Punch.ev is split over three variants Smart, Adventure and Empowered. The Smart and Smart+ employ the smaller 25kWh battery pack and prices for that are Rs 10.99 lakh and 11.49 lakh, respectively. The Adventure with the 25kWh battery costs Rs 11.99 lakh while the Adventure with the long range battery costs Rs 12.99 lakh. The top-end Empowered and Empowered+ variants with the 25KWh battery cost Rs 12.79 lakh and Rs 13.29 lakh, respectively and the Empowered and Empowered+ with the long range 35kWh battery cost Rs 13.29 lakh and Rs 14.49 lakh respectively. Bookings for the Tata Punch.ev have been open for some days now. Test drives will be available from today and deliveries are slated to begin from January 22. We will be driving the all-new Punch.ev soon, so stay tuned for our first drive reviews which will be out shortly.
