The advent of electric mobility in India has been gaining pace, and now the Tata Punch EV has been introduced, becoming a city family favourite electric vehicle (EV) and a first choice for many budding EV enthusiasts. The Punch EV, as a compact SUV, seamlessly marries electric efficiency with feature-rich driving, and is gaining supporters for the unique style and value for money it offers in addition to the practicality and safety it brings. This is a detailed and original review of the Punch EV which includes expert evaluations, owner’s feedback, and the most recent specifications.
Design & Road Presence
With the Tata Punch EV, Tata Motors is a player in the compact SUV race as now they are gaining the attention of the audiences with their bold micro SUV design. It boasts of a modern front with LED lamps which helps with the brand recognition and the alloys are a nice touch to the suv. The Punch EV has been advertized to have a blue new EV marking which distinguishes it from its petro counterpart, though it is at the expense of visual appeal. The Punch EV, in its competes class, does have a good standing and for its size offers a good ease to maneuver city roads and parking.
The interiors from Tata Punch EV have received appreciation for their design from the popular Nexon EV with the incorporation of the two spoke screens. The screens being of a good size further aids the usability as they are 10.25 inches at the higher versions. The Punch’s audio interface does have some improvements to be made, as does the comfort of the seats which are monotonously white, courtesy soft touch materials.
Features and Technology
The Tata Punch EV certainly goes the extra mile for a Tata:
- Comfy front seats with a sunroof and ventilating features, as well as wireless phone charging for the higher trims.
- The useful 360-degree camera for parking in urban areas.
- Touch controls for climate control and IRA-connected tech for climate control, a Tata exclusive, make this car stand out.
- The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating ensures safety with 6 standard airbags, hill-assist, and ABS with EBD.
- Long-range models provide enhanced rear and all-wheel disc braking.
Negatives include the 360-degree camera overlaying the infotainment display—to use navigation in parallel becomes tricky. As well as the use of touch controls, while modern, are fiddly on the move.
Comfort, Space, and Practicality
Boot space comes in at 366 liters, fitting for a family’s weekend luggage. The front seats are a highlight providing superb support and comfort for large adults. Rear seating is less generous, suitable for two, and a third adult becomes cramped.
Taller occupants may find the height of the rear seatback unaccommodating and legroom tight if over 6 feet. However, daily comfort for average-height Indian families is respectable.
Battery Options, Performance, and Range
Battery options for the Punch EV are as follows:
- 25kWh: Produces 82PS and 114Nm of torque with an ARAI-rated range of 315km.
- 35kWh: Produces 122PS and 190Nm of torque with an ARAI-rated range of 421km.
Real-world range is lower than claimed. Expect 220-260km for the small battery and 300-350km with the larger battery. Mixed driving conditions, including city, highway, traffic, and AC usage heavily influence range. Fast charging from 10-80% takes less than an hour at DC 50kW. AC 7.2kW home chargers fully top up the larger battery in about 5 hours.
Driving the vehicle in city mode, the experience is punchy and immediate. EV torque is instantaneous, and acceleration is responsive. Steering is feather-light, so tight maneuvers are easy. U-Turns are effortless. Regeneration braking has four settings, recovering some energy although there’s no full single-pedal driving. Steering at higher speeds becomes heavier, which is good for highway confidence.
The Tata Punch EV has smooth ride quality. Side-to-side movement over rough roads is an issue. City driving and smooth bump absorption are strong suit. Because of the small size, the punch is great for urban errands.
Safety and Reliability
With a leading 5-star crash rating in Bharat NCAP, the Punch EV boasts six airbags and electronic aids as standard equipment, giving the Punch EV a leading edge in its segment in terms of safety features.
Tata’s EV architecture, already tested in larger models, provides a level of confidence for braking and stability in all variants. Owners maintain praise for the solid build and safety record, with emphasis on the durability in terms of robust reliability after several tens of thousands of kilometers.
Tata Punch EV Ownership and its Value Impressions
Owners rate the Punch EV highly for its comfort, running cost savings (no need for petrol and very cheap to charge), and a quality interior. The compact and city-friendly size, safety record, and maintenance ease (less moving parts than petrol engines) are all strong draws. While a few have flagged panel gaps and some electronic glitches, overall satisfaction for daily driving and short trips is very high.
Downsides. The brand’s service network is still a work in progress, and some would like higher quality service and sales staff. The vehicle is well-equipped but some buyers find it on the smaller side for the price when compared to larger EVs at the higher end.
Punch EV pros and cons
Pros
- Segment leading safety and features
- City driving ease, acceleration, and maneuverability
- Flexible range-chosen battery options
- Comfortable drive and easy handling
- Packed with features and a premium interior for compact stature
- Comfortable ride with easy driving
Cons
- Headroom is limited for taller people, best suited for two travelers.
- The boot space is adequate, but becomes cramped if three passengers are seated in the back.
- Various controls like AC and camera settings can be accessed via the touchscreen.
- Compact EVs are becoming more expensive, especially the top trims.
- Different cities offer different service experiences.
Summary and Final Verdict
The Tata Punch EV sets the standard for the duo of affordability and safety for feature-loaded electric vehicles in Indian Metropolises. It provides the best in-class comfort and smooth driving along with real-world convenience without the compromise typically required in budget vehicles of this category. For the family-oriented city dwellers and first-time EV buyers, the Punch EV’s design, technology, ride comfort, and Tata’s reputation offers the reliability of a smart purchase for the future.
1. What is the real-world driving range of the Punch EV?
With the 35kWh battery, expect 300–350km per charge in practical city/highway use; the 25kWh variant gives 200–250km, depending on conditions.
2. How long does it take to charge?
DC fast charging: 10–80% in about 56 minutes. Home charging: 5 hours (7.2kW AC) for the big battery, overnight on a regular socket.
3. Is it good for highway trips?
It can handle short to medium highway runs (150–250km legs), but its compact size and range are best used for city and suburban commutes.
4. Is the Punch EV safe?
Absolutely—it has a 5-star Bharat NCAP crash rating, standard 6 airbags, ABS, and stability control, making it among the safest EVs in its price class.
5. How is the service and warranty?
Tata offers an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty and is expanding its EV service network, but customers report mixed service experiences.