Homegrown automaker Tata Motors took the wraps off its newest electric offering – the Tata Punch EV at the Auto Expo 2023. The new Tata Punch EV is the electric version of India’s highest-selling SUV in 2022. It will be offered in two range options and will also debut Tata’s new ‘Acti. ev’ EV platform that also underpins the Tiago EV and Tigor EV. The Punch EV though is likely to go on sale in India sometime next year.
The Tata Punch EV is based on the brand’s Sigma architecture which also underpins the ICE version. Visually though it remains largely similar to the standard Punch with subtle highlights like the teal colour accents, new EV badging, and blue accents on the fascia to help differentiate the electric model. The feature highlights are also expected to remain largely similar with a 7-inch touchscreen system, 7-inch TFT display for the instrument cluster, push-button start/stop, cruise control, and more.
However, under the hood is where the major change lies with the new Act. ev platform that brings a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Details like power figures are not available just yet, but Tata has confirmed the Punch EV will be offered in two range options – 213 km and 312 km (ARAI certified) on a single charge. The battery packs too will be different on the two trims. Fast charging capabilities will allow the battery to charge from 10-80 percent in under 60 minutes.
Speaking on the Punch EV, Shailesh Chandra – Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “As the nation gears up to adopt EVs en-masse, it is time for us to leverage our journey till now. The Punch EV with 2 range options and its deep integration of connected systems will build upon the Punch legacy. This will enhance the appeal of this very popular model and democratize the exciting world of EVs.”
The Punch EV also debuts Tata’s ‘Acti. ev’ platform that could be used for several upcoming Tata EVs. The new architecture promises an efficient battery system for long-range capabilities, fast charging, and more. The company also plans to have a strong vertical integration from designing battery cells to packing them into modules and packs. Tata says it already has capabilities to cover end-to-end manufacturing but establishing cell manufacturing capabilities in India remains a priority for the brand. More details on the Acti. ev platform and its capabilities are expected to be revealed in the coming days at the expo.
The Tata Punch EV carries the distinction of being the country’s first subcompact SUV going the electric way. It will compete against internal combustion offerings like the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, and its sibling – the Nexon EV Prime. Prices are expected to be on par or at a slight premium over the ICE Punch that retails from ₹5.93 lakh to ₹9.49 lakh (ex-showroom). While the Punch EV has been unveiled, sales will only commence sometime next year.
