Zooming into the electric scene, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), a subsidiary of Tata Motors, unveiled its first electric car, the Punch EV. It starts at ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹14.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Punch comes in three variants – Smart, Adventure, and Empowered. And you get to choose between two battery packs – Standard and Long Range options. For the Standard, it packs a 25kWh battery, delivering 315 km ARAI certified range. But if you're feeling a bit more ambitious, the Long Range version steps up with a 35kWh battery, stretching the ARAI certified range to 421 km, as per the brand. The Long Range variants make 122hp and 190Nm, sending that electric mojo to the front wheels. On the flip side, the Standard variants sport an 82hp, 114Nm motor.
When it comes to charging, the Punch EV gives you options – there's the 3.3kW wall box charger and a zippier 7.2kW fast charger. Plus, it also supports DC fast charging, zooming from 10-80 percent in 56 minutes using a 50kW fast charger. According to Tata Motors, the Long Range variants can blaze from 0-100kph in under 9.5 seconds, while the standard models take a respectable 13.5 seconds.
The Punch EV stands as the first product from the Tata stable, built on its (Gen 2) advanced Pure EV architecture known as Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle (acti.ev). The Punch EV shares a familiar silhouette with its ICE counterpart, but it integrates design elements from the Nexon EV like a full-width LED light bar at the front, a sleek blanked-off grille, split LED headlamps, and new alloy wheels. Interestingly, it is also the first Tata electric car to get a frunk (front trunk). Unique to the Punch EV, its charging flap takes centre stage at the front, flaunting a motorised opening and closing mechanism.
Inside the Punch, you're greeted by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Cut the cords with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, then there is an all-digital instrument cluster and a twin-spoke wheel featuring an illuminated Tata logo. The HVAC panel has been given a sleek makeover with touch capacitive buttons. There is also automatic climate control, a wireless charger for your tech, a jewelled gear selector dial, an electronic parking brake and a safety net of six airbags.
And if you're all about that sunroof life, the Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+ variants have got you covered for an extra ₹50,000. You get to choose from 10 colour options for the Tata Punch, including four monotones: Seaweed Green, Daytona Grey, Fearless Red, Empowered Oxide, and Pristine White.