Tata Punch EV Review: India’s Best Compact Electric SUV Under ₹15 Lakh

The Tata Punch EV, launched in January 2024, has quickly become a game-changer in India’s electric vehicle (EV) market. This subcompact electric SUV combines affordability, modern design, advanced technology, and top-notch safety, making it a favorite for city commuters and eco-conscious drivers. Whether you’re considering your first EV or looking for a practical yet stylish ride, this article dives deep into everything you need to know about the Tata Punch EV 2025 – from its price and range to its standout features and performance.

Tata Punch EV Review

What is the Tata Punch EV?

The Tata Punch EV is an all-electric version of the popular Tata Punch, a subcompact SUV that has been a bestseller in India since its debut in 2021. Built on Tata’s advanced Acti.EV platform (Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle), the Punch EV offers a fresh design, cutting-edge features, and impressive performance tailored for urban and highway driving. With its compact size, rugged styling, and electric powertrain, it’s perfect for those seeking an eco-friendly vehicle without compromising on practicality or style.

Tata Punch EV Price in India

The Tata Punch EV is priced competitively, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs in India. As of 2025, the ex-showroom prices range from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹14.44 lakh, depending on the variant and battery pack. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Base Model (Smart, 25 kWh battery): Starts at ₹9.99 lakh
  • Top Model (Empowered Plus S LR AC FC, 35 kWh battery): Up to ₹14.44 lakh

Tata Punch EV Price in India (Ex-Showroom, 2025)

VariantBattery TypePrice
SmartMedium Range₹10.99 Lakhs
Adventure LRLong Range₹12.99 Lakhs
Empowered LRLong Range₹13.99 Lakhs
Empowered+ LR (Top-end)Long Range₹15.49 Lakhs

Prices may vary slightly by location.

Note: Prices are subject to change, so check with your nearest Tata Motors dealer for the latest on-road prices and offers.

With 20 variants across five trims – Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+ – there’s a Punch EV for every budget and preference. The lower price point compared to competitors like the Tata Nexon EV (starting at ₹12.49 lakh) makes it an attractive option for first-time EV buyers.

Tata Punch EV Review

Battery Options and Range

The Tata Punch EV comes with two battery pack options, catering to different driving needs:

  1. 25 kWh Battery (Medium Range):
    • Range: 315 km (claimed)
    • Real-World Range: Approximately 265–300 km
    • Power: 80 bhp, 114 Nm of torque
    • Charging:
      • 3.3 kW AC wall box charger: 9.4 hours (10–100%)
      • 7.2 kW AC fast charger: 3.6 hours (10–100%)
      • 50 kW DC fast charger: 56 minutes (10–80%)
  2. 35 kWh Battery (Long Range):
    • Range: 421 km (claimed)
    • Real-World Range: Approximately 300–365 km
    • Power: 121 bhp, 190 Nm of torque
    • Charging:
      • 3.3 kW AC wall box charger: 13.5 hours (10–100%)
      • 7.2 kW AC fast charger: 5 hours (10–100%)
      • 50 kW DC fast charger: 56 minutes (10–80%)

Both battery packs come with an 8-year or 1.6 lakh km warranty, ensuring peace of mind for owners. The instant torque from the electric motor makes the Punch EV quick off the line, with the Long Range variant hitting 0–100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h.

Pro Tip: For city commuters, the 25 kWh battery is sufficient, while the 35 kWh Long Range variant is ideal for those who frequently travel longer distances.

Tata Punch EV Review

Design and Styling: Modern and Bold

The Tata Punch EV stands out with its refreshed, modern design that aligns with Tata’s new EV design language. Unlike its petrol-powered counterpart, the Punch EV features:

  • Sleek Front Fascia: A redesigned front with a closed grille, neatly integrated charging flap, and LED projector headlamps with sequential LED DRLs.
  • Connected LED Lighting: The front LED light bar doubles as a charge status indicator, adding a futuristic touch.
  • Aerodynamic Alloy Wheels: 16-inch alloys on higher variants (15-inch steel wheels with covers on lower trims) enhance efficiency and style.
  • Y-Shaped LED Tail Lamps: A rugged rear bumper complements the SUV’s tough look.
  • Dual-Tone Color Options: Choose from five vibrant colors – Pristine White, Fearless Red, Daytona Grey, Seaweed, and Empowered Oxide – with dual-tone options on select variants.

The compact dimensions (similar to the ICE Punch) make it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces, while the high ground clearance and rugged cladding give it SUV-like versatility.

Interior: Spacious and Premium

Step inside the Tata Punch EV, and you’ll find a modern, airy cabin that feels premium for its price point. Key highlights include:

  • Dual-Tone Dashboard: A black-and-white color scheme (or all-black in the Camo edition) creates a spacious feel.
  • 10.25-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Supports wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Tata’s Arcade.EV app suite for entertainment.
  • 10.25-Inch Digital Driver Display: Provides navigation and battery information.
  • Ventilated Front Seats: A rare feature in this segment, perfect for hot Indian summers.
  • Voice-Assisted Sunroof: Operates with Hinglish commands for added convenience.
  • Wireless Charger: Keeps your devices powered without cables.
  • Ambient Lighting: Sets a soothing mood for nighttime drives.
  • Six-Speaker Sound System: Delivers immersive audio quality.

The cabin offers ample space for four adults, with a 366-litre boot that can handle weekend luggage. However, the light-colored seats may require frequent cleaning, and the lack of rear AC vents can be a drawback in hot climates.

Tata Punch EV

Safety: India’s Safest EV

The Tata Punch EV has earned a 5-star Bharat-NCAP safety rating, making it India’s safest electric vehicle. It scored an impressive 31.46/32 for adult occupant protection and 45/49 for child occupant protection, the highest scores ever recorded by Bharat-NCAP. Key safety features include:

  • Six Airbags (standard on higher variants)
  • 360-Degree Surround View Camera
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (iTPMS)
  • Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
  • LED Fog Lamps with Cornering Function

This robust safety suite ensures peace of mind, whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising on highways.

Driving Experience: Fun and Efficient

The Tata Punch EV is a joy to drive, especially in urban settings. Its compact size and instant torque make it agile in traffic, while the regenerative braking (with paddle shifters for control) allows for smooth one-pedal driving. The Long Range variant’s 121 bhp motor delivers a punchy performance, making overtaking effortless even on highways.

Drive Modes:

  • Eco Mode: Prioritizes efficiency for maximum range.
  • City Mode: Balances power and efficiency for daily commutes.
  • Sport Mode: Unleashes the full potential for spirited driving.

Real-world tests suggest a range of 280–300 km in city conditions with the AC on, making it practical for most users. However, range anxiety may creep in on long highway trips due to India’s limited charging infrastructure.

Charging and Infrastructure

Charging the Tata Punch EV is convenient, with multiple options:

  • Home Charging: Use a 3.3 kW wall box charger for overnight charging or a 7.2 kW fast charger for quicker top-ups.
  • Public Charging: Compatible with CCS2 DC fast chargers, ideal for road trips.
  • Smart Charging Indicator: Monitors charging status via the infotainment system.

Apps like EVJoints can help locate over 6,000 charging stations across India, though some users report inconsistent charging experiences at public stations.

Tata Punch EV Review

Pros and Cons of the Tata Punch EV

Pros

  • Affordable pricing, starting at ₹9.99 lakh
  • Impressive real-world range (265–365 km)
  • Feature-packed with ventilated seats, sunroof, and 360-degree camera
  • 5-star Bharat-NCAP safety rating
  • Peppy performance, especially in Sport mode
  • Compact size, ideal for city driving

Cons

  • Limited charging infrastructure in India
  • Occasional software glitches (e.g., infotainment freezing)
  • Light-colored seats prone to staining
  • No rear AC vents
  • Fit and finish could be improved in some areas

Why Choose the Tata Punch EV?

The Tata Punch EV stands out in the crowded subcompact SUV segment for several reasons:

  1. Affordability: At ₹9.99 lakh, it’s cheaper than rivals like the Tata Nexon EV and MG Windsor EV, offering great value.
  2. Safety First: Its 5-star safety rating and robust feature set make it a top choice for families.
  3. Eco-Friendly: Zero-emission driving reduces your carbon footprint.
  4. City-Friendly: Its compact size and agile handling are perfect for urban commutes.
  5. Modern Features: From a sunroof to ventilated seats, it punches above its weight.

Compared to alternatives like the Citroen eC3, Tata Tiago EV, or MG Comet, the Punch EV offers a better balance of style, features, and performance. For those needing a larger EV, the Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 may be worth considering.

Tata Punch EV vs. ICE Punch: What’s Different?

While the petrol-powered Tata Punch is a bestseller (over 458,000 units sold since 2021), the Punch EV takes things up a notch:

  • Powertrain: Electric motor vs. 1.2-litre petrol engine (85 bhp).
  • Design: EV-specific front fascia, LED lighting, and charging flap.
  • Features: EV-exclusive tech like regenerative braking, digital cluster, and Arcade.EV suite.
  • Platform: Acti.EV architecture vs. ALFA-ARC platform.
  • Price: EV starts at ₹9.99 lakh vs. ICE’s ₹6 lakh.

The EV’s premium features and electric efficiency make it a compelling choice for those ready to switch to electric mobility.

Ownership Experience: What Owners Say

Owners praise the Punch EV for its fun-to-drive nature, spacious cabin, and low running costs. However, some report issues like:

  • Software Glitches: Infotainment freezes or camera feed issues.
  • Service Challenges: Limited technician expertise for EVs at some service centers.
  • Fit and Finish: Minor quality issues, like loose interior linings or inconsistent indicator chimes.

Tata’s extensive service network and 8-year battery warranty help address concerns, but improvements in service quality are needed to match the vehicle’s potential.

Conclusion: Is the Tata Punch EV Worth It?

The Tata Punch EV 2025 is a bold step forward for India’s EV market. With its affordable price, impressive range, modern features, and top safety ratings, it’s an excellent choice for city dwellers and eco-conscious buyers. While minor software glitches and charging infrastructure challenges exist, Tata’s commitment to innovation and safety makes the Punch EV a standout in its segment.

Ready to go electric? Visit your nearest Tata Motors dealer or explore the Tata Punch EV Digital Showroom at ev.tatamotors.com to book a test drive and experience this compact electric SUV for yourself

Read More – Tata Punch: Price, Features, Mileage, and Full Review

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