Tata Confirms: All-electric Iteration Of Punch SUV In The Works

• Tata Punch EV confirmed for launch. 
• We expect it to be displayed at Auto Expo 2023.
• It’ll fill the void that’s left between Tigor EV and Nexon EV Prime.
• Could get two powertrain options: Medium Range and Long Range.
• Will get EV-specific design highlights and feature additions.
• Likely to be priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh.

Tata Motors has confirmed the all-electric Punch EV is in the works. It will be the first electric vehicle to be launched that is based on the carmaker’s ALFA platform, which underpins models like the Altroz. We expect the carmaker to display a probable near-production version of the electric SUV at Auto Expo 2023. 

The electric iteration of the SUV should make it the fourth Tata electric vehicle after the popular Nexon EV, recently updated Tigor EV, and the new Tiago EV. And like these three cars, the Punch EV will use the carmaker’s Ziptron powertrain available in multiple specifications. 

For the Punch EV, we expect Tata to offer two options: Medium Range and Long Range. Specifications are likely to be in the ballpark of the Tigor EV and Nexon EV Prime, where the Punch EV will be slotted in. The base option could use the Tigor EV’s 75PS electric motor and 26kWh battery, while the Long Range model could get the Nexon EV Prime’s 30.2kWh battery and 129PS electric motor, the latter with a slightly lower power output. 

We have detailed the Tigor EV and Nexon EV’s specifications to keep yourself up to speed:

*MIDC-claimed figure

Apart from that, you can expect the standard changes Tata makes to their EV models to distinguish from their ICE lineup. So you can expect EV-specific body colours with blue highlights and bespoke wheels in the Punch. On the inside, it could get lighter interior colours and the trademark blue highlights as well. 

In terms of features, the Punch EV should get all the additions seen in Tata’s EVs like adjustable regenerative braking, more connected features, leatherette upholstery, and EV-specific drive modes. Bits like the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, semi-digital instrument cluster, and dual airbags should be retained. 

The Tata Punch EV, which is part of Tata’s plans to introduce 10 EVs by 2025, is expected to go on sale sometime in 2023. We expect prices to range between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). It’ll be the only model in its segment to get an EV powertrain, but it’ll be an alternative to models such as the Tata Tigor EV and the upcoming Citroen eC3.