Tata Punch Electric Drive Impressions | Gagan Choudhary

Gagan Choudhary

23 Jan 202422:46

Summary

TLDRGagan reviews the Tata Punch EV, having driven it for 6-7 hours and about 100km. He discusses the car's new dedicated EV platform, pricing, range, performance, features, fit and finish, rear seat space, boot space, ride quality, ground clearance, and more. Gagan feels it lacks in certain areas like range and fit-finish for the price. He recommends getting the higher variant with more features and the longer range battery. Overall a good urban EV but expensive for what it offers compared to rivals.

Takeaways

😊 The Tata Punch EV is based on a new dedicated EV platform called Alpha architecture
🚗 The Punch EV has decent ride quality and handling due to the new platform
🔋 The Punch EV comes in two battery pack options - 25 kWh and 35 kWh
⚡ The 35 kWh version produces 120 hp and 190 Nm torque
🛣️ Real world range is around 280 km for the 35 kWh version
💰 The Punch EV is priced between Rs 13 - 16 lakhs ex-showroom
🧐 Fit and finish levels are improved but could be better for the price
😕 Rear seat space is less compared to regular Punch
🛒 Boot space of 366 liters is adequate but packaging could be improved
👍 Loaded with features like 360 camera, connected car tech etc

Q & A

What is the Acti.EV platform that the Tata Punch EV is based on?
-The Tata Punch EV is based on a new dedicated EV platform called Acti.EV. This modular platform can be scaled to build different sized EVs and will also underpin future Tata EVs like the Curve, Harrier EV, Sierra EV etc.
How much boot space does the Tata Punch EV offer?
-The Tata Punch EV offers 366 liters of boot space, which is the same as the regular Punch. However, the boot space is not very usable and you may not be able to fit in too many bags.
What is the real world driving range offered by the Tata Punch EV?
-Based on mixed driving conditions with 2 people in the car and AC on, the expected real world range is around 280 km. In city conditions only, it may go slightly higher to 300 km.
What charging cable related safety features does the Punch EV have?
-The Tata Punch EV has a manual release lever to open the charging lid in case the touchscreen panel fails. It also has a finger insert slot to manually unlock the charging gun/connector if it gets stuck.
Does the Tata Punch EV get a spare tire?
-No, the Tata Punch EV does not get a spare tire as standard. It only comes with a puncture repair kit.
What drive modes are offered in the Punch EV?
-The Tata Punch EV comes with 3 drive modes - City, Sport and Economy. Each mode has a distinct calibration that changes characteristics like throttle response, acceleration and regeneration levels.
What safety features does the Tata Punch EV get?
-Safety features in the Punch EV include - dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts and electronic stability control features.
Does every variant of the Punch EV get fast charging support?
-No, only the top long range variant of the Punch EV gets DC fast charging support. The lower standard range variants miss out on this feature.
What is the on road starting price of the Tata Punch EV?
-The Tata Punch EV is priced between Rs. 13 - 16 lakh rupees. With registration, insurance etc. the on road starting price comes to around Rs. 15 lakh.
What are some drawbacks of the Tata Punch EV?
-Some drawbacks include average fit & finish, lack of space compared to rivals, AC controls not having physical buttons, no LED cabin lamps at the rear and no single touch up & down driver window.