Tata Motors has introduced the Tata Punch EV in India, an all-electric variant of its compact SUV, marking a significant expansion in the company's electric vehicle portfolio. The Tata Punch, known as the smallest and most budget-friendly SUV in India, now joins the ranks of electric mobility with a distinct design and advanced features. While it may appear as a facelifted version of its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, the Punch EV is built on an entirely new EV-dedicated platform, bringing forth a range of technological enhancements.
Visually, the electric Punch showcases a redesigned front fascia, incorporating Tata's latest styling elements. Key highlights include a full-width LED setup, vertical bumper intakes housing primary headlights, and a grille-less front featuring a front-mounted charging port. While the side profile and rear maintain a resemblance to the ICE-powered Punch, the EV distinguishes itself with new 16-inch wheels and the absence of a tailpipe. Inside, the digital dashboard boasts dual 10.25-inch screens, with lower-spec variants featuring dual 7-inch displays.
Contrary to its shared silhouette with the Punch, the EV shifts from the Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture (ALFA) to the more advanced acti.ev platform. Although detailed specifications were not disclosed, Tata confirmed the availability of standard and long-range variants. The acti.ev platform is designed for versatility, supporting Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations, coupled with various battery capacities. Projected ranges span from 300-600 km (186-373 miles), complemented by rapid 150 kW charging and bi-directional charging capabilities.
The acti.ev platform integrates Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis Platform, ensuring Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and 5G connectivity. Notably, the platform places a strong emphasis on safety, with plans to incorporate up to Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) developed by Mobileye.
While Tata is currently accepting pre-orders for the Punch EV in India, pricing details are yet to be officially announced. Autocar India speculates an estimated cost ranging between Rs 10-13 lakh, equivalent to $12,025-15,632 based on current exchange rates, positioning the Punch EV as an affordable yet technologically advanced electric SUV in the Indian market.