By Mohit Kumar
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Get ready to be impressed by the TATA Punch EV's performance and design. carbike360's in-depth review explores the electric ride's Sports mode, Acti.ev architecture, and more, ensuring a satisfying read for all car enthusiasts.
All auto enthusiasts out there here carbike360 presents a detailed review after putting the TATA Punch EV through its paces for a solid 1500 km, I've got the lowdown for you. Buckle up, because this electric ride doesn't disappoint! The Sports mode unleashes a zippy 55KW power and 114 Nm torque, giving ICE cars in its league a run for their money.
From battery options to the interior comfort and that slick exterior, there's a lot to talk about. Plus, the Acti.ev architecture is a game-changer, making this EV a durable beast on the road. I've covered it all, so dive into the details – this one's been properly vetted for your auto-loving curiosity.
The TATA Punch.ev exhibits a modern exterior design, combining aesthetics with practicality and showcasing a robust build quality. Distinctive EV-specific elements, like the blue smile, signify its eco-friendly nature.
Key features include optimised visibility, with minimised bonnet visibility and well-shaped rear view mirrors. The tyre choice of 174/65 R14 emphasises efficiency and range.
Built on the Acti.ev architecture, the Punch.ev maintains a flat floor design with a wider recess for the centrally mounted battery pack, providing a high ground clearance of 190mm. This architecture contributes to a 30 percent increase in chassis torsional stiffness compared to the ICE model, enhancing crashworthiness.
The Punch EV's stiffer spring rates compensate for the weight increase, with the long-range version being 320 kg heavier, while the standard model is approximately 100 kg lighter. Brakes receive marginal improvements, and regeneration modes play a crucial role in overall braking performance, a common feature in EVs.
The Acti.ev platform highlights efficiency, range, and structural integrity, making the TATA Punch EV a compelling option in the EV market.
The TATA Punch EV's interior offers comfort and thoughtful seat design for extended drives, complemented by a quiet ambiance due to the absence of engine noise. The digital instrument cluster enhances functionality, and the infotainment system, while not groundbreaking, provides satisfactory touch response for its price. Practicality and space management cater to daily usability needs.
The cabin features two prominent 10.2-inch screens, including the central infotainment screen with the Arcade.ev suite hosting 17 apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging.
The top-end Empowered+ variant boasts advanced features like a 360-degree camera, blindspot monitoring, cooled leatherette seats, electronic parking brake with auto hold, air purifier, auto wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 'Hey Tata' voice assistant handling 200+ voice commands in six languages, with compatibility for Alexa, Siri, and Google assistants.
However, the interior has room for improvement with issues such as questionable plastic quality, excessive use of smudge-prone piano black finish, and less-defined touch-sensitive buttons on the lower console. The rotary drive controller's slow response and occasional failure to engage without a firm foot on the brake pedal are notable drawbacks.
The TATA Punch EV prioritizes safety with features such as efficient steering-mounted controls, contributing to a secure and convenient driving experience. The smaller dead pedal, while potentially uncomfortable for drivers with larger shoe sizes, is a minor drawback in an otherwise well-thought-out design.
The reduced number of mechanical parts not only enhances Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) control but also minimizes driver fatigue. The inclusion of both Drive and Sport modes adds versatility to the driving experience, providing options for different preferences and scenarios.
In terms of performance, the Sports mode stands out, providing a formidable combination of 55KW power and 114 Nm torque.
This configuration results in a thrilling driving experience characterized by swift acceleration and a capped top speed of 120 kmph. The vehicle's ability to surpass many Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars in quarter-mile or drag races within the 15 lakh price bracket underscores its competitive prowess on the road.
One of the Punch EV's notable advantages lies in its charging capabilities. Adopting the CCS 2 charging standard, the vehicle ensures enhanced convenience and reduced charging times compared to its counterparts. This strategic choice aligns with the contemporary needs of electric vehicle users.
When delving into the battery aspect, the Punch EV offers flexibility with two battery sizes – a 25kWh pack for the standard variant and a larger 35kWh pack for the long-range version. Tata Motors asserts an impressive range of 315km and 421km for the standard and long-range variants, respectively. Despite the expectation for a larger battery pack, the limitation stems from the ICE version's shorter 2,445mm wheelbase, directly impacting the available space for the battery.
However, the Punch EV maximizes efficiency with its Acti.ev architecture, and the use of cylindrical LFP cells, although less space-efficient, proves to be a cost-effective and reliable choice.
Charging options further contribute to the Punch EV's appeal. The single CCS2 charging port adheres to industry standards, ensuring compatibility with prevalent charging infrastructure. The DC fast charger facilitates a maximum charging speed of 25kW, taking the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 56 minutes.
While not groundbreaking by modern EV standards, the Punch EV offers versatility with a 3.3kW portable charger for on-the-go charging and a 7.2kW AC fast charger for home installation, catering to diverse charging scenarios.
Price of this new Tata Punch.ev starts at mere ₹ 10.99 lakh for the base variant Smart, electric and goes up to ₹15.49 lakhs for the top variant Empowered +S LR ACFC Electric. You are definitely getting a value for money package at this price in the EV market, for further clarification read out the entire review.
Punch.ev Variant wise Price | Other Variants are based on Medium Range and Sunroof
| Variant | Ex-Showroom ||---------------|-------------|| Smart | ₹10.99 Lakh || Smart+ | ₹11.49 Lakh || Adventure | ₹11.99 Lakh || Adventure LR | ₹12.99 Lakh || Empowered | ₹12.79 Lakh || Empowered LR | ₹13.99 Lakh || Empowered+ | ₹13.29 Lakh || Empowered+ LR | ₹14.49 Lakh |
While there are minor considerations such as the dated key fob design and the smaller dead pedal, these are outweighed by the vehicle's numerous strengths. For optimal daily commuting, the long-range variant is recommended, solidifying the TATA Punch EV as a standout choice in the electric vehicle market.