- Will be the most affordable e-SUV in India
- Based on Tata Motor's Sigma platform, the electric SUV will sit below the Nexon EV in the brand's electric line-up.
- Will likely be showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo, while the market launch is expected by the festive season of 2023.
Tata Motors is readying a new electric SUV for its EV line-up in form of the an electrified version of Tata Punch. Likely to be called Punch.ev, the upcoming vehicle from the Indian carmaker will be positioned below the existing Tata Nexon EV. Here are the top 5 things to know about the upcoming Tata Punch EV.
Upcoming Tata Punch EV: Exterior Design
As the case with other Tata EVs, the Punch too will use a familiar exterior design as its regular conventionally powered counterpart. Upfront, the split headlamp unit, inspired by the brand's bigger SUVs will be retained. The LED DRLs at both ends will compliment the humanity line, finished in chrome. However, the gloss black front grille will make way for a blue-coloured unit, thus speaking of SUV's EV identity. Along with this, the gloss black headlamp housing will be replaced by blue panels, and we could expect a similar treatment for the fog lamp assembly as well.
Tata Motors could possibly add blue accents to the all-black bumper and front skid plate. Towards the sides, a new EV specific badging on front fenders will add to the EV touch, further supported by subtle blue touches on wheels and side body cladding. Towards the back, the Y-shaped LED tail lamps, integrated roof spoiler, and sculpted boot will continue to be a part of the package. Some of the EV-specific changes include new nameplate badges including the Ziptron moniker and some blue highlights on the rear bumper.
Upcoming Tata Punch EV: Interior Layout
On the inside, the overall cabin layout will be retained, however, some blue accents will be added to the AC vents and centre console. Furthermore, these blue highlights will be carried forward to the seat upholstery and door trims. The conventional gear level will be replaced by a rotary dial on the centre console. Apart from these changes, everything else will remain more or less the same, right from the semi-digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch infotainment display and more. It will continue with the same set of modern tech as well as safety features.
Upcoming Tata Punch EV: Underpinnings
Unlike the Nexon EV and Tigor EV, the upcoming electrified Punch will utilize the EV-specific Sigma architecture. It is a modified version of the ALFA (Agile, Light, Flexible & Advanced) platform which underpins the regular petrol-powered Punch and Altroz. For reference, the original platforms of Nexon EV, Tigor EV and Tiago EV were modified to accommodate the battery pack and other important electric components.
Being EV-specific in nature, the new platform is more favourable to accommodate the battery pack and electric motor, which is a by-product of heavy engineering by Tata Motors. The transmission tunnel and fuel tank are removed and the boot floor is optimised to create a flat floor, thus creating enough space for a larger capacity battery pack. Along with this, it also comes with the added advantage of better cabin space and lighter body weight, thus making it more efficient.
Upcoming Tata Punch EV: Powertrain- Battery Pack, Power Specifications, Driving Range And More
As the electric SUV is yet to be revealed, the powertrain figures are still under wraps. However, it will most likely be powered by a 24 kWh battery pack, mated to a single electric motor, with power output rated at around 74 bhp and 114 Nm of peak torque. The claimed electric driving range of the upcoming Punch will be in the 300-350 kilometres ballpark, all thanks to the increased efficiency as a result of lighter body weight. Much like the other EVs in the brand's line-up, the Punch EV too will use the infamous Ziptron technology using a permanent magnet synchronous type electric motor.
Upcoming Tata Punch EV: Launch Timeline and Expected Price
Tata Motors will showcase the Punch EV at the 2023 Auto Expo. The vehicle is most likely in the final production phase and undergoing testing. So an almost production-ready version could make it to the motor show. Talking about the launch timeline, its production will start around mid-2023 i.e. the month of June and the Indian carmaker will launch the Punch EV in the second half of 2023, most probably around the festive season.
In terms of pricing, the Punch EV will bridge the price gap between Tiago EV and Nexon EV, and its pricing will hover around the Tigor EV. Taking note of Tata Motor's existing pricing trends, the Punch EV will be priced at a premium of around Rs. 1.25-1.5 lakh over its top-spec regular petrol version. So the starting price of the EV will be around Rs. 11 lakh (ex-showroom).
Verdict: Once launched, the Punch EV will wear the crown of India's most affordable all-electric SUV. However, it will soon be challenged by the upcoming Citroen C3 EV, which is slated for launch around mid-2023. The success of the second EV SUV from Tata Motors will largely depend on the pricing, although the brand's well-established market value in the EV market space will definitely help the cause.
