The Tata Punch EV has been making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market, especially with its top-spec Empowered+ long-range variant. After being part of our long-term fleet for nearly three months, we are delving into how this compact EV performs in the hustle and bustle of daily city life. This detailed review will outline its strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into its usability, practicality, and features for urban commutes.
The Advantages of the Tata Punch EV
Compact Design: Perfect for City Streets
The Tata Punch EV inherits its compact dimensions from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, making it an excellent choice for crowded urban environments. Its small footprint allows it to navigate narrow lanes and fit into tight parking spaces effortlessly. Whether you’re maneuvering through congested bylanes or squeezing into limited parking spots in cities like Mumbai, the Punch EV ensures a hassle-free driving experience.
Sport Mode: A Burst of Energy
One of the most exciting features of the Tata Punch EV is its Sport mode. This mode delivers a thrilling driving experience, offering quick acceleration and a responsive throttle. The instant torque can cause the front tires to lose grip momentarily, especially on wet or damp roads. This zippy performance makes the Punch EV feel like a “little rhino,” always ready to charge ahead. It’s a game-changer in traffic, providing a competitive edge and ensuring you’re never left behind.
Convenient Driving Aids: Auto Hold and Descent Control
The Tata Punch EV comes equipped with features like Auto Hold and descent control, enhancing its practicality in urban settings. The Auto Hold feature is not time-limited and keeps the vehicle stationary until the accelerator is pressed. This, combined with hill-hold assist, simplifies driving in stop-and-go traffic and on slopes. Additionally, descent control is invaluable when navigating multi-level parking structures or steep declines, as it maintains a controlled speed.
Additional Storage with a Frunk
EVs are known for their innovative use of space, and the Tata Punch EV doesn’t disappoint. The front trunk, or frunk, provides extra storage, accommodating the charging cable and extender bag neatly. It also houses the wiper fluid inlet, which can hold over two liters and features a filter to prevent debris from clogging the system.
Ventilated Seats: A Comfort Essential
In hot climates, ventilated seats are a blessing, and the Tata Punch EV’s front seats deliver exceptional comfort. Whether it’s a scorching afternoon or a mild evening, the seat ventilation system keeps you cool and comfortable. This feature has become an indispensable part of the driving experience, setting a high standard for comfort.
The Disadvantages of the Tata Punch EV
Slow Charging Speeds
While the 3.3kW AC charging system is designed to prolong battery health, its slow speed can test anyone’s patience. Charging from 35% to 100% takes approximately 10 hours, making it suitable primarily for overnight charging. Even shorter top-ups, such as from 85% to 100%, can take up to 2.5 hours, limiting its convenience for impromptu plans.
Real-World Driving Range Falls Short
Despite its claimed range of 421 km for the long-range version, the Tata Punch EV delivers a significantly lower real-world range. During our tests, it managed only 259 km, which translates to 61% of the promised range. In practical terms, you can expect around 200 km without worrying about running out of charge. This limitation requires careful planning, particularly for longer journeys.
What’s Next for the Tata Punch EV?
We plan to continue using the Tata Punch EV for daily errands and will soon embark on a long-distance trip to evaluate its performance on highways and rural roads. This will help us answer critical questions about its suitability for extended journeys and its overall reliability in diverse conditions.
Product Overview
- Make: Tata
- Model: Punch EV
- Trim: Empowered+ Long Range
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Kilometers Driven This Month: 1,270 km
