February 2024 - Tata Punch EV Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Update (April 5, 2024): Based on the variant-wise prices listed on Tata’s official website, we had earlier removed the Punch EV Empowered Plus MR variant. We have checked the prices on the Punch EV page and this variant is listed once again. So, we have updated the article to factor in the missing variant.

Also Read: Hyundai Creta 2024 Petrol Variants Explained - Best Variant To Buy

What Are The Pros And Cons Of The 2024 Tata Punch EV?

The pros or advantages of Tata Punch EV 2024 are:

• Punch EV brings a distinct styling over the regular Punch and helps it stand out
• It’s the most affordable EV with 400km+ ARAI range
• Long range version is reasonably priced, especially in the lower Adventure variant
• 190Nm of torque and a mileage figure of 12kmpu are class leading among EVs under Rs. 15.0 lakh
• Top model is loaded to the brim with features in the higher variants like ventilated front seats, blind spot monitor,  360-degree camera, large 2-screen dashboard layout, e-parking brake, paddle shifters for regen and welcome and goodbye lights
• Long list of standard safety features like 6 airbags, HSA, ESC, LED headlamps, TPMS and rear defogger
• Rather than an electric version of the Punch, the Punch EV feels like a different car altogether rather from the front, inside and while on the move
• Adventure long range seems like the obvious variant to buy with an immensely-good value proposition compared to the other variants

The 2024 Tata Punch EV has the following shortcomings or problems:

• Rear armrest not available even in the top model of the medium range variants
• Rear AC vents not available in any variant
• Fairly high km-to-breakeven of 70,000-1,00,000km over the comparably-loaded variant of the regular Punch petrol-automatic
• Price difference between the MR and LR variants is not consistent and jumps to Rs. 1.2 lakh in higher variants
• 7.2kW portable AC charger is exorbitantly expensive for what is essentially a little more than double the charging speed of the 3.3kW version
• Tata’s first attempt at making a EV-specific platform (hardware as well as software) may result in niggles and long-term reliability problems, which may start pinching more once the warranty expires
• Top model on-road price of well over Rs. 16.0 lakh in most cities may be difficult to digest for a sub-compact B1-segment car
• Feature distribution is poor in the mid variants as they lack some must-have features
• Falling EV prices may result in buyer’s remorse should the Punch EV prices drop further in 2024 (Comet EV prices dropped by up to Rs. 1.40 lakh, Tiago EV’s dropped by up to Rs. 70,000, Nexon EV prices dropped by up to Rs. 1.20 lakh)

What Is The Price Of Tata Punch EV Variants?

The Tata Punch EV is available in 5 main variants — Smart, Smart Plus, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered Plus with primarily 3 options similar to powertrain options in a typical engine car:

• Medium range with a 3.3kW AC charger: The medium range variants cost between Rs. 10.99 lakh and Rs. 13.79 lakh. Except for the Empowered Plus variant, this powertrain option is available with all variants.
• Long range with a 3.3kW AC charger: The prices of the long variants start from Rs. 12.99 lakh and go up to Rs. 14.99 lakh. Except for the lower 2 trims, this option is available in all variants. In the Adventure and Adventure S variants, the longer range 3.3kW option costs Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the comparable medium range variant. In all other variants, its ex-showroom prices are Rs. 1.20 lakh higher.
• Long range with a 7.2kW AC charger: Finally, the long range with 7.2kW AC fast charger is also available in all of the same variants with a Rs. 50,000 higher price tag.

Regardless of which home charger you get, all variants are compatible with CCS2 port for DC fast charging with speeds of up to 50kW. Meanwhile, the Type-2 charging gun at public charging stations is also compatible for AC charging at slower charging speeds.

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car EMI Calculator

Tata Punch EV Smart - Base Model Features

The base model of the Tata Punch EV is only available with the smaller, 25kWh battery pack and costs Rs. 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The most notable features of the Punch EV’s base model are:

Considering the price of the Punch EV base model, you may miss the following features:

• Touchscreen/music system
• Day/night inside mirror
• Steering-mounted controls
• Body-coloured door handles
• Power mirrors
• Front and rear armrests
• Rear washer wiper
• Rear parcel tray
• Rear power windows
• Rear AC vents

Since this variant doesn’t get several must-have features and the higher Smart Plus costs only a little more, we’ll suggest you don’t buy the base model of the Punch EV and at least buy the Smart Plus.

2024 Tata Punch EV Smart vs Smart Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The higher Smart Plus variant of the Punch EV also gets the same medium range option and it costs Rs. 11.49 lakh, which is Rs. 50,000 more than the base trim.

The Smart Plus variant of the Punch EV gets the following additional notable features over the base Smart base model:

In this variant, you may miss feature like:

• Body-coloured door handles
• Power mirrors
• Front and rear armrests
• Rear washer wiper
• Rear parcel tray
• Rear AC vents

For budget buyers interested in the Punch EV, the Smart Plus is a solid option as it more than justifies the incremental cost over the base model. However, if you intend to use it as a primary car, we’ll suggest you go with a higher variant.

Tata Punch EV Smart Plus vs Adventure Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The higher Adventure variant onwards, you have the option of buying the Punch EV with the larger, 35kWh battery pack. The Punch EV Adventure variant costs Rs. 11.99 lakh with the smaller battery pack and Rs. 12.99 lakh with the larger pack. This medium range version of this variant is Rs. 50,000 pricier than the Smart Plus medium range while the Adventure long range costs another Rs. 1.0 lakh over the Adventure medium range. If you want the option of a faster 7.2kW AC charger, then you’ll have to pay another Rs. 50,000.

The Adventure variant of the Punch EV gets the following additional notable features over the base Smart Plus variant:

In the Adventure variant of the Punch EV, you may miss feature like:

• Power folding mirrors
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Front and rear armrests
• Rear washer wiper
• Rear AC vents

With the Adventure and higher variants, you have the option of a long-range version. Considering the feature, performance and range improvements, we can’t recommend the medium range variants of the Punch EV to any buyer with a budget to get the Adventure LR or higher variant. Moreover, because of a nominal price gap of only Rs. 1.0 lakh for the Adventure LR over the Adventure MR, this variant with the bigger battery is our top recommendation for all Punch EV buyers.

Tata Punch Adventure vs Adventure S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The higher Adventure S variant of the Punch EV is also available with all 3 options as the Adventure. The Adventure medium range, long range and long range 7.2kW cost Rs. 12.49 lakh, Rs. 13.49 lakh and Rs. 13.99 lakh, respectively. These prices are exactly Rs. 50,000 higher than the lower Adventure variant of the Punch EV.

The Adventure S variant of the Punch EV gets the following additional notable features over the base Adventure variant:

In the Adventure S variant, you may miss feature like:

• Power folding mirrors
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Front and rear armrests
• Rear washer wiper
• Rear AC vents

If you want the sunroof, then you can also buy the Adventure S LR.

Tata Punch EV Adventure S vs Empowered Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The higher Empowered variant of the Punch EV medium range, long range and long range 7.2kW options costs Rs. 12.79 lakh, Rs. 13.99 lakh and 13.49 lakh, respectively. The Empowered medium range version’s prices are Rs. 30,000 higher than the lower Adventure S while the long range costs Rs. 50,000 more than comparable Adventure S.

The Empowered variant of the Punch EV gets the following additional notable features over the base Adventure S variant:

The Empowered variant addresses our concerns and complaints with respect to features. It only misses out on the rear AC vents and the MR version doesn’t get front armrest.

The Empowered LR variant offers slightly lower value for money than the Adventure LR. However, for a more complete and premium ownership experience, we’ll strongly recommend you instead go all out and buy the Empowered Plus instead.

Tata Punch Empowered vs Empowered S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

Next in line is the Empowered S variant. This one costs exactly Rs. 50,000 more than the Empowered variant’s comparable versions.

The Empowered S variant of the Punch EV gets the following additional notable features over the Empowered variant:

Just like the Empowered trim, the Empowered S also gets all the features we’d expect from an electric car of this price range. The only features you may miss here are rear AC vents and front armrest in the MR version.

The Empowered S is also not recommended. You should instead, go with the Empowered Plus S.

Tata Punch EV Empowered S vs Empowered Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Empowered Plus variant of the Tata Punch EV costs exactly the same as the Empowered S.

The Punch EV’s Empowered Plus variant gets the following notable additional features over the Empowered S trim:

You may miss rear AC vents in this variant. Moreover, the front armrest remains a feature exclusive to the long range version.

The Empowered Plus gets several features we haven’t yet seen in a car this small. For a well-rounded and upmarket ownership experience, you should buy the Empowered Plus variant, with or without the sunroof.

Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus vs Empowered Plus S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Empowered Plus S top model of the Tata Punch EV also gets all 3 battery-charging combinations. The Punch EV’s medium range, long range and long range 7.2kW cost Rs. 13.79 lakh, Rs. 14.99 lakh and Rs. 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. These prices are Rs. 50,000 higher than the lower Empowered Plus trim.

The Punch EV’s top model gets the following notable additional features over the Empowered Plus trim:

Just like the lower trim, in the top model of the Punch EV, you may miss rear AC vents. Even in the top model with the smaller battery pack, you don’t get a front armrest. If you want a sunroof in your car, then the Empowered Plus S is also worth considering to round off the distinctly upmarket ownership experience.

Which Variant Of The Tata Punch EV Should You Buy?

The buying recommendation for the Punch EV buyers is fairly simple. If you just want to use it as a secondary car and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then the Smart Plus medium range is the variant to buy.

If you want the best value for money variant and want to use the Punch EV as your primary car, then the Adventure LR or Adventure S LR are our top recommendations.

If you like to have more features in your car, then the top-spec Empowered Plus and Empowered Plus S are worth buying.

We strongly advise you to skip all the medium range variants as the LR offers much better range, features and performance improvements. The only case where Punch MR makes some sense is with the Smart Plus, which is a suitable option for budget buyers.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Tata Punch EV?

In terms of the specifications, the Punch EV offers 2 battery configurations — Medium Range with 25kWh and Long Range with 35kWh. The MR has an ARAI range of 315km while the LR offers 421km of range. Besides the longer range, the LR also offers more power and significantly better torque output.

While you may not experience the higher power output as it comes at much higher RPMs, you certainly will feel that the LR offers far superior drivability because of the extra bottom end torque.

The Punch EV’s 421km range is the best among its peers. Only the Nexon LR, which costs a lot more, beats it with 465km on the MIDC test.

*Estimated

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

Fuel Cost Calculator in India

What Are The Dimensions Of The Tata Punch EV?

The Punch EV is much smaller than the Citroen eC3 and the Nexon EV. However, it brings a nice balance of ground clearance and cargo volume. The Nexon EV, despite its larger dimensions, has a boot space, which is smaller than that of the Punch EV.

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car

What Are The Colour Options Of The Tata Punch EV?

The Punch EV is available in the following 4 monotone and 5 dual-tone exterior colours:

• White
• Red
• Dark green
• Grey
• White with black roof
• Red with black roof
• Dark green with black roof
• Grey with black roof
• Pastel green with black roof

To find out the variant-wise colour option availability of the Punch EV, you can visit the following link:

2024 Tata Punch EV – All Exterior Colour Options (Variant-Wise)

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.

You can read more about vehicle segmentation at the following link:

Car Segments Explained - With Body Styles And Examples