Just two years after its debut, the Tata Punch EV returns with a substantial mid-cycle update. While the design changes are subtle, the real transformation lies underneath — bigger battery packs, a more compact and efficient drive unit, quicker charging, and notably, a lower starting price.
We drove the updated Punch EV in Kochi to see whether these upgrades truly deliver.
Exterior Design & Engineering – 8/10
The facelifted Punch EV gets cleaner, sharper styling that distinguishes it clearly from its ICE sibling.
What’s New:
Black plastic strip between the headlights removed
LED light bar connecting DRLs deleted
Matte grey body cladding and 16-inch alloy wheels
Connected LED tail-lamps borrowed from the ICE facelift
New colours: Caramel, Bengal Rouge and Fearless Yellow
The charging flap remains front-mounted, and while the silhouette is unchanged, the EV retains its distinct identity with teal accents and ‘Punch.ev’ branding.
Bigger Batteries, Smarter Packaging
The major upgrade comes underneath. Built on Tata’s acti.ev platform, the Punch EV now offers:
30kWh battery (up from 25kWh)
40kWh battery (up from 35kWh)
Switching from cylindrical to prismatic LFP cells allows better packaging and improved efficiency.
A new 6-in-1 integrated drive unit (motor, inverter, reduction gear, DC-DC converter, PDU and charger) is:
28% lighter
50% smaller
6% more efficient
Fast charging improves to 65kW, enabling:
10–80% in 30 minutes
135km range added in 15 minutes
Interior Space & Comfort – 7/10
The cabin now feels airier thanks to lighter grey plastics replacing the earlier darker theme.
Highlights:
90-degree opening doors for easy ingress/egress
Ventilated front seats (top variant)
Wireless charging pad
Cooled glovebox
366-litre boot capacity
Rear seat comfort is decent for two adults, but width remains tight for three. Surprisingly, rear AC vents are still missing.
The rotary gear selector can occasionally lag in response, and touch-capacitive HVAC controls aren’t ideal while driving.
Features & Safety – 9/10
The Punch EV continues to be feature-packed:
10.25-inch Harman infotainment with wireless connectivity
10.25-inch digital driver’s display with map projection
360-degree camera
Cruise control
Sunroof
Auto-dimming IRVM
Air purifier
Safety equipment includes:
6 airbags
ESP
ABS with EBD
Hill-hold assist
ISOFIX mounts
High beam alert (new addition)
Like before, there is no spare tyre — only a puncture repair kit.
The pre-facelift model scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP, and expectations remain high for this updated version.
Performance & Refinement – 9/10
Power sees a slight bump:
Battery Power Torque
30kWh 88hp 154Nm
40kWh 129hp 154Nm
Performance remains strong and linear. The Punch EV feels effortless in city traffic and confident at highway speeds.
0–100kph: 9.1 seconds (tested)
Three drive modes: Eco, City, Sport
Four regenerative braking levels via paddles
Eco mode is usable for daily driving, while Sport mode delivers lively acceleration without being overly aggressive.
Cabin refinement is excellent, with minimal motor noise and good insulation.
Range & Efficiency – 8/10
Updated MIDC claims:
375km (30kWh)
468km (40kWh)
Tata estimates real-world C75 range at:
260–275km (30kWh)
335–355km (40kWh)
That’s up to 60km more than before, making it more practical for occasional highway use.
Ride & Handling – 9/10
Ride quality continues to be a standout strength.
Stiffer springs (to handle battery weight)
Softer dampers thanks to EV’s higher rigidity
Stable at high speeds
Confident cornering
Despite switching to rear drum brakes (for technical reasons related to regen usage), braking performance remains reassuring.
The Punch EV feels planted and mature — almost like a car from a segment above.
Price & Verdict – 9/10
New price range: ₹9.69 lakh – ₹12.59 lakh
That’s:
₹30,000 cheaper at the base
Up to ₹1.85 lakh cheaper at the top end
There’s also a Battery-as-a-Service option starting at ₹6.49 lakh plus ₹2.6/km battery rental.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift improves nearly every area that matters — more range, better packaging, faster charging and lower prices — without compromising on ride comfort or features.
For urban buyers and young families seeking a compact EV with strong performance and solid practicality, the Punch EV remains one of the most compelling choices in its segment.
If rear seat space is a priority, stepping up to a larger EV may make sense. But for most city users, this refreshed Punch EV delivers outstanding value.
Rating: 8.5/10
