Tata Punch EV Spotted Testing in India Again, to Get 10.25-inch Infotainment Unit

Tata Motors has been testing its eagerly-awaited Punch EV for some time now. The model not only receives a new electrified powertrain but also a revamped fascia compared to the petrol-powered Punch currently on sale. The spy shots of the EV that surfaced on the internet earlier provided several significant details pertaining to its interior and exterior highlights. This time around, when the brand-new electric offering from the homegrown carmaker was seen doing rounds on Indian roads, its larger infotainment screen became the most talked-about visible feature of the car. The centre console of the Punch EV test mule featured a sizable freestanding display. To be more specific, the latest spy images of the EV reveal that it is likely to come equipped with a big 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, which can also be found in the cabin of the new Nexon EV lineup. 

Also Read: 2023 Tata Harrier, Safari SUVs to Up Safety Quotient with Lane Keep Assist

Tata Punch EV: Other Interior Updates and Safety Features

Apart from the new 10.25-inch screen, there are a range of other interior creature comforts that make up the extensive feature list of the Punch EV. These include automated headlights, a new rotary dial functioning as a gear selector, premium seat upholstery, cruise control, a rearview camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a digital instrument cluster, an electric parking brake, a wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, an armrest for the front-row passengers, electronic stability control (ESC), touch-based HVAC controls, ABS with EBD, and up to six airbags. Moreover, the model is also expected to come with the brand's new two-spoke steering wheel along with an illuminated Tata Motors insignia. 

Tata Punch EV: Platform and Styling Highlights

Tata Motors' gen-2 EV architecture, which is essentially an ICE to EV conversion with significant changes, will be used in the Punch EV and will be based on the ALFA platform. It will have a front-wheel-driven permanent magnet synchronous motor and a liquid-cooled battery.

Coming to the overall appearance of the Punch EV, it is going to sport a revamped front fascia. The model will likely have a reworked grille with vertical slats and a new bumper. Additionally hidden beneath the bonnet line are the daytime running lights (DRLs). Besides this, it is expected that the EV would have a light bar that spans the width of the bonnet and keeps its split headlamps. The front-mounted charging port is located directly beneath the grille of the vehicle. The charging outlets for Tata EVs were previously integrated into the current fuel-filling cap. The upcoming electric Punch further maintains the robust design with squared-off tyre arches and rear door handles mounted on the C-pillar. There will also be a new rear bumper and fresh alloy wheels. 

Tata Punch EV: Anticipated Powertrain

The Tata Punch EV's battery pack details have not yet been officially confirmed by the automaker but it will most probably use its Ziptron powertrain in the Punch EV. The car might arrive with two configurations—Medium Range and Long Range—adapted from its sibling, the Tiago EV. A 19.2kWh and a 24kWh battery pack are both available for the Tiago EV. The larger battery delivers 73bhp and 114Nm of peak torque, compared to the smaller battery's 110Nm and 60bhp of maximum power. Additionally, the entry-level variants of the Tiago EV have a lower battery pack and a 250-kilometre MIDC range, as opposed to higher trims, which feature a larger battery pack and a 315-kilometre MIDC range. In 5.7 seconds with the 24kWh battery pack and 6.2 seconds with the 19.2kWh battery pack, the electric hatchback can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h.

Also Read: Tata Harrier vs Kia Seltos Spec Comparison: Which SUV is Better?

Tata Punch EV: Expected Price and Rivals

Upon launch in India, the Tata Punch will directly go up against the likes of the MG Comet EV as well as the Citroen eC3. It will slot above the Tiago EV hatchback and below the Nexon EV MR, the Nexon EV range's lower-spec model. As far as the price is concerned, the EV is expected to carry an ex-showroom starting price tag of Rs 12 lakh. 

Source