2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus Review: Does it pack a punch? Our comprehensive review delves into the design, performance, range, specifications, and ownership experience of this electric SUV.
Dive in and discover if it’s the sustainable ride you’ve been searching for.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus is a compact SUV with electric power, offering a claimed range of up to 421 km.
- It boasts a stylish design, spacious cabin, and a comprehensive feature list, making it a compelling option in the growing Indian EV market.
- Performance is adequate for city driving, but charging infrastructure remains a limiting factor.
Punching above its weight? Mostly yes! This stylish electric SUV impresses with modern design, spacious cabin, and ample features. While performance is modest, the efficient powertrain delivers decent range for city commutes and weekend getaways. Charging infrastructure remains a challenge, but if you prioritize practicality and sustainability, the Punch EV Empowered Plus packs a valuable punch.
Design & Aesthetics
The Punch EV Empowered Plus retains the bold and muscular stance of its petrol-powered sibling, accentuated by its closed-off grille and blue accents signifying its electric identity.
The LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and 16-inch alloy wheels add a touch of premiumness. While the overall design might not be groundbreaking, it’s modern, appealing, and instantly recognizable as a Tata EV.
Stepping inside, the cabin feels spacious and airy, thanks to the tall stance and large windows.
The dual-tone theme and fabric upholstery lend a contemporary feel, while the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster add a touch of modernity.
While some competitors offer a slightly more premium cabin experience, the Punch EV Empowered Plus certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
Performance & Driveability
Under the hood (or rather, not under the hood!), the Punch EV Empowered Plus houses a permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 96 PS of power and 143 Nm of torque.
This translates to a 0-60 mph time of around 9.5 seconds, adequate for city commutes but not exactly thrilling. The top speed is electronically limited to 135 km/h.
The focus here is on efficiency and comfortable cruising rather than sporty performance.
The regenerative braking system offers three levels of intensity, allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preference.
The ride quality is commendable, thanks to the well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps effectively. Handling is predictable and surefooted, making the Punch EV Empowered Plus a confident companion in urban environments.
However, it’s important to note that the acceleration and overall driving experience might not match the expectations of performance-oriented buyers.
| Feature | 2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus | Rivals |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 96 PS | 136 PS (Nexon EV) |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 245 Nm (Nexon EV) |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.0 seconds (Nexon EV) |
| Top Speed | 135 km/h | 120 km/h (Mahindra XUV300 Electric) |
Range & Charging
Tata Motors claims a maximum range of 421 km for the Punch EV Empowered Plus on a single charge, achieved under ideal conditions.
In real-world driving scenarios, expect this figure to come down to around 300-350 km depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and weather.
While this might not be the segment leader in terms of range, it’s sufficient for most daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Charging options include:
Home AC charging: Takes approximately 9.5 hours for a full charge using a standard 15A socket.
While convenient for overnight charging, this can be slow for those needing a quick top-up.
Consider installing a 7.2 kW wallbox, which can reduce charging time to around 5 hours.
DC fast charging: Up to 80% in about 50 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast charger. This is a great option for long journeys or when time is limited. However, the availability of DC fast chargers, especially outside major cities, remains a challenge in India.
Comparison of Charging Options:
| Charging Method | Charging Time (10% – 80%) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home AC (15A) | 9.5 hours | Convenient, low cost | Slow |
| Home AC (7.2 kW) | 5 hours | Faster than 15A, still convenient | Requires installation of wallbox |
| DC Fast Charger (50 kW) | 50 minutes | Fastest option, ideal for long journeys | Limited availability, higher cost |
| Feature | 2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus | Rivals |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 35 kWh | 30.2 kWh (Nexon EV), 39.2 kWh (XUV300 Electric) |
| Claimed Range | 421 km | 312 km (Nexon EV), 375 km (XUV300 Electric) |
| AC Charging (15A) | 9.5 hours | Similar |
| AC Charging (7.2 kW) | 5 hours | Similar |
| DC Fast Charging (50 kW) | 50 minutes (80%) | Similar |
It’s crucial to consider your charging needs and available infrastructure when choosing an EV.
If you primarily drive short distances and have access to home charging, the Punch EV Empowered Plus might be sufficient.
However, if you frequently undertake long journeys, access to DC fast charging becomes more important.
Additional Notes:
- Charging costs: Electricity costs vary depending on location and tariff plans. However, charging an EV at home is generally cheaper than refueling a petrol car.
- Charging efficiency: The actual charging time can vary depending on factors like battery temperature, ambient temperature, and charging station infrastructure.
Features & Technology
The Punch EV Empowered Plus comes loaded with a comprehensive list of features, making it a compelling proposition in its segment. Some key highlights include:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
- Digital instrument cluster displaying key driving information.
- Automatic climate control.
- Cruise control.
- Rain-sensing wipers.
- Automatic headlamps.
- Push-button start/stop.
- Keyless entry.
While some competitors might offer larger touchscreens or additional features like ventilated seats, the Punch EV Empowered Plus boasts a well-rounded feature set that caters to essential needs and comfort.
Safety & Security
Safety is paramount, and the Punch EV Empowered Plus comes equipped with a suite of safety features, including:
- Dual airbags (driver and passenger).
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
- Corner stability control (CSC).
- Hill hold assist (HHA).
- Reverse parking sensors.
While higher variants offer additional features like rear parking camera and traction control, the Empowered Plus variant provides a solid foundation for occupant safety.
Practicality & Usability
As a compact SUV, the Punch EV Empowered Plus offers decent cargo space of 260 liters, expandable to 650 liters with the rear seats folded.
This makes it suitable for daily commutes, grocery runs, and even weekend getaways with light luggage. However, if you regularly require large cargo capacity, larger SUVs might be a better fit.
Passenger accommodation is comfortable for four adults or five children due to the tall stance and spacious cabin. Headroom and legroom are adequate, making it a comfortable choice for city driving.
Key dimensions:
| Feature | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,829 mm |
| Width | 1,742 mm |
| Height | 1,616 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,445 mm |
| Ground clearance | 187 mm |
For daily commutes, the Punch EV Empowered Plus shines with its easy maneuverability and light steering, making it perfect for navigating city traffic. The electric powertrain ensures silent and emission-free operation, contributing to a cleaner and quieter urban environment.
Ownership Experience
Owning a Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus comes with its own set of considerations:
After-sales service: Tata Motors has a wide service network across India, ensuring accessibility for maintenance and repairs. They also offer warranty coverage for the battery and vehicle, providing peace of mind.
Spare parts: While spare parts availability for EVs is still developing, Tata Motors is actively expanding its network to ensure timely access to necessary components.
Cost of ownership: Charging costs are generally lower than refueling petrol vehicles, especially with home charging. However, charging infrastructure limitations and potential dependence on DC fast charging can impact costs. Consider home charging installation and factor in electricity tariffs for accurate cost assessment.
Overall, the ownership experience of the Punch EV Empowered Plus is expected to be positive, leveraging Tata’s existing service network and growing EV infrastructure.
Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus Review: Verdict
The 2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus presents a compelling case for those seeking a stylish, practical, and feature-rich electric SUV in the compact segment.
It offers adequate performance for city driving, a decent range for most daily needs, and a comprehensive feature list.
While charging infrastructure remains a concern, the Punch EV Empowered Plus is a promising step forward in India’s electric mobility journey.
Here’s a quick recap of its key strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Stylish and modern design
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Feature-rich for its segment
- Efficient electric powertrain
- Lower running costs compared to petrol vehicles
Weaknesses:
- Performance might not satisfy driving enthusiasts
- Range might be limiting for long journeys
- Charging infrastructure availability remains a challenge
Who should consider the Punch EV Empowered Plus?
- Urban dwellers looking for a practical and stylish electric SUV for daily commutes.
- Environmentally conscious buyers seeking a sustainable transportation option.
- Budget-minded individuals interested in the lower running costs of electric vehicles.
If you prioritize performance, extended range, or have limited access to charging infrastructure, other options in the segment might be more suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the price of the 2024 Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus?
A: The exact price is yet to be officially announced, but it is expected to be in the range of ₹ 11-14.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
Q: What is the real-world driving range of the Punch EV Empowered Plus?
A: Expect a range of around 300-350 km under real-world driving conditions, depending on various factors.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Punch EV Empowered Plus from 0 to 100%?
A: Using a standard 15A AC charger, it takes around 9.5 hours. With a 7.2 kW AC charger, the time reduces to around 5 hours. DC fast charging can deliver an 80% charge in about 50 minutes.
Q: What are the government incentives available for buying EVs in India?
A: The Indian government offers various incentives like FAME-II subsidies and reduced GST rates, making EVs more affordable. Check with your local authorities for the latest schemes and eligibility criteria.
