Electric vehicles are no longer a novelty—they’re the future of travel, and Tata Motors is leading the charge in India’s EV revolution. The Tata Punch EV, an electrified version of the popular micro-SUV, brings smart design, functionality, and affordability into one package. But how does it perform as a family vehicle, especially for weekend getaways and long road trips? This review breaks it down in terms of range, space, and travel performance, and evaluates why it’s becoming a go-to budget SUV for Indian families.
Range That Supports Real Travel
The biggest question for any electric vehicle, especially for families planning road trips, is this: how far can it go on a single charge?
The Tata Punch EV comes in two battery variants:
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Standard Range: Around 315 km (MIDC cycle)
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Long Range: Up to 421 km (MIDC cycle)
For most families, the long-range variant is the smarter pick. With 421 km under its belt, you can drive from Delhi to Jaipur or Mumbai to Pune without range anxiety. Even if you’re planning a slightly longer trip, fast-charging infrastructure is steadily expanding. The Punch EV supports DC fast charging, juicing up from 10% to 80% in under 60 minutes—perfect for a quick coffee break with the family.
Moreover, Tata’s ZConnect app and its suite of connected features make it easier to monitor charge levels, locate chargers, and plan routes. It’s not just an EV—it’s a smart travel companion.
Space: Compact Outside, Comfortable Inside
Don’t let the compact design fool you. While the Tata Punch EV may sit in the budget SUV segment, it’s surprisingly spacious where it counts.
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Boot Space: With a 366-litre boot (and up to 450 litres with rear seats down), there’s ample room for weekend luggage, a stroller, or picnic gear.
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Cabin Room: The upright stance and squared-off design translate to excellent headroom and legroom for all passengers, especially in the rear.
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Flat Floor: Thanks to the EV platform, there’s no central tunnel—offering more comfort for the middle rear passenger.
This EV comfortably fits four adults and a child, making it ideal for young families. Child seat mounting points (ISOFIX), multiple storage slots, and a flat boot lip also add to its family-friendliness.
On-Road Travel Experience
Family trips are as much about the journey as the destination. So how does the Tata Punch EV handle real-world roads?
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Smooth Ride Quality: The Punch EV offers a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs potholes and rough patches, ideal for Indian highways and village roads alike.
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Silent Cabin: With zero engine noise, kids can nap in peace while you enjoy music or conversation without shouting over the hum of a motor.
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Regenerative Braking: Adjustable regen levels mean you can recapture energy and extend your range—particularly handy on hilly terrain or in city traffic.
The Tata Punch EV isn’t a performance SUV, but it’s punchy enough for highway overtakes and nimble in city traffic. With a 0–60 km/h sprint in under 6 seconds, it’s responsive and engaging without being intimidating.
Budget SUV That’s Value-Driven
Tata has managed to price the Punch EV aggressively, starting around ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). For a feature-rich, all-electric SUV, that’s a strong proposition.
What you get at this price:
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6 airbags (in higher trims)
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10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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360-degree camera
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Leatherette seats
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Sunroof (in top variants)
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Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
This makes it one of the most value-packed budget SUVs in the EV space, combining premium features with day-to-day practicality.
Final Verdict
The Tata Punch EV hits the sweet spot for Indian families who want a capable, affordable, and sustainable travel option. With solid range, surprising interior space, and a smooth, quiet ride, it’s well-suited for weekend adventures and city commutes alike. While the charging infrastructure is still catching up in some parts of India, Tata’s growing EV ecosystem helps mitigate that concern.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or managing daily school runs, the Punch EV delivers—quietly, efficiently, and without compromise.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Tata Punch EV good for long-distance travel?
Yes, especially the Long Range variant, which offers up to 421 km on a full charge. With fast-charging support and growing infrastructure, it’s well-suited for road trips.
Q2: How many people can the Tata Punch EV comfortably seat?
The Punch EV seats five, but it’s best suited for four adults and a child, offering good legroom and headroom in both rows.
Q3: Is the Tata Punch EV worth buying over a petrol SUV?
If you’re looking for lower running costs, quiet performance, and sustainability, the Tata Punch EV offers excellent value—especially with government subsidies.
Q4: What safety features does the Tata Punch EV include?
It includes multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, a 360-degree camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts—making it a safe choice for families.
Q5: How does the Tata Punch EV compare to other budget SUVs?
It stands out with its electric drivetrain, feature-rich cabin, and Tata’s reliability. In terms of cost-to-feature ratio and running costs, it’s ahead of most petrol budget SUVs.
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