After updating the petrol-powered Punch, Tata Motors has updated its most accessible electric SUV with a refresh that focusses less on cosmetic tweaks and more on meaningful hardware upgrades. Priced from Rs 9.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the refreshed Punch EV brings larger battery packs, improved charging capability and a higher claimed driving range of up to 468km (ARAI), while retaining much of the original car’s core design and feature set.
Here’s a detailed look at how the new Punch EV differs from the outgoing version.
Bigger batteries, more range
| Specifications | New Tata Punch.ev | Old Tata Punch.ev |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 30kWh, 40kWh | 25kWh, 35kWh |
| bhp | 88, 129 | 81, 122 |
| Torque | 154Nm, 154Nm | 114Nm, 190Nm |
| Claimed range | Up to 375km, 468km | 265km, 365km |
| 0–100 kmph | 13.5, 9 seconds | 13.5, 9.5 seconds |
The most significant upgrade lies under the floor. The earlier Punch EV was available with 25kWh and 35kWh battery packs. The facelift replaces these with larger 30kWh and 40kWh units.
Power outputs have also been revised. The 30kWh version now produces 88bhp, while the 40kWh variant delivers 129bhp. Interestingly, although the bigger battery version makes more power, it develops less torque compared to the older 35kWh model.
Where the gains are clearly visible is in range. Tata claims a substantial jump in driving distance:
- The 30kWh version offers 110km more range than the older 25kWh model.
- The 40kWh variant delivers 103km more than the previous 35kWh version.
Tata says the electric motor now uses a more compact design, helping offset the added weight from the larger battery packs and maintain efficiency.
Faster DC charging support
While AC charging support remains unchanged at up to 7.2kW, the facelifted Punch EV significantly improves its DC fast-charging capability. It now supports up to 65kW DC charging, enabling quicker top-ups compared to the outgoing model. For urban users and highway travellers alike, this upgrade should noticeably reduce charging downtime.
Design updates
Visually, the changes are evolutionary. At the front, the connected LED light bar seen on the earlier EV has been removed. The refreshed model instead gets LED DRLs positioned at the outer edges, giving it a cleaner and more conventional look. The black bumper strip has been deleted, and the lower section now features a redesigned silver faux skid plate.
The side profile remains largely unchanged, apart from a new ‘tata.ev’ badge placed on the lower section of the front doors, the outgoing Punch EV had a .ev badge.
The biggest transformation is at the rear.
The updated Punch EV now mirrors the styling of the ICE-powered Punch, complete with a connected LED tail-lamp setup and a revised bumper design.
Ground clearance has also gone up slightly at 195mm, the facelift sits 5mm taller than before.
Cabin layout unchanged, more tech added
Step inside, and the layout will feel familiar. The facelift retains the dual-tone interior theme, two-spoke steering wheel, touch-based climate controls, and twin 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster.
However, Tata has added a few convenience-focused features:
- Over-the-air (OTA) update capability
- Voice commands in six languages
- Smartwatch connectivity
These additions bring the Punch EV in line with newer connected-car expectations without altering the overall cabin architecture.
Safety: One key addition
The safety package remains comprehensive and largely unchanged. It continues to offer six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, a 360-degree camera, blind-view monitor, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors and an auto-dimming IRVM.
The new addition is a high beam alert system. This feature prompts the driver to dip the headlights in well-lit urban environments at speeds up to 40kph, reducing glare for oncoming traffic.
The bottom line
The facelifted Punch EV isn’t a dramatic visual overhaul. Instead, it is a mechanical and technological upgrade that directly addresses customer expectations around range and charging speed. With bigger batteries, faster DC charging and a few added tech features, the new model strengthens its position as one of the most practical and city-friendly electric SUVs in its price band.
For buyers who prioritise range and improved charging flexibility, the updated Punch EV presents a clear step forward over the outgoing version.
