If you are in the market to buy your first electric vehicle or want to invest in a daily commuter that has low running costs, then fortunately, you have several options to choose from between micro-electric models and compact electric SUVs that come under the Rs 10 lakh ex-showroom budget. Out of the available EV options, the Tata Punch EV stands out as an attractive choice due to its affordable starting price, 5-star crash safety rating and Tata Motors' extensive service network. Here's a quick explainer on the base Smart and Smart Plus variant of the Tata Punch EV to get a clear understanding of what you get at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom.
In terms of design, the Punch EV Smart variant is not at a big disadvantage when compared
to the higher variants. It gets 15-inch steel rims with black plastic wheel covers and a set of non-body colour front door handles. Additionally, the base Smart variant is only available in the single-tone Pristine White exterior colour. However, defining elements such as the LED headlamps and LED DRLs remain standard even in the base model.
Inside the Punch EV Smart variant, buyers get a well-appointed cabin that offers the latest backlit steering wheel, automatic climate control, in-built air purifier, rear parking sensors, front power windows, cooled glove box and two driving modes called City and Sport. Safety is also uncompromised in the most affordable Punch EV, with 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and the 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP.
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For those who want a bit more bells and whistles, they can opt for the Smart Plus variant that adds steering-mounted controls, paddle shifters for regen modes, all four power windows and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and a 6-speaker setup. The upgrade to the Smart Plus would cost approximately Rs 1 lakh more at an ex-showroom price of Rs 10.98 lakh.
Coming to the technical specifications, it is important to note that Tata Motors offers the Punch EV in a medium-range and a long-range battery pack. The base Smart variant's medium range 25 kWh battery pack gives it an MIDC claimed range of 265 km and a real-world C75 rated range of between 190 to 210 km. The electric motor produces 80.5 hp and 114 Nm of torque, giving the base Punch EV a 0-100 kmph time of 13.5 seconds. In addition, it gets four brake regen modes and a single pedal drive feature to make daily commutes more convenient. Last but not least, the boot space capacity of the Punch EV is 366 litres, which is competitive in its segment.
Overall, considering that the Punch EV Smart variant offers a good balance between comfort, range and smart features, the value proposition of the electric SUV is acceptable at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom. Which is approximately Rs 2.90 lakh cheaper than its closest competitor, the Citroen eC3.
