- The Curvv EV review!-9.png (701.13 KiB) Viewed 782 times
As one of the four electric vehicles in Tata Motors' lineup, the Punch EV has made a mark with its versatile range options. Priced between ₹10.99 lakh and ₹15.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this compact electric SUV boasts a claimed MIDC range of 315 km for the Standard variants (25kWh battery) and 421 km for the Long Range (LR) variants (35kWh battery). But how does the Punch EV Long Range hold up in real-world conditions? We put it through our rigorous testing to find out.
Power and Efficiency: The Long Range Advantage
The Long Range variant of the Tata Punch EV packs a more powerful punch (pun intended) compared to its Standard counterpart. With a 122hp motor and 190Nm of torque driving the front wheels, it significantly outperforms the Standard variant’s 82hp and 114Nm motor. For our test, we opted for the Eco mode, with regenerative braking (regen) set to its strongest level in the city and a mid-setting on the highway.
City Driving: Efficiency vs. Practicality
In city conditions, the aggressive Level 3 regen system penalized the Punch EV’s efficiency. The strong regen caused the car to decelerate earlier and more forcefully than expected, requiring extra throttle input to maintain speed, which in turn drained the battery faster. Compounding the issue, the ambient temperature of 40°C forced the climate control system to work overtime to keep the cabin cool. As a result, we recorded an average efficiency of just 5.43 km/kWh during our first test in the city.
However, after repeating the test with the regen dialed back to Level 2, the system felt much more natural, allowing smoother driving dynamics. This adjustment improved the Punch EV’s city efficiency to 6.92 km/kWh, which translates to a real-world range of 242 km. This range is well short of the MIDC claim but more reflective of what one might realistically expect in urban driving conditions.
Highway Performance: Steady but Lower Than Expected
On the highway, the Punch EV Long Range performed similarly, achieving an average efficiency of 6.17 km/kWh. This translates to a real-world range of 216 km, slightly less than in the city. The mid-setting on the regen system provided a more balanced driving experience, and while the efficiency wasn’t groundbreaking, it remained competitive for an EV in its class.
Charging: Fast and Convenient with Some Limitations
We also tested the Punch EV’s charging capabilities using a 60kW DC fast charger. Charging from 15% to 100% took just over 1 hour and 38 minutes, with the car accepting an average charging speed of 19.50 kWh. However, as with many EVs, the battery management system (BMS) significantly slowed down the charging rate after 90% to ensure proper cell balancing and SOC calibration, a necessary measure to maintain long-term battery health.
Tata Punch EV: Real-World Test Parameters
Our range test adhered to strict testing standards to ensure accurate and consistent results. The battery was fully charged before starting the test, and tyre pressures were maintained as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The car was driven on fixed loops in both city and highway environments, with average speeds set according to real-world driving patterns. The test involved two drivers who swapped at regular intervals to mitigate individual driving style variations. Additionally, the climate control was set to 22°C in auto mode, and other electrical systems like the audio, lights, and ventilated seats were used as needed to simulate normal driving conditions.
Conclusion: The Tata Punch EV's Real-World Capabilities
Tata’s Punch EV Long Range offers impressive power and decent real-world range, but like most EVs, it faces some efficiency trade-offs in real-world conditions compared to its official range claims. The car’s efficiency can be improved by adjusting regen settings, and it offers quick charging capabilities that make it convenient for everyday use. However, drivers should expect city ranges closer to 242 km and highway ranges around 216 km — significantly lower than the MIDC figures.
Overall, the Punch EV Long Range remains a compelling option in the growing electric SUV market, especially for those who balance city and highway driving and are looking for a versatile, efficient EV.