Have Tata Gone Beyond?

Tata Motors' new electric arm, Tata.ev, launched the Punch.ev in India and we drove it soon after. Here is what we think of the new compact electric SUV

- Jim Gorde

IT'S AN EXCITING TIME AT TATA MOTORS WITH new launches, new models in the pipeline, an all-new platform dedicated to electric cars, and a dedicated electric sub-brand and front to sell them from. There has been plenty of change at Tata Motors and the new Punch.ev is the first of the new lot. We were invited to Bengaluru to drive it.

The new Tata Punch.ev is based on the all-new, all-electric "Acti.ev" platform (pronounced "active") from Tata Motors and represents a paradigm shift for the home-grown band. The target customer base is essentially those who want a digital extension of their smart mobile phone that also enables them to be mobile. The aim is to enable the user to go beyond. Everyday. In comfort and safety without compromising on connectivity.

The Tata Punch.ev is designed to do just that. It was made to be versatile and multi-talented with the Acti.ev skateboard platform it is built upon enabling multiple body styles, variable battery cell mounting capability, and, thus, a variety of driving range options. The Punch.ev is offered in two guises, a standard range model with 25-kWh battery pack, 60-kW motor (82 hp and 114 Nm), and up to 315 kilometres of range and the Long Range (LR) model with a 35-kWh battery pack, 90-kW (122 hp and 190 Nm), and up to 421 km of range. The latter is the one we are driving.