INNER CHILD APPROVED
BBC TopGear India|July 2024
Thriving with an EV in Mumbai's Rains
VIPUL PUNETHA
INNER CHILD APPROVED

Mumbai and the monsoon season are a force of nature. The city transforms into a technicolor landscape, the aroma of petrichor hangs heavy in the air, and the rhythmic drumming of raindrops becomes the soundtrack of daily life.

But amidst the romance, navigating the city's flooded streets and unpredictable downpours can be a harrowing experience for both car and driver. This is where the Tata Punch EV, a compact SUV aiming to redefine the urban monsoon experience, steps in.

PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT: THE TATA PUNCH EV'S ELECTRIC EDGE

Unlike its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, the Punch EV boasts a game-changing advantage: the Acti.EV allelectric platform. This translates to a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability on slippery roads a crucial advantage during Mumbai's monsoon onslaught. While official water wading depth specifications aren't available yet, the car's increased ground clearance compared to the ICE variant should provide some peace of mind when tackling those waterlogged roads you encounter on your daily commute.

EVS AND WATER: A NAVIGABLE RELATIONSHIP

It's important to remember that EVs aren't invincible to water. While the electric motor itself is sealed and protected, other components like the charging port and battery pack require caution. Deep puddles and overflowing streams are best avoided. However, the Punch EV's drivetrain is more than capable of taking on moderately submerged streets. The key is to drive cautiously and slowly.

Here's where the IP67 water resistance rating and the 360-degree camera come in handy, providing additional confidence and visibility in challenging conditions.

PEACE OF MIND WHEN THE SKIES OPEN UP

This story is from the July 2024 edition of BBC TopGear India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2024 edition of BBC TopGear India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BBC TOPGEAR INDIAView All
The Next Great Family MPV?
BBC TopGear India

The Next Great Family MPV?

“Whoa, that’s a nice-looking Minivan!” Said no one ever.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
MG COMET
BBC TopGear India

MG COMET

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD THOUGHT THIS CAR TO BE COMPLETELY useless when it came out.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
BMW i7
BBC TopGear India

BMW i7

WHEN THE i7 PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND PARKED ITSELF next to the Mercedes EQA and the MG Comet, it just struck me that this is how the future will be.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
BBC TopGear India

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

McLaren's finest faces off Corvette's nat-asp swansong as the Brits and the Americans square up... in a Spanish playground. Expect fireworks

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
NEXT LEVEL
BBC TopGear India

NEXT LEVEL

Thought the 750S was fast? The McLaren P1's successor - the W1 is ready to spread its wings

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
MANUAL LABOUR
BBC TopGear India

MANUAL LABOUR

Two cars from opposite ends of the performance spectrum with one crucial thing in common...

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
PRO VS SLOW
BBC TopGear India

PRO VS SLOW

At last, we have our hands on the Valkyrie. But is its performance only accessible for the pros... or can anyone enjoy it?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
THE OUTBURST OF OFFROADING
BBC TopGear India

THE OUTBURST OF OFFROADING

The high-volume market is a point of interest for all manufacturers here in India.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
THE BATTLE OF CRUISER-COMMUTERS
BBC TopGear India

THE BATTLE OF CRUISER-COMMUTERS

WHO DOES THE BEST COMMUTER WORK WHILE NOT BEING A TRUE COMMUTER MOTORCYCLE?

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
LEAVING EVERYTHING ON THE TRACK
BBC TopGear India

LEAVING EVERYTHING ON THE TRACK

FT. YMRP ROUND 3 From being second, I DNF'd from the race on the last corner

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024