The Tata Punch EV just received a facelift, the first major update to Tata Motors’s smallest electric SUV. The 2026 model brings new battery options, updated styling, faster charging and a lower starting price than before. With ex-showroom prices ranging from Rs 9.69 lakh to Rs 12.59 lakh, it is positioned as a compact and accessible entry point into electric mobility.
Here’s where the Punch EV gets it right and where it falls short.
Tata Punch EV pros
1. Smooth, predictable and easy to drive
The Punch EV facelift uses a single front-mounted motor paired with a 30kWh battery pack or a 40kWh unit. Power outputs have increased slightly, with the smaller battery producing 88hp and the larger battery making 129hp, while torque is rated at 154Nm for both versions. Power delivery is linear and easy to modulate, which makes the car straightforward to drive in everyday conditions.
It gets three drive modes – Eco, City and Sport – all of which are nicely calibrated. Eco prioritises efficiency without feeling restrictive, City suits most situations, and Sport sharpens throttle response when required. As expected from an EV, refinement is a strong point, with very little motor whine audible. The cabin remains fairly quiet, apart from some road noise filtering in at higher speeds.
2. Feature-packed for the segment
The Punch EV facelift doesn’t add major new features, but it continues with a strong equipment list for its size and price. Higher variants get a 10.25-inch Harman infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sharp 360-degree camera, built-in apps and voice assistance and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. There’s also a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display that can show navigation, though some on-screen fonts are a touch too small to read on the move.
Comfort and convenience features include cruise control, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror (IRVM), an air purifier and a compact sunroof. Ambient lighting, however, has been removed with this update. On the safety front, six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX mounts are standard from the base Smart trim. New additions include a high-beam alert that warns the driver if high beam is used at low speeds for extended periods.
3. Comfortable ride with stable, confident handling
The Punch EV delivers a comfortable ride that suits daily driving well. The suspension handles broken city roads with confidence, absorbing most potholes without sending harsh jolts into the cabin. The added weight of the battery is managed effectively, and the car feels settled over uneven surfaces in most situations.
At higher speeds, the Punch EV remains stable and planted. There is some body roll when driven hard, but the low-mounted battery helps it feel planted and secure. The steering is light at low speeds and builds weight gradually, making it easy to place the car accurately. Regenerative braking can be adjusted across four levels using the paddles behind the wheel, reducing the need for frequent brake use. Despite the switch to rear drum brakes, braking performance feels reassuring in everyday driving.
Tata Punch EV cons
1. Cramped rear seat for three
Rear-seat space is adequate for two adults, offering decent cushioning and support, but the narrow cabin makes seating three abreast a tight fit. Rear AC vents are missing, and the lack of rear seatbelt sensors means the warning chime rings for a couple of minutes even when no one is seated, unless the belts are clicked in, which makes the experience less convenient.
2. No spare tyre
As before, the Punch EV does not come with a spare wheel and instead relies on a puncture repair kit with an electric inflator. While this saves space and weight, it’s not a complete solution. In cases of sidewall damage or larger punctures, the kit won’t help, which can be inconvenient, especially on longer trips or in areas with limited roadside support.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
