The Tata Punch electric vehicle (EV), a compact SUV, has quickly gained popularity in the EV market for its impressive features, affordability, and eco-friendly performance, and now, we are reviewing it after one year on the road.
This review will delve into its pros, cons, performance, and overall ownership experience.
.jpg "Tata Punch EV review after one year") |
| Tata Punch EV overall is commendable but some issues with charging have made it disappointing. |
With its stylish design, good range, and feature-packed interiors, the Tata Punch EV has proven to be an excellent choice for urban middle-class commuters.
Pros of Tata Punch EV
Efficient and affordable
The Tata Punch EV offers a balanced combination of efficiency and affordability.
It is an ideal option for middle-class buyers looking for a green vehicle that does not break the bank.
The car’s range is quite commendable, allowing it to cover urban distances comfortably without frequent charging (it has a range of around 350 km on a single charge).
Bold and stylish design
The exterior design of the Tata Punch EV is bold, sporty, and it wears a futuristic look.
The interior impresses with a premium and spacious feel. The car is designed for both comfort and functionality, with easy-to-use tech and ample cabin space.
The ride quality is smooth and noise free, making it a pleasant experience for everyday urban driving.
Top-notch safety features
Safety is a major selling point for Tata Motors, and the Punch EV does deliver on this.
Even the base model is equipped with advanced safety features, such as airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and cornering stability control.
Tata has prioritised passenger safety in this vehicle, making it a standout in its segment.
Excellent features for the price
Tata Punch EV comes packed with great features, especially for its price range (starting from Rs 11.18 lakh or Rs 1.18 million).
The infotainment system is one of the best in its class, offering great sound quality and connectivity options.
The horn system is also good, and the headlamps, both upper and dipper, work excellently.
These features make the Punch EV feel like a high-value offering for its cost.
Cons of Tata Punch EV
Exterior build quality issues
While the interior of the Tata Punch EV is impressive, the exterior quality could have been better.
After a year of ownership, issues such as paint problems on the bonnet and tailgate have been reported.
Additionally, the backlight and rear indicators appear somewhat cheap, a diversion from the vehicle’s overall premium feel.
Charging issues
A recurring issue with the Tata Punch EV is related to the home charging unit.
Several owners have experienced problems, with the charger failing to start and requiring a manual reset often.
Early wear and tear
In some cases, the vehicle’s brake pads showed signs of premature wear.
Some owners reported needing to replace back brake pads after only 8,000 km, which is concerning for a relatively new vehicle.
Moreover, the repairs can take a long time, causing frustration for owners.
Also sometimes, after reporting, issues may not be resolved promptly by the company.
Performance and driving experience
The Tata Punch EV offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with no engine noise, typical of electric vehicles.
It offers a responsive drive with quick acceleration. The vehicle’s handling is precise, making it easy to maneuver through traffic.
However, some drivers may find the power output less suited for highway speeds, as it is more tailored for urban environments.
Annual maintenance costs of Tata Punch EV
To calculate the annual maintenance costs for 20,000 km travelled, let us break down each component:
Annual service: Rs 6,000-8,000
This is a fixed cost, so we will take the average: Rs 7,000
Brake pads change (every 15,000 km): Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000
Since the brake pads last for 15,000 km, you may have to replace them once during the year.
Brake pad cost for 20,000 km = Rs 6,000 (average cost)
The cost of charging a Tata Punch EV depends on the cost of electricity in your area.
On an average, it costs around ~300-400 for a full charge. For a month, assume you need 10 charges, it would be Rs 3,000. Charging would cost you Rs 36,000 in a year.
Total annual maintenance cost for 20,000 km = Rs 7,000 + Rs 6,000 + Rs 36,000 = Rs 49,000 (on the higher side)
It could be around Rs 43,000 (on the lower side), assuming you don’t change the brake pads.
E-Vroooom’s views
After a year of driving the Tata Punch EV, it’s clear that this compact SUV is an excellent choice for urban commuting with a combination of affordability, impressive safety features, smooth driving experience, and eco-friendly nature but there is a need to improve build quality of the exterior and the charging system’s reliability to make it the first choice for middle-class buyers.
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