Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus S LR AC FC

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're not just picking a vehicle; you're choosing a daily companion that needs to fit your life perfectly. You think about your budget, how safe it is for your family, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. In today's world, electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a smart choice, especially with rising fuel prices. And when we talk about EVs that tick all these boxes, one name stands out: the new Tata Punch EV.

Today, we're taking a deep dive into one of its top variants: the Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus S LR AC FC. This long-range version promises a lot, and we're here to tell you if it delivers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
• Max Power: 90 kW (around 122 PS)
• Max Torque: 190 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: Approximately 9.5 seconds

Design Overview

The Tata Punch EV truly looks the part of a modern, urban electric SUV.

• Exterior: It retains the robust, micro-SUV stance of its petrol sibling but adds distinctive EV touches. You get a sleek, closed-off grille with a central charging port, connected LED DRLs that give it a futuristic face, and sharp projector headlamps. The stylish alloy wheels and dual-tone paint options (in higher variants) further enhance its premium appeal. It looks bold and ready for anything.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a sophisticated and spacious cabin. The dual-tone theme, premium upholstery, and the twin-screen setup (infotainment and instrument cluster) give it a high-tech feel. Tata has focused on ergonomics, ensuring all controls are within easy reach. The overall feel is one of quality and comfort.

Key Features

• Infotainment Screen: Large 10.25-inch touchscreen display
• Digital Instrument Cluster: 10.25-inch fully digital driver display
• Connectivity: Advanced iRA 2.0 connected car technology, Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Sunroof: Voice-assisted Electric Sunroof for an open-air feel
• Camera: 360-degree Surround View Camera system for easy parking
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charger
• Comfort: Ventilated Front Seats, Automatic Climate Control, Air Purifier
• Convenience: Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Paddle Shifters (for regen braking control), Cruise Control

Ground Clearance

• Unladen Ground Clearance: 190 mm (This is excellent for tackling Indian roads and speed breakers)

Boot Space

• Boot Capacity: 366 litres (Generous for weekend trips or daily grocery runs)

Dimensions

• Length: 3857 mm
• Width: 1742 mm
• Height: 1633 mm
• Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Powertrain Options

The Tata Punch EV comes in two main powertrain options: Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR). The Empowered Plus S LR AC FC variant, as the name suggests, features the Long Range setup:

• Battery Pack (LR): 35 kWh high-capacity, IP67-rated liquid-cooled battery pack (dust and water resistant)
• ARAI Certified Range (LR): An impressive 421 km on a single charge
• Charging Options:
  • 7.2 kW AC Home Wallbox Charger (comes with this variant)
  • Supports DC Fast Charging up to 50 kW (0-80% in approximately 56 minutes)

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Tata Motors, and the Punch EV is no exception.

• 6 Airbags (standard across all Punch EV variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill Hold Control & Hill Descent Control
• All-wheel Disc Brakes (a segment first)
• Brake Sway Control

NCAP Rating Table

While the Tata Punch EV specifically has not yet undergone a separate Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP crash test, Tata Motors has an excellent track record for safety.

Vehicle Model	Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Tata Punch (ICE)	Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Tata Punch EV	Bharat NCAP / Global NCAP	Not yet tested (Expected High Rating due to ALFA platform & Tata's safety focus)	Not yet tested (Expected High Rating due to ALFA platform & Tata's safety focus)

The Punch EV is built on Tata's ALFA platform, known for its robustness. Given that the ICE Punch achieved a 5-star GNCAP rating and other Tata EVs like the Nexon EV also have 5-star ratings, we can confidently expect the Punch EV to offer very high levels of safety.

Rivals of Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus S LR AC FC

• Citroen eC3
• Mahindra XUV400
• MG Comet EV (though smaller, it competes on price in some variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros):

• Impressive Range: 421 km ARAI range for the LR variant is excellent for daily commutes and even inter-city travel.
• Feature-Packed: Loaded with premium features like ventilated seats, sunroof, 360-degree camera, and twin digital screens.
• Strong Safety: 6 airbags standard, robust build, and Tata's reputation for safety.
• Comfortable Ride: Tuned suspension handles Indian roads well, offering a smooth and quiet ride.
• Low Running Costs: Electric powertrain means significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to petrol cars.
• Modern Design: Stylish and contemporary looks, both inside and out.

Compact SUV Stance: Easy to drive in city traffic, yet offers good road presence and ground clearance.

Disadvantages (Cons):

• Higher Initial Cost: EVs generally have a higher upfront price than their petrol counterparts.

Charging Infrastructure: While improving, public charging infrastructure can still be a concern on longer journeys, especially in remote areas.Rear Seat Space: While decent for its segment, it might feel a bit snug for three adults on long trips.Limited Boot Space: Although 366 litres is good, for families needing more luggage room, it might feel just adequate.

Conclusion

The Tata Punch EV Empowered Plus S LR AC FC emerges as a highly compelling electric vehicle package for the Indian market. It beautifully blends the practicality of a compact SUV with the benefits of electric mobility. With its impressive range, feature-rich cabin, and focus on safety, it's designed for the modern Indian family looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on comfort or capability.

If your daily commute is significant, you value advanced features, and you're ready to embrace the future of mobility with lower running costs and a cleaner footprint, the Punch EV Empowered Plus S LR AC FC is undoubtedly one of the best choices out there. Tata Motors' growing EV ecosystem and service network further add to the peace of mind.

It's more than just a car; it's a statement. And a very well-rounded one at that.