The Punch EV will be the first model based on Tata’s Sigma platform that’s adapted for electrification.
Tata Motors will be showcasing the Punch EV at Auto Expo 2023, likely in a near-production guise. We have also learnt that the all-electric version of the Punch will enter production around June 2023, followed by a market launch around the festive season next year.
- Will be based on adapted version of ALFA platform
- Likely to use Ziptron powertrain like other Tata EVs
- Will be fourth Tata EV, following Tiago, Tigor and Nexon
Tata Punch EV: what to expect?
Unlike Tata’s existing electric vehicles that are direct ICE to EV conversions, the Punch EV will be based on a new Sigma architecture, which is essentially a heavily modified version of the ALFA platform. The ALFA architecture underpins the ICE-powered Punch and even the Altroz hatchback and was, in fact, designed with electrification in mind right from the start.
The Sigma architecture thus sees changes like the removal of the transmission tunnel and a modified fuel tank space to create a flat floor for a large battery pack. The re-engineered platform has been optimised for electrification, which means Sigma-based models are likely to be lighter, more energy efficient and also more spacious than an ICE car converted to an EV.
We had already reported Punch EV’s Auto Expo debut in the confidential section in September 2022 issue of the Autocar India magazine.
The Punch EV is likely to use a similar powertrain set-up as Tata’s existing EVs, with a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels, although exact battery specifications are not known yet. Tata Motors could be offering multiple battery pack options (as is the case with the Nexon, Tiago and Tigor EVs) to position the vehicle across a wide price range.
Elsewhere, the Punch EV could also get cosmetic updates like revised bumpers, coloured accents and new wheels to set it apart from its ICE counterpart. Similarly, the interior could also be spruced up with similar highlights, along with an update to the equipment list.
Tata Punch EV: expected price
It will be interesting to see how Tata positions the Punch EV in its existing line-up of electric cars. Depending on the powertrain, it will be positioned above the Tiago EV, although there could be some price overlap with the Tigor EV. If the price delta between the Tiago EV and its ICE sibling is anything to go by, starting prices for the Punch EV will likely be Rs 1 lakh-1.5 lakh more than the top-end Punch AMT.
Tata Punch CNG also likely in the cards
Tata is following a multi powertrain strategy to maximise volumes of its existing product lines. Models like the Tiago and Tigor are currently available with as many as three fuel options – petrol, CNG and electric – and following the Punch EV, a CNG version could also be on the cards.
Earlier this year, Tata Motors showcased two electric car concepts – the Curvv and the Avinya –which will also be on display at the Auto Expo 2023. The former is based on Gen 2 of the Nexon EV platform, while the latter is underpinned by a grounds-up EV skateboard architecture. These two platforms, along with the Sigma, will cover all bases for Tata Motors in the EV space till 2030.
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