Tata Motors officially shook up the entry-level electric SUV market Friday, launching the Tata Punch.ev facelift in India. Starting at ₹9.69 lakh, the refreshed model introduces more than just cosmetic tweaks—it debuts a larger 40kWh battery pack and a disruptive Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model designed to achieve price parity with petrol-powered SUVs.
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The update arrives as Tata’s most critical move to “mainstream” EVs in the sub-₹12 lakh segment. With five broad variants—Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+ S—the Punch.ev is now positioned as a viable primary vehicle for both city commutes and intercity weekend trips.
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The 40kWh Powerhouse: Range and Performance
The headline act is the new Long Range (LR) variant featuring a 40kWh LFP prismatic cell battery.
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Certified Range: 468 km (ARAI P1+P2).
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Real-World Range: Approximately 355 km (C75 claimed).
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Performance: The motor generates 129bhp and 190Nm, propelling the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9 seconds.
The existing 30kWh battery also sees an efficiency bump, now delivering a real-world range of approximately 275 km. Both variants benefit from a liquid-cooled thermal management system and IP67-rated protection.
BaaS: Lowering the Entry Barrier to ₹6.49 Lakh
In a strategic effort to lower upfront costs, Tata has introduced the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model for the first time on the Punch.ev.
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Acquisition Price: Starts at ₹6.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Usage Fee: A subscription charge of ₹2.6 per kilometre.
This alternative financing allows buyers to pay for the battery as they drive, effectively reducing the initial purchase price to that of a mid-spec petrol hatchback.
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Design Evolution: Cleaner Aesthetics & Tech
The facelift adopts a more “EV-native” face. The front bumper has been streamlined, removing the black trim strip that previously sat between the DRLs. It now features connected LED tail-lamps at the rear and aerodynamically optimized 16-inch alloy wheels that echo the design of the larger Nexon EV.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by dual 10.25-inch screens—one for the Harmon infotainment system and another for the digital driver’s display. High-end features like ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a wireless charger are now standard on the Empowered trims.
Reality Check
Tata’s “C75” real-world range of 355 km is a significant promise. Still, real-world EV performance is highly sensitive to driving styles and air conditioning use. Therefore, while 355 km is achievable in city traffic, highway runs at 100 km/h will likely see that figure drop to 280–300 km. In fact, the 65kW charging speed is a segment benchmark, but finding a 65kW-capable DC charger outside of major “Mega Hubs” remains a challenge in many parts of India.
The Loopholes
The Lifetime Battery Warranty is a massive confidence booster. In fact, it is exclusively applicable to original private owners. Therefore, if you buy the car pre-owned, the warranty drops to 8 years or 1.6 lakh km. Furthermore, the BaaS model’s “₹2.6 per km” fee is subject to minimum monthly billing cycles in many states. Still, the ₹30,000 price drop on the base variant compared to the outgoing model makes this facelift a rare instance of “more for less.”
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What This Means for You
If you are a first-time EV buyer, the BaaS option makes the Punch.ev the most affordable electric SUV on the market. First, calculate your monthly running; if you drive over 1,500 km a month, the full-purchase model might be more economical than the per-km subscription. Then, download the IRA.ev app to check the proximity of “verified” fast chargers along your common routes.
Finally, realize that the lifetime warranty makes this a long-term “keeper” car. You should prioritize the Empowered trim if you value cabin tech, as the jump in features for ₹30,000 over the Adventure trim is substantial. Before booking, confirm the “Water Wading” limits (450mm) with your dealer if you live in flood-prone urban areas.
What’s Next
Bookings are officially open today, February 20, 2026, across all Tata.ev showrooms and online portals. Then, deliveries for the Smart and Adventure variants are expected to begin in early March. Finally, look for the rollout of the first “80 Highway Mega Hubs” to coincide with the Long Range variant’s first long-distance customer trips later this quarter.
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