The Indian government has repeatedly said it wants electric vehicles (EVs) to become as affordable as petrol and diesel cars but does the 2026 Tata Punch EV launch indicate that?
Incentives, subsidies and strong policy support were meant to bridge the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
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| Tata Punch EV is substantially cheaper with the BaaS option. |
But is that promise becoming reality?
The launch of the 2026 Tata Punch EV gives us a perfect example to examine this question.
It is currently the most affordable electric SUV in Tata’s portfolio — but is it truly as budget-friendly as its petrol sibling?
Let’s take a closer look.
Fimiliar SUV with modern electric twist
The updated Punch EV is based on the regular Tata Punch EV, which was first launched in early 2024.
While it shares its basic shape with the standard Punch, Tata has made sure the EV version looks more futuristic.
It gets sleek LED DRLs, all-LED lighting, and stylish 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. These elements give it a premium and modern identity compared to the petrol Punch.
The design clearly signals that this is not just another compact SUV — it’s an electric one.
Cabin feels premium and feature-loaded
Inside, Tata has retained the dual-tone cabin theme but refreshed it with a new grey and white colour scheme. The update may be minor, but it adds freshness.
One noticeable change is the new toggle-style switches for the power windows. The dashboard continues to look modern thanks to:
A 2-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo
Touch-enabled climate control panel
Dual-display setup
The 2026 model packs impressive features for its price:
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
10-inch digital driver’s display
Ventilated front seats
Wireless phone charger
Cruise control
Push-button start/stop
Single-pane sunroof
Automatic climate control
For a compact electric SUV in this price range, that is a strong feature list.
Safety: Tata doesn’t compromise
Safety is one area where Tata continues to focus strongly.
The Punch EV comes with six airbags as standard. It also gets:
360-degree camera
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Blind view monitor
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
These features make it one of the safest options in the entry-level EV SUV segment.
Two battery options, practical range
The 2026 Punch EV is offered with two battery pack options and a single electric motor setup.
30 kWh battery
Power: 88 PS
Torque: 154 Nm
Claimed range: 365–375 km
0–100 kmph: 13.5 seconds
40 kWh battery
Power: 129 PS
Torque: 154 Nm
Claimed range: 468 km
0–100 kmph: 9 seconds
These numbers make it practical for both city use and occasional highway drives.
The larger battery especially gives confidence with a claimed 468 km range under ideal conditions.
Price vs promise: The real question
The 2026 Tata Punch EV is priced between Rs 9.69 lakh (Rs 969,000 and Rs 12.59 lakh (Rs 1.26 million) (introductory ex-showroom).
It competes with the Citroen eC3 and is also an affordable alternative to the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, Tata Nexon EV and MG Windsor EV. But here’s the bigger issue.
The regular petrol Punch starts significantly lower than the EV version. Even with subsidies and lower running costs, the upfront price gap still exists.
Yes, EVs save money in fuel and maintenance over time. Yes, they are better for the environment.
But for many middle-class buyers in India, the initial price still matters the most.
BaaS option
With the battery as a service (BaaS) option, prices start from Rs 6.49 lakh (Rs 649,000). And, the rent for the battery is Rs 2.6 per km.
But EVs should not be cheap only with the BaaS option.
E-Vroooom’s views
Close, but not quite there
The 2026 Tata Punch EV proves that electric cars in India are getting better, more feature-rich and more practical.
Tata has done its part by offering strong range, modern design and excellent safety at a competitive price.
They are getting closer. And models like the Punch EV are an important step in that direction.
But still, are EVs as cheap as petrol cars yet; not really, at least from the 2026 Tata Punch EV pricing.
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