Tata Punch EV Range 2026: Facelift Achieves 593 km in Real-World Test Ahead of Launch
Tata Motors is set to unveil the facelifted Punch EV on February 20, 2026, and the updated electric SUV is already making headlines with an astonishing real-world range figure. In a pre-launch range test conducted by an automotive journalist, the Punch EV facelift covered 593.6 kilometres on a single charge—a game-changing number for the affordable EV segment in India .
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift's range, battery options, design updates, and expected pricing.
⚡ 593 km Range: The Real-World Test That Shocked Everyone
Jaipur to Himatnagar: The Journey
In a video released on Tata Motors' official YouTube channel, an automotive journalist drove the Punch EV facelift from Jaipur, Rajasthan to Himatnagar, Gujarat—a distance of nearly 400 kilometres—and kept going until the battery was completely depleted .
The journey began with a full charge in Jaipur. Midway through at Bijainnagar, after covering roughly 200 kilometres, the vehicle still showed 67 percent battery remaining. Upon reaching Udaipur, the odometer read around 400 kilometres, with 34 percent battery left. The test continued beyond Udaipur, and the Punch EV finally ran out of charge at Himatnagar, Gujarat, after covering a total of 593.6 kilometres on a single charge .
What This Means for Buyers
This real-world range figure is significant for several reasons:
Segment-leading range: If achievable in normal driving conditions, this would place the Punch EV among the highest-range electric vehicles in the Indian mass-market segment .
Highway capability: A realistic range of around 400 kilometres in mixed driving conditions (roughly two-thirds of the test figure) would make the Punch EV genuinely highway-worthy for the first time .
Confidence booster: Extended range eliminates range anxiety for daily commutes and intercity travel .
🔋 Battery and Powertrain: The 45kWh Question
Current vs. Expected Specifications
The outgoing Punch EV is available with two battery options :
| Battery Pack | Power | Torque | Claimed Range (Current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25kWh | 82hp | 114Nm | 265 km (ARAI) / 315 km (MIDC) |
| 35kWh | 122hp | 190Nm | 365 km (ARAI) / 421 km (MIDC) |
However, the 593 km test result has sparked widespread speculation that the facelift may debut a larger 45kWh battery pack borrowed from the Tata Nexon EV .
Evidence Pointing to a 45kWh Battery
Several clues suggest a bigger battery is coming :
Lifetime battery warranty: Tata currently offers lifetime battery warranty only on its 45kWh packs found in the Nexon and Curvv EVs.
Increased power output: The Nexon's 45kWh battery is paired with a 143hp motor, a step up from the current Punch EV's 122hp unit .
Faster charging: A 45kWh pack would support 60 kW DC fast charging, a 20 percent improvement over the current 50 kW capability .
The range test itself: Achieving 593 km would require significantly more energy capacity than the current 35kWh pack can provide .
If confirmed, a 45kWh variant could deliver:
Claimed range: Over 500 km (potentially 500-550 km ARAI certified)
Real-world range: Approximately 400 km in mixed driving conditions
Power output: Around 142-143hp, significantly improving acceleration
Will Smaller Batteries Continue?
Most experts expect Tata to retain the 25kWh and 35kWh options at lower price points to keep the Punch EV accessible to budget-conscious buyers . The 45kWh pack would likely serve as a new flagship variant .
🎨 Design Updates: Fresh Look Inside and Out
Exterior Changes
The facelifted Punch EV adopts styling cues from the recently updated petrol-powered Punch, creating a cohesive look across the range :
Redesigned front bumper: Cleaner layout with revised air dam and skid plate, removing the black trim and connecting intakes seen on the earlier version
Revised headlamps: Lower-set headlamps with black surrounds, while the familiar Y-shaped LED daytime running lights remain
Full-width LED light bar at rear: Adopted from the ICE Punch, giving the EV a more modern look
New alloy wheel designs: Expected on select variants
Fresh colour options: Tata has confirmed new shades, including brown and bright yellow, joining existing options like Fearless Red with contrasting black roof
Updated badging: New "Tata.ev" badge on the front doors
Interior and Features
The cabin is expected to see subtle but meaningful upgrades :
| Feature | Current Model | Facelift Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen | 10.25-inch | 12.3-inch (borrowed from Nexon) |
| Digital Driver's Display | 10.25-inch | Updated graphics |
| Front Seats | Standard | Extended thigh support |
| Additional Features | Ventilated seats, sunroof, wireless charging | Powered driver seat, ADAS (likely), updated upholstery |
Safety Suite
The Punch EV facelift is expected to offer a comprehensive safety package :
6 airbags as standard
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hill hold assist
360-degree camera
Front and rear parking sensors
Level 2 ADAS (possible addition)
📊 Variant-Wise Expected Range Breakdown
Based on current information and speculation, here's how the range could shape up across variants :
| Variant | Battery | Expected Claimed Range | Real-World Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart / Smart Plus | 25kWh | 265-315 km | 180-210 km |
| Adventure / Empowered | 35kWh | 365-421 km | 250-290 km |
| New Flagship Variant | 45kWh | 500+ km | ~400 km |
Note: Official figures will be confirmed at launch on February 20.
💰 Expected Pricing and Positioning
Current Price Range
The outgoing Tata Punch EV is priced between ₹9.99 lakh and ₹14.44 lakh (ex-showroom) .
Facelift Price Expectations
With significant updates—particularly if a 45kWh variant is introduced—prices are expected to rise :
Base variants (25kWh): Starting around ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom)
Mid-spec variants (35kWh): ₹11.5 lakh to ₹13.5 lakh
New 45kWh flagship: Estimated ₹13.99 lakh to ₹14.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
The 45kWh Punch EV would likely be positioned just below the Nexon EV's entry-level Creative 45kWh trim, offering exceptional value .
Key Rivals
The Punch EV facelift will continue to compete with:
Citroen eC3 (direct competitor)
MG Windsor EV (alternative consideration)
Tata Nexon EV (stablemate, positioned higher)
Mahindra XUV400 (upcoming)
📅 Launch Date and What to Expect
Launch Date: February 20, 2026
Venue: Mumbai (expected)
Full details expected: Final specifications, variant-wise pricing, and official range figures
What We'll Learn at Launch
Confirmation of battery pack options (25kWh, 35kWh, and/or 45kWh)
Official ARAI-certified range figures
Full feature list, including ADAS availability
Variant-wise pricing breakdown
Warranty terms (including potential lifetime battery warranty)
🏁 Why This Matters: A Game-Changer for Affordable EVs
If the Punch EV facelift delivers on the promise of a 400 km real-world range at an accessible price point, it could fundamentally shift the Indian electric vehicle landscape.
First affordable long-range EV: No other sub-₹15 lakh EV currently offers 400 km of practical range .
Highway-capable: Moves the Punch EV from "city car" to "genuine all-rounder" status .
Confidence for buyers: Extended range and lifetime battery warranty would address two of the biggest consumer concerns about EV ownership .
📺 How to Stay Updated
Official Launch: February 20, 2026
Live Coverage: Major auto publications will provide real-time updates
Streaming: Tata Motors' YouTube channel may stream the launch event
The Tata Punch EV facelift is shaping up to be one of the most significant electric vehicle launches of 2026. With a potential 500 km-plus claimed range, meaningful design updates, and accessible pricing, it could redefine what buyers expect from an affordable electric SUV. All eyes are now on February 20 for the final reveal.
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