Tata Punch EV Vs Citroen eC3 EV: The Battle of the Budget Electric SUV in India

Punch EV’s Strategic Positioning

Tata Punch EV enters the market with a price range starting from Rs. 10.99 lakh to Rs. 14.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The strategic positioning of this electric marvel aims to disrupt not only the electric vehicle segment but also the broader automotive market. The anticipation surrounding Punch EV suggests that it might set a new benchmark for popularity and demand, transcending the boundaries between ICE and EV realms.

Power & Performance:

• Tata Punch EV: This champion delivers a knockout punch with its 25-35 kWh motor churning out 80bhp and 114-190 Nm torque. It sprints from 0-100 kmph in a brisk 9.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 kmph, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.
• Citroen eC3 EV: With a smaller 29.2 kWh battery and a 57bhp motor, this contender takes 10.2 seconds to reach 100 kmph, topping out at 107 kmph. While respectable, it falls short of the Punch EV’s spirited performance.
• Tiago EV: Offering 61bhp and 114Nm torque, the Tiago EV lags behind the Punch EV but comes closer to the eC3. It manages 0-100 kmph in 12.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 kmph.

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Trim Levels and Innovative Offerings

Tata Punch EV takes the lead by offering a diverse range of trim levels or “Personas.” These include Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+. Notably, Tata provides the option to enhance the vehicle further with a 7.2 kW AC charger and a sunroof, each available as an optional extra for an additional Rs. 50,000.

Range & Charging:

• Tata Punch EV: Boasts a claimed range of 380 km thanks to its larger battery, making it ideal for longer journeys. It supports both AC and DC fast charging, replenishing to 80% in just 55 minutes.
• Citroen eC3 EV: Offers a decent 320 km range suitable for city commutes and short trips. However, it’s limited to AC charging only, requiring around 7 hours for a full charge.
• Tiago EV: With a claimed range of 315 km, the Tiago EV is similar to the eC3 in range but falls short of the Punch EV’s superiority. It also supports AC charging only.

Power and Performance

Punch EV distinguishes itself by adopting the Acti.ev platform, India’s first dedicated EV platform not shared with ICE counterparts. The LR model, equipped with a 35 kWh battery, delivers a peak power of 120.7 bhp and a peak torque of 190 Nm. The performance is impressive, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/h—numbers that outshine its rivals.

Punch EV’s Edge: More Than Just Power

Beyond sheer power, Punch EV excels in various aspects. The LR model features rear disc brakes, offering enhanced safety. The generous 366L boot space surpasses the offerings of Citroen eC3 (315L) and Tiago EV (240L). Punch EV’s claimed range is noteworthy, with the standard variant reaching 215 km on a single charge and the LR model an impressive 421 km.

Features & Technology:

• Tata Punch EV: Impresses with a comprehensive feature list, including a touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, cruise control, ventilated seats, and even an optional sunroof.
• Citroen eC3 EV: Keeps things simpler with a basic infotainment system, manual AC, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Its unique design language might appeal to some.
• Tiago EV: Features a good balance between the Punch EV and eC3, offering a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and digital instrument cluster.

Charging Capabilities

All variants feature CCS 2 standard charging sockets. While Punch EV’s AC charging times are slightly longer due to larger battery packs, the vehicle boasts the fastest 10-80% charge with a fast DC charger, completing the task in just 56 minutes. Additionally, Punch EV flaunts 16-inch wheels with 195-section tires, coupled with the highest ground clearance of 190 mm in its class.

Interior and Feature Dominance

When it comes to interiors and features, Punch EV stands out as the undisputed champion. Ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, a new steering wheel from Nexon with an illuminated logo, optional sunroof, auto headlights, auto wipers, projector LED headlights, TPMS, air purifier, full-width LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye functions, 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring, fully configurable TFT instrument screen, mood lighting, and cornering lights are just a glimpse of the extensive feature list Punch EV brings to the table.

Price & Value:

• Tata Punch EV: Prices start at ₹9.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, offering great value with its power, range, and features.
• Citroen eC3 EV: Starts at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most affordable option. However, the limited range and features raise questions about its overall value proposition.
• Tiago EV: Priced between ₹8.69 lakh and ₹11.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tiago EV sits in the middle ground, offering decent value but facing competition from both sides.

Citroen eC3’s Struggle

In contrast, the Citroen eC3, priced between Rs. 10.99 lakh and Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom), faces an uphill battle against the Punch EV. Despite its 29.2 kWh battery pack, the eC3 fails to match Punch EV in terms of features, performance, and on-paper range. Citroen India might need to rethink its strategy and consider introducing a Shine trim for the eC3, similar to its offering in Indonesia.