December 21, 2023, promises to be a significant day for auto enthusiasts as Tata Motors is gearing up to make two major announcements. The indigenous automaker is scheduled to unveil the highly anticipated Tata Punch EV, positioning it squarely against the Citroen eC3, which is priced between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 12.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Simultaneously, Tata Motors will inaugurate its first dedicated EV showrooms at two locations in the NCR region.
These new EV showrooms are part of Tata’s.ev plans, announced in August 2023. The .ev brand is associated with Tata Motors’ Passenger Electric Mobility division, excluding the brand’s electric commercial vehicles. Already introduced under the .ev banner are the electric Tiago hatchback, Tigor compact sedan, and Nexon subcompact SUV. The Tata Punch.ev will mark the fourth offering under Tata’s.ev strategy.
Distinguished by a unique layout, color scheme, and design, Tata’s EV dedicated showrooms will offer a 3S setup and DC fast charging options. Initially, the company aims to establish 10 EV-dedicated outlets across 10 major tier-II cities. With these new showrooms, Tata Motors aims to significantly boost its electric vehicle sales, targeting an increase from 100,000 to 110,000 in the financial year 2024.
Tata Motors has invested approximately Rs 95 lakh to Rs 1 crore per dealership, covering an area of up to 6,000-7,000 square feet. Dealers are required to maintain separate inventory funding for both electric and traditional businesses. The upcoming Tata Punch EV, along with Curvv EV, Harrier and Safari EV, and Sierra EV SUVs, will be exclusively available through these dedicated showrooms.
Speaking about the Tata Punch EV, this electric micro SUV will utilize the brand’s Gen-2 EV architecture, featuring a liquid-cooled battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels. The model lineup is expected to include two trims – MR (Medium Range) and LR (Long Range). Notably, the Punch EV will become the most affordable EV in India to come equipped with a sunroof. Similar to the Nexon.ev, the electric micro SUV will feature a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, and its design will showcase subtle differences from its internal combustion engine counterpart.
