Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Automobile Hive

Tata Punch EV Review for Nepali Road

The Tata Punch EV has created quite a buzz in the market, and after spending some time with it in Nepal’s challenging urban environment, it’s clear why. Designed to navigate tight streets, heavy traffic, and unpredictable road conditions, the Punch EV combines practicality, efficiency, and SUV capabilities in one compact package. Here’s our detailed review of the Tata Punch EV.

Compact Size, Big Impact

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Tata Punch EV is its compact dimensions, making it ideal for cities like Kathmandu. From maneuvering through the bustling streets of New Road to finding parking in Thamel’s crowded lanes, the Punch EV’s small footprint is a blessing. Despite its size, it carries a bold SUV-inspired design that gives it road presence without making it feel oversized.

Power and Performance

The Punch EV is powered by a potent 122hp motor, which feels almost excessive for city use. It zips through traffic with ease, leaving other vehicles behind at traffic lights. However, in a city setting, Sport mode feels overly aggressive, often causing wheelspin on slippery roads during the monsoon. Normal mode strikes a perfect balance, providing a smooth and effortless driving experience.

The regenerative braking, adjustable through paddle shifters, is a standout feature. After experimenting, I found that Level 2 regeneration combined with Normal mode works best for Kathmandu’s traffic. With an impressive efficiency of 6.9 km/kWh, the Punch EV offers a practical range of up to 240 km on a single charge, ideal for daily commutes between Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and beyond.

Ride Quality and Comfort

The Tata Punch EV truly shines when it comes to ride quality. It effortlessly absorbs the potholes and uneven roads that are all too common in Nepal, especially during the monsoon. The suspension is so good that it rivals SUVs from higher segments, making it one of the most comfortable vehicles in its class.

While the back seat isn’t as spacious as some competitors, it’s more than sufficient for short trips. For those who rarely travel with passengers, this isn’t much of an issue. The elevated seating position and large windows provide excellent visibility, adding to the driving comfort.

Features That Impress

Tata has gone all out with the feature list on the Punch EV. Despite being a sub-compact SUV, it offers premium features like:

• 360-degree cameras with blind-spot monitoring
• Ventilated front seats
• A sunroof
• Connected car technology
• LED lighting

These features are typically reserved for higher-end models, making the Punch EV a standout in its segment. However, the rear camera’s resolution could be better, as it struggles during heavy rains, a common occurrence in Nepal’s monsoon season.

Challenges and Quirks

No car is perfect, and the Punch EV has its share of quirks. The rotary gear selector looks stylish but feels slow and unreliable during quick shifts, such as three-point turns in Kathmandu’s congested streets. Additionally, the “EV System Critical Alert” message is a known issue with Tata EVs, though it usually resolves itself and doesn’t impact performance.

Another annoyance is the car alarm, which activates if you step out with the key while the engine is running. This can be frustrating during quick stops, like closing a gate or buying groceries, and might not sit well with your neighbors.

Verdict: A Game-Changer for Urban Nepal

The Tata Punch EV is more than just a small SUV—it’s a solution to Nepal’s urban driving challenges. Its compact size, electric powertrain, and impressive ride quality make it perfect for cities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Pokhara. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall package is hard to beat, especially with the premium features it offers at its price point.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, compact SUV that can tackle city traffic and rough roads alike, the Tata Punch EV is worth considering. With its efficient performance, innovative features, and comfortable ride, it’s a vehicle that’s perfectly tailored for Nepal’s urban chaos.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue exploring everything the Tata Punch EV has to offer!

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