Weekend Escape with the Tata Punch.ev Long-term review

I finally find myself behind the wheel of an EV that's purpose-built for both city runs and weekend escapes - say hello to my long-term ride, the Tata Punch.ev. Small in size, massive in attitude and confidently quiet. It's ready for every curve, commute & traffic jam.

I'm driving the 35kW LR version, which offers a real-world range of up to 264 km in Eco mode - a solid anxiety-buster for those still range-conscious.

Design-wise, I love the minimalist look, highlighted by slick connected DRLs and a super-compact form that pairs beautifully with its tight turning radius. The front-facing charging port is a smart touch though the internal wiring can get in the way when opening or closing it. The 360-degree camera works seamlessly with good quality visuals, even while moving.

Some misses? The touchscreen aircon controls can be fiddly, though physical buttons for blower speed and temperature help. The piano black finish looks great but attracts dust quickly. Also, the steering wheel's black screen feels like a missed opportunity - it could've shown driving range, charge status or drive mode info. A few other quirks include the lack of front grab handles, overly enthusiastic seatbelt reminders (even with no passengers!) and a seatbelt buckle that takes a few attempts to click in properly.

Over the long weekend, I took the Punch.ev for a 150 km intercity trip to Pune. With 100% charge and 268 km range showing in City mode with L3 regen, I set off. On the expressway, I switched to Eco mode and L2 regen, cruised at a steady 80 km/h, and kept the AC at 24°C for efficiency.

I was disappointed when cruise control refused to activate at a steady 80 km/h on the expressway - a glitch I've encountered a few more times over the past 12 days with the car.

I hit typical ghat traffic near Lonavala, but the Punch.ev glided through it with ease. I reached my destination with 44% charge and 114 km of range remaining. A Charge Zone charger just 3.5 km away let me top up during dinner - from 38% to 99% in 1hr 7 mins, using 15 kWh and costing Rs 345. Not bad for a road trip!

I even managed a 29 km city detour, returning with 87% SOC and 253 km of range for the drive back. A tyre pressure warning popped up, and though I fixed the tyre, the TPMS alert didn't clear. On the return, regenerative braking allowed me to gain 1% SOC and 11 km range down the ghat. I cruised back to Mumbai with 40% SOC and 98 km left - smooth, silent, and budget-friendly.

More adventures with the Punch.ev soon!