Base-spec Tata Nexon EV or Top-spec Punch EV: Which Tata EV To Buy Under Rs 15 Lakh?

In expanding its electric vehicle portfolio, Tata has just launched the Punch EV micro SUV. It sits above the Tiago EV and below the Nexon EV in Tata’s electric lineup. Yet, the top-spec Punch slightly overlaps the pricing of the Nexon EV.

So in this story, we take a look at which sub-Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) electric Tata SUV you should consider. For this comparison, we’ve chosen the top-spec Punch EV Empowered +S LR (Rs 14.99 lakh) and the base-spec Tata Nexon EV Creative + MR (Rs 14.74 lakh) variant.

With just Rs 25,000 separating the two, this one should be a nail biter:

Dimensions

The Punch has always been the younger, smaller sibling of the Nexon as the case is no different in their electric guises. The Nexon offers more room inside, thanks to a longer footprint and width. But despite that, the Punch EV is nearly as tall as the Nexon EV and offers slightly more storage space as well.

Also Read: 2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift vs Honda Elevate: Detailed Comparison

Additionally, you also get 14-litres of frunk space that the Nexon doesn’t get, thanks to a dedicated EV platform of the Punch EV. Talk about better packaging. 

Features

The winner is pretty obvious here. The base-spec Nexon EV is no match for the top-spec Tata Punch EV.

Bigger screens; ventilated and leatherette seats; sunroof; and other feel good features – the top-spec Punch EV will offer you a more premium experience inside the cabin. 

Powertrain

The Long Range Tata Punch packs a bigger battery pack in comparison to the Nexon EV medium range. As a result, it offers a better claimed range, however, the Nexon EV, which is slightly more powerful than the Punch EV, is quicker in accelerating from 0-100kmph, even though if it just by a fraction of a few seconds.

Both cars get the 3.3kW charger as standard, but the Punch EV can be had with the 7.2kW charger for an additional Rs 50,000 over the ex-showroom price. Also a point to note is the fact that the Punch EV is based on a ground up electric platform, which will underpin future electric Tata vehicles. On the other hand, the Nexon EV uses the same platform as its ICE counterpart and just replaces the ICE mechanicals with electric components. 

Verdict

On the face of it, the top-spec Tata Punch EV clearly triumphs over the base-spec Nexon EV. It has the features, the boot space (surprisingly), and even the range for you to consider the smaller Micro SUV over its bigger sibling. Your whole ownership experience will be a lot more premium.

Also Read: 5 New Tata Cars To Be Underpinned By Acti.ev Dedicated EV Platform

Of course, if you have the budget to stretch for the higher variants of the Nexon EV, you’ll get almost all the features, if not more, that the Punch EV offers. But for a sub-Rs 15 lakh Tata electric SUV, the Punch EV is clearly your answer.