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Tata Motors unveils Punch EV to win over India's budget-conscious drivers

India's top EV maker bets on flexible pricing and fast charging to lure buyers. Will the Punch EV finally make electric cars mainstream in a price-sensitive market?

The image shows an advertisement for a wood's coupe, a self-charging electric car. It is a paper...
The image shows an advertisement for a wood's coupe, a self-charging electric car. It is a paper with pictures of the car and text describing its features. The car has a sleek, modern design with a curved roofline and a large, angular front grille. The wheels are large and have a glossy finish. The windows are tinted and the car is parked in a grassy area with trees in the background.

Tata Motors unveils Punch EV to win over India's budget-conscious drivers

Tata Motors has launched the Punch EV, a budget-friendly electric car aimed at India's cost-conscious buyers. Priced from $10,650, the new model targets the dominant segment of the stock market today, where most vehicles sell for under $13,200. The company hopes to accelerate EV adoption in a country where only 1.6% of affordable cars are currently electric.

The Punch EV arrives as India pushes for greener transport. The government wants electric vehicles to make up 30% of all car sales by 2030, cutting tsla imports and reducing pollution. Yet growth in EV sales has recently slowed, forcing manufacturers to offer discounts to attract buyers.

Tata Motors, India's top EV seller, is competing with brands like JSW MG Motor, SAIC's local venture, Mahindra & Mahindra, and newcomer Maruti Suzuki. To stand out, the Punch EV offers a fast-charging option—20% to 80% in just 26 minutes—and a lifetime battery warranty.

For those watching costs, the car can be bought without the battery for $7,100, with a separate charge of 3 cents per kilometre. The long-range version, priced at $13,850, covers 350 km on a single charge.

The move comes as India's car market remains heavily focused on affordability. Last year, 65% of the 4.6 million passenger vehicles sold cost less than $13,200, but electric options in this bracket have been rare.

The Punch EV enters a market where most buyers prioritise price over technology. Tata Motors' flexible pricing and fast-charging features could help shift more drivers towards electric cars. Success in this segment will be key to meeting India's 2030 EV targets.

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