Tata Motors has officially detailed the entry-level “Smart” variant of its updated Punch EV, targeting the sweet spot of the Indian budget electric market. By introducing a dual-pricing strategy—one with a traditional upfront battery cost and another using the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model—Tata is making the micro-SUV accessible to a wider demographic of first-time EV buyers.
While the higher trims offer the “Long Range” 40 kWh battery, the Smart variant remains focused on urban efficiency with its 30 kWh setup.
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BaaS vs. Full Ownership: The Pricing Split
The headline figure of ₹6.49 lakh is achieved through the BaaS model, where the consumer pays for the vehicle and “rents” the battery via a monthly subscription or per-kilometer fee. For those preferring traditional ownership, the sticker price is ₹9.69 lakh. This makes the Punch EV one of the most competitively priced electric SUVs in the 2026 market.
The Smart Variant: Features and Interior
To maintain the aggressive entry price, the Smart variant sees some calculated omissions, though it retains a surprisingly modern cabin.
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Wheels: It sits on 15-inch steel wheels, unlike the 16-inch alloys found in the Empowered trims.
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Tech: The interior features a new touch-sensitive HVAC panel and a redesigned two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo.
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Comfort: Standard features include a height-adjustable driver’s seat, front power windows, and an electric tailgate release.
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Missing: It lacks the larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and ventilated seats reserved for the “Adventure” and “Empowered” trims.
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Safety and Mechanicals
Despite being the base model, Tata has not compromised on the safety suite.
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The Shield: Every Punch EV Smart comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Hill Hold Assist.
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Regeneration: It includes multi-mode regenerative braking, allowing drivers to adjust how aggressively the car slows down to recover energy.
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Performance: The 87 bhp motor is tuned for city “peppiness,” with a dedicated Sport mode for quicker overtakes.
Reality Check
The 375 km MIDC range is impressive on paper. Still, in real-world Indian conditions (AC on, city traffic), users should expect closer to 240–260 km. Therefore, while it is perfect for daily commutes, it may require careful planning for weekend inter-city trips. In fact, the BaaS model is a financial trade-off; it lowers your initial down payment but adds a recurring monthly expense that could make the car “more expensive” than the full-purchase model over a 5-year period.
The Loopholes
The Smart variant is “exclusively” paired with the 30 kWh battery. In fact, you cannot upgrade the battery size without moving to the “Smart Plus” trim. Therefore, the “Smart” moniker is a price-locking loophole—it gets you in the door at a low price, but most buyers will feel pressured to jump to the ₹11 lakh+ trims for the 468 km range. Still, the “BaaS” loophole is excellent for fleet operators who can offset the monthly battery rental against fuel savings.
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What This Means for You
If you are a city dweller looking for a second car for chores and commutes, the Punch EV Smart is a no-brainer. First, realize that at ₹9.69 lakh, it competes directly with high-end petrol hatchbacks but offers a fraction of the running costs. Then, if you are on a tight budget, calculate your monthly mileage to see if BaaS saves you more than a traditional car loan.
Finally, understand that the 15-inch wheels on the base variant actually offer a slightly “cushionier” ride over bad potholes compared to the low-profile 16-inch alloys. You should check if your building’s parking can accommodate a 7.2 kW AC fast charger, as the Smart variant typically comes with a slower 3.3 kW home charger as standard. Before booking, ask for a “BaaS vs. Full Buy” comparison sheet from your local Tata dealer.
What’s Next
Bookings for the Punch EV Facelift are currently open across India. Then, expect the first batch of deliveries to begin by the second week of March 2026. Finally, look for Tata to announce “Public Charging Credits” for early-bird buyers of the Smart variant to sweeten the deal.
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