Tata Punch EV Facelift 2026: Historic 593km Range Test Shocks India Ahead of Launch
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Just 24 hours before its official market debut, the 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift has sent shockwaves through the Indian automotive industry. In a recently released “Cracking the Range Code” endurance test, the electric SUV successfully traveled a staggering 593.6 km on a single charge, driving non-stop from Jaipur, Rajasthan, to Himatnagar, Gujarat.
As India prepares for the official launch on February 20, 2026, this milestone marks a potential turning point for mass EV adoption, positioning the Punch EV as more than just a city runabout it is now a legitimate highway contender.
The 593.6 km Feat: How Was It Possible?
The record breaking journey was a controlled hypermiling test designed to push the limits of Tata's updated EV powertrain. Starting from Jaipur with a 100% battery, the vehicle reached Udaipur (400 km away) with 34% charge still remaining, before finally coming to a halt in Himatnagar.
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Parameter |
Performance Detail |
|
Total Distance |
593.6 km |
|
Route |
Jaipur ➔ Udaipur ➔ Himatnagar |
|
Avg. Efficiency |
~66 Wh/km |
|
Driving Conditions |
Steady highway speeds, 30°C ambient temp |
While 593 km represents the absolute maximum under optimized conditions, experts suggest that even in typical highway use, the new Punch EV could comfortably offer a real world range of 350–400 km, effectively ending "range anxiety" for intercity travel.
2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift: What’s New?
The 2026 update is more than a cosmetic refresh. The record breaking run has all but confirmed rumors of a major hardware upgrade.
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New 45 kWh Battery Option: Analysts predict Tata has borrowed the 45 kWh battery pack from the Nexon EV, potentially moving from cylindrical to higher density prismatic cells.
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Faster Charging: DC fast charging speeds are expected to jump to 60 kW, a 20% improvement over the current model.
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Upgraded Tech: A larger 12.3-inch cinematic touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital cockpit now headline the interior.
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Safety First: Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and 6 airbags are expected to be standard across top trims.
Pricing and Market Impact
The 2026 Tata Punch EV is expected to be priced between ₹10.49 lakh and ₹15.99 lakh (ex-showroom). By offering a range that rivals luxury EVs at a fraction of the cost, Tata Motors is aiming to cement its 70%+ market share in India’s electric segment.