MUMBAI — Tata Motors rolled out the Punch EV facelift for 2026, boosting its appeal with a bigger battery, redesigned looks and added premium tech. The updated model promises 468 km on a single charge with the top 40 kWh pack, according to company specifications.

The front end grabs attention first. Engineers sculpted a curvier bumper paired with a textured silver skid plate for that rugged SUV stance. Vertical LED headlamps sit lower, their clusters slightly enlarged, while the former light bar between DRLs vanishes for a cleaner profile.

Sides stay familiar but pick up subtle tweaks. A new ‘Tata.ev’ badge graces the front door, gray cladding replaces black for a brighter vibe, and those 16-inch alloy wheels keep their playful design. Dual-tone models sport blacked-out pillars, creating a floating roof illusion. At the rear, connected LED taillamps elevate the premium feel.

Three fresh colors join the palette: Fearless Yellow, Bengal Rouge and Caramel. Carryovers include Supernova Copper, Empowered Oxide, Pure Grey and Pristine White. Officials said the bold shades aim straight at younger drivers craving standout style.

Step inside, and the cabin echoes the prior layout with a freestanding infotainment screen and dual-tone dash. A shift to gray-white trim lightens the space, rounded screen borders soften the edges. The illuminated logo, 10-inch digital driver’s cluster and two-spoke steering wheel carry over unchanged. Piano-black accents and a rotary gear shifter on the console add upscale flair.

Tech upgrades shine brightest. The 10.25-inch touchscreen runs a refreshed interface. The digital display now overlays navigation. Voice-activated sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay join the roster. Auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, air purifier, auto-dimming rearview mirror and USB Type-C ports round out conveniences.

Safety starts strong across the board: six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and tire pressure monitoring. Top trims add a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake, blind view monitor and rear wiper-defogger.

Battery choices split between 30 kWh and 40 kWh packs. The smaller delivers 365-375 km under MIDC testing. Power scales from 88 PS in the base to 129 PS in the larger variant, which also sharpens acceleration for city sprints or highway hauls.

Ex-showroom pricing kicks off at 9.69 lakhs rupees, climbing to 12.59 lakhs for loaded versions. Tata offers a Battery-as-a-Service option on select 30 kWh models: 6.49 lakhs upfront plus 2.6 rupees per km driven. Company executives highlighted the program’s flexibility for cost-conscious buyers.

This facelift positions the Punch EV against rivals in India’s hot compact EV market. Demand for electric SUVs has surged, with buyers prioritizing range, features and value. Tata claims the updates make daily commutes and longer trips more viable, backed by fast-charging capabilities up to 120 kW on the 40 kWh pack.

Bookings open next month at Tata dealerships nationwide. Early feedback from test drives praises the ride quality and compact footprint ideal for urban India.