Tata Punch is nearly a couple of weeks away from its much anticipated launch in the Indian market. However, prior to the launch of the ICE version of the micro-SUV, it has been learnt that the company has started working on an all-electric version of the Punch. Besides the electric version, Tata Motors might also offer a turbocharged petrol engine with the Punch, ala Tata Altroz. Being based on the ALFA platform, Tata Punch will be the brand's smallest SUV while it will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Mahindra KUV100.
Recently, Shailesh Chandra, president, passenger vehicles business unit, Tata Motors, in an interaction with AutoCar India said, ""We have been contemplating different options (for the Punch) whether it's diesel or EVs. We are thinking about all these options." The ALFA platform of Punch is compatible with electric powertrain and if it really happens, we could see an all-electric version of the Punch by mid of next year with Ziptron technology. The all-electric micro-SUV would solely target private buyers and it will replace the Tigor as the company's most affordable electric vehicle. “We are working towards the EV, it's a work in progress, but it will take some time," said Chandra.
It is also being speculated that Tata might well offer a diesel engine with the Punch in future. The Altroz, based on the same ALFA platform, also comes with a 1.5L 4-cylinder diesel mill. But, it will be really challenging for the company engineers to fit in a 4-cylinder engine in the Punch due to its smaller engine and huge cabin. Furthermore, Tata Motors doesn't have a smaller diesel engine presently at its disposal. The company might bring the Tiago and Tigor's 1.0L 3-cylinder diesel powertrain back to life again and hence in this process, it might take a bit longer than expected before we see a diesel powered version of the micro-SUV in the Indian market.
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