Interestingly, despite being one of the cheapest EVs on offer from Tata Motors, if not the most affordable, Punch. EVs will definitely be much more technologically advanced Compared to the current Tata Motors EV lineup. This is due to the company’s use of its Gen 2 EV architecture, which was originally planned to debut with the Curve EV.
Tata Motors dubs its second generation EV platform as pure EV architecture and calls it ‘acti.ev’. This acronym stands for Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle, which emphasizes the advanced capabilities of the platform. The architecture of ‘acti.ev’ is built on four pillars: performance, technology, modularity and space efficiency.
The ‘acti.ev’ is said to have an optimized battery pack architecture with cells that meet advanced worldwide standards, resulting in a 10 percent increase in energy density. This enables the EV to have a variety of range options ranging from 300 km to 600 km on a single charge. The architecture encourages versatility in the selection of drivetrain options and enables fast charging, which can add up to 100 km of range in just 10 minutes.
The second layer supports a variety of body types with a reinforced body structure that meets future safety regulations. This design maximizes passenger room and storage by removing the transmission tunnel and adding a frunk (front trunk), increasing cabin space for passengers and improving driving dynamics.
With increased computational power and ADAS Level 2 capabilities, the architecture is future-ready, Bye They say. It is ready for ADAS L2+ capabilities, which will ensure enhanced safety and navigation. It supports vehicle to load (V2L) and vehicle to vehicle charging (V2V) technologies and is 5G ready.
With Arcade.ev, an in-car app suite built on scalable cloud architecture, acti.ev claims an improved user experience. It has a sophisticated connection and allows over-the-air software and feature updates.
With all these improvements to the platform, the Punch.EV is expected to be an upgraded version of Tata Motors’ existing EV set. The Punch.EV is expected to be offered in two configurations, a 25kWh battery pack with 81hp, 114Nm of torque and a claimed range of 300km. The Long Range variant is expected to pack a 35kW battery pack with a power output of 120 hp and 190 Nm of torque. The range of this model is expected to be 400 km.
Additionally, the punch.ev is also expected to have V2V charging and V2L technology that debuted with the new Nexon.EV. Apart from these, Punch.ev is also expected to get a better user experience with Arcade.ev with the OTA update.
There are even bigger improvements to the cockpit, including a redesigned 2-spoke steering wheel with illuminated ‘Tata’ logo, paddle shifters (for battery regeneration), a rotary dial with display for the drive selector and A touch-enabled climate control panel is included. An optional sunroof.
New features include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital driver display, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree camera. Its safety package includes six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat mounts and electronic stability control (ESC).
Tata’s EV journey
Although Tata Motors is one of the early movers when it comes to electrifying the passenger vehicle sector in India, as per the current situation it is certainly the most successful among its rivals. The company’s market share in the e-passenger vehicle sector is 75 percent.
The company’s EV journey began in 2019 with the launch of Tigor EV For private buyers, while launched later Nexon EV Which became the best selling EV in India till date. Recently Tata Motors updated the Nexon.EV and named it Gen 1.5 EV. Along with an extended range from 325 km to 465 km, the e-SUV also gets several technological advancements with better connectivity options and features like V2V charging and V2L technology.
With the Gen 2 EV, Tata Motors’ EVs are expected to see further improvements in terms of range, connectivity and technical features. The company plans to launch five EV models under Gen 2 architecture in the next 18 months which will include models like Punch.EV, Curve EV. Harrier, EV, safari, EV and Sierra.EV.
Subsequently, the company will move ahead with the third-generation EV platform for which it has signed an agreement A type of animal land Rover, The recent announcement by Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) of licensing JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform will help it enter the premium EV segment with global products.
The idea with the third generation platform is to enter the premium EV market to cross the 550 km range as well as address the global market.
First publication date: 15 January 2024, 16:57 PM IST