The Tata Punch EV goes on a 1400 km Dehradun – Rajasthan – Dehradun trip. The charging infrastructure is growing, and so is the confidence of owners to take their EVs on long trips.Haven’t experienced an EV? Experience one soon.
Punch.ev 35kWh – 4-day run, 1400km Dehradun-Delhi-Rajasthan-Dehradun. Total charging cost approx ₹4000. Not just a city car.
For years, the Tata Punch EV has been hailed as India’s affordable electric micro-SUV—compact, safe, feature-packed, and perfect for urban commutes. With its 35 kWh Long Range variant delivering a claimed ARAI range of up to 421 km (real-world often 250–300 km depending on conditions), many assumed it was best suited for city duties. But real owners are rewriting that narrative, proving the Punch EV is far more capable for highway adventures and multi-day road trips.
A recent standout example: a 1400 km round trip from Dehradun to Rajasthan via Delhi, completed over four days in the 35 kWh Punch EV. This isn’t hypothetical—it’s a lived experience shared by EV enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with today’s charging network and smart planning.
Starting from the hilly terrain of Dehradun, the journey headed south through Delhi’s chaotic traffic, then into Rajasthan’s highways and open stretches—think long, straight roads with occasional heat, toll stops, and scenic detours. Returning via the same path meant dealing with varied conditions: ghat sections, high-speed cruising at 80–100 km/h, AC on full blast in warmer regions, and full passenger loads with luggage.The Punch EV handled it all effortlessly. Its 90 kW (121 PS) motor and 190 Nm of instant torque make overtaking smooth and confident, even when loaded. The ride quality—soft yet composed—absorbs potholes and undulations better than many expect from a compact SUV. Features like ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof (on higher trims), and a spacious cabin kept everyone comfortable across long hours.
Real-world highway efficiency for the 35 kWh Punch EV typically yields 250–270 km per full charge in mixed conditions (Eco mode, moderate speeds, AC at 22–24°C). Owners report figures around 7–8 km/kWh, translating to solid legs between stops. For this 1400 km trip:
- Multiple DC fast-charging sessions (10–80% in about 56 minutes with 50–60 kW chargers) kept downtime minimal—often aligned with meals, breaks, or sightseeing.
- Regenerative braking (especially in Level 3) helped recapture energy on descents and in traffic.
- No range anxiety materialized thanks to apps like PlugShare, Statiq, Zeon, and Tata’s own network showing reliable chargers along NH routes.
The infrastructure has matured dramatically—fast chargers are now spaced every 100–150 km on major corridors, making inter-state EV travel practical rather than experimental.
Total charging cost hovered around ₹4000 for the entire 1400 km. That’s roughly ₹2.8–3 per km—cheaper than most petrol/diesel compact SUVs (which might cost ₹8–12/km on highways). Home charging for top-ups where possible further slashes expenses. Compared to a similar ICE vehicle burning ₹10,000–15,000 in fuel alone, the savings are substantial, with zero tailpipe emissions and minimal maintenance.
This trip highlights the Punch EV’s versatility:
- Confidence booster: Owners now routinely plan 500–1000+ km outings without hesitation.
- Practical perks: 366L boot space swallowed luggage for four; 5-star safety (adult/child) added peace of mind.
- Fun factor: Silent cabin, one-pedal driving in traffic, and punchy acceleration made the drive relaxing and engaging.
Tata’s ecosystem—robust warranty (8 years/1.6 lakh km on battery), widespread service network, and over-the-air updates—ensures long-term reliability.The Tata Punch EV 35 kWh isn’t just surviving long trips—it’s thriving on them. As India’s charging grid expands (with more 60–120 kW stations coming online), EVs like this are democratizing road-tripping. Affordable, fun, economical, and eco-friendly: if you haven’t experienced an EV beyond city limits, a test drive (or better yet, a weekend getaway) might just change your mind.
