Tata Sipradi Unveils Punch EV with 40kWh Battery, Takes Media on Bhaktapur-Dhulikhel Drive

Tata Sipradi introduced an updated version of the Punch EV fitted with a larger 40kWh battery pack, organizing a test drive from Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel that included a stop at Dirt Temple's off-road track.

Tata Sipradi, the authorized distributor of Tata Motors vehicles in Nepal, today revealed a new variant of the Punch EV equipped with a 40kWh battery pack — an upgrade over the previous version of the electric compact SUV. The event included a drive program that took participants from Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel via Dirt Temple, covering a mix of city roads, highway stretches, and a short off-road segment on the track there.

What's New

The headline update is the larger 40kWh battery, which replaces the smaller pack used in the outgoing Punch EV. Tata has not yet disclosed the car's official range figures, but based on typical efficiency for a vehicle in this segment, the new battery should be capable of returning 300+ km on a full charge. This remains an estimate pending official confirmation from Tata.

Pricing has also not been announced. However, Tata Sipradi indicated that the new 40kWh Punch EV will be priced lower than the outgoing model, despite the bigger battery — a notable move if it holds, since battery capacity is typically the single largest cost driver in an EV. This means the new Punch EV will be priced lower than Rs. 40 lakhs price tag that the outgoing Punch carries.

Tata is positioning the Punch EV as a compact SUV with hatchback-level pricing, aiming to give buyers SUV styling and stance without the premium usually attached to the segment.

Driving Impressions

On the Bhaktapur–Dhulikhel–Dirt Temple route, the Punch EV handled both city driving and intercity/highway conditions comfortably. City-speed maneuvering felt easy, while the car maintained composure at higher speeds on the highway stretch toward Dhulikhel — suggesting the larger battery and its accompanying motor tune haven't compromised everyday drivability.

At Dirt Temple, the car was pushed on the track, giving a sense of how it behaves outside normal road conditions. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Punch EV held its ground on the muddy, slippery slopes on the track. Some wheel spin was noticeable, which is expected for a FWD car in those conditions, but it didn't stop the car from making progress up the slopes.

Overall, the combination of city comfort and highway stability points to a car that can reasonably serve as a primary vehicle rather than just a city runabout — provided the eventual real-world range holds up to expectations.

What We Don't Know Yet

• Official WLTP/Nepal terrain real life certified range
• Ex-showroom pricing across variants
• Full spec sheet (motor output, charging speed/time, warranty terms)

ev-nepal.com will update this article once Tata Sipradi confirms these details.

This article is based on a media test drive organized by Tata Sipradi. Range estimates are unofficial and will be updated upon official disclosure.