India's safest electric car is here: Tata Punch EV bags 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP tests

The crash test results for the Tata Punch, assessed under the newly-introduced Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), have been released. This compact electric SUV now joins four other Tata models tested under Bharat NCAP, including the Nexon EV. Earlier this year, Tata’s flagship SUVs, the Harrier and Safari, also earned 5-star ratings in these tests.

Sent for evaluation in April 2024, the Punch EV has secured impressive 5-star ratings for both adult and child occupant protection. These ratings are applicable to all trims within the model lineup. Specifically, the variant tested was the Punch EV Long Range Empowered Plus (S), which achieved an impressive score of 31.46 out of 32 points for adult occupant protection and 45 out of 49 points for child occupant protection.

Tata Punch EV Bharat NCAP tests: In details

In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, the EV bagged an impressive 15.71 points out of the 16 available. Similarly, it achieved 15.74/16 points in the side movable deformable barrier test. Both of these apply for adult occupant protection evaluation.

In the child occupant protection (COP) tests, the Punch EV scored 45 out of a possible 49 points. It earned 23.95/24 in the dynamic tests, a perfect 12/12 in the child seat restraint (CRS) segment, and 9/13 in vehicle assessment.

Although Punch EV’s bigger siblings such as Nexon EV, Harrier and Safari might have also scored 5-star ratings, this model has an overall better tally of points as compared to them. This makes it the best-rated vehicle so far by the Bharat NCAP protocols.

The Punch EV comes equipped with a range of safety features, including six airbags, ABS, ESC, three-point seat belts for all seats, and ISOFIX mounts, among others. The model is priced from Rs 10.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.99 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.