Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3 Spec Comparison: Which EV Should You Buy?
Priced between Rs 10.99 lakh and Rs 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Punch.ev is the automaker's first electric car to be based on the new Gen 2 EV architecture. It has an MIDC range of 421km, which is more than that of the Citroen eC3 (320km, ARAI).
By Kanika Sachdeva
Tata Motors has just launched the Punch.ev in India – an all-electric derivative of the internal combustion engine-powered Punch SUV that was introduced in October 2021. Priced between Rs 10.99 lakh and Rs 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Punch.ev is the automaker's first electric car to be based on the new Gen 2 EV architecture, dubbed 'acti.ev'. At this price point, the SUV has a direct competitor in the market – the Citroen eC3, which retails between Rs 11.61 lakh and Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom). We compare the two to see how they fare against each other in terms of performance, features, and more.
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Powertrain, Range
The Tata Punch.ev has two powertrain options: Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR). The former gets a 25kWh battery yielding a range of 315km (MIDC), while the latter is equipped with a larger 35kWh battery with an MIDC range of 421km on a single charge.
Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift to Launch in 2025, Here's What to Expect
Both battery packs come mated to permanent magnet synchronous motors, but the MR variants make less power (81bhp) than the LR variants (120bhp). With 81bhp and 114Nm at its disposal, the Punch.ev MR can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 13.5 seconds, whereas the LR can do the same in 9.5 seconds, with 120bhp and 190Nm of torque.
The Citroen eC3, on the other hand, uses a 29.2kWh battery pack that powers a front axle-mounted electric motor. The motor makes 56bhp and 143Nm of peak torque, resulting in a 0 to 60km/h sprint time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 107km/h. The Citroen eC3 has an ARAI-claimed range of 320km, and it gets two driving modes – Eco and Standard – along with regenerative braking.
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Charging Capabilities
The Citroen eC3 offers two charging options – a 3.3kW AC charger with a CCS2 fast charging capability as well as a DC fast charger that is claimed to charge the battery pack from 10 to 80 per cent in 57 minutes. When using a home charger, the electric hatchback takes 10.5 hours to juice up from 10 to 100 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Tata Punch.ev is capable of AC charging up to 7.2kW, while the 50kW DC fast charger can charge the electric SUV from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed time of 56 minutes.
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Size/Dimensions
The Tata Punch.ev is 9mm wider and 29mm taller than the Citroen eC3. The Punch EV's boot is also 51 litres larger than Citroen's eC3 hatchback. While the Punch.ev gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the eC3 gets 15-inch alloy wheels. However, the Citroen eC3 is 124mm longer and has a 95mm longer wheelbase than the Tata Punch.ev.
| Size/Dimensions | Tata Punch.ev | Citroen eC3 |
| Length | 3,857mm | 3,981mm |
| Width | 1,742mm | 1,733mm (without mirrors) |
| Height | 1,633mm | 1,604mm (with roof rails) |
| Wheelbase | 2,445mm | 2,540mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190mm | 180mm |
| Boot Space | 366mm | 315mm |
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Features
On the feature front, the Tata Punch.ev gets twin 10.25-inch screens, one for the infotainment and another for the instrumentation. The electric SUV additionally comes with a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, an electric sunroof (optional), a jewelled rotary drive selector (available only with LR variants), ventillated front seats, a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality, connected car tech, cruise control, a wireless charger, and an air purifier.
The feature list of Citroen's eC3, meanwhile, includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a four-speaker audio system, and 35 connected car features.
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Safety Kit
As far as safety goes, six airbags, ABS, and ESC are standard on all Punch EVs. Other bits are a blind spot monitor, ISOFIX mounts, and three-point seatbelts for all seats. The safety kit of the Citroen eC3 includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and reverse parking sensors.
Tata Punch.ev vs Citroen eC3: Variants
Tata's second electric SUV is available in five broad variants – Smart, Smart +, Adventure, Empowered, and Empowered+, with each getting different colour options. As for the eC3, there are two variants on offer – Live and Feel.
