Tata Motors has kicked off the New Year by unveiling the electric version of its compact SUV, the Punch. Punch EV is the 2nd electric SUV from Tata Motors after the hugely successful Nexon EV.
The new Tata Punch EV (stylized as Punch.ev) is the automaker’s 1st electric car based on its new advanced Pure EV architecture ‘acti.ev’ (which is an abbreviation for ‘advanced connected tech-intelligent electric vehicle’). The company’s future electric cars including Harrier EV, Curvv EV & Sierra EV, will also be based on this architecture. The acti.ev (pronounced as ‘active’) is an indigenously designed, modular, multi-layered platform which, the company claims, is future-ready.
The acti.ev architecture consists of four layers:
Layer 1: Powertrain
The architecture has a customizable battery pack design and allows for modularity in choosing the right drivetrain option for the vehicle. It also supports 7.2 kW to 11 kW on-board charger for AC fast-charging and DC fast-charging up to 150 kW, while allowing 100km range in just 10 minutes.
Layer 2: Chassis
The second layer of this architecture enables housing multiple body styles with a reinforced body structure capable of meeting present & future safety protocols. acti.ev helps maximize cabin space with a flat floor (without a transmission tunnel which is usually there in ICE architecture), and an added frunk (front trunk), thereby allowing more space for occupants in the cabin and more storage. Its lower centre of gravity improves the car’s handling.
Layer 3: Electrical Architecture
The new foundation aims to be future-ready with scalable architecture, higher computing powers and ADAS level 2 capabilities (ADAS is Advanced Driver Assistance System). The architecture is ready for higher ADAS capabilities as well, thus ensuring higher standards of safety and navigation. It is 5G-ready which allows for advanced network speeds for connectivity. The architecture also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging technology.
Layer 4: Cloud Architecture
The scalable cloud architecture promises an enhanced user experience with in-car app suite ‘Arcade.ev’. Furthermore, acti.ev comes with advanced solutions that allow for better connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
More on Architectural Modularity:
Tata.ev’s new architecture is modular. Modularity is a crucial feature as it allows automobile companies to build multiple products which share the same platform & components.
This accelerates vehicular development and provides manufacturing & cost efficiencies. Sourcing of modular parts becomes more streamlined and inventory management becomes easier. One manufacturing unit can produce multiple vehicle models more readily & efficiently, with lesser physical layout changes.
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Features:
An LED strip runs across the front of the Punch EV. The car also features LED projector headlamps. Other features include dual screens (10.25 inch Harman infotainment system & 10.25 inch digital dashboard for driver), Arcade.ev app suite, 360 degree camera system, ventilated front seats, sunroof & fog lamps. The car comes equipped with six airbags as a standard safety feature. It supports DC fast-charging.
The Punch EV’s charging socket is on the front similar to MG ZS EV’s.
The electric Punch has been unveiled days after Tata Motors inaugurated two EV-exclusive showrooms in Gurugram. The automaker plans to open more new EV showrooms across Tier 1 & 2 cities in the next 12-18 months.
The new acti.ev architecture will be used for more than five products in the next 18 months. The ‘acti.ev’ architecture is different from the ‘Electrified Modular Architecture’ (EMA) that Tata Motors is sourcing from group company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for the development of the Tata Avinya and other premium electric cars.
The new Punch.ev will come in two variants: medium range & long range. Battery specifications and prices have not been revealed yet. The new EV is expected to be priced in between Rs 11-13 lakhs. Upon launch, the Punch EV will compete with Citroen eC3. Bookings for the new car are now open, with a token amount of Rs 21,000.
Conclusion:
Mahindra too had unveiled its INGLO platform recently, which was purpose-built with components from Volkswagen’s MEB architecture.
Every automaker is putting in their engineering & expertise to be at the forefront of the EV game. The simplicity of EVs allow for a whole new approach to vehicular platform design. These architectures can be the foundation for a wide range of vehicle models. Modular flexibility allows bespoke vehicle designs for auto manufacturers, with varying performances. Building a platform is a starting point which can save companies a lot on R&D, in terms of cost & time.
For EV makers, innovation will drive success. The market will respond to radical vehicle designs with connected features that meet the high expectations of the consumers.
