In this post, I shall compare the recently unveiled Hyundai Inster EV with the Tata Punch EV in terms of specifications, range, battery, and more. Note that the Inster was unveiled at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show in South Korea a few days ago. It will be available in many international markets across the globe by the end of this financial year. It will be interesting to see whether the Korean auto giant decides to bring it to our shores. If it does happen, it will rival the Tata Punch EV. The latter is a popular electric car in our market. Hence, let us compare the two here.
Hyundai Inster EV vs Tata Punch EV – Specs
Even though it is not available for sale in the international markets just yet, Hyundai has announced its key specifications. That should give us an idea of what the EV is all about. To start with, it has two battery pack options – a 42 kWh and a 49 kWh. The electric motor generates 97 PS and 147 Nm with the smaller battery and 115 PS and 147 Nm of peak power and torque with the larger battery pack. The WLTP range figures are 300 km and 355 km, respectively. Using a 120 kW DC charger, the battery can be juiced up from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It offers the latest features like V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and an optional heat pump.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch EV is also available with two battery packs – a 25 kWh and a 35 kWh. On the MIDC, the range of these are 315 km and 421 km, respectively. These batteries power two e-Drive options – a 60 kW (80 hp) PMSM AC motor producing 114 Nm of torque, and a 90 kW (120 hp) PMSM AC motor delivering peak power and torque of 190 Nm. Being a compact EV, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h comes up in just 9.5 seconds. The Punch EV only supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW which allows a 10-80% charging time of just 56 minutes. It ranges from Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | Hyundai Inster EV | Tata Punch EV |
| Battery | 42 kWh & 49 kWh | 25 kWh & 35 kWh |
| Power | 97 PS / 115 PS | 82 PS / 122 PS |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 114 Nm / 190 Nm |
| Range | 300 km / 355 km (WLTP) | 315 km / 421 km |
| Acc (0-100 km/h) | 10.6 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| DC Fast Charging | 30 mins for 10-80% (120 kW) | 56 mins for 10-80% (50 kW) |
Dimensions Comparison
Now, both these EVs are compact SUVs with comparable dimensions. In fact, their compact dimensions are their most attractive elements. These are designed for city commutes. Hence, affordability and size are the two important criteria. Smaller batteries take care of the former, while compact nature ensures that people can manoeuvre them around in the city effortlessly. The Punch EV has an edge over the Inster in all parameters apart from the wheelbase. That is because the body of the Inster has been extended in comparison to the Casper on which it is based.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Hyundai Inster EV | Tata Punch EV |
| Length | 3,825 | 3,857 |
| Width | 1,610 | 1,742 |
| Height | 1,575 | 1,633 |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 | 2,445 |
Our View
EVs are taking over as we witness rapid growth in India. Carmakers are selling more electric cars and coming up with exciting new models. People are only beginning to open up to the idea of owning EVs. I understand that there are huge challenges in mass EV adoption just yet including high initial prices, lack of charging infrastructure, and range anxiety. Still, things are changing with time. The government is offering subsidies to make the deal more attractive for the buyers. With affordable mass-market EVs like the Inster and Punch EV, I expect a wider adoption in times to come.
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