Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3

With growing adoption and awareness of EVs in the Indian market, it’s no surprise that foreign automakers want to sell their EVs. One such automaker is Citroën from France. With the negligible success of its ICE cars, the brand is now trying its hand at electric vehicles at an affordable price point. 

On the other hand, Tata’s sub-brand, Tata.ev, has gained almost 80 percent market share, thanks to a first-mover advantage. The conventional Tata Punch has been a massive success, and launching an EV version of it was a natural and smart strategic move. Let’s see how the Tata Punch EV and Citreon eC3 compare on different parameters. 

Tata Punch EV Exterior Design vs. Citroen eC3 Exterior Design 

Talking about the exterior styling, Tata has done an excellent job in differentiating the Punch and Punch EV with a distinct front fascia. It is based on Tata’s new Acti.ev platform. The front of the Punch EV resembles that of the Nexon EV and is thus more modern, but the rear end design is the same as the standard Punch, and it’s not a bad thing in any way, as it always looked quite funky and matches the Gen-Z vibe.

The smart digital DRLs on the hood, LED projector headlamps, sequential indicators, fog lamps with cornering function, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are some of the exterior features that make it stand out proudly among the crop of lower-priced electric vehicles in the Indian market. 

On the other hand, Citroen has been more conservative, or say lazy, with the eC3’s exterior design as it looks the same as that of the standard C3.

The eC3 front styling is inspired by the bigger C3 Aircross model, and the Y-end split DRL and headlamp design is not everyone’s cup of tea. Not to say that the eC3 is not a good-looking car, but we expected the electric version to be a bit more exciting, fresh, and different. Sadly, that’s not the case. 

To keep things interesting, Citroen offers 7 dual-tone color combinations are on offer. Comparing the exterior dimensions of both these cars, it is clear that the Punch EV is wider and taller, while the Citroen excels in length and wheelbase.

 Tata Punch EV Interior vs Citroen eC3 Interior (Space, Tech, Features)

Another important aspect that separates these cars is the way the interior is designed. It is also the area where the Punch EV makes the eC3’s cabin feel too conservative and retro. Talking about the Punch EV, there’s plenty to talk about. The all-digital dashboard design with illuminated logo at the center of the steering wheel is something unusual yet likeable. 

From the Empowered trim onwards, there’s a larger, nearly 10-inch infotainment screen with touchscreen functionality. The all-digital information gauge cluster is clear and displays information like range and charge level. The centre console has a jeweled control knob as a drive mode selector and it looks very good. 

A few other features, like ventilated front seats from the Empowered+ and above trims, take things to the next level. The Citroen eC3’s cabin feels practical, but there’s not much to flaunt in terms of outright technology besides the 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. The information gauge cluster is not a TFT unit, but provides the necessary information like charge and range. 

Talking about comfort, the Punch EV can comfortably accommodate four passengers, and the fifth one can fit too in the rear, but not without feeling cramped. The story continues with the eC3, too, and despite having a longer wheelbase, there’s not much to help with leg space. Overall, with three passengers on the rear seat, the comfort is mediocre at best in both of these cars. 

Tata Punch EV Performance vs Citroen eC3 Performance 

Once, it was considered that performance was something alien when talking about electric vehicles. Not anymore, as modern electric cars offer similar performance compared to their ICE counterparts. The Tata Punch EV gets two different electric powertrain options and battery pack options. The standard trims get around 60 kW and 114 Nm of torque, while the LR trims get 90 kW and 190 Nm of torque along with a bigger battery pack. 

The acceleration figures are decent for a car of its segment and price. Tata claims a 0-100 kmph of 13.5 seconds with the standard trims, while the LR trims do the same in just 9.5 seconds. Certainly, the LR trims feel brisk and are lively to drive. 

The Citroen takes a more conservative approach here, too, and offers just one powertrain option. The permanent magnet synchronous motor offers 57 kW and 143 Nm of torque, bringing the 60 kmph mark in 6.8 seconds. Well, it is sufficient for urban commute, but it feels insufficient on open roads, and the lack of power amplifies on full load. 

Driving Experience 

Well, this is one area where the eC3 shines. It offers a well-cushioned ride over bad roads. The steering is not very light but well-balanced and confidence-inspiring to day the least. However, with just 107 kmph as top speed, there’s not much to say about handling at higher speeds. 

The Tata Punch EV is good over small undulations, but bigger potholes are tougher to deal with. The steering is light but lacks communication. At high speeds with the LR variants, body roll is prominent when exiting corners. 

Charging and Range: Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3 

Well, this is something very important when it comes to electric cars. It becomes a buy or no buy point considering the lack of widespread charging infrastructure. The Tata Punch EV comes with a 25 kWh and 35 kWh battery.

 With a 15A plug point, it takes 9.4 hours and 13.5 hours, respectively, to charge these battery packs from 10% to 100%. 

With a faster 7.2 kW charger, it takes 3.6 hrs and 5 hrs respectively to charge these battery packs. With a 50 kW DC fast charger, these times are significantly reduced, and it takes just 56 minutes to charge both these battery packs from 10% to 80%. 

With a 15A socket, the eC3’s 29.2 kWh battery pack can be charged in 10 hrs 30 mins. With a DC fast charger, it takes 57 mins. 

The Punch EV offers a range of certified full charge range of 265 kms with the smaller battery pack and 365 kms with the larger battery pack. However, the real-world range (C75) is much lower at 190-210 km and 270-290 km, respectively. 

The Citroen eC3 can travel 243 km as per the certified full charge range cycle, while actual range is around 218 km. 

Tata Punch EV Safety vs Citroen eC3 Safety

Despite the global appeal, the Citroen eC3 fails miserably in this department. It scored 0 stars for adult safety and 1 star for child safety in the Global NCAP ratings. On the other hand, the Tata Punch EV shines with 5-star BNCAP safety ratings. 

What’s The Price? 

Talking about pricing, both the Punch EV and Citroen eC3 are priced similarly and are offered in multiple variants. The Tata Punch EV price starts at Rs 9.99 lakh for the base Smart trim and goes up to Rs 14.44 lakh for the top-tier Empowered +S LR ACFC trim. 

The Citroen eC3 is priced relatively higher, and its prices start at Rs 12.90 lakh for the Feel trim and go up to Rs 13.53 lakh for the top-tier Shine Dual Tone Vibe Pack. All the above-mentioned prices are ex-showroom, excluding taxes and additional charges. 

Which One To Pick: Tata Punch EV or Citroen eC3? 

In the Punch EV vs Citroen eC3 fight, the Punch EV stands head and shoulders above. Its sprightly performance, tech-laden feature set, and comforting 5-star safety rating make it an outstanding value proposition. Tata's larger service network is the icing on the cake, providing customers with peace of mind years after the sale. 

Conversely, the eC3 feels less exciting, particularly with its higher sticker price, old features, poor service support, and a concerning 0-star safety rating. Though the Citroën might appeal to buyers who want a European badge, the Punch EV is the wiser, safer, and more future-facing option for Indian EV buyers.