Buying a car is not only about features or driving range. Safety is now one of the biggest reasons behind a purchase decision. Tata Motors has added another strong point to the Punch EV by securing a 5 star Bharat NCAP safety rating. The latest crash test was conducted on the updated 2026 Punch EV, and the result applies to every variant sold in India.
The latest evaluation was carried out using the Adventure 40 and Empowered Plus S 40 variants. Even though only these versions were tested, Bharat NCAP has confirmed that the safety rating is valid for all six variants offered with both the 30 kWh and 40 kWh battery packs.
Adult and child safety scores
The Punch EV performed well in both adult and child occupant protection.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection | 31.09 out of 32 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 45 out of 49 |
| Frontal Offset Test | 15.28 out of 16 |
| Side Impact Test | 15.80 out of 16 |
| Side Pole Impact | Passed |
The electric SUV received excellent scores in the frontal and side impact tests. It also successfully cleared the side pole impact assessment, which is an important part of the Bharat NCAP evaluation.
Child occupant protection stays impressive
The Punch EV matched one of the best child safety scores in its segment. It scored:
- 24 out of 24 in the Child Restraint System dynamic test
- 12 out of 12 for Child Restraint System installation
- 9 out of 13 in vehicle assessment
The combined score stood at 45 out of 49.
Safety features available on every variant
One important point is that Tata Motors has not limited key safety equipment to higher variants. Every Punch EV gets:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Side head curtain airbags
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Seat belt reminders for all seats
- Pedestrian protection measures
This means buyers choosing the base model receive the same crash protection rating as those buying the top variant.
Comparison with the earlier Punch EV
The Punch EV was also tested in 2024. The latest score is very close to the previous result.
| Test | 2024 Model | 2026 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection | 31.46 out of 32 | 31.09 out of 32 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 45 out of 49 | 45 out of 49 |
The adult protection score is slightly lower than before, but the vehicle continues to hold its full 5 star Bharat NCAP rating. The child protection score is exactly the same.
2026 Tata Punch EV at a glance
Along with the latest safety certification, the updated Punch EV also comes with several improvements.
Key highlights include:
- 30 kWh and new 40 kWh battery options
- Claimed ARAI range of up to 468 km
- DC fast charging support
- New exterior styling updates
- Larger touchscreen
- 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster
- 360 degree camera
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- Connected car technology
- Lifetime battery warranty for the new 40 kWh battery pack